Transportation Opportunities for Professional Service Act
Bill: S.356 | Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine (D-NV)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Transportation Opportunities for Professional Service Act or the TOPS Act
This bill establishes federal training and educational programs to develop the transportation workforce.
It directs the Department of Transportation to
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study issues relating to workforce development in intelligent and zero-emissions transportation technologies.

To develop and improve the transportation workforce, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Transportation 
Opportunities for Professional Service Act'' or the ``TOPS Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Task force on developing a 21st century surface transportation 
                            workforce.
Sec. 3. Definitions for transportation training and education programs.
Sec. 4. Transportation education and training program.
Sec. 5. Surface transportation workforce grants.
Sec. 6. Research and development strategic plan.
Sec. 7. Transportation workforce scanning tour and national summit.
Sec. 8. Report on barriers to work in emerging transportation 
                            technologies.
Sec. 9. Centers of Excellence in transportation workforce training.
Sec. 10. Transportation workforce outreach program.
Sec. 11. Emerging technologies in the transportation workforce.

SEC. 2. TASK FORCE ON DEVELOPING A 21ST CENTURY SURFACE TRANSPORTATION 
              WORKFORCE.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Apprenticeship-readiness program.--The term 
        ``apprenticeship-readiness program'' means a program or set of 
        strategies that--
                    (A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter and 
                succeed in a registered apprenticeship;
                    (B) is carried out by a local educational agency 
                (as defined in section 101 of the Elementary and 
                Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), a 
                State educational agency (as defined in section 8101 of 
                the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 7801)), a local workforce development board 
                established under section 107 of the Workforce 
                Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122), a 
                State workforce development board, or a labor 
                organization that has a documented partnership with not 
                less than 1 sponsor of a registered apprenticeship;
                    (C) includes a training program--
                            (i) that has a curriculum that is in 
                        accordance with industry standards and reviewed 
                        and approved annually by sponsors of the 
                        registered apprenticeships within the 
                        documented partnership, that will prepare 
                        individuals by teaching the skills and 
                        competencies needed to enter 1 or more 
                        registered apprenticeships; and
                            (ii) that provides hands-on training and 
                        theoretical education to individuals that--
                                    (I) accurately simulate the 
                                industry and occupational conditions of 
                                the registered apprenticeship program 
                                described in subparagraph (B); and
                                    (II) is carried out in a manner 
                                that--
                                            (aa) includes proper 
                                        observation of supervision and 
                                        safety protocols; and
                                            (bb) does not displace a 
                                        paid employee; and
                    (D) is encompassed in a formal agreement between a 
                sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an 
                individual that--
                            (i) will enable an individual who 
                        successfully completes the apprenticeship-
                        readiness program to enter directly into the 
                        registered apprenticeship, if a place in the 
                        program is available; and
                            (ii) includes agreements with respect to 
                        earning credit recognized by an institution of 
                        higher education for skills and competencies 
                        acquired during the program.
            (2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
        Department of Transportation.
            (3) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001).
            (4) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term 
        ``intelligent transportation technology'' means an operational 
        system of various technologies that, when combined and managed, 
        improve the operating capabilities of the overall 
        transportation system.
            (5) Registered apprenticeship.--The term ``registered 
        apprenticeship'' means an apprenticeship program registered 
        under the Act of August 16, 1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) 
        (commonly known as the ``National Apprenticeship Act''), that 
        satisfies the requirements of parts 29 and 30 of title 29, Code 
        of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 2020).
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Transportation.
            (7) State workforce development board.--The term ``State 
        workforce development board'' means a State workforce 
        development board established under section 101 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
            (8) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the task 
        force established under subsection (b).
            (9) Underrepresented individual.--The term 
        ``underrepresented individual'' means--
                    (A) an individual who belongs to a special 
                population (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. 
                Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
                U.S.C. 2302));
