[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2996 Received in Senate (RDS)]
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 2996
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 16, 2014
Received
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Network for
Manufacturing Innovation 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.
This Act may be cited as the ``Revitalize American Manufacturing
and Innovation Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) In 2012, manufacturers contributed $2.03 trillion to
the economy, or \1/8\ of United States Gross Domestic Product.
(2) For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.32
is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any
economic sector.
(3) Manufacturing supports an estimated 17,400,000 jobs in
the United States--about 1 in 6 private-sector jobs. More than
12,000,000 Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are
employed directly in manufacturing.
(4) In 2012, the average manufacturing worker in the United
States earned $77,505 annually, including pay and benefits. The
average worker in all industries earned $62,063.
(5) Taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would
be the 8th largest economy in the world.
(6) Manufacturers in the United States perform two-thirds
of all private-sector research and development in the United
States, driving more innovation than any other sector.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING INNOVATION.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
271 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 34 as section 35; and
(2) by inserting after section 33 (15 U.S.C. 278r) the
following:
``SEC. 34. NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING INNOVATION.
``(a) Establishment of Network for Manufacturing Innovation
Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish within the
Institute a program to be known as the `Network for
Manufacturing Innovation Program' (referred to in this section
as the `Program').
``(2) Purposes of program.--The purposes of the Program
are--
``(A) to improve the competitiveness of United
States manufacturing and to increase the production of
goods manufactured predominantly within the United
States;
``(B) to stimulate United States leadership in
advanced manufacturing research, innovation, and
technology;
``(C) to facilitate the transition of innovative
technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-
performing manufacturing capabilities;
``(D) to facilitate access by manufacturing
enterprises to capital-intensive infrastructure,
including high-performance electronics and computing,
and the supply chains that enable these technologies;
``(E) to accelerate the development of an advanced
manufacturing workforce;
``(F) to facilitate peer exchange of and the
documentation of best practices in addressing advanced
manufacturing challenges;
``(G) to leverage non-Federal sources of support to
promote a stable and sustainable business model without
the need for long-term Federal funding; and
``(H) to create and preserve jobs.
``(3) Support.--The Secretary, acting through the Director,
shall carry out the purposes set forth in paragraph (2) by
supporting--
``(A) the Network for Manufacturing Innovation
established under subsection (b); and
``(B) the establishment of centers for
manufacturing innovation.
``(4) Director.--The Secretary shall carry out the Program
through the Director.
``(b) Establishment of Network for Manufacturing Innovation.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the Program, the Secretary
shall establish a network of centers for manufacturing
innovation.
``(2) Designation.--The network established under paragraph
(1) shall be known as the `Network for Manufacturing
Innovation' (referred to in this section as the `Network').
``(c) Centers for Manufacturing Innovation.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a `center
for manufacturing innovation' is a center that--
``(A) has been established by a person or group of
persons to address challenges in advanced manufacturing
and to assist manufacturers in retaining or expanding
industrial production and jobs in the United States;
``(B) has a predominant focus on a manufacturing
process, novel material, enabling technology, supply
chain integration methodology, or another relevant
aspect of advanced manufacturing, such as
nanotechnology applications, advanced ceramics,
photonics and optics, composites, biobased and advanced
materials, flexible hybrid technologies, and tool
development for microelectronics;
``(C) as determined by the Secretary, has the
potential--
``(i) to improve the competitiveness of
United States manufacturing, including key
advanced manufacturing technologies such as
nanotechnology, advanced ceramics, photonics
and optics, composites, biobased and advanced
materials, flexible hybrid technologies, and
tool development for microelectronics;
``(ii) to accelerate non-Federal investment
in advanced manufacturing production capacity
in the United States; or
``(iii) to enable the commercial
application of new technologies or industry-
wide manufacturing processes; and
``(D) includes active participation among
representatives from multiple industrial entities,
research universities, community colleges, and such
other entities as the Secretary considers appropriate,
which may include industry-led consortia, career and
technical education schools, Federal laboratories,
State, local, and tribal governments, businesses,
educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
``(2) Activities.--Activities of a center for manufacturing
innovation may include the following:
``(A) Research, development, and demonstration
projects, including proof-of-concept development and
prototyping, to reduce the cost, time, and risk of
commercializing new technologies and improvements in
existing technologies, processes, products, and
research and development of materials to solve
precompetitive industrial problems with economic or
national security implications.
