Source: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title42-chapter149-subchapter17&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0Mi1zZWN0aW9uMTY1MzI%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2020-08-06 13:34:37
Document Index: 795840260

Matched Legal Cases: ['§5002', '§16532', '§5004', '§902', '§902', '§902', '§16533', '§5005', '§902', '§902', '§902', '§16534', '§5006', '§902', '§16535', '§5008', '§16536', '§5009', '§902', '§16537', '§5011', '§902', '§16538', 'art 1', 'art 1', '§5012', '§904', '§202', '§904', '§202', '§202', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§904', '§16539', '§3122']

[USC02] 42 USC CHAPTER 149, SUBCHAPTER XVII: PROTECTING AMERICA'S COMPETITIVE EDGE THROUGH ENERGY
<< Previous TITLE 42 / CHAPTER 149 / SUBCHAPTER XVII Next >>
42 USC CHAPTER 149, SUBCHAPTER XVII: PROTECTING AMERICA'S COMPETITIVE EDGE THROUGH ENERGY
This subchapter was enacted as part of the America COMPETES Act, also known as the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act, and also as part of the Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act, also known as the PACE–Energy Act, and not as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which enacted subchapters I to XVI of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5002, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 600.)
This subchapter, referred to in introductory provisions, was in the original "this title", meaning title V of Pub. L. 110–69, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 600, known as the Protecting America's Competitive Edge Through Energy Act and also as the PACE–Energy Act, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this title to the Code, see Short Title of 2007 Amendment note set out under section 15801 of this title and Tables.
§16532. Nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of higher education
(1) to address the decline in the number of and resources available to nuclear science programs at institutions of higher education; and
(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.
(b) Definition of nuclear science
In this section, the term "nuclear science" includes—
(4) radio chemistry; and
The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational capabilities.
(d) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear science.
In evaluating grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve partnerships with a National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on—
(A) the potential to attract new students to the program;
(C) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.
(4) Duration and amount
A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—
(B) develop core and specialized course content;
(C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the nuclear science field; and
(D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.
(e) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.
(3) Duration and amount
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.
(A) increase the number of graduates in nuclear science that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;
(B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;
(C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and National Laboratories;
(D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training reactors or laboratories; and
(E) provide tuition assistance and stipends to undergraduate and graduate students.
(1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)—
(B) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(C) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(D) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(E) $10,100,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(F) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)—
(A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(D) $8,240,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(E) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(F) $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5004, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 612; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4044.)
2011—Subsec. (f)(1)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(a)(1), added subpars. (D) to (F).
Subsec. (f)(2)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(a)(2), added subpars. (D) to (F).
§16533. Hydrocarbon systems science talent expansion program for institutions of higher education
(1) to address the decline in the number of and resources available to hydrocarbon systems science programs at institutions of higher education; and
(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in hydrocarbon systems science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.
(b) Definition of hydrocarbon systems science
The term "hydrocarbon systems science" means a science involving natural gas or other petroleum exploration, development, or production.
The term "hydrocarbon systems science" includes—
(A) petroleum or reservoir engineering;
(B) environmental geoscience;
(C) petrophysics;
(D) geophysics;
(E) geochemistry;
(F) petroleum geology;
(G) ocean engineering;
(H) environmental engineering;
(I) computer science, as computer science relates to a science described in this subsection; and
(J) hydrocarbon spill response and remediation.
The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education hydrocarbon systems science educational capabilities.
(d) Hydrocarbon systems science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in hydrocarbon systems science.
In evaluating grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve partnerships with the National Laboratories, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, or other hydrocarbon systems scientific entities, as determined by the Secretary.
(C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the hydrocarbon systems science field; and
(e) Hydrocarbon systems science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in hydrocarbon systems science.
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in hydrocarbon systems sciences who enter into careers in natural gas and other petroleum exploration, development, and production related fields.