                    (B) an individual with a barrier to employment (as 
                defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)); or
                    (C) an individual otherwise determined by the 
                Secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation 
                workforce.
            (10) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based learning'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
        Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
        2302).
    (b) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a task force on 
developing a 21st century surface transportation workforce.
    (c) Duties of Task Force.--Not later than 1 year after the 
establishment of the Task Force under subsection (b), the Task Force 
shall develop and submit to the Secretary recommendations and 
strategies for the Department, including--
            (1) an evaluation of the current and future state of the 
        surface transportation workforce, including projected job needs 
        in the surface transportation sector;
            (2) an identification of factors influencing individuals 
        pursuing careers in surface transportation, including barriers 
        to attracting individuals into the surface transportation 
        workforce;
            (3) how to address barriers to retaining individuals in 
        surface transportation careers;
            (4) an identification of, and how to address, potential 
        impacts of emerging technologies, including intelligent 
        transportation technologies, on the surface transportation 
        workforce;
            (5) how to increase access for vulnerable or 
        underrepresented individuals, especially women and minorities, 
        to in-demand surface transportation careers;
            (6) how to facilitate and encourage elementary, secondary, 
        and post-secondary students in the United States to pursue 
        careers in the surface transportation sector; and
            (7) an identification of ways to develop pathways for 
        students and individuals to secure a position in an 
        apprenticeship-readiness program, a registered apprenticeship, 
        and other work-based learning opportunities in the surface 
        transportation sector of the United States.
    (d) Consideration.--In developing recommendations and strategies 
pursuant to subsection (c), the Task Force shall--
            (1) identify factors, including potential stigmas or 
        misperceptions, that influence whether young individuals pursue 
        careers in surface transportation, especially traditionally 
        underrepresented individuals, including women and minorities;
            (2) consider how to address the potential stigmas or 
        misperceptions described in paragraph (1) that are affecting 
        the workforce pool of underrepresented individuals in the 
        surface transportation sector;
            (3) consider how the Department, businesses, industry, 
        labor, educators, and other stakeholders can coordinate efforts 
        to support qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the 
        surface transportation sector;
            (4) identify methods of enhancing surface transportation 
        apprenticeship-readiness programs and registered 
        apprenticeships, job skills training, mentorships, education, 
        and outreach programs that are exclusive to young individuals 
        in the United States;
            (5) identify methods to expand the expertise of the surface 
        transportation workforce in skills in various types of 
        intelligent transportation technologies, components, 
        infrastructure, and equipment;
            (6) identify potential sources of funding, including grants 
        and scholarships, that may be used to support young and other 
        qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the surface 
        transportation sector; and
            (7) ensure geographically diverse perspectives and 
        solutions.
    (e) Consultation.--In developing recommendations and strategies 
pursuant to subsection (c), the Task Force shall consult with--
            (1) local educational agencies and institutions of higher 
        education, including community colleges and vocational schools;
            (2) State workforce development boards;
            (3) local registered apprenticeships; and
            (4) surface transportation sector-related employers and 
        planners.
    (f) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed of 
        members, as appointed by the Secretary under paragraph (2), who 
        come from diverse backgrounds and geographical regions and have 
        the required expertise that will allow the members to 
        contribute balanced viewpoints that will enable the Task Force 
        to develop the recommendations and strategies required under 
        subsection (c).
            (2) Appointment.--The Task Force shall be composed of 
        members appointed by the Secretary, including representatives 
        of--
                    (A) industries in the surface transportation 
                sector;
                    (B) labor organizations in the surface 
                transportation sector;
                    (C) institutions of higher education; and
                    (D) other experts and stakeholders in the surface 
                transportation sector that the Secretary determines 
                appropriate, including the consideration of 
                geographical diversity and regional perspectives.
            (3) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of 
        the Task Force.
            (4) Compensation.--Each member shall serve on the Task 
        Force without compensation.
    (g) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the submission of the 
recommendations and strategies to the Secretary required under 
subsection (c), and annually thereafter until September 30, 2024, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Environment and Public 
Works, Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Banking, Housing, and 
Urban Affairs, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of 
Representatives a report that includes the recommendations and 
strategies.
    (h) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date on 
which the Secretary submits the last report required under subsection 
(g).