``(B) Development and implementation of education,
training, and workforce recruitment courses, materials,
and programs.
``(C) Development of innovative methodologies and
practices for supply chain integration and introduction
of new technologies into supply chains.
``(D) Outreach and engagement with small and
medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, including women
and minority owned manufacturing enterprises, in
addition to large manufacturing enterprises.
``(E) Such other activities as the Secretary, in
consultation with Federal departments and agencies
whose missions contribute to or are affected by
advanced manufacturing, considers consistent with the
purposes described in subsection (a)(2).
``(3) Additional centers for manufacturing innovation.--
``(A) In general.--The National Additive
Manufacturing Innovation Institute and other
manufacturing centers formally recognized as
manufacturing innovation centers pursuant to Federal
law or executive actions, or under pending interagency
review for such recognition as of the date of enactment
of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation
Act of 2014, shall be considered centers for
manufacturing innovation, but such centers shall not
receive any financial assistance under subsection (d).
``(B) Network participation.--A manufacturing
center that is substantially similar to those
established under this subsection but that does not
receive financial assistance under subsection (d) may,
upon request of the center, be recognized as a center
for manufacturing innovation by the Secretary for
purposes of participation in the Network.
``(d) Financial Assistance to Establish and Support Centers for
Manufacturing Innovation.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the
Secretary shall award financial assistance to a person or group
of persons to assist the organization in planning,
establishing, or supporting a center for manufacturing
innovation.
``(2) Application.--A person or group of persons seeking
financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit to the
Secretary an application therefor at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
The application shall, at a minimum, describe the specific
sources and amounts of non-Federal financial support for the
center on the date financial assistance is sought, as well as
the anticipated sources and amounts of non-Federal financial
support during the period for which the center could be
eligible for continued Federal financial assistance under this
section.
``(3) Open process.--In soliciting applications for
financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
ensure an open process that will allow for the consideration of
all applications relevant to advanced manufacturing regardless
of technology area.
``(4) Selection.--
``(A) Competitive, merit review.--In awarding
financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall use a competitive, merit review process that
includes peer review by a diverse group of individuals
with relevant expertise from both the private and
public sectors.
``(B) Participation in process.--
``(i) In general.--No political appointee
may participate on a peer review panel. The
Secretary shall implement a conflict of
interest policy that ensures public
transparency and accountability, and requires
full disclosure of any real or potential
conflicts of interest on the parts of
individuals that participate in the merit
selection process.
``(ii) Definition.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `political appointee'
means any individual who--
``(I) is employed in a position
described under sections 5312 through
5316 of title 5, United States Code,
(relating to the Executive Schedule);
``(II) is a limited term appointee,
limited emergency appointee, or
noncareer appointee in the Senior
Executive Service, as defined under
paragraphs (5), (6), and (7),
respectively, of section 3132(a) of
title 5, United States Code; or
``(III) is employed in a position
in the executive branch of the
Government of a confidential or policy-
determining character under schedule C
of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
``(C) Performance measurement, transparency, and
accountability.--For each award of financial assistance
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
``(i) make publicly available at the time
of the award a description of the bases for the
award, including an explanation of the relative
merits of the winning applicant as compared to
other applications received, if applicable; and
``(ii) develop and implement metrics-based
performance measures to assess the
effectiveness of the activities funded.
``(D) Collaboration.--In awarding financial
assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall,
acting through the National Program Office established
under subsection (f)(1), collaborate with Federal
departments and agencies whose missions contribute to
or are affected by advanced manufacturing.
``(E) Considerations.--In selecting a person who
submitted an application under paragraph (2) for an
award of financial assistance under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
``(i) The potential of the center for
manufacturing innovation to advance domestic
manufacturing and the likelihood of economic
impact, including the creation or preservation
of jobs, in the predominant focus areas of the
center for manufacturing innovation.
``(ii) The commitment of continued
financial support, advice, participation, and
other contributions from non-Federal sources,
to provide leverage and resources to promote a
stable and sustainable business model without
the need for long-term Federal funding.
``(iii) Whether the financial support
provided to the center for manufacturing
innovation from non-Federal sources
significantly exceeds the requested Federal
financial assistance.
``(iv) How the center for manufacturing
innovation will increase the non-Federal
investment in advanced manufacturing research
in the United States.
``(v) How the center for manufacturing
innovation will engage with small and medium-
sized manufacturing enterprises, to improve the
capacity of such enterprises to commercialize
new processes and technologies.