(A) increase the number of graduates in the hydrocarbon systems sciences that enter into careers in the natural gas and other petroleum exploration, development, and production science fields;
(B) enhance the teaching of advanced natural gas and other petroleum exploration, development, and production technologies;
(C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and the National Laboratories, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory;
(D) bolster or sustain natural gas and other petroleum exploration, development, and production infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training or laboratories; and
(1) Hydrocarbon systems science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
(E) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(2) Hydrocarbon systems science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
(B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
(C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5005, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 613; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4044.)
2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(J). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(b)(1), added subpar. (J).
Subsec. (f)(1)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(b)(2), added subpars. (D) to (F).
§16534. Department of Energy early career awards for science, engineering, and mathematics researchers
(a) Grant awards
The Director of the Office of Science of the Department (referred to in this section as the "Director") shall carry out a program to award grants to scientists and engineers at an early career stage at institutions of higher education and organizations described in subsection (c) to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the Department.
(b) Amount and duration
The amount of a grant awarded under this section shall be—
(A) not less than $80,000; and
(B) not more than $125,000.
The term of a grant awarded under this section shall be not more than 5 years.
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an individual shall, as determined by the Director—
(A) subject to paragraph (2), have completed a doctorate or other terminal degree not more than 10 years before the date on which the proposal for a grant is submitted under subsection (e)(1);
(B) have demonstrated promise in a science, engineering, or mathematics field relevant to the missions of the Department; and
(C) be employed—
(i) in a tenure track-position as an assistant professor or equivalent title at an institution of higher education in the United States;
(ii) at an organization in the United States that is a nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organization such as a museum, observatory, or research laboratory; or
(iii) as a scientist at a National Laboratory.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), the Director may determine that an individual who has completed a doctorate more than 10 years before the date of submission of a proposal under subsection (e)(1) is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the individual was unable to conduct research for a period of time because of extenuating circumstances, including military service or family responsibilities, as determined by the Director.
Grant recipients shall be selected on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(e) Selection process and criteria
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an individual shall submit to the Director a proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.
In evaluating the proposals submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall take into consideration, at a minimum—
(A) the intellectual merit of the proposed project;
(B) the innovative or transformative nature of the proposed research;
(C) the extent to which the proposal integrates research and education, including undergraduate education in science and engineering disciplines; and
(D) the potential of the applicant for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge.
(f) Diversity requirement
In awarding grants under this section, the Director shall endeavor to ensure that the grant recipients represent a variety of types of institutions of higher education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations.
In support of the goal described in paragraph (1), the Director shall broadly disseminate information regarding the deadlines applicable to, and manner in which to submit, proposals for grants under this section, including by conducting outreach activities for—
(A) part B institutions, as defined in section 1061 of title 20; and
(B) minority institutions, as defined in section 1067k of title 20.
(g) Report on recruiting and retaining early career science and engineering researchers at National Laboratories
Not later than 90 days after August 9, 2007, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report describing efforts of the Director to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at early career stages at the National Laboratories.
(A) a description of applicable Department and National Laboratory policies and procedures, including policies and procedures relating to financial incentives, awards, promotions, time reserved for independent research, access to equipment or facilities, and other forms of recognition, designed to attract and retain young scientists and engineers;
(B) an evaluation of the impact of the incentives described in subparagraph (A) on—
(i) the careers of young scientists and engineers at the National Laboratories; and
(ii) the quality of the research at the National Laboratories and in Department programs;
(C) a description of barriers, if any, that exist with respect to efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers, including the limited availability of full-time equivalent positions, legal and procedural requirements, and pay grading systems; and
(D) the amount of funding devoted to efforts to recruit and retain young researchers, and the source of the funds.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, acting through the Director, to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5006, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 615; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045.)
2011—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 111–358 substituted "2013" for "2010".
§16535. Discovery science and engineering innovation institutes
The Secretary shall establish distributed, multidisciplinary institutes (referred to in this section as "Institutes") centered at National Laboratories to apply fundamental science and engineering discoveries to technological innovations relating to—
(1) the missions of the Department; and
(2) the global competitiveness of the United States.
(b) Topical areas
The Institutes shall support scientific and engineering research and education activities on critical emerging technologies determined by the Secretary to be essential to global competitiveness, including activities relating to—
(2) multiscale materials and processes;
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall establish partnerships between the Institutes and—
(1) institutions of higher education—
(A) to train undergraduate and graduate science and engineering students;
(B) to develop innovative undergraduate and graduate educational curricula; and
(C) to conduct research within the topical areas described in subsection (b); and
(2) private industry to develop innovative technologies within the topical areas described in subsection (b).
For each fiscal year, the Secretary may select not more than 3 Institutes to receive a grant under this section.
(2) Merit-based selection
The selection of Institutes under paragraph (1) shall be—
(A) merit-based; and
(B) made through an open, competitive selection process.
An Institute shall receive a grant under this section for not more than 3 fiscal years.
The Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall, by not later than 3 years after August 9, 2007—
(1) review the performance of the Institutes under this section; and
(2) submit to Congress and the Secretary a report describing the results of the review.
There is authorized to be appropriated to provide grants to each Institute selected under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5008, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 618.)
§16536. Protecting America's Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowship program
(a) Definition of eligible student
In this section, the term "eligible student" means a student who attends an institution of higher education that offers a doctoral degree in a field relevant to a mission area of the Department.
The Secretary shall establish a graduate fellowship program for eligible students pursuing a doctoral degree in a mission area of the Department.
The Secretary shall award fellowships to eligible students under this section through a competitive merit review process, involving written and oral interviews, that will result in a wide distribution of awards throughout the United States, as determined by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for awarding fellowships under this section that require an eligible student—
(A) to pursue a field of science or engineering of importance to a mission area of the Department;
(B) to demonstrate to the Secretary—
(i) the capacity of the eligible student to understand technical topics relating to the fellowship that can be derived from the first principles of the technical topics;
(iii) leadership skills in organizations or intellectual endeavors, demonstrated through awards and past experience; and
(iv) excellent verbal and communication skills to explain, defend, and demonstrate an understanding of technical subjects relating to the fellowship; and
(C) to be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
A fellowship awarded under this section shall—
(B) cover—
(i) graduate tuition at an institution of higher education described in subsection (a); and
(ii) incidental expenses associated with curricula and research at the institution of higher education (including books, computers, and software).
A fellowship awarded under this section shall be up to 3 years duration within a 5-year period.
(3) Portability
A fellowship awarded under this section shall be portable with the eligible student.
The Secretary, acting through the Director of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education—
(1) shall administer the program established under this section; and
(2) may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program, including the selection and award of fellowships.
(1) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, including nonexpiring fellowships for the preceding fiscal year;
(3) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, including nonexpiring fellowships for preceding fiscal years;
(4) $20,600,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(5) $21,200,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(6) $21,900,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5009, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 618; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(d), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045.)
2011—Subsec. (f)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 111–358 added pars. (4) to (6).
§16537. Distinguished scientist program
The purpose of this section is to promote scientific and academic excellence through collaborations between institutions of higher education and National Laboratories.
The Secretary shall establish a program to support the joint appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and National Laboratories.
To be eligible for appointment as a distinguished scientist under this section, an individual, by reason of professional background and experience, shall be able to bring international recognition to the appointing institution of higher education or National Laboratory in the field of scientific endeavor of the individual.
A distinguished scientist appointed under this section shall be selected through an open, competitive process.
(1) Institution of higher education
An appointment by an institution of higher education under this section shall be filled within the tenure allotment of the institution of higher education, at a minimum rank of professor.
An appointment by a National Laboratory under this section shall be at the rank of the highest grade of distinguished scientist or technical staff of the National Laboratory.
An appointment under this section shall—
(1) be for a term of 6 years; and
(2) consist of 2 3-year funding allotments.
Funds made available under this section may be used for—
(1) the salary of the distinguished scientist and support staff;
(2) undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral appointments;
(5) such other requirements as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the purpose of the program.
The appointment of a distinguished scientist under this section shall be reviewed at the end of the first 3-year allotment for the distinguished scientist through an open peer-review process to determine whether the appointment is meeting the purpose of this section under subsection (a).
Funding of the appointment of the distinguished scientist for the second 3-year allotment shall be determined based on the review conducted under paragraph (1).
(i) Cost sharing
To be eligible for assistance under this section, an appointing institution of higher education shall pay at least 50 percent of the total costs of the appointment.
(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(5) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(6) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5011, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 620; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(e), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045.)
2011—Subsec. (j)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 111–358 added pars. (4) to (6).
§16538. Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy
(1) ARPA-E
The term "ARPA–E" means the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy established by subsection (b).
The term "Director" means the Director of ARPA-E appointed under subsection (d).
The term "Fund" means the Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund established under subsection (o)(1).
There is established the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy within the Department to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies.
The goals of ARPA-E shall be—
ARPA-E shall achieve the goals established under paragraph (1) through energy technology projects by—
There shall be in the Department of Energy a Director of ARPA-E, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The Director shall be an individual who, by reason of professional background and experience, is especially qualified to advise the Secretary on, and manage research programs addressing, matters pertaining to long-term and high-risk technological barriers to the development of energy technologies.
(3) Relationship to Secretary
The Director shall report to the Secretary.
No other programs within the Department shall report to the Director.
(3) administering the Fund through awards to institutions of higher education, companies, research foundations, trade and industry research collaborations, or consortia of such entities, which may include federally-funded research and development centers, to achieve the goals described in subsection (c) through targeted acceleration of—
(C) providing as part of the annual report required by subsection (h)(1) a summary of the instances of and reasons for ARPA–E funding projects in technology areas already being undertaken by industry.
In carrying out this section, the Director may provide awards in the form of grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, cash prizes, and other transactions.
(g) Personnel
The Director shall establish and maintain within ARPA–E a staff with sufficient qualifications and expertise to enable ARPA–E to carry out the responsibilities of ARPA–E under this section in conjunction with other operations of the Department.
(2) Program directors
The Director shall designate employees to serve as program directors for the programs established pursuant to the responsibilities established for ARPA-E under subsection (e).
A program director of a program shall be responsible for—
(v) identifying innovative cost-sharing arrangements for ARPA–E projects, including through use of the authority provided under section 16352(b)(3) of this title;
The term of a program manager shall be not more than 3 years and may be renewed.
(3) Hiring and management
The Director shall have the authority to—
(ii) fix the basic pay of such personnel at a rate to be determined by the Director at rates not in excess of Level II of the Executive Schedule (EX–II) without regard to the civil service laws; and
(iii) pay any employee appointed under this subpart 1 payments in addition to basic pay, except that the total amount of additional payments paid to an employee under this subpart 1 for any 12-month period shall not exceed the least of the following amounts:
The Director shall appoint not more than 120 personnel under this section.
(C) Private recruiting firms
The Secretary, or the Director serving as an agent of the Secretary, may contract with private recruiting firms for the hiring of qualified technical staff to carry out this section.
(D) Additional staff
The Director may use all authorities in existence on August 9, 2007, that are provided to the Secretary to hire administrative, financial, and clerical staff as necessary to carry out this section.
(h) Reports and roadmaps
As part of the annual budget request submitted for each fiscal year, the Director shall provide to the relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of Congress a report describing projects supported by ARPA-E during the previous fiscal year.
(2) Strategic vision roadmap
Not later than October 1, 2010, and October 1, 2013, the Director shall provide to the relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of Congress a roadmap describing the strategic vision that ARPA-E will use to guide the choices of ARPA-E for future technology investments over the following 3 fiscal years.
(i) Coordination and nonduplication
To the maximum extent practicable, the Director shall ensure that the activities of ARPA-E are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, programs and laboratories within the Department and other relevant research agencies.
(2) Technology Transfer Coordinator
To the extent appropriate, the Director may coordinate technology transfer efforts with the Technology Transfer Coordinator appointed under section 16391 of this title.
(j) Federal demonstration of technologies
The Director shall seek opportunities to partner with purchasing and procurement programs of Federal agencies to demonstrate energy technologies resulting from activities funded through ARPA–E.
(k) Advice
(1) Advisory committees
The Director may seek advice on any aspect of ARPA-E from—
(2) Additional sources of advice
In carrying out this section, the Director may seek advice and review from—
(l) ARPA-E evaluation
After ARPA-E has been in operation for 6 years, the Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy shall conduct an evaluation of how well ARPA-E is achieving the goals and mission of ARPA-E.
The evaluation shall include—
On completion of the evaluation, the evaluation shall be made available to Congress and the public.
(m) Existing authorities
The authorities granted by this section are—
(n) Protection of information
The following types of information collected by ARPA–E from recipients of financial assistance awards shall be considered commercial and financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential and not subject to disclosure under section 552(b)(4) of title 5:
(1) Plans for commercialization of technologies developed under the award, including business plans, technology-to-market plans, market studies, and cost and performance models.
(4) Revenue from the licensing or sale of new products or services resulting from research conducted under the award.
(o) Funding
(1) Fund
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund, to be known as the "Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund", which shall be administered by the Director for the purposes of carrying out this section.
Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5),2 there are authorized to be appropriated to the Director for deposit in the Fund, without fiscal year limitation—
(3) Separate budget and appropriation
The budget request for ARPA-E shall be separate from the rest of the budget of the Department.
Appropriations to the Fund shall be separate and distinct from the rest of the budget for the Department.
Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph (2)—
(A) not more than 50 percent of the amount shall be used to carry out subsection (e)(3)(D);
(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5012, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 621; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §904, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4045; Pub. L. 115–246, title II, §202, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3134.)
Level II of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (g)(3)(A)(ii), is set out in section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Par. (5), referred to in subsec. (o)(2), was redesignated par. (4) of this section and former par. (4) was struck out by Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §904(10)(B), (C), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4048.
2018—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–246, §202(1), substituted "subsection (o)(1)" for "subsection (n)(1)".
Subsecs. (n), (o). Pub. L. 115–246, §202(2), (3), added subsec. (n) and redesignated former subsec. (n) as (o).
2011—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(1), substituted "subsection (n)(1)" for "subsection (m)(1)".
Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(2), inserted "and applied" after "advances in fundamental".
Subsec. (e)(3)(C). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(3)(A)(i), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: "research and development of manufacturing processes for novel energy technologies; and".
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(3)(A)(ii)–(C), added par. (5).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(5), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(B), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(A),(C)(i), redesignated par. (1) as (2) and substituted "Program directors" for "Program managers" in heading.
Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(C)(ii), substituted "program directors for" for "program managers for each of".
Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(C)(iii)(I), substituted "program director" for "program manager" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(C)(iii)(II), struck out ", with advice under subsection (j) as appropriate," after "basis of merit" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(v) to (viii). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(C)(iii)(III)–(VI), added cls. (v) and (vii) and redesignated former cls. (v) and (vi) as (vi) and (viii), respectively.
Subsec. (g)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(C)(iv), inserted "not more than" after "shall be".
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(A), redesignated par. (2) as (3).
Subsec. (g)(3)(A)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(D)(i), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "fix the compensation of such personnel at a rate to be determined by the Director."
Subsec. (g)(3)(B). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(6)(D)(ii), substituted "not more than 120" for "not less than 70, and not more than 120,".
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(7), substituted "2010" for "2008" and "2013" for "2011".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(8), added subsec. (j) and struck out former subsec. (j). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary shall make information available to purchasing and procurement programs of Federal agencies regarding the potential to demonstrate technologies resulting from activities funded through ARPA-E."
Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).
Subsecs. (k), (l). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsecs. (j) and (k) as (k) and (l), respectively. Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m).
Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(9)(A), substituted "6 years" for "4 years".
Subsec. (l)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(9)(B), inserted ", and the manner in which those lessons may apply to the operation of other programs of the Department" after "ARPA-E".
Subsecs. (m), (n). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(4), redesignated subsecs. (l) and (m) as (m) and (n), respectively.
Subsec. (n)(2)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(10)(A), added subpars. (C) to (E).
Subsec. (n)(4). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(10)(B), (C), redesignated par. (5) as (4) and struck out former par. (4). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "No amounts may be appropriated for ARPA-E for fiscal year 2008 unless the amount appropriated for the activities of the Office of Science of the Department for fiscal year 2008 exceeds the amount appropriated for the Office for fiscal year 2007, as adjusted for inflation in accordance with the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor."
Subsec. (n)(4)(B). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(10)(D), substituted "5 percent" for "2.5 percent" and inserted ", consistent with the goal described in subsection (c)(2)(D) and within the responsibilities of program directors described in subsection (g)(2)(B)(vii)" after "outreach activities".
Subsec. (n)(5). Pub. L. 111–358, §904(10)(C), redesignated par. (5) as (4).
§16539. National Laboratory Jobs ACCESS Program
On or after the date that is 180 days after December 20, 2019, the Secretary may establish a program, to be known as the "Department of Energy National Lab Jobs ACCESS Program", under which the Secretary may award, on a competitive basis, 5-year grants to eligible entities described in subsection (c) for the Federal share of the costs of pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs described in subsection (b).
(b) Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs described
A pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program described in this subsection is a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program that—
(1) leads to recognized postsecondary credentials for secondary school and postsecondary students;
(2) is focused on skills and qualifications needed, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the directors of the National Laboratories, to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of traditional and emerging technician positions (including machinists and cybersecurity technicians) at the National Laboratories and covered facilities of the National Nuclear Security Administration;
(3) is established in consultation with a National Laboratory or covered facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration;
(4) is registered with and approved by the Secretary of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency; and
(5) ensures that participants in the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program do not displace paid employees.
(c) Eligible entities described
An eligible entity described in this subsection is a workforce intermediary or an eligible sponsor of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program that—
(1) demonstrates experience in implementing and providing career planning and career pathways toward pre-apprenticeship programs or apprenticeship programs;
(2)(A) has a relationship with a National Laboratory or covered facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration;
(B) has knowledge of the technician workforce needs of the laboratory or facility and the associated security requirements of the laboratory or facility; and
(C) is eligible to enter into an agreement with the laboratory or facility that would be paid for in part or entirely from grant funds received under this section;
(3) demonstrates the ability to recruit and support individuals who plan to work in relevant technician positions upon the successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program;
(4) provides students who complete the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program with, or prepares such students for obtaining, a recognized postsecondary credential;
(5) uses related instruction that is specifically aligned with the needs of the laboratory or facility and utilizes workplace learning advisors and on-the-job training to the greatest extent possible; and
(6) demonstrates successful outcomes connecting graduates of the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program to careers relevant to the program.
If the Secretary establishes the program described in subsection (a), an eligible entity described in subsection (c) seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
In selecting eligible entities described in subsection (c) to receive grants under this section, the Secretary may prioritize an eligible entity that—
(1) is a member of an industry or sector partnership;
(2) provides related instruction for a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program through—
(A) a local educational agency, a secondary school, a provider of adult education, an area career and technical education school, or an institution of higher education (such as a community college) that includes basic science, technology, and mathematics education in the related instruction; or
(B) an apprenticeship program that was registered with the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency before the date on which the eligible entity applies for the grant under subsection (d);
(3) works with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or veterans organizations to transition members of the Armed Forces and veterans to pre-apprenticeship programs or apprenticeship programs in a relevant sector;
(4) plans to use the grant to carry out the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program with an entity that receives State funding or is operated by a State agency; and
(5) plans to use the grant to carry out the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program for—
(A) young adults ages 16 to 29, inclusive; or
(B) individuals with barriers to employment.
(f) Additional consideration
In making grants under this section, the Secretary may consider regional diversity.
(g) Limitation on applications
An eligible entity described in subsection (c) may not submit, either individually or as part of a joint application, more than one application for a grant under this section during any one fiscal year.
(h) Limitations on amount of grant
The amount of a grant provided under this section may not, for any 24-month period of the 5-year grant period, exceed $500,000.
(i) Non-Federal share
The non-Federal share of the cost of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program carried out using a grant under this section shall be not less than 25 percent of the total cost of the program.
If the Secretary establishes the program described in subsection (a), not less than once every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available on the website of the Department of Energy, a report on the program, including—
(i) any entity that receives a grant under this section;
(ii) any activity carried out using a grant under this section; and
(iii) best practices used to leverage the investment of the Federal Government under this section; and
(B) an assessment of the results achieved by the program, including the rate of employment for participants after completing a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program carried out using a grant under this section.
(2) Performance reports
Not later than one year after the establishment of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program using a grant awarded under this section, and annually thereafter, the entity carrying out the program shall submit to the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor a report on the effectiveness of the program based on the accountability measures described in clauses (i) and (ii) of section 3141(b)(2)(A) of title 29.
(1) ESEA terms
The terms "local educational agency" and "secondary school" have the meanings given the terms in section 7801 of title 20.
(2) WIOA terms
The terms "career planning", "community-based organization", "customized training", "economic development agency", "individual with a barrier to employment", "industry or sector partnership", "on-the-job training", "recognized postsecondary credential", and "workplace learning advisor" have the meanings given such terms in section 3102 of title 29.
(3) Apprenticeship program
The term "apprenticeship program" means a program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the "National Apprenticeship Act"; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(5) Community college
The term "community college" has the meaning given the term "junior or community college" in section 1058(f) of title 20.
(6) Covered facility of the national nuclear security administration
The term "covered facility of the National Nuclear Security Administration" means a national security laboratory or a nuclear weapons production facility as such terms are defined in section 2501 of title 50.
(7) Eligible sponsor
The term "eligible sponsor" means a public organization or nonprofit organization that—
(A) with respect to an apprenticeship program, administers the program through a partnership that may include—
(i) an industry or sector partnership;
(ii) an employer or industry association;
(iii) a labor-management organization;
(iv) a local workforce development board or State workforce development board;
(v) a 2- or 4-year institution of higher education that offers an educational program leading to an associate's or bachelor's degree in conjunction with a certificate of completion of apprenticeship;
(vi) the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves);
(vii) a community-based organization; or
(viii) an economic development agency; and
(B) with respect to a pre-apprenticeship program, is a local educational agency, a secondary school, an area career and technical education school, a provider of adult education, a State workforce development board, a local workforce development board, or a community-based organization, that administers the program with any required coordination and necessary approvals from the Secretary of Labor or a State department of labor.
(9) Local workforce development board
The term "local workforce development board" has the meaning given the term "local board" in section 3102 of title 29.
(10) National Laboratory
(11) Nonprofit organization
The term "nonprofit organization" means an organization that is described in section 501(c) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title.
(12) Pre-apprenticeship program
The term "pre-apprenticeship program" means a program—
(A) designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program; and
(B) that has a documented partnership with at least one, if not more, apprenticeship programs.
(13) Provider of adult education
The term "provider of adult education" has the meaning given the term "eligible provider" in section 3272 of title 29.
(14) Related instruction
The term "related instruction" means an organized and systematic form of instruction designed to provide an individual in a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program with the knowledge of the technical subjects related to the intended occupation of the individual after completion of the program.
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, except as otherwise specified in this section.
(16) Sponsor
The term "sponsor" means any person, association, committee, or organization operating a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program and in whose name the program is (or is to be) registered or approved.
(17) State apprenticeship agency
The term "State apprenticeship agency" has the meaning given that term in section 29.2 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling).
(18) State workforce development board
The term "State workforce development board" has the meaning given the term "State board" in section 3102 of title 29.
(19) Workforce intermediary
The term "workforce intermediary"—
(A) means a nonprofit organization that—
(i) proactively addresses workforce needs using a dual customer approach, which considers the needs of both employees and employers; and
(ii) has partnered with a sponsor of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program or is a sponsor of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program; and
(B) may include a community organization, an employer organization, a community college, a temporary staffing agency, a State workforce development board, a local workforce development board, or a labor or labor-management organization.
(Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXI, §3122, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1953.)
Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, and not as part of the America COMPETES Act, which comprises this subchapter.