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

    (a) Training and Education Programs Definitions.--Section 504 of 
title 23, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (h) as 
        subsections (b) through (i), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Apprenticeship-readiness program.--The term 
        `apprenticeship-readiness program' means a program or set of 
        strategies that--
                    ``(A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter 
                and succeed in a registered apprenticeship;
                    ``(B) is carried out by a local educational agency, 
                a State educational agency, a local workforce 
                development board, a State workforce development board, 
                or a labor organization that has a documented 
                partnership with not less than 1 sponsor of a 
                registered apprenticeship;
                    ``(C) includes a training program--
                            ``(i) that has a curriculum that is in 
                        accordance with industry standards and reviewed 
                        and approved annually by sponsors of the 
                        registered apprenticeships within the 
                        documented partnership, that will prepare 
                        individuals by teaching the skills and 
                        competencies needed to enter 1 or more 
                        registered apprenticeships; and
                            ``(ii) that provides hands-on training and 
                        theoretical education to individuals that--
                                    ``(I) accurately simulate the 
                                industry and occupational conditions of 
                                the registered apprenticeship program 
                                described in subparagraph (B); and
                                    ``(II) is carried out in a manner 
                                that--
                                            ``(aa) includes proper 
                                        observation of supervision and 
                                        safety protocols; and
                                            ``(bb) does not displace a 
                                        paid employee; and
                    ``(D) is encompassed in a formal agreement between 
                a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an 
                individual that--
                            ``(i) will enable an individual who 
                        successfully completes the apprenticeship-
                        readiness program to enter directly into the 
                        registered apprenticeship, if a place in the 
                        program is available; and
                            ``(ii) includes agreements with respect to 
                        earning credit recognized by an institution of 
                        higher education for skills and competencies 
                        acquired during the program.
            ``(2) Career and technical education.--The term `career and 
        technical education' has the meaning given the term in section 
        3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
        2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
            ``(3) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation 
        and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
            ``(4) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term 
        `dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
            ``(5) Eligible agency.--The term `eligible agency' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins 
        Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
            ``(6) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry 
        or sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in 
        section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
        U.S.C. 3102).
            ``(7) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001).
            ``(8) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term 
        `intelligent transportation technology' means an operational 
        system of various technologies that, when combined and managed, 
        improve the operating capabilities of the overall 
        transportation system.
            ``(9) Local educational agency.--The term `local 
        educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section 
        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
            ``(10) Local workforce development board.--The term `local 
        workforce development board' means a local workforce 
        development board established under section 107 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122).
            ``(11) On-the-job training.--The term `on-the-job training' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce 
        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
            ``(12) Program of study.--The term `program of study' has 
        the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins 
        Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
            ``(13) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term 
        `recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
        Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
            ``(14) Registered apprenticeship.--The term `registered 
        apprenticeship' means an apprenticeship program registered 
        under the Act of August 16, 1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) 
        (commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'), that 
        satisfies the requirements of parts 29 and 30 of title 29, Code 
        of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 2020).
            ``(15) Special populations.--The term `special populations' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
        Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
        2302).
            ``(16) State educational agency.--The term `State 
        educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section 
        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 7801).
            ``(17) State workforce development board.--The term `State 
        workforce development board' means a State workforce 
        development board established under section 101 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
            ``(18) Surface transportation workforce development, 
        training, and education.--The term `surface transportation 
        workforce development, training, and education' means 
        activities associated with surface transportation career 
        awareness, student transportation career preparation, and 
        training and professional development for surface 
        transportation workers, including activities for women and 
        minorities and training in various types of intelligent 
        transportation technologies.
            ``(19) Transportation sector.--The term `transportation 
        sector' means an industry sector that is involved in 
        construction, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, 
        inspection, logistics, design, or engineering with respect to 
        transportation equipment, materials, technologies, or 
        infrastructure relating to surface, transit, railway, aviation, 
        and maritime transportation.
            ``(20) Underrepresented individual.--The term 
        `underrepresented individual' means--
                    ``(A) an individual who belongs to a special 
                population;
                    ``(B) an individual with a barrier to employment 
                (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career 
                and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)); 
                or
                    ``(C) an individual otherwise determined by the 
                Secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation 
                workforce.
            ``(21) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
        Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
        2302).''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Training and education programs.--Section 504 of title 
        23, United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by 
                striking paragraph (4); and
                    (B) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by 
                striking paragraph (3).
            (2) Tribal technical assistance centers.--Section 202(a)(7) 
        of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 
        ``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''.
            (3) University transportation center programs.--Section 
        5505(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)(C)(ii)(I), by striking 
                ``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3)(D)(ii)(I), by striking 
                ``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''; 
                and
                    (C) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(I), by striking 
                ``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''.

SEC. 4. TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.

    Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 
subsection (g) (as redesignated by section 3(a)(1)) and inserting the 
following:
    ``(g) Transportation Education and Training Program.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
        the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall 
        establish a program to provide grants to support transportation 
        sector education and workforce development projects (referred 
        to in this section as the `program').
            ``(2) Grant authority.--In carrying out the program, the 
        Secretary may award a grant on a competitive basis in 
        accordance with this subsection.
            ``(3) Eligible recipients.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may award a grant 
                under the program to any partnership that includes, at 
                a minimum, the following entities:
                            ``(i) An institution of higher education.
                            ``(ii) A State department of 
                        transportation.
                            ``(iii) A metropolitan planning 
                        organization.
                            ``(iv) Not less than 2 transportation 
                        sector employers.
                    ``(B) Labor and joint labor-management 
                organizations.--A partnership eligible for a grant 
                under the program may include a labor or joint labor-
                management organization.
            ``(4) Eligible projects.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), grant funds awarded under the program 
                may only be used to assist a project that includes not 
                less than 2 of the following activities:
                            ``(i) Developing, implementing, and 
                        assessing innovative programs of study with 
                        respect to a transportation sector.
                            ``(ii) Training educators to teach 
                        secondary or postsecondary career and technical 
                        education courses with respect to a 
                        transportation sector.
                            ``(iii) Increasing career recruitment and 
                        outreach to youth, including through career 
                        counseling and career exploration 
                        opportunities, to encourage participation in 
                        transportation sectors.
                            ``(iv) Developing on-the-job training and 
                        work-based learning opportunities, including 
                        apprenticeship-readiness programs and 
                        registered apprenticeships, with respect to a 
                        transportation sector.
                            ``(v) Increasing participation of 
                        underrepresented individuals, including women, 
                        in the transportation workforce.
                            ``(vi) Any other activity the Secretary 
                        determines appropriate for education or 
                        workforce development in a transportation 
                        sector.
                    ``(B) Exception.--If a project is in the 
                construction or maintenance sector, grant funds awarded 
                under the program may only be used to develop 
                apprenticeship-readiness programs that prepare 
                individuals for acceptance into registered 
                apprenticeships in that sector.
            ``(5) Applications.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To be eligible for a grant under 
                the program, a partnership referred to in paragraph (3) 
                shall submit to the Secretary an application in such 
                form, at such time, and containing such information as 
                the Secretary determines to be appropriate, which shall 
                include, at a minimum, a description of--
                            ``(i) how the partnership will use grant 
                        funds to assist an eligible project;
                            ``(ii) the roles and responsibilities of 
                        each partner in assisting the project;
                            ``(iii) any prior experience or 
                        demonstrated success in workforce development 
                        of a partner;
                            ``(iv) the current and projected workforce 
                        shortages, if any, in the relevant 
                        transportation sector and how the project will 
                        address those shortages;
                            ``(v) any promotion of the increased 
                        participation of underrepresented individuals, 
                        including women, in the transportation 
                        workforce that the project will provide;
                            ``(vi) any recognized postsecondary 
                        credentials that participants in the project 
                        will be prepared for;
                            ``(vii) any registered apprenticeships, 
                        apprenticeship-readiness programs, or other on-
                        the-job training or work-based learning 
                        opportunities the project will provide; and
                            ``(viii) how the project will develop the 
                        skills of individuals in various types of 
                        intelligent transportation technologies and 
                        components, infrastructure, and equipment 
                        related to those technologies.
                    ``(B) Priority.--In selecting partnerships referred 
                to in paragraph (3) to receive a grant under the 
                program, the Secretary shall give priority to a 
                partnership that includes a labor or joint labor-
                management organization.
            ``(6) Considerations.--In making a grant under the program, 
        the Secretary shall consider--
                    ``(A) geographical diversity;
                    ``(B) the degree to which an eligible project may 
                address current or projected transportation workforce 
                shortages;
                    ``(C) how the project will increase the skills of 
                individuals in various types of intelligent 
                transportation technologies, and components, 
                infrastructure, and equipment related to those 
                technologies; and
                    ``(D) if applicable, the quality of any proposed 
                on-the-job training or work-based learning 
                opportunities to be provided.
            ``(7) Limitations.--
                    ``(A) Maximum.--The amount of a grant under this 
                subsection may not exceed $300,000.
                    ``(B) Federal share.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
                        clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of a 
                        project carried out with a grant under the 
                        program shall be 95 percent.
                            ``(ii) Multiple grants.--After a recipient 
                        has received 2 grants under the program, the 
                        Federal share of the cost of a project carried 
                        out with a subsequent grant under the program 
                        shall be not more than 75 percent.
            ``(8) Report.--A recipient of a grant under the program 
        shall submit to the Secretary, at such time as the Secretary 
        determines appropriate, a report that includes a description 
        of--
                    ``(A) how the grant funds were used;
                    ``(B) the education and employment outcomes for 
                individuals participating in or benefitting from the 
                project assisted with grant funds under the program 
                (referred to in this subparagraph as the 
                `participants'), disaggregated by special populations, 
                which shall include at a minimum--
                            ``(i) the percentage, and median earnings, 
                        of participants who are in unsubsidized 
                        employment by the date that is 90 days after 
                        exit from the project;
                            ``(ii) the percentage of participants who 
                        are in unsubsidized employment by the date that 
                        is 180 days after exit from the project;
                            ``(iii) the percentage of participants who 
                        obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, 
                        or a secondary school diploma or recognized 
                        equivalent during the project or not later than 
                        1 year after exit from the project; and
                            ``(iv) the percentage of participants who, 
                        during the project--
                                    ``(I) enrolled in an education or 
                                training program that leads to a 
                                recognized postsecondary credential or 
                                employment; and
                                    ``(II) developed skills necessary 
                                to receive such a credential or 
                                employment through such program, 
                                including those skills in various types 
                                of intelligent transportation 
                                technologies and components, 
                                infrastructure, and equipment related 
                                to those technologies; and
                    ``(C) the outreach efforts made to expand the 
                awareness, engagement, and performance of the project 
                for the students and workers in the geographical 
                region.''.

SEC. 5. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE GRANTS.

     Section 504(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code (as redesignated 
by section 3(a)(1)), is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including 
        development of the skills necessary to utilize emerging 
        technologies, such as intelligent transportation technologies'' 
        after ``development'';
            (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting a semicolon; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(H) on-the-job training or work-based learning 
                opportunities, including apprenticeship-readiness 
                programs and registered apprenticeships;
                    ``(I) activities to support the establishment of 
                industry or sector partnerships;
                    ``(J) activities to increase the number of 
                underrepresented individuals in the surface 
                transportation workforce;
                    ``(K) activities to update facilities and equipment 
                used in career and technical education programs of 
                study; and
                    ``(L) training that increases the skills of 
                individuals in various types of intelligent 
                transportation technologies and components, 
                infrastructure, and equipment related to those 
                technologies.''.

SEC. 6. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN.

    Section 6503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the semicolon 
                at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(G) developing and maintaining a diverse 
                workforce in transportation sectors;''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term 
        `intelligent transportation technology' means an operational 
        system of various technologies that, when combined and managed, 
        improve the operating capabilities of the overall 
        transportation system.
            ``(2) Transportation sector.--The term `transportation 
        sector' means an industry sector that is involved in 
        construction, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, 
        inspection, logistics, design, or engineering with respect to 
        transportation equipment, materials, technologies, including 
        intelligent transportation technologies, or infrastructure 
        relating to surface, transit, railway, aviation, and maritime 
        transportation.''.

SEC. 7. TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE SCANNING TOUR AND NATIONAL SUMMIT.

    (a) Workforce Development Scanning Tour.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation, in coordination with the Task Force established under 
section 2 and the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program 
Office of the Department of Transportation, shall conduct a national 
and international scanning tour of surface transportation agencies, 
including State and local departments of transportation, public transit 
agencies, rail agencies, and other similar entities, to identify 
critical future investment in workforce development, particularly 
investments related to enhancing the technology skills of the personnel 
that operate and maintain surface transportation systems, 
infrastructure, and vehicles.
    (b) National Summit on Transportation Workforce Development.--The 
Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Task Force 
established under section 2, shall jointly host a National Summit on 
Transportation Workforce Development--
            (1) to engage public and private stakeholders; and
            (2) to develop training and initiatives based on previous 
        findings by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint 
        Program Office of the Department of Transportation and the 
        scanning tour under subsection (a).

SEC. 8. REPORT ON BARRIERS TO WORK IN EMERGING TRANSPORTATION 
              TECHNOLOGIES.

    The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and 
submit to Congress a report on the results of, a study that identifies 
issues relating to workforce development in intelligent transportation 
technologies and zero-emissions transportation technologies, 
including--
            (1) any shortages of skilled employees in the fields of 
        intelligent transportation technologies and zero-emissions 
        transportation technologies;
            (2) issues relating to the transition of workers from 
        traditional vehicle manufacturing, operation, and maintenance 
        to the intelligent and zero-emissions transportation workforce;
            (3) issues relating to the transition of workers from 
        traditional surface transportation installation, construction, 
        manufacturing, operation, and maintenance to incorporation into 
        the intelligent transportation workforce; and
            (4) examples of successful models of workforce development 
        in the fields of intelligent transportation technologies and 
        zero-emissions transportation technologies.

SEC. 9. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE TRAINING.

    Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding 
after subsection (i) (as redesignated by section 3(a)(1)) the 
following:
    ``(j) Centers of Excellence in Transportation Workforce Training.--
            ``(1) Designation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in 
        consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary 
        of Labor, shall designate certain geographically diverse 
        consortia of 2-year institutions of higher education as 
        Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in 
        Transportation Workforce Training (referred to in this section 
        as a `Center of Excellence') in accordance with paragraph (2).
            ``(2) Criteria for designation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall designate as 
                a Center of Excellence under paragraph (1) a consortium 
                the Secretary determines has a demonstrated ability--
                            ``(i) to address education and training 
                        related to careers in transportation and 
                        manufacturing sectors; and
                            ``(ii) to carry out certain activities, 
                        including--
                                    ``(I) developing and implementing 
                                career pathways and programs of study 
                                that lead to recognized postsecondary 
                                credentials in transportation sectors;
                                    ``(II) providing on-the-job 
                                training or work-based learning 
                                opportunities in transportation 
                                sectors;
                                    ``(III) developing dual or 
                                concurrent enrollment programs to 
                                provide education and training 
                                opportunities to secondary school 
                                students;
                                    ``(IV) providing education and 
                                training for the development of a 
                                workforce skilled in various types of 
                                emerging technologies in transportation 
                                sectors, including intelligent 
                                transportation technologies and 
                                components, infrastructure, and 
                                equipment related to those 
                                technologies;
                                    ``(V) partnering with employers, 
                                labor organizations, local workforce 
                                development boards, State workforce 
                                development boards, State educational 
                                agencies, and eligible agencies to 
                                address education and training related 
                                to careers in transportation sectors;
                                    ``(VI) providing greater 
                                opportunities to underrepresented 
                                individuals in the various careers 
                                within the transportation sector; and
                                    ``(VII) providing outreach and 
                                career counseling to increase 
                                participation in transportation 
                                sectors.
                    ``(B) Geographical diversity.--To the extent 
                practicable, in designating Centers of Excellence under 
                paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select institutions 
                of higher education that are geographically diverse.
            ``(3) Collaboration.--To address education and training 
        related to careers in transportation sectors, a Center of 
        Excellence may seek to collaborate with an institution 
        receiving a grants under section 5505 of title 49.
            ``(4) Grants to centers of excellence.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
                program (in this subsection referred to as the 
                `Program') to award grants on a competitive basis, as 
                determined by the Secretary, to Centers of Excellence 
                to address education and training related to careers in 
                transportation sectors.
                    ``(B) Eligible projects.--Grant funds awarded under 
                the Program may only be used for a project that 
                facilitates an activity described in paragraph (2).
                    ``(C) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant 
                under the Program, a Center of Excellence shall submit 
                to the Secretary an application in such form, at such 
                time, and containing such information as the Secretary 
                determines appropriate.
                    ``(D) Requirement.--For each fiscal year, not less 
                than 10 percent of the total amounts made available for 
                the Program shall be used for grants for training in 
                emerging technologies, including intelligent 
                transportation technologies.
                    ``(E) Limitations.--
                            ``(i) Maximum amount.--The amount of a 
                        grant under the Program may not exceed 
                        $2,000,000.
                            ``(ii) Federal share.--The Federal share of 
                        the cost of a project carried out by a grant 
                        under the Program--
                                    ``(I) shall be 100 percent for a 
                                project carried out in fiscal year 2022 
                                or 2023; and
                                    ``(II) may not exceed 75 percent 
                                for a project carried out in any of 
                                fiscal years 2024 through 2026.
                    ``(F) Report.--Each recipient of a grant under the 
                Program shall submit to the Secretary a report in such 
                form, at such time, and containing such information as 
                the Secretary determines appropriate to evaluate the 
                grant, including--
                            ``(i) information relating to the use of 
                        grant funds awarded to the recipient under the 
                        Program; and
                            ``(ii) an evaluation of each project 
                        carried out with the grant funds, including--
                                    ``(I) the percentage, and median 
                                earnings, of individuals participating 
                                in or benefitting from the project 
                                (referred to in this clause as the 
                                `participants') who are in unsubsidized 
                                employment by the date that is 90 days 
                                after exit from the project;
                                    ``(II) the percentage of 
                                participants who are in unsubsidized 
                                employment by the date that is 180 days 
                                after exit from the project;
                                    ``(III) the percentage of 
                                participants who obtain a recognized 
                                postsecondary credential, or a 
                                secondary school diploma or recognized 
                                equivalent, during the project or not 
                                later than 1 year after exit from the 
                                project;
                                    ``(IV) the percentage of 
                                participants who, during the project--
                                            ``(aa) enrolled in an 
                                        education or training program 
                                        that leads to a recognized 
                                        postsecondary credential or 
                                        employment; or
                                            ``(bb) developed skills 
                                        necessary to receive such 
                                        credential or employment; and
                                    ``(V) the percentage of 
                                underrepresented individuals in various 
                                careers within the transportation 
                                sector that developed skills in various 
                                types of intelligent transportation 
                                technologies and components, 
                                infrastructure, and equipment related 
                                to those technologies.
                    ``(G) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
                authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
                subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 
                through 2026.''.

SEC. 10. TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE OUTREACH PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of subtitle III of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``Sec. 5506. Transportation workforce outreach program
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation (referred to in 
this section as the `Secretary') shall establish and administer a 
transportation workforce outreach program, under which the Secretary 
shall carry out a series of public service announcement campaigns 
during each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purpose of the campaigns carried out under the 
program under this section shall be--
            ``(1) to increase awareness of career opportunities in the 
        transportation sector, including aviation pilots, safety 
        inspectors, mechanics and technicians, maritime transportation 
        workers, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, truck 
        drivers, engineers, transit workers, railroad workers, and 
        other transportation professionals;
            ``(2) to reduce any stigma or misinformation related to 
        careers in the transportation sector;
            ``(3) to identify and emphasize the existing and future 
        needs of emerging technologies within the transportation 
        sector; and
            ``(4) to increase diversity, including with respect to 
        race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, of 
        professionals in the transportation sector.
    ``(c) Advertising.--The Secretary may use, or authorize the use of, 
amounts made available to carry out the program under this section for 
the development, production, and use of broadcast, digital, and print 
media advertising and outreach in carrying out a campaign under this 
section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter I of 
chapter 55 of subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting after the item relating to section 5505 the following:

``5506. Transportation workforce outreach program.''.

SEC. 11. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
        Department of Transportation.
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Transportation.
    (b) Emerging Technologies Recommendation Efforts.--To the maximum 
extent practicable, the Secretary shall implement certain 
recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States 
identified in the report entitled ``Automated Technologies: DOT Should 
Take Steps to Ensure Its Workforce Has Skills Needed to Oversee 
Safety'' and dated December 2020, including by--
            (1) carrying out efforts to identify all cybersecurity 
        occupations across the Department, and incorporating the 
        occupations relating to overseeing the cybersecurity of 
        automated technologies into the workforce planning efforts of 
        the Department;
            (2) assessing skill gaps in key occupations that are 
        involved in overseeing the safety of automated technologies and 
        implementing strategies to close those gaps;
            (3) not less frequently than annually, measuring the 
        progress of strategies implemented to close the skill gaps 
        described in paragraph (2) and ensuring other modal 
        administrations of the Department offer training to close those 
        gaps;
            (4) collecting and analyzing information on the 
        effectiveness of recruiting strategies, including special 
        payment authorities, in attracting employees of the Department 
        to occupations that oversee the safety of automated 
        technologies; and
            (5) sharing the effective recruiting strategies described 
        in paragraph (4) with other modal administrations of the 
        Department.
    (c) Emerging Technologies Coordination Effort.--The Office of 
Research, Development, and Technology of the Department and the 
Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office of the 
Department shall coordinate--
            (1) to establish a curriculum and leverage existing 
        Department workforce programs to ensure the recruitment and 
        training of cybersecurity and privacy technical experts to 
        assist any modal administration of the Department in overseeing 
        the effectiveness and safety of emerging technologies; and
            (2) to use the efforts carried out by the Secretary under 
        subsection (b) to provide a growing workforce for 
        transportation providers in the United States that is adept in 
        the curriculum and workforce programs described in paragraph 
        (1).
                                 <all>