``(vi) How the center for manufacturing
innovation will carry out educational and
workforce activities that meet industrial needs
related to the predominant focus areas of the
center.
``(vii) How the center for manufacturing
innovation will advance economic
competitiveness and generate substantial
benefits to the Nation that extend beyond the
direct return to participants in the Program.
``(viii) Whether the predominant focus of
the center for manufacturing innovation is a
manufacturing process, novel material, enabling
technology, supply chain integration
methodology, or other relevant aspect of
advanced manufacturing that has not already
been commercialized, marketed, distributed, or
sold by another entity.
``(ix) How the center for manufacturing
innovation will strengthen and leverage the
assets of a region.
``(x) How the center for manufacturing will
encourage the education and training of
veterans and individuals with disabilities.
``(5) Limitations on awards.--
``(A) In general.--No award of financial assistance
may be made under paragraph (1) to a center of
manufacturing innovation after the 7-year period
beginning on the date on which the Secretary first
awards financial assistance to that center under that
paragraph.
``(B) Matching funds and preferences.--The total
Federal financial assistance awarded to a center of
manufacturing innovation, including the financial
assistance under paragraph (1), in a given year shall
not exceed 50 percent of the total funding of the
center in that year, except that the Secretary may make
an exception in the case of large capital facilities or
equipment purchases. The Secretary shall give weighted
preference to applicants seeking less than the maximum
Federal share of funds allowed under this paragraph.
``(C) Funding decrease.--The amount of financial
assistance provided to a center of manufacturing
innovation under paragraph (1) shall decrease after the
second year of funding for the center, and shall
continue to decrease thereafter in each year in which
financial assistance is provided, unless the Secretary
determines that--
``(i) the center is otherwise meeting its
stated goals and metrics under this section;
``(ii) unforeseen circumstances have
altered the center's anticipated funding; and
``(iii) the center can identify future non-
Federal funding sources that would warrant a
temporary exemption from the limitations
established in this subparagraph.
``(e) Funding.--
``(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
no funds are authorized to be appropriated by the Revitalize
American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 for carrying
out this section.
``(2) Authority.--
``(A) NIST industrial technical services account.--
To the extent provided for in advance by appropriations
Acts, the Secretary may use not to exceed $5,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2024 to carry
out this section from amounts appropriated to the
Institute for Industrial Technical Services.
``(B) Energy efficiency and renewable energy
account.--To the extent provided for in advance by
appropriations Acts, the Secretary of Energy may
transfer to the Institute not to exceed $250,000,000
for the period encompassing fiscal years 2015 through
2024 for the Secretary to carry out this section from
amounts appropriated for advanced manufacturing
research and development within the Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy account for the Department of
Energy.
``(f) National Program Office.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, within
the Institute, the National Office of the Network for
Manufacturing Innovation Program (referred to in this section
as the `National Program Office'), which shall oversee and
carry out the Program.
``(2) Functions.--The functions of the National Program
Office are--
``(A) to oversee the planning, management, and
coordination of the Program;
``(B) to enter into memorandums of understanding
with Federal departments and agencies whose missions
contribute to or are affected by advanced
manufacturing, to carry out the purposes described in
subsection (a)(2);
``(C) to develop, not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the Revitalize American
Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, and update
not less frequently than once every 3 years thereafter,
a strategic plan to guide the Program;
``(D) to establish such procedures, processes, and
criteria as may be necessary and appropriate to
maximize cooperation and coordinate the activities of
the Program with programs and activities of other
Federal departments and agencies whose missions
contribute to or are affected by advanced
manufacturing;
``(E) to establish a clearinghouse of public
information related to the activities of the Program;
and
``(F) to act as a convener of the Network.
``(3) Recommendations.--In developing and updating the
strategic plan under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall
solicit recommendations and advice from a wide range of
stakeholders, including industry, small and medium-sized
manufacturing enterprises, research universities, community
colleges, and other relevant organizations and institutions on
an ongoing basis.
``(4) Report to congress.--Upon completion, the Secretary
shall transmit the strategic plan required under paragraph
(2)(C) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
``(5) Hollings manufacturing extension partnership.--The
Secretary shall ensure that the National Program Office
incorporates the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
into Program planning to ensure that the results of the Program
reach small and medium-sized entities.
``(6) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be
detailed to the National Program Office without reimbursement.
Such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil
service status or privilege.
``(g) Reporting and Auditing.--
``(1) Annual reports to the secretary.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require each
recipient of financial assistance under subsection
(d)(1) to annually submit a report to the Secretary
that describes the finances and performance of the
center for manufacturing innovation for which such
assistance was awarded.
``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) an accounting of expenditures of
amounts awarded to the recipient under
subsection (d)(1); and
``(ii) consistent with the metrics-based
performance measures developed and implemented
by the Secretary under this section, a
description of the performance of the center
for manufacturing innovation with respect to--
``(I) its goals, plans, financial
support, and accomplishments; and
``(II) how the center for
manufacturing innovation has furthered
the purposes described in subsection
(a)(2).
``(2) Annual reports to congress.--
``(A) In general.--Not less frequently than once
each year until December 31, 2024, the Secretary shall
submit a report to Congress that describes the
performance of the Program during the most recent 1-
year period.
``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include, for the period covered
by the report--
``(i) a summary and assessment of the
reports received by the Secretary under
paragraph (1);
``(ii) an accounting of the funds expended
by the Secretary under the Program, including
any temporary exemptions granted from the
requirements of subsection (d)(5)(C);
``(iii) an assessment of the participation
in, and contributions to, the Network by any
centers for manufacturing innovation not
receiving financial assistance under subsection
(d)(1); and
``(iv) an assessment of the Program with
respect to meeting the purposes described in
subsection (a)(2).
``(3) Assessments by gao.--
``(A) Assessments.--Not less frequently than once
every 2 years, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress an assessment of the operation of the Program
during the most recent 2-year period.
``(B) Final assessment.--Not later than December
31, 2024, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a final report regarding the overall success
of the Program.
``(C) Elements.--Each assessment submitted under
subparagraph (A) or (B) shall include, for the period
covered by the report--
``(i) a review of the management,
coordination, and industry utility of the
Program;
``(ii) an assessment of the extent to which
the Program has furthered the purposes
described in subsection (a)(2);
``(iii) such recommendations for
legislative and administrative action as the
Comptroller General considers appropriate to
improve the Program; and
``(iv) an assessment as to whether any
prior recommendations for improvement made by
the Comptroller General have been implemented
or adopted.
``(h) Additional Authorities.--
``(1) Appointment of personnel and contracts.--The
Secretary may appoint such personnel and enter into such
contracts, financial assistance agreements, and other
agreements as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate
to carry out the Program, including support for research and
development activities involving a center for manufacturing
innovation.
``(2) Transfer of funds.--Of amounts available under the
authority provided by subsection (e), the Secretary may
transfer to other Federal agencies such sums as the Secretary
considers necessary or appropriate to carry out the Program. No
funds so transferred may be used to reimburse or otherwise pay
for the costs of financial assistance incurred or commitments
of financial assistance made prior to the date of enactment of
the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of
2014.
``(3) Authority of other agencies.--In the event that the
Secretary exercises the authority to transfer funds to another
agency under paragraph (2), such agency may accept such funds
to award and administer, under the same conditions and
constraints applicable to the Secretary, all aspects of
financial assistance awards under this section.
``(4) Use of resources.--In furtherance of the purposes of
the Program, the Secretary may use, with the consent of a
covered entity and with or without reimbursement, the land,
services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of such covered
entity.
``(5) Acceptance of resources.--In addition to amounts
appropriated to carry out the Program, the Secretary may accept
funds, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities from any
covered entity to carry out the Program, subject to the same
conditions and constraints otherwise applicable to the
Secretary under this section and such funds may only be
obligated to the extent provided for in advance by
appropriations Acts.
``(6) Covered entity.--For purposes of this subsection, a
covered entity is any Federal department, Federal agency,
instrumentality of the United States, State, local government,
tribal government, territory, or possession of the United
States, or of any political subdivision thereof, or
international organization, or any public or private entity or
individual.
``(i) Patents.--Chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code, shall
apply to any funding agreement (as defined in section 201 of that
title) awarded to new or existing centers for manufacturing
innovation.''.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.
Section 102 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42
U.S.C. 6622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``In furtherance of the Committee's work, the Committee shall
consult with the National Economic Council.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (7) and
inserting the following:
``(7) develop and update a national strategic plan for
advanced manufacturing in accordance with subsection (c).'';
and
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing.--
``(1) In general.--The President shall submit to Congress,
and publish on an Internet website that is accessible to the
public, the strategic plan developed under paragraph (2).
``(2) Development.--The Committee shall develop, and update
as required under paragraph (4), in coordination with the
National Economic Council, a strategic plan to improve
Government coordination and provide long-term guidance for
Federal programs and activities in support of United States
manufacturing competitiveness, including advanced manufacturing
research and development.
``(3) Contents.--The strategic plan described in paragraph
(2) shall--
``(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long-
term objectives, including research and development
objectives, the anticipated time frame for achieving
the objectives, and the metrics for use in assessing
progress toward the objectives;
``(B) describe the progress made in achieving the
objectives from prior strategic plans, including a
discussion of why specific objectives were not met;
``(C) specify the role, including the programs and
activities, of each relevant Federal agency in meeting
the objectives of the strategic plan;
``(D) describe how the Federal agencies and
Federally funded research and development centers
supporting advanced manufacturing research and
development will foster the transfer of research and
development results into new manufacturing technologies
and United States-based manufacturing of new products
and processes for the benefit of society to ensure
national, energy, and economic security;
``(E) describe how such Federal agencies and
centers will strengthen all levels of manufacturing
education and training programs to ensure an adequate,
well-trained workforce;
``(F) describe how such Federal agencies and
centers will assist small and medium-sized
manufacturers in developing and implementing new
products and processes;
``(G) analyze factors that impact innovation and
competitiveness for United States advanced
manufacturing, including--
``(i) technology transfer and
commercialization activities;
``(ii) the adequacy of the national
security industrial base;
``(iii) the capabilities of the domestic
manufacturing workforce;
``(iv) export opportunities and trade
policies;
``(v) financing, investment, and taxation
policies and practices;
``(vi) emerging technologies and markets;
``(vii) advanced manufacturing research and
development undertaken by competing nations;
and
``(viii) the capabilities of the
manufacturing workforce of competing nations;
and
``(H) elicit and consider the recommendations of a
wide range of stakeholders, including representatives
from diverse manufacturing companies, academia, and
other relevant organizations and institutions.
``(4) Updates.--Not later than May 1, 2018, and not less
frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the President
shall submit to Congress, and publish on an Internet website
that is accessible to the public, an update of the strategic
plan submitted under paragraph (1). Such updates shall be
developed in accordance with the procedures set forth under
this subsection.
``(5) Requirement to consider strategy in the budget.--In
preparing the budget for a fiscal year under section 1105(a) of
title 31, United States Code, the President shall include
information regarding the consistency of the budget with the
goals and recommendations included in the strategic plan
developed under this subsection applying to that fiscal year.
``(6) AMP steering committee input.--The Advanced
Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee of the President's
Council of Advisors on Science and Technology shall provide
input, perspective, and recommendations to assist in the
development and updates of the strategic plan under this
subsection.''.
SEC. 5. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.
Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 27. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a regional
innovation program to encourage and support the development of regional
innovation strategies, including regional innovation clusters.
``(b) Cluster Grants.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary may award grants on a competitive
basis to eligible recipients for activities relating to the
formation and development of regional innovation clusters.
``(2) Permissible activities.--Grants awarded under this
subsection may be used for activities determined appropriate by
the Secretary, including the following:
``(A) Feasibility studies.
``(B) Planning activities.
``(C) Technical assistance.
``(D) Developing or strengthening communication and
collaboration between and among participants of a
regional innovation cluster.
``(E) Attracting additional participants to a
regional innovation cluster.
``(F) Facilitating market development of products
and services developed by a regional innovation
cluster, including through demonstration, deployment,
technology transfer, and commercialization activities.
``(G) Developing relationships between a regional
innovation cluster and entities or clusters in other
regions.
``(H) Interacting with the public and State and
local governments to meet the goals of the cluster.
``(3) Eligible recipient defined.--In this subsection, the
term `eligible recipient' means--
``(A) a State;
``(B) an Indian tribe;
``(C) a city or other political subdivision of a
State;
``(D) an entity that--
``(i) is a nonprofit organization, an
institution of higher education, a public-
private partnership, a science or research
park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic
development organization or similar entity; and
``(ii) has an application that is supported
by a State or a political subdivision of a
State; or
``(E) a consortium of any of the entities described
in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
``(4) Application.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible recipient shall
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information and
assurances as the Secretary may require.
``(B) Components.--The application shall include,
at a minimum, a description of the regional innovation
cluster supported by the proposed activity, including a
description of--
``(i) whether the regional innovation
cluster is supported by the private sector,
State and local governments, and other relevant
stakeholders;
``(ii) how the existing participants in the
regional innovation cluster will encourage and
solicit participation by all types of entities
that might benefit from participation,
including newly formed entities and those rival
existing participants;
``(iii) the extent to which the regional
innovation cluster is likely to stimulate
innovation and have a positive impact on
regional economic growth and development;
``(iv) whether the participants in the
regional innovation cluster have access to, or
contribute to, a well-trained workforce;
``(v) whether the participants in the
regional innovation cluster are capable of
attracting additional funds from non-Federal
sources; and
``(vi) the likelihood that the participants
in the regional innovation cluster will be able
to sustain activities once grant funds under
this subsection have been expended.
``(C) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall
give special consideration to applications from regions
that contain communities negatively impacted by trade.
``(5) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall give
special consideration to an eligible recipient who agrees to
collaborate with local workforce investment area boards.
``(6) Cost share.--The Secretary may not provide more than
50 percent of the total cost of any activity funded under this
subsection.
``(7) Outreach to rural communities.--The Secretary shall
conduct outreach to public and private sector entities in rural
communities to encourage those entities to participate in
regional innovation cluster activities under this subsection.
``(8) Funding.--The Secretary may accept funds from other
Federal agencies to support grants and activities under this
subsection.
``(c) Regional Innovation Research and Information Program.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a regional
innovation research and information program--
``(A) to gather, analyze, and disseminate
information on best practices for regional innovation
strategies (including regional innovation clusters),
including information relating to how innovation,
productivity, and economic development can be maximized
through such strategies;
``(B) to provide technical assistance, including
through the development of technical assistance guides,
for the development and implementation of regional
innovation strategies (including regional innovation
clusters);
``(C) to support the development of relevant
metrics and measurement standards to evaluate regional
innovation strategies (including regional innovation
clusters), including the extent to which such
strategies stimulate innovation, productivity, and
economic development; and
``(D) to collect and make available data on
regional innovation cluster activity in the United
States, including data on--
``(i) the size, specialization, and
competitiveness of regional innovation
clusters;
``(ii) the regional domestic product
contribution, total jobs and earnings by key
occupations, establishment size, nature of
specialization, patents, Federal research and
development spending, and other relevant
information for regional innovation clusters;
and
``(iii) supply chain product and service
flows within and between regional innovation
clusters.
``(2) Research grants.--The Secretary may award research
grants on a competitive basis to support and further the goals
of the program established under this subsection.
``(3) Dissemination of information.--Data and analysis
compiled by the Secretary under the program established in this
subsection shall be made available to other Federal agencies,
State and local governments, and nonprofit and for-profit
entities.
``(4) Regional innovation grant program.--The Secretary
shall incorporate data and analysis relating to any grant under
subsection (b) into the program established under this
subsection.
``(d) Interagency Coordination.--
``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that the activities carried out under
this section are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the
efforts of, other programs at the Department of Commerce or
other Federal agencies.
``(2) Collaboration.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall explore and
pursue collaboration with other Federal agencies,
including through multiagency funding opportunities, on
regional innovation strategies.
``(B) Small businesses.--The Secretary shall ensure
that such collaboration with Federal agencies
prioritizes the needs and challenges of small
businesses.
``(e) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and
Innovation Act of 2014, the Secretary shall enter into a
contract with an independent entity, such as the National
Academy of Sciences, to conduct an evaluation of the program
established under subsection (a).
``(2) Requirements.--The evaluation shall include--
``(A) whether the program is achieving its goals;
``(B) any recommendations for how the program may
be improved; and
``(C) a recommendation as to whether the program
should be continued or terminated.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Regional innovation cluster.--The term `regional
innovation cluster' means a geographically bounded network of
similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that--
``(A) are engaged in or with a particular industry
sector and its related sectors;
``(B) have active channels for business
transactions and communication;
``(C) share specialized infrastructure, labor
markets, and services; and
``(D) leverage the region's unique competitive
strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs.
``(2) State.--The term `State' means one of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other
territory or possession of the United States.
``(g) Funding.--
``(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
no funds are authorized to be appropriated by the Revitalize
American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 for carrying
out this section.
``(2) Authority.--To the extent provided for in advance by
appropriations Acts, the Secretary may use not to exceed
$10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2019 to
carry out this section from amounts appropriated for economic
development assistance programs.''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 15, 2014.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk.