[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1806 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1806
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 21, 2015
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To provide for technological innovation through the prioritization of
Federal investment in basic research, fundamental scientific discovery,
and development to improve the competitiveness of the United States,
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 ``America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Policy objectives.
Sec. 104. Definitions.
Sec. 105. Accountability and transparency.
Sec. 106. Greater accountability in Federal funding for research.
Sec. 107. Obligation of major research equipment and facilities
construction funds.
Sec. 108. Management and oversight of large facilities.
Sec. 109. Whistleblower education.
Sec. 110. Graduate student support.
Sec. 111. Permissible support.
Sec. 112. Expanding STEM opportunities.
Sec. 113. Review of education programs.
Sec. 114. Recompetition of awards.
Sec. 115. Sense of the Congress regarding industry investment in STEM
education.
Sec. 116. Misrepresentation of research results.
Sec. 117. Research reproducibility and replication.
Sec. 118. Research grant conditions.
Sec. 119. Computing resources study.
Sec. 120. Scientific breakthrough prizes.
Sec. 121. Rotating personnel.
Sec. 122. Sense of Congress regarding Innovation Corps.
Sec. 123. Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies
Initiative.
Sec. 124. Noyce scholarship program amendments.
Sec. 125. Informal STEM education.
Sec. 126. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
Sec. 127. Hispanic Opportunity Program in Education and Science.
TITLE II--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS
Sec. 201. Findings; sense of Congress.
Sec. 202. STEM Education Advisory Panel.
Sec. 203. Committee on STEM Education.
Sec. 204. STEM Education Coordinating Office.
TITLE III--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 302. Regulatory efficiency.
Sec. 303. Coordination of international science and technology
partnerships.
Sec. 304. Alternative research funding models.
Sec. 305. Amendments to prize competitions.
Sec. 306. United States Chief Technology Officer.
Sec. 307. National Research Council study on technology for emergency
notifications on university campuses.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 402. Standards and conformity assessment.
Sec. 403. Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology.
Sec. 404. Police and security authority.
Sec. 405. Education and outreach.
Sec. 406. Programmatic planning report.
Sec. 407. Assessments by the National Research Council.
Sec. 408. Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Sec. 409. Elimination of obsolete reports.
Sec. 410. Modifications to grants and cooperative agreements.
Sec. 411. Information systems standards consultation.
Sec. 412. United States-Israeli cooperation.
TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE
Sec. 501. Mission.
Sec. 502. Basic energy sciences.
Sec. 503. Advanced scientific computing research.
Sec. 504. High energy physics.
Sec. 505. Biological and environmental research.
Sec. 506. Fusion energy.
Sec. 507. Nuclear physics.
Sec. 508. Science laboratories infrastructure program.
Sec. 509. Domestic manufacturing.
Sec. 510. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 511. Definitions.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Crosscutting Research and Development
Sec. 601. Crosscutting research and development.
Sec. 602. Strategic research portfolio analysis and coordination plan.
Sec. 603. Strategy for facilities and infrastructure.
Sec. 604. Energy Innovation Hubs.
Subtitle B--Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Research and
Development
Sec. 611. Distributed energy and electric energy systems.
Sec. 612. Electric transmission and distribution research and
development.
Subtitle C--Nuclear Energy Research and Development
Sec. 621. Objectives.
Sec. 622. Program objectives study.
Sec. 623. Nuclear energy research and development programs.
Sec. 624. Small modular reactor program.
Sec. 625. Fuel cycle research and development.
Sec. 626. Nuclear energy enabling technologies program.
Sec. 627. Technical standards collaboration.
Sec. 628. Available facilities database.
Subtitle D--Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research and
Development
Sec. 641. Energy efficiency.
Sec. 642. Next Generation Lighting Initiative.
Sec. 643. Building standards.
Sec. 644. Secondary electric vehicle battery use program.
Sec. 645. Network for Manufacturing Innovation Program.
Sec. 646. Advanced Energy Technology Transfer Centers.
Sec. 647. Renewable energy.
Sec. 648. Bioenergy program.
Sec. 649. Concentrating solar power research program.
Sec. 650. Renewable energy in public buildings.
Subtitle E--Fossil Energy Research and Development
Sec. 661. Fossil energy.
Sec. 662. Coal research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application programs.
Sec. 663. High efficiency gas turbines research and development.
Subtitle F--Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
Sec. 671. ARPA-E amendments.
Subtitle G--Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 681. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle H--Definitions
Sec. 691. Definitions.
TITLE VII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Subtitle A--In General
Sec. 701. Definitions.
Sec. 702. Savings clause.
Subtitle B--Innovation Management at Department of Energy
Sec. 712. Technology transfer and transitions assessment.
Sec. 713. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 714. Nuclear energy innovation.
Subtitle C--Cross-Sector Partnerships and Grant Competitiveness
Sec. 721. Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program.
Sec. 722. Public-private partnerships for commercialization.
Sec. 723. Inclusion of early-stage technology demonstration in
authorized technology transfer activities.
Sec. 724. Funding competitiveness for institutions of higher education
and other nonprofit institutions.
Sec. 725. Participation in the Innovation Corps program.
Subtitle D--Assessment of Impact
Sec. 731. Report by Government Accountability Office.
TITLE VIII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
Sec. 801. Sense of Congress.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``STEM'' means the subjects of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics;
(2) the term ``STEM education'' means education in the
subjects of STEM, including computer science; and
(3) the term ``Committee on STEM Education'' means the
Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Education established under section 101 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621).
TITLE I--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2016.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $7,597,140,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,186,300,000 shall be made available to carry
out research and related activities, including--
(i) $823,000,000 for the Biological Science
Directorate;
(ii) $1,038,000,000 for the Computer and
Information Science and Engineering
Directorate;
(iii) $1,010,000,000 for the Engineering
Directorate;
(iv) $1,200,000,000 for the Geosciences
Directorate;
(v) $1,500,000,000 for the Mathematical and
Physical Science Directorate;
(vi) $150,000,000 for the Social,
Behavioral, and Economics Directorate, of which
$50,000,000 shall be for the National Center
for Science and Engineering Statistics;
(vii) $38,520,000 for the Office of
International Science and Engineering;
(viii) $425,300,000 for Integrative
Activities; and
(ix) $1,480,000 for the United States
Arctic Commission;
(B) $866,000,000 shall be made available for
education and human resources;
(C) $200,310,000 shall be made available for major
research equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $325,000,000 shall be made available for agency
operations and award management;
(E) $4,370,000 shall be made available for the
Office of the National Science Board; and
(F) $15,160,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
(b) Fiscal Year 2017.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $7,597,140,000 for fiscal year 2017.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,186,300,000 shall be made available to carry
out research and related activities, including--
(i) $823,000,000 for the Biological Science
Directorate;
(ii) $1,038,000,000 for the Computer and
Information Science and Engineering
Directorate;
(iii) $1,010,000,000 for the Engineering
Directorate;
(iv) $1,200,000,000 for the Geosciences
Directorate;
(v) $1,500,000,000 for the Mathematical and
Physical Science Directorate;
(vi) $150,000,000 for the Social,
Behavioral, and Economics Directorate, of which
$50,000,000 shall be for the National Center
for Science and Engineering Statistics;
(vii) $38,520,000 for the Office of
International Science and Engineering;
(viii) $425,300,000 for Integrative
Activities; and
(ix) $1,480,000 for the United States
Arctic Commission;
(B) $866,000,000 shall be made available for
education and human resources;
(C) $200,310,000 shall be made available for major
research equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $325,000,000 shall be made available for agency
operations and award management;
(E) $4,370,000 shall be made available for the
Office of the National Science Board; and
(F) $15,160,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
SEC. 102. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Taxpayer-supported research investments administered by
the Foundation should serve the national interest.
(2) The Foundation has made major contributions for more
than 60 years to strengthen and sustain the Nation's academic
research enterprise.
(3) The economic strength and national security of the
United States, and the quality of life of all Americans, are
grounded in the Nation's scientific and technological
capabilities.
(4) Providing support for basic research is an investment
in our Nation's future security and economic prosperity.
(5) Congress applauds the Foundation's recognition that
wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars is necessary to maintain
and ensure the public's trust for funding of fundamental
scientific and engineering research.
(6) Other nations are increasing their public investments
in basic research in the physical sciences in order to boost
long-term economic growth.
(7) Longstanding United States leadership in
supercomputing, genomics, nanoscience, photonics, quantum
physics, and other key technological areas is jeopardized if
United States investments in basic research in the natural
sciences do not keep pace.
(8) Redundant regulations and reporting requirements
imposed by Federal agencies on research institutions and
researchers increase costs by tens of millions of dollars
annually.
(9) The Foundation carries out important functions by
supporting basic research in all science and engineering
disciplines and in supporting STEM education at all levels.
(10) The research and education activities of the
Foundation promote the discovery, integration, dissemination,
and application of new knowledge in service to society and
prepare future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and
engineers who will be necessary to ensure America's leadership
in the global marketplace.
(11) Many of the complex problems and challenges facing the
Nation increasingly require the collaboration of multiple
scientific disciplines. The Foundation should continue to
emphasize cross-directorate research collaboration and
activities to address these issues and encourage
interdisciplinary research.
(12) The Foundation should meet the highest standards of
efficiency, transparency, and accountability in its stewardship
of public funds.
(13) The Foundation is charged with the responsibilities--
(A) to develop and encourage the pursuit of a
national policy for the promotion of basic research and
education in the sciences;
(B) to initiate, support, and conduct basic
scientific research and to appraise the impact of
research on industrial development and the general
welfare;
(C) to initiate, support, and conduct scientific
research activities in connection with matters relating
to the national defense, at the request of the
Secretary of Defense;
(D) to award scholarships and graduate fellowships
in the sciences;
(E) to foster the interchange of scientific
information among scientists and across scientific
disciplines;
(F) to evaluate scientific research programs
undertaken by agencies of the Federal Government, and
to correlate the Foundation's scientific research with
that undertaken by individuals and by public and
private research groups;
(G) to communicate effectively to American citizens
the relevance of public investments in scientific
discovery and technological innovation to the Nation's
security, prosperity, and welfare; and
(H) to establish such special commissions as the
Board considers necessary.
(14) The emerging global economic, scientific, and
technical environment challenges long standing assumptions
about domestic and international policy, requiring the
Foundation to play a more proactive role in sustaining the
competitive advantage of the United States through superior
research capabilities.
SEC. 103. POLICY OBJECTIVES.
In allocating resources made available under this title, the
Foundation shall have the following policy objectives:
(1) To renew and maintain the Nation's international
leadership in science and technology by--
(A) increasing the national investment in basic
scientific research and increasing interdisciplinary
investment in strategic areas vital to the national
interest;
(B) balancing the Nation's research portfolio among
the life sciences, mathematics, the physical sciences,
computer and information science, geosciences,
engineering, and social, behavioral, and economic
sciences, all of which are important for the continued
development of enabling technologies necessary for
sustained economic competitiveness;
(C) encouraging investments in potentially
transformative scientific research to benefit our
Nation and its citizens;
(D) expanding the pool of scientists and engineers
in the United States, including among segments of the
population that have been historically underrepresented
in STEM fields; and
(E) modernizing the Nation's research
infrastructure and establishing and maintaining
cooperative international relationships with premier
research institutions.
(2) To increase overall workforce skills by--
(A) improving the quality of STEM education and
tools provided both inside and outside of the
classroom, including in kindergarten through grade 12;
and
(B) expanding STEM training opportunities at
institutions of higher education.
(3) To strengthen innovation by expanding the focus of
competitiveness and innovation at the regional and local level.
SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the National Science
Board.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Foundation.
(3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National
Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National
Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) 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.
(6) United states.--The term ``United States'' means 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, and any other
territory or possession of the United States.
SEC. 105. ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) sustained, predictable Federal funding is essential to
United States leadership in science and technology;
(2) building understanding of and confidence in investments
in basic research are essential to public support for
sustained, predictable Federal funding; and
(3) the Foundation should commit itself fully to
transparency and accountability and to clear, consistent public
communication regarding the national interest for each
Foundation-awarded grant and cooperative agreement.
SEC. 106. GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH.
(a) Standard for Award of Grants.--The Foundation shall award
Federal funding for basic research and education in the sciences
through a new research grant or cooperative agreement only if an
affirmative determination is made by the Foundation under subsection
(b) and written justification relating thereto is published under
subsection (c).
(b) Determination.--A determination referred to in subsection (a)
is a justification by the responsible Foundation official as to how the
research grant or cooperative agreement promotes the progress of
science in the United States, consistent with the Foundation mission as
established in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C.
1861 et seq.), and further--
(1) is worthy of Federal funding; and
(2) is in the national interest, as indicated by having the
potential to achieve--
(A) increased economic competitiveness in the
United States;
(B) advancement of the health and welfare of the
American public;
(C) development of an American STEM workforce that
is globally competitive;
(D) increased public scientific literacy and public
engagement with science and technology in the United
States;
(E) increased partnerships between academia and
industry in the United States;
(F) support for the national defense of the United
States; or
(G) promotion of the progress of science in the
United States.
(c) Written Justification.--Public announcement of each award of
Federal funding described in subsection (a) shall include a written
justification from the responsible Foundation official as to how a
grant or cooperative agreement meets the requirements of subsection
(b).
(d) Implementation.--A determination under subsection (b) shall be
made after a research grant or cooperative agreement proposal has
satisfied the Foundation's reviews for Merit and Broader Impacts.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as altering the Foundation's
intellectual merit or broader impacts criteria for evaluating grant
applications.
SEC. 107. OBLIGATION OF MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
CONSTRUCTION FUNDS.
No funds may be obligated for a fiscal year for a construction
project for the Foundation that has not commenced before the date of
enactment of this Act until 30 days after the report required with
respect to each such fiscal year under section 14(a)(2) of the National
Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-4(a)(2))
is transmitted to the Congress.
SEC. 108. MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF LARGE FACILITIES.
(a) Large Facilities Office.--The Director shall maintain a Large
Facilities Office within the Office of the Director. The functions of
the Large Facilities Office shall be to support the research
directorates in the development, implementation, and assessment of
major multi-user research facilities, including by--
(1) serving as the Foundation's primary resource for all
policy or process issues related to the development and
implementation of major multi-user research facilities;
(2) serving as a Foundation-wide resource on project
management, including providing expert assistance on
nonscientific and nontechnical aspects of project planning,
budgeting, implementation, management, and oversight;
(3) coordinating and collaborating with research
directorates to share best management practices and lessons
learned from prior projects; and
(4) assessing projects during preconstruction and
construction phases for cost and schedule risk.
(b) Oversight of Large Facilities.--The Director shall appoint a
senior agency official within the Office of the Director whose primary
responsibility is oversight of major multi-user research facilities.
The duties of this official shall include--
(1) oversight of the development, construction, and
operation of major multi-user research facilities across the
Foundation;
(2) in collaboration with the directors of the research
directorates and other senior agency officials as appropriate,
ensuring that the requirements of section 14(a) of the National
Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 are satisfied;
(3) serving as a liaison to the National Science Board for
approval and oversight of major multi-user research facilities;
and
(4) periodically reviewing and updating as necessary
Foundation policies and guidelines for the development and
construction of major multi-user research facilities.
(c) Policies for Large Facility Costs.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall ensure that the
Foundation's policies for developing and managing major multi-
user research facility construction costs are consistent with
the best practices described in the March 2009 Government
Accountability Office Report GAO-09-3SP, or any successor
report thereto.
(2) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to Congress
the results of a study and a report reforming the Foundation's
policies on financial management of major multi-user research
facilities, including a description of any aspects of the
policies that diverge from the best practices recommended in
Government Accountability Office Report GAO-09-3SP and the
Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Part 200.
(3) Management fees.--
(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
``management fee'' means a portion of an award made by
the Foundation for the purpose of covering ordinary and
necessary business expenses necessary to maintain
operational stability which are not otherwise allowable
under Cost Principles Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR part
200, Subpart E, or any successor regulation thereto.
(B) Limitation.--The Foundation may provide
management fees under an award only if the awardee has
demonstrated that it has limited or no other financial
resources available for covering the expenses for which
the management fees are sought.
(C) Financial information.--The Foundation shall
require award applicants to provide income and
financial information covering a period of no less than
3 prior years (or in the case of an entity established
less than 3 years prior to the entity's application
date, the period beginning on the date of establishment
and ending on the application date), including cash on
hand and net asset information, in support of a request
for management fees. The Foundation shall also require
awardees seeking subsequent management fees to report
to the Foundation, prior to the consideration of such a
request, any sources of non-Federal funds received in
excess of $100,000. This reporting shall apply to the
period following any initial management fee award and
for the consideration of any subsequent fee.
(D) Expense reporting.--The Foundation shall
require awardees to track and report to the Foundation
annually all expenses reimbursed or otherwise paid for
with management fee funds, in accordance with Federal
accounting practices as established in Government
Accountability Office Report GAO-12-331G, or any
successor report thereto.
(E) Review.--The Inspector General of the
Foundation may audit or review any Foundation award for
compliance with this subsection.
(F) Prohibited uses.--An awardee may not use
management fees for--
(i) costs allowable under Cost Principles
Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E,
or any successor regulation thereto;
(ii) alcoholic beverages;
(iii) tickets to concerts, or sporting and
other entertainment events;
(iv) vacation or other travel for
nonbusiness purposes;
(v) charitable contributions;
(vi) social or sporting club memberships;
(vii) meals or social activities for
nonbusiness purposes;
(viii) luxury or personal items;
(ix) lobbying, as described in the Uniform
Guidance at 2 CFR 200.450 or FAR 31.205-22; or
(x) any other purpose the Foundation
determines is inappropriate.
(G) Review.--The Foundation shall review management
fee usage under each Foundation award on at least an
annual basis for compliance with this paragraph and the
Foundation's Large Facilities Manual.
(4) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to Congress a
report describing the Foundation's policies for developing and
managing major multi-user research facility construction costs,
including a description of any aspects of the policies that
diverge from the best practices recommended in Government
Accountability Office Report GAO-09-3SP, or any successor
report thereto, and the Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR part 200.
SEC. 109. WHISTLEBLOWER EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Foundation shall be subject to section 4712 of
title 41, United States Code.
(b) Education and Training.--The Foundation shall provide education
and training for Foundation managers and staff on the requirements of
such section 4712, and provide information on the law to all grantees,
contractors, and employees of such grantees and contractors.
SEC. 110. GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
essential elements of the NSF Research Traineeship Program, formerly
the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program,
(or any successor thereto) should be maintained, including--
(1) collaborative research that transcends traditional
disciplinary boundaries to solve large and complex research
problems of significant scientific and societal importance; and
(2) providing students the opportunity to become leaders in
the science and engineering of the future.
(b) Models for Support.--The Director shall enter into an agreement
with the National Research Council to convene a workshop or roundtable
to examine models of Federal support for STEM graduate students,
including the Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship program and
comparable fellowship programs at other agencies, traineeship programs,
and the research assistant model.
(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the workshop or roundtable shall be to
compare and evaluate the extent to which each of these models helps to
prepare graduate students for diverse careers utilizing STEM degrees,
including at diverse types of institutions of higher education, in
industry, and at government agencies and research laboratories, and to
make recommendations regarding--
(1) how current Federal programs and models, including
programs and models at the Foundation, can be improved;
(2) the appropriateness of the current distribution of
funding among the different models at the Foundation and across
the agencies; and
(3) the appropriateness of creating a new education and
training program for graduate students distinct from programs
that provide direct financial support, including the grants
authorized in section 527 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-15).
(d) Criteria.--At a minimum, in comparing programs and models, the
workshop or roundtable participants shall consider the capacity of such
programs or models to provide students with knowledge and skills--
(1) to become independent, creative, successful
researchers;
(2) to participate in large interdisciplinary research
projects, including in an international context;
(3) to adhere to the highest standards for research ethics;
(4) to become high-quality teachers utilizing the most
currently available evidence-based pedagogy;
(5) in oral and written communication, to both technical
and nontechnical audiences;
(6) in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business ethics;
and
(7) in program management.
(e) Graduate Student Input.--The participants in the workshop or
roundtable shall include current or recent STEM graduate students.
(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the National Research Council shall submit to Congress a
summary report of the findings and recommendations of the workshop or
roundtable convened under this section.
SEC. 111. PERMISSIBLE SUPPORT.
A grant made by the Education and Human Resources Directorate to
support informal education may be used--
(1) to support the participation of underrepresented
students in nonprofit competitions, out-of-school activities,
and field experiences related to STEM subjects (such as
robotics, science research, invention, mathematics, and
technology competitions), including--
(A) the purchase of parts and supplies needed to
participate in such competitions; and
(B) incentives and stipends for teachers and
instructional leaders who are involved in assisting
students and preparing students for such competitions,
if such activities fall outside the regular duties and
responsibilities of such teachers and instructional
leaders; and
(2) to broaden underrepresented secondary school students'
access to, and interest in, careers that require academic
preparation in STEM subjects.
SEC. 112. EXPANDING STEM OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) In General.--Within the Directorate for Education and Human
Resources (or any successor thereto), under existing programs targeting
broadening participation, the Director shall provide grants on a merit-
reviewed, competitive basis for research on programming that engages
underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM.
(b) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
used for research to advance the engagement of underrepresented
students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM through the
development and implementation of innovative before-school,
after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities, including
programs (if applicable to the target population) provided in a
single-gender environment, that are designed to encourage
interest, engagement, and skills development of
underrepresented students in STEM. Such research shall be
conducted in learning environments that actively provide
programming to underrepresented students in grades kindergarten
through 8 in STEM.
(2) Permitted activities.--Such activities may include--
(A) the development and implementation of
programming described in subsection (a) for the purpose
of research;
(B) the use of a variety of engagement methods,
including cooperative and hands-on learning;
(C) exposure of underrepresented youth to role
models in the fields of STEM, including researchers in
the National Laboratories, and nearpeer mentors;
(D) training of informal learning educators and
youth-serving professionals using evidence-based
methods consistent with the target student population
being served;
(E) education of students on the relevance and
significance of STEM careers, provision of academic
advice and assistance, and activities designed to help
students make real-world connections to STEM content
activities;
(F) the attendance of underrepresented youth at
events, competitions, and academic programs to provide
content expertise and encourage career exposure in
STEM;
(G) activities designed to engage parents of
underrepresented youth;
(H) innovative strategies to engage
underrepresented youth, such as using leadership skill
outcome measures to encourage youth with the confidence
to pursue STEM coursework and academic study;
(I) coordination with STEM-rich environments,
including other nonprofit, nongovernmental
organizations, classroom and out-of-classroom settings,
institutions of higher education, vocational
facilities, corporations, museums, National
Laboratories, or science centers;
(J) the acquisition of instructional materials or
technology-based tools to conduct applicable grant
activity;
(K) efforts to effectively expand, broaden, or
scale-up existing activities or programs;
(L) creating State and regional workshops to train
K-12 teachers in science and technology project-based
learning to provide instruction in how to initiate
robotics and other STEM competition team development
programs; and
(M) encouraging and supporting efforts led by
institutions of higher education, businesses, and local
public and private educational agencies to establish
collaborative efforts to provide K-12 students residing
in areas with unemployment rates that exceed the
national average by 1 percent or more.
(c) Application.--An applicant seeking funding under the section
shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as may be required. The application shall
include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A description of the target audience to be served by
the program.
(2) A description of the process for recruitment and
selection of students, as appropriate.
(3) A description of how such research activity may inform
programming that engages underrepresented students in grades
kindergarten through 8 in STEM.
(4) A description of how such research activity may inform
programming that promotes student academic achievement in STEM.
(5) An evaluation plan that includes, at a minimum, the use
of outcome-oriented measures to determine the impact and
efficacy of activities being researched.
(d) Awards.--In awarding grants under this section, the Director
shall give priority to applicants which, for the purpose of grant
activity, include or partner with a nonprofit, nongovernmental
organization that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing
the participation of underrepresented students in STEM.
(e) Accountability and Dissemination.--
(1) Evaluation required.--Not later than 5 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall evaluate the
grants provided under this section. In addition to evaluating
the effectiveness of the grant activities, such evaluation
shall--
(A) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment
tools to identify best practices and materials
developed or demonstrated by the research; and
(B) to the extent practicable, combine the research
resulting from the grant activity with the current
research on serving underrepresented students in grades
kindergarten through 8.
(2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after
the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the
Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to
the public a report that includes--
(A) the results of the evaluation; and
(B) any recommendations for administrative and
legislative action that could optimize the
effectiveness of the program.
(f) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall
consult, cooperate, and coordinate, to enhance program effectiveness
and to avoid duplication, with the programs and policies of other
relevant Federal agencies.
SEC. 113. REVIEW OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Director shall review the education programs
of the Foundation that are in operation as of the date of enactment of
this Act to determine--
(1) whether any of such programs duplicate target groups,
services provided, fields of focus, or objectives; and
(2) how those programs are being evaluated and assessed for
outcome-oriented effectiveness.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, and annually thereafter as part of the annual budget
submission to Congress, the Director shall complete a report on the
review carried out under this section and shall submit the report to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate, and shall make the report widely available to the public.
SEC. 114. RECOMPETITION OF AWARDS.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) the merit-reviewed competition of grant and award
proposals is a hallmark of the Foundation grant and award
making process;
(2) the majority of Foundation-funded multi-user research
facilities have transitioned to 5-year cooperative agreements,
and every 5 years the program officer responsible for the
facility makes a recommendation to the National Science Board
as to the renewal, recompetition, or termination of support for
the facility; and
(3) requiring the recompetition of expiring awards is based
on the conviction that competition is most likely to ensure the
effective stewardship of Foundation funds for supporting
research and education.
(b) Recompetition.--The Director shall ensure that the system for
recompetition of Maintenance and Operations of facilities, equipment
and instrumentation is fair, consistent, and transparent and is applied
in a manner that renews grants and awards in a timely manner. The
Director shall periodically evaluate whether the criteria of the system
are being applied in a manner that is transparent, reliable, and valid.
SEC. 115. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING INDUSTRY INVESTMENT IN STEM
EDUCATION.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) in order to bolster the STEM workforce pipeline, many
industry sectors are becoming involved in K-12 initiatives and
supporting undergraduate and graduate work in STEM subject
areas and fields;
(2) partnerships with education providers, STEM focused
competitions, and other opportunities have become important
aspects of private sector efforts to strengthen the STEM
workforce;
(3) understanding the work that private sector
organizations are undertaking in STEM fields should inform the
Federal Government's role in STEM education; and
(4) successful private sector STEM initiatives, as
reflected by measurements of relevant outcomes, should be
encouraged and supported by the Foundation.
SEC. 116. MISREPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS.
(a) Prohibition.--The findings and conclusions of any article
authored by a principal investigator receiving a research grant from
the Foundation, using the results of the research conducted under the
grant, that is published in a peer-reviewed publication, otherwise made
publicly available, or incorporated in an application for a research
grant or grant extension from the Foundation may not contain any
falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism, as established in the
Foundation's Research Misconduct regulation (45 CFR 689).
(b) Publication.--The Director shall make publicly available any
finding that research misconduct (as defined in 45 CFR 689) has been
committed, including the name of the principal investigator, within 30
days of the final administration action of the Foundation.
SEC. 117. RESEARCH REPRODUCIBILITY AND REPLICATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the gold standard of good science is the ability of a
researcher or research lab to reproduce a published method and
finding;
(2) there is growing concern that some published research
findings cannot be reproduced or replicated, which can
negatively affect the public's trust in science;
(3) there are a complex set of factors affecting
reproducibility and replication; and
(4) the increasing interdisciplinary nature and complexity
of scientific research may be a contributing factor to issues
with research reproducibility and replication.
(b) Report.--The Director shall--
(1) not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, enter into an agreement with the National Research
Council to provide, within 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, a report to assess research and data
reproducibility and replicability issues in interdisciplinary
research and to make recommendations on how to improve rigor
and transparency in scientific research; and
(2) not later than 60 days after receiving the results of
the assessment under paragraph (1), submit a report to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate on the findings of the assessment,
together with the agreement or disagreement of the Director and
Board with each of its findings and recommendations.
SEC. 118. RESEARCH GRANT CONDITIONS.
The Foundation shall establish procedures to ensure that--
(1) a research grant awarded by the Foundation to a
principal investigator supports a scope of work not otherwise
being directly funded by grants provided by other Federal
agencies;
(2) a principal investigator includes in any application
for a research grant awarded by the Foundation a list of all
Federal research funding received by the principal
investigator, as well as any funding that is being requested as
of that time;
(3) unpublished research results used to support a grant
proposal made to the Foundation do not include any knowing
misrepresentations of data;
(4) principal investigators who receive Foundation research
grant funding under more than one grant at the same time have
sufficient resources to conduct the proposed research under
each of those grants appropriately under the terms of the
grant; and
(5) barriers to early career and new investigator
applicants are addressed, including taking into account the
broader accomplishments and potential of the individual
investigator in addition to the potential impact of the
project.
SEC. 119. COMPUTING RESOURCES STUDY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General shall transmit to the Congress a report detailing
the results of a study on the use of scientific computing resources
funded by the Foundation at institutions of higher education. Such
study shall assess--
(1) efficiencies that can be achieved by using shared
scientific computing resources for projects that have similar
scientific computing requirements or projects where specialized
software solutions could be shared with other practitioners in
the scientific community;
(2) efficiencies that can be achieved by using shared
hardware that can be cost effectively procured from cloud
computing services;
(3) efficiencies that can be achieved by using shared
software from an open source repository or platform; and
(4) cost savings that could be achieved by potential
sharing of scientific computing resources across all Foundation
grants.
SEC. 120. SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH PRIZES.
The Director shall place a high priority on designing and
administering pilot programs for scientific breakthrough prizes, in
conjunction with private entities, that are consistent with Office of
Science and Technology Policy guidelines. Breakthrough prizes shall
center around technological breakthroughs that are of strategic
importance to the Nation, and have the capacity to spur new economic
growth.
SEC. 121. ROTATING PERSONNEL.
In order to control the costs to the Foundation of individuals
employed pursuant to the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42
U.S.C. 4701 note)--
(1) the Foundation shall provide to Congress a written
justification and waiver by the Deputy Director in instances in
which such an individual is to be paid at a rate that exceeds
the maximum rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service,
including, if applicable, adjustment for the certified Senior
Executive Service Performance Appraisal System;
(2) the Foundation shall provide to Congress a written
justification and waiver by the Director in instances in which
such an individual is to be paid at a rate that exceeds the
annual salary rate of the Vice President of the United States;
and
(3) the Foundation shall provide an annual report to
Congress on the costs to the Foundation of employing such
individuals, including--
(A) the timeliness and completeness of Foundation
actions in response to recommendations and findings
from the Office of Inspector General related to the
employment of such individuals;
(B) actions taken by the Foundation to reduce the
cost to the Foundation of the employment of such
individuals at pay levels that exceed the threshold
described in paragraph (1);
(C) the value to the Foundation of employing
individuals pursuant to the Intergovernmental Personnel
Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4701 note) whose pay is set
below the threshold described in paragraph (1); and
(D) the value to the Foundation of employing
individuals who are not permanent employees whose pay
requires a justification and waiver under paragraph (1)
or (2).
SEC. 122. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING INNOVATION CORPS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-Corps) was
established to foster a national innovation ecosystem by
encouraging institutions, scientists, engineers, and
entrepreneurs to identify and explore the innovation and
commercial potential of Foundation-funded research well beyond
the laboratory;
(2) the Foundation's I-Corps includes investment in
entrepreneurship and commercialization education, training, and
mentoring, ultimately leading to the practical deployment of
technologies, products, processes, and services that improve
the Nation's competitiveness, promote economic growth, and
benefit society;
(3) by building networks of entrepreneurs, educators,
mentors, institutions, and collaborations, and supporting
specialized education and training, I-Corps is at the leading
edge of a strong, lasting foundation for an American innovation
ecosystem; and
(4) I-Corps should continue to promote a strong innovation
system by investing in and supporting female entrepreneurs, who
are historically underrepresented in entrepreneurial fields,
through mentorship, education, and training.
SEC. 123. BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE NEUROTECHNOLOGIES
INITIATIVE.
The Foundation shall support research activities related to the
Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies
Initiative. The Foundation is encouraged to work in conjunction with
the Interagency Working Group on Neuroscience (IWGN) to determine how
to use the data infrastructure of the Foundation and other applicable
agencies to help neuroscientists collect, standardize, manage, and
analyze the large amounts of data that will result from research
attempting to understand how the brain functions.
SEC. 124. NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AMENDMENTS.
(a) Amendments.--Section 10A of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n--1a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by inserting ``or bachelor's''
after ``master's'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(2)(B);
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``for teachers with
master's degrees in their field'' after
``Teaching Fellowships''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (B) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) in the case of National Science Foundation Master
Teaching Fellowships for teachers with bachelor's degrees in
their field and working toward a master's degree--
``(A) offering academic courses leading to a
master's degree and leadership training to prepare
individuals to become master teachers in elementary and
secondary schools; and
``(B) offering programs both during and after
matriculation in the program for which the fellowship
is received to enable fellows to become highly
effective mathematics and science teachers, including
mentoring, training, induction, and professional
development activities, to fulfill the service
requirements of this section, including the
requirements of subsection (e), and to exchange ideas
with others in their fields.'';
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``subsection (h)'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (g) through (i) as
subsections (h) through (j), respectively; and
(5) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new
subsection:
``(g) Support for Master Teaching Fellows While Enrolled in a
Master's Degree Program.--A National Science Foundation Master Teacher
Fellow may receive a maximum of 1 year of fellowship support while
enrolled in a master's degree program as described in subsection
(c)(4)(A), except that if such fellow is enrolled in a part-time
program, such amount shall be prorated according to the length of the
program.''.
(b) Definition.--Section 10(i)(5) of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1(i)(5)) is
amended by inserting ``computer science,'' after ``means a science,''.
SEC. 125. INFORMAL STEM EDUCATION.
(a) Grants.--The Director, through the Directorate for Education
and Human Resources, shall continue to award competitive, merit-
reviewed grants to support--
(1) research and development of innovative out-of-school
STEM learning and emerging STEM learning environments in order
to improve STEM learning outcomes and engagement in STEM; and
(2) research that advances the field of informal STEM
education.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under this
section may encompass a single STEM discipline, multiple STEM
disciplines, or integrative STEM initiatives and shall include--
(1) research and development that improves our
understanding of learning and engagement in informal
environments, including the role of informal environments in
broadening participation in STEM; and
(2) design and testing of innovative STEM learning models,
programs, and other resources for informal learning
environments to improve STEM learning outcomes and increase
engagement for K-12 students, K-12 teachers, and the general
public, including design and testing of the scalability of
models, programs, and other resources.
SEC. 126. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH.
The Foundation shall continue to operate a robust Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The EPSCoR program
helps ensure that academic research institutions in more than half the
States develop a strong research infrastructure and participate fully
in federally funded research activities. The program should be a high
priority for the Foundation.
SEC. 127. HISPANIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM IN EDUCATION AND SCIENCE.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish the
program described in section 7033 of the America COMPETES Act (42
U.S.C. 1862o-12) for Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in
section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a)).
TITLE II--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS
SEC. 201. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) According to the National Science Board's Science and
Engineering Indicators, the science and engineering workforce
has shown sustained growth for more than half a century, and
workers with science and engineering degrees tend to earn more
than comparable workers in other fields.
(2) According to the Program for International Student
Assessment 2012 results, America lags behind many other nations
in STEM education. American students rank 21st in science and
26th in mathematics.
(3) Junior Achievement USA and ING found a decrease of 25
percent in the percentage of teenage students interested in
STEM careers.
(4) According to a 2007 report from the Department of
Labor, industries and firms dependent on a strong science and
mathematics workforce have launched a variety of programs that
target K-12 students and undergraduate and graduate students in
STEM fields.
(5) The Federal Government spends nearly $3 billion
annually on STEM education related program and activities, but
encouraging STEM education activities beyond the scope of the
Federal Government, including privately sponsored competitions
and programs in our schools, is crucial to the future technical
and economic competitiveness of the United States.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) more effective coordination and adoption of performance
measurement based on objective outcomes for federally supported
STEM programs is needed;
(2) leveraging private and nonprofit investments in STEM
education will be essential to strengthening the Federal STEM
portfolio;
(3) strengthening the Federal STEM portfolio may require
program consolidations and terminations, but such changes
should be based on evidence with stakeholder input;
(4) coordinating STEM programs and activities across the
Federal Government in order to limit duplication and engage
stakeholders in STEM programs and related activities for which
objective outcomes can be measured will bolster results of
Federal STEM education programs, improve the return on
taxpayers' investments in STEM education programs, and in turn
strengthen the United States economy; and
(5) as the Committee on STEM Education implements the 5-
year Strategic Plan for Federal STEM education required under
section 101(b)(5) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621(b)(5)), STEM education stakeholders
must be engaged and outcome-based evaluation metrics should be
considered in the coordination and consolidation efforts for
the Federal STEM portfolio.
SEC. 202. STEM EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL.
(a) Establishment.--The President shall establish or designate a
STEM Education Advisory Panel that incorporates key stakeholders from
the education and industry sectors. The co-chairs shall be members of
the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
(b) Qualifications.--The Advisory Panel established or designated
by the President under subsection (a) shall consist primarily of
members from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and
industry and shall include in-school, out-of-school, and informal
educational practitioners. Members of the Advisory Panel shall be
qualified to provide advice and information on STEM education research,
development, training, implementation, interventions, professional
development, or workforce needs or concerns. In selecting or
designating an Advisory Panel, the President may also seek and give
consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, the
scientific community (including the National Academy of Sciences,
scientific professional societies, and academia), State and local
governments, and other appropriate organizations. The Advisory Panel
shall consist of 15 members, with 3 members appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and 2 members appointed by the Majority
Leader of the Senate.
(c) Duties.--The Advisory Panel shall advise the President, the
Committee on STEM Education, and the STEM Education Coordinating Office
established under section 204 on matters relating to STEM education,
and shall each year provide general guidance to every Federal agency
with STEM education programs or activities, including in the
preparation of requests for appropriations for activities related to
STEM education. The Advisory Panel shall also assess and develop
recommendations for--
(1) progress made in implementing the STEM education
Strategic Plan required under section 101 of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621), and any
needs or opportunities to update the strategic plan;
(2) the management, coordination, and implementation of
STEM education programs and activities across the Federal
Government;
(3) the appropriateness of criteria used by Federal
agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of Federal STEM
education programs and activities;
(4) ways to leverage private and nonprofit STEM investments
and encourage public-private partnerships to strengthen STEM
education and help build the STEM workforce pipeline;
(5) ways to incorporate workforce needs into Federal STEM
education programs, particularly for specific fields of
national interest and areas experiencing high unemployment
rates;
(6) ways to better vertically and horizontally integrate
Federal STEM programs and activities from pre-K through
graduate study and the workforce, and from in-school to out-of-
school in order to improve transitions for students moving
through the STEM pipeline;
(7) whether societal and workforce concerns are adequately
addressed by current Federal STEM education programs and
activities;
(8) the extent to which Federal STEM education programs and
activities are contributing to recruitment and retention of
women and underrepresented students in the STEM education and
workforce pipeline; and
(9) ways to encourage geographic diversity in STEM
education and the workforce pipeline.
(d) Reports.--The Advisory Panel shall report, not less frequently
than once every 3 fiscal years, to the President and Congress on its
assessments under subsection (c) and its recommendations for ways to
improve Federal STEM education programs. The first report under this
subsection shall be submitted within 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(e) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal members of
the Advisory Panel, while attending meetings of the Advisory Panel or
while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the Advisory
Panel away from their homes or regular places of business, may be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as
authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for
individuals in the Government serving without pay. Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the Advisory Panel
who are officers or employees of the United States from being allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with existing law.
SEC. 203. COMMITTEE ON STEM EDUCATION.
Section 101 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42
U.S.C. 6621) is amended--
(1) in the first subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as
paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
new paragraphs:
``(3) collaborate with the STEM Education Advisory Panel
established under section 202 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015 and other outside stakeholders to
ensure the engagement of the STEM education community;
``(4) review evaluation measures used for Federal STEM
education programs;''; and
(C) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking ``,
periodically update,''; and
(2) in the second subsection (b) and in subsection (c), by
striking ``subsection (b)(5)'' and inserting ``subsection
(b)(7)''.
SEC. 204. STEM EDUCATION COORDINATING OFFICE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall establish within the Directorate for Education and Human
Resources a STEM Education Coordinating Office, which shall have a
Director and staff that shall include career employees detailed from
Federal agencies that fund STEM education programs and activities.
(b) Responsibilities.--The STEM Education Coordinating Office
shall--
(1) provide technical and administrative support to--
(A) the Committee on STEM Education, especially in
its coordination of Federal STEM programs and strategic
planning responsibilities;
(B) the Advisory Panel established under section
202; and
(C) Federal agencies with STEM education programs;
(2) periodically update and maintain the inventory of
federally sponsored STEM education programs and activities
established under section 101(b)(8) of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621); and
(3) provide for dissemination of information on Federal
STEM education programs and activities, as appropriate, to
stakeholders in academia, industry, nonprofit organizations
with expertise in STEM education, State and local educational
agencies, and other STEM stakeholders.
(c) Report.--The Director of the STEM Education Coordinating Office
shall transmit a report annually to Congress not later than 60 days
after the submission of the President's budget request. The annual
report shall include--
(1) any updates to the inventory required under subsection
(b)(2);
(2) a description of all consolidations and terminations of
Federal STEM education programs implemented in the previous
fiscal year, including an explanation of the reasons for
consolidations and terminations;
(3) recommendations for consolidations and terminations of
STEM education programs or activities in the upcoming fiscal
year;
(4) a description of any significant new STEM Education
public-private partnerships; and
(5) description of the progress made in carrying out the
strategic plan required under section 101 of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621),
including a description of the outcome of any program
assessments completed in the previous year.
(d) Responsibilities of NSF.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall encourage and monitor the efforts of the STEM
Education Coordinating Office to ensure that the Coordinating Office is
carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (b) appropriately.
TITLE III--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated for the Office of Science
and Technology Policy--
(1) $4,550,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
(2) $4,550,000 for fiscal year 2017.
SEC. 302. REGULATORY EFFICIENCY.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) high and increasing administrative burdens and costs in
Federal research administration, particularly in the higher
education sector where most federally sponsored research is
performed, are eroding funds available to carry out basic
scientific research;
(2) progress has been made over the last decade in
streamlining the pre-award grant application process through
Grants.gov, the Federal Government's website portal;
(3) post-award administrative costs have grown as Federal
research agencies have continued to impose agency-unique
compliance and reporting requirements on researchers and
research institutions;
(4) facilities and administration costs at research
universities can exceed 50 percent of the total value of
Federal research grants, and it is estimated that nearly 30
percent of the funds invested annually in federally funded
research is consumed by paperwork and other administrative
processes required by Federal agencies; and
(5) it is a matter of critical importance to American
competitiveness that administrative costs of federally funded
research be streamlined so that a higher proportion of taxpayer
dollars flow into direct research activities.
(b) In General.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish a working group under the authority
of the National Science and Technology Council, to include the Office
of Management and Budget. The working group shall be responsible for
reviewing Federal regulations affecting research and research
universities and making recommendations on how to--
(1) harmonize, streamline, and eliminate duplicative
Federal regulations and reporting requirements;
(2) minimize the regulatory burden on United States
institutions of higher education performing federally funded
research while maintaining accountability for Federal tax
dollars; and
(3) identify and update specific regulations to refocus on
performance-based goals rather than on process while still
meeting the desired outcome.
(c) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out the responsibilities under
subsection (b), the working group shall take into account input and
recommendations from non-Federal stakeholders, including federally
funded and nonfederally funded researchers, institutions of higher
education, scientific disciplinary societies and associations,
nonprofit research institutions, industry, including small businesses,
federally funded research and development centers, and others with a
stake in ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability in the
performance of scientific research.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Director shall
report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate on what steps have been taken to carry out
the recommendations of the working group established under subsection
(b).
SEC. 303. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish a body under the National Science and
Technology Council with the responsibility to identify and coordinate
international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen
the United States science and technology enterprise, improve economic
and national security, and support United States foreign policy goals.
(b) NSTC Body Leadership.--The body established under subsection
(a) shall be co-chaired by senior level officials from the Office of
Science and Technology Policy and the Department of State.
(c) Responsibilities.--The body established under subsection (a)
shall--
(1) plan and coordinate interagency international science
and technology cooperative research and training activities and
partnerships supported or managed by Federal agencies and work
with other National Science and Technology Council committees
to help plan and coordinate the international component of
national science and technology priorities;
(2) establish Federal priorities and policies for aligning,
as appropriate, international science and technology
cooperative research and training activities and partnerships
supported or managed by Federal agencies with the foreign
policy goals of the United States;
(3) identify opportunities for new international science
and technology cooperative research and training partnerships
that advance both the science and technology and the foreign
policy priorities of the United States;
(4) in carrying out paragraph (3), solicit input and
recommendations from non-Federal science and technology
stakeholders, including universities, scientific and
professional societies, industry, and relevant organizations
and institutions; and
(5) identify broad issues that influence the ability of
United States scientists and engineers to collaborate with
foreign counterparts, including barriers to collaboration and
access to scientific information.
(d) Report to Congress.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall transmit a report, to be updated every 2 years,
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate. The report shall also be made available to the
public on the reporting agency's website. The report shall contain a
description of--
(1) the priorities and policies established under
subsection (c)(2);
(2) the ongoing and new partnerships established since the
last update to the report;
(3) the means by which stakeholder input was received, as
well as summary views of stakeholder input; and
(4) the issues influencing the ability of United States
scientists and engineers to collaborate with foreign
counterparts.
(e) Additional Reports to Congress.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall transmit, not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate, a report that lists and describes all foreign
travel by Office of Science and Technology Policy staff and detailees.
Each report shall specify the dates of each trip, the purpose of the
trip, Office of Science and Technology Policy participants on the trip,
total Office of Science and Technology Policy costs associated with the
trip, and details of all international meetings, including meeting
participants and topics addressed.
SEC. 304. ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH FUNDING MODELS.
(a) Pilot Program Authority.--The heads of Federal science
agencies, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy, shall conduct appropriate pilot programs to
validate alternative research funding models, including--
(1) scientific breakthrough prize programs that are of
strategic importance to the Nation and have the capacity to
spur new economic growth; and
(2) novel mechanisms of funding including obtaining non-
Federal funds through crowd source funding.
(b) Non-Federal Partners.--A pilot program may be conducted under
this section through an agreement, grant, or contractual relationship
with a non-Federal entity regarding the design, administration, and
funding of the program.
(c) Prize Competition Judges.--
(1) Requirements.--Judges for a prize competition carried
out under this section shall not be required to be Federal
employees. An individual who serves as a judge for a prize
competition carried out under this section who is not a Federal
employee shall be required to sign an agreement, developed by
the Office of Science and Technology Policy, with respect to
nondisclosure, conflict of interest, and judging code of
conduct requirements.
(2) Disclosure of personal financial interests.--A judge
for a prize competition with a total purse of $10,000 or more,
or for an aggregate of prize competitions with a total purse of
$50,000 or more, shall be required to disclose all personal
financial interests.
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 30 days after the
Office of Science and Technology Policy completes development
of an agreement under paragraph (1), it shall transmit a report
to Congress describing the requirements of such agreement.
(d) Public Notice.--The heads of Federal science agencies shall
widely advertise prize competitions to be conducted under this section
to ensure maximum participation.
(e) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``Federal
science agency'' means--
(1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(2) the National Science Foundation;
(3) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and
(4) the National Weather Service.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter as part of the annual
budget submission to Congress, the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall transmit to the Congress a report on
programs identified and conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 305. AMENDMENTS TO PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
Section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``competition'' after ``section, a
prize'';
(B) by inserting ``types'' after ``following''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prizes'' and
inserting ``prize competitions'';
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``in the Federal Register'' and
inserting ``on a publicly accessible Government
website, such as www.challenge.gov,''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prize'' and
inserting ``cash prize purse'';
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``prize'' and inserting
``cash prize purse'';
(4) in subsection (h), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'' both places it appears;
(5) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``prize''
before ``competition'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``prize''
before ``competition'' both places it appears;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
new paragraph:
``(3) Waiver.--An agency may waive the requirement under
paragraph (2). The annual report under subsection (p) shall
include a list of such waivers granted during the preceding
fiscal year, along with a detailed explanation of the reasons
for granting the waivers.'';
(6) in subsection (k)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``prize''
before ``competition''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competitions'' both places it appears;
(7) in subsection (l), by striking all after ``may enter
into'' and inserting ``a grant, contract, cooperative
agreement, or other agreement with a private sector for-profit
or nonprofit entity to administer the prize competition,
subject to the provisions of this section.'';
(8) in subsection (m)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--Support for a prize competition under
this section, including financial support for the design and
administration of a prize competition or funds for a cash prize
purse, may consist of Federal appropriated funds and funds
provided by private sector for-profit and nonprofit entities.
The head of an agency may accept funds from other Federal
agencies, private sector for-profit entities, and nonprofit
entities, to be available to the extent provided by
appropriations Acts, to support such prize competitions. The
head of an agency may not give any special consideration to any
private sector for-profit or nonprofit entity in return for a
donation.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``prize awards''
and inserting ``cash prize purses'';
(C) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(i) by striking ``No prize'' and inserting
``No prize competition''; and
(ii) by striking ``the prize'' and
inserting ``the cash prize purse'';
(D) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``a prize''
and inserting ``a cash prize purse'';
(E) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by inserting
``competition'' after ``prize'';
(F) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``a prize''
and inserting ``a cash prize purse''; and
(G) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``cash
prizes'' and inserting ``cash prize purses'';
(9) in subsection (n), by inserting ``for both for-profit
and nonprofit entities,'' after ``contract vehicle'';
(10) in subsection (o)(1), by striking ``or providing a
prize'' and insert ``a prize competition or providing a cash
prize purse''; and
(11) in subsection (p)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``cash
prizes'' both places it occurs and inserting ``cash
prize purses''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) Plan.--A description of crosscutting topical
areas and agency-specific mission needs that may be the
strongest opportunities for prize competitions during
the upcoming 2 fiscal years.''.
SEC. 306. UNITED STATES CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.
Title II of the National Science and Technology Policy,
Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6611 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``united states chief technology officer
``Sec. 210. (a) Appointment.--The President may appoint a United
States Chief Technology Officer. Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, such
officer shall be one of the Associate Directors of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy.
``(b) Duties.--The duties of the United States Chief Technology
Officer should include--
``(1) advising the President and the Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy on Federal information
systems, technology, data, and innovation policies and
initiatives;
``(2) promoting an improved exchange of information among
the Federal Government, the public, and Congress;
``(3) promoting the use of innovative technological
approaches across the Federal Government to ensure a modern
information technology infrastructure;
``(4) working with the Chief Technology Officers and Chief
Information Officers of all Federal agencies to ensure the use
of best technologies and security practices for information
systems;
``(5) establishing a working group with such Officers to
exchange best practices about information systems;
``(6) promoting transparency and accountability across the
Federal Government for all technological implementation by
working with agencies to ensure that each arm of the Federal
Government, including the executive branch, makes its records
open and accessible;
``(7) promoting security and privacy protection policies
for all Federal information technology systems that are
consistent with Federal law, regulations, and current best
practices;
``(8) promoting technological interoperability of key
Government functions;
``(9) in consultation with the Office of Management and
Budget, providing an annual report to the President, the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and
Congress on the current state of information systems of all
Federal agencies, including--
``(A) the status of information systems, including
potential technology and security concerns about these
information systems in all Federal agencies;
``(B) a review of all Federal websites with third-
party embedded tools that--
``(i) identifies each embedded tool, who it
belongs to, and the data it collects; and
``(ii) addresses effects on cybersecurity
and consumer privacy, including whether each
website provides prominent notice to consumers
about the presence of the tool and whether the
consumer may opt-out of the tool;
``(C) the amount of money being spent on various
technologies; and
``(D) technology recommendations and best
practices; and
``(10) such other functions and activities as the President
and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy may
assign.
``(c) Report.--In the absence of a United States Chief Technology
Officer, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
shall be responsible for providing the report required under subsection
(b)(9).''.
SEC. 307. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY FOR EMERGENCY
NOTIFICATIONS ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall enter into an arrangement with the National Research
Council to conduct and complete a study to identify and review
technologies employed at institutions of higher education to provide
notifications to students, faculty, and other personnel during
emergency situations in accordance with the requirements of existing
law. The study shall address--
(1) the timeliness of notifications during emergency
situations provided by various technologies;
(2) the durability of such technologies in delivering such
notifications to students, faculty, and other personnel; and
(3) the limitations exhibited by such technologies to
successfully deliver notifications not more than 30 seconds
after the institution of higher education transmits such
notifications.
(b) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the National Research Council enters into the arrangement required by
subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under
such subsection.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2016.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce $938,700,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal year 2016.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $744,700,000 shall be for scientific and
technical research and services laboratory activities;
(B) $59,000,000 shall be for the construction and
maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $135,000,000 shall be for industrial technology
services activities, of which $130,000,000 shall be for
the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program under
sections 25 and 26 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278I)
and $5,000,000 shall be for the Network for
Manufacturing Innovation Program under section 34 of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278s).
(b) Fiscal Year 2017.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce $938,700,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal year 2017.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $744,700,000 shall be for scientific and
technical research and services laboratory activities;
(B) $59,000,000 shall be for the construction and
maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $135,000,000 shall be for industrial technology
services activities, of which $130,000,000 shall be for
the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program under
sections 25 and 26 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278I)
and $5,000,000 shall be for the Network for
Manufacturing Innovation Program under section 34 of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278s).
SEC. 402. STANDARDS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT.
Section 2 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 272) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``authorized to take'' and inserting
``authorized to serve as the President's principal
adviser on standards policy pertaining to the Nation's
technological competitiveness and innovation ability
and to take'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``compare
standards'' and all that follows through ``Federal
Government'' and inserting ``facilitate standards-
related information sharing and cooperation between
Federal agencies''; and
(C) in paragraph (13), by striking ``Federal,
State, and local'' and all that follows through
``private sector'' and inserting ``technical standards
activities and conformity assessment activities of
Federal, State, and local governments with private
sector''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (22), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (23) as paragraph
(25); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (22) the
following:
``(23) participate in and support scientific and technical
conferences;
``(24) perform pre-competitive measurement science and
technology research in partnership with institutions of higher
education and industry to promote United States industrial
competitiveness; and''.
SEC. 403. VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.
Section 10 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``15 members'' and inserting ``not
fewer than 11 members'';
(B) by striking ``at least 10'' and inserting ``at
least two-thirds''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following: ``The
Committee may consult with the National Research
Council in making recommendations regarding general
policy for the Institute.''; and
(2) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``, including the
Program established under section 28,''.
SEC. 404. POLICE AND SECURITY AUTHORITY.
Section 15 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278e) is amended--
(1) by striking ``of the Government; and'' and inserting
``of the Government;''; and
(2) by striking ``United States Code.'' and inserting
``United States Code; and (i) the protection of Institute
buildings and other plant facilities, equipment, and property,
and of employees, associates, visitors, or other persons
located therein or associated therewith, notwithstanding any
other provision of law.''.
SEC. 405. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
271 et seq.) is amended by striking sections 18, 19, and 19A and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 18. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
``(a) In General.--The Director may support, promote, and
coordinate activities and efforts to enhance public awareness and
understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and technology by the
general public, industry, government, and academia in support of the
Institute's mission.
``(b) Research Fellowships.--
``(1) In general.--The Director may award research
fellowships and other forms of financial and logistical
assistance, including direct stipend awards, to--
``(A) students at institutions of higher education
within the United States who show promise as present or
future contributors to the mission of the Institute;
and
``(B) United States citizens for research and
technical activities of the Institute.
``(2) Selection.--The Director shall select persons to
receive such fellowships and assistance on the basis of ability
and of the relevance of the proposed work to the mission and
programs of the Institute.
``(3) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection,
financial and logistical assistance includes, notwithstanding
section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, or any contrary
provision of law, temporary housing and local transportation to
and from the Institute facilities.
``(c) Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program.--The Director shall
establish and conduct a post-doctoral fellowship program, subject to
the availability of appropriations, that shall include not fewer than
20 fellows per fiscal year. In evaluating applications for fellowships
under this subsection, the Director shall give consideration to the
goal of promoting the participation of underrepresented students in
research areas supported by the Institute.''.
SEC. 406. PROGRAMMATIC PLANNING REPORT.
Section 23(d) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278i(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``The 3-year programmatic planning document shall also describe how the
Director is addressing recommendations from the Visiting Committee on
Advanced Technology established under section 10.''.
SEC. 407. ASSESSMENTS BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.
(a) National Academy of Sciences Review.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology shall enter into a contract with
the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a single, comprehensive
review of the Institute's laboratory programs. The review shall--
(1) assess the technical merits and scientific caliber of
the research conducted at the laboratories;
(2) examine the strengths and weaknesses of the 2010
laboratory reorganization on the Institute's ability to fulfill
its mission;
(3) evaluate how crosscutting research and development
activities are planned, coordinated, and executed across the
laboratories; and
(4) assess how the laboratories are engaging industry,
including the incorporation of industry need, into the research
goals and objectives of the Institute.
(b) Additional Assessments.--Section 24 of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278j) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 24. ASSESSMENTS BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.
``(a) In General.--The Institute shall contract with the National
Research Council to perform and report on assessments of the technical
quality and impact of the work conducted at Institute laboratories.
``(b) Schedule.--Two laboratories shall be assessed under
subsection (a) each year, and each laboratory shall be assessed at
least once every 3 years.
``(c) Summary Report.--Beginning in the year after the first
assessment is conducted under subsection (a), and once every 2 years
thereafter, the Institute shall contract with the National Research
Council to prepare a report that summarizes the findings common across
the individual assessment reports.
``(d) Additional Assessments.--The Institute, at the discretion of
the Director, also may contract with the National Research Council to
conduct additional assessments of Institute programs and projects that
involve collaboration across the Institute laboratories and centers and
assessments of selected scientific and technical topics.
``(e) Consultation With Visiting Committee on Advanced
Technology.--The National Research Council may consult with the
Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology established under section 10
in performing the assessments under this section.
``(f) Reports.--Not later than 30 days after the completion of each
assessment, the Institute shall transmit the report on such assessment
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.''.
SEC. 408. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 25. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, through the Director and,
if appropriate, through other officials, shall provide
assistance for the creation and support of manufacturing
extension centers, to be known as the `Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Centers', for the transfer of manufacturing
technology and best business practices (in this Act referred to
as the `Centers'). The program under this section shall be
known as the `Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership'.
``(2) Affiliations.--Such Centers shall be affiliated with
any United States-based public or nonprofit institution or
organization, or group thereof, that applies for and is awarded
financial assistance under this section.
``(3) Objective.--The objective of the Centers is to
enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological
performance in United States manufacturing through--
``(A) the transfer of manufacturing technology and
techniques developed at the Institute to Centers and,
through them, to manufacturing companies throughout the
United States;
``(B) the participation of individuals from
industry, institutions of higher education, State
governments, other Federal agencies, and, when
appropriate, the Institute in cooperative technology
transfer activities;
``(C) efforts to make new manufacturing technology
and processes usable by United States-based small and
medium-sized companies;
``(D) the active dissemination of scientific,
engineering, technical, and management information
about manufacturing to industrial firms, including
small and medium-sized manufacturing companies;
``(E) the utilization, when appropriate, of the
expertise and capability that exists in Federal
laboratories other than the Institute;
``(F) the provision to community colleges and area
career and technical education schools of information
about the job skills needed in small and medium-sized
manufacturing businesses in the regions they serve; and
``(G) promoting and expanding certification systems
offered through industry, associations, and local
colleges, when appropriate.
``(b) Activities.--The activities of the Centers shall include--
``(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing systems
and other advanced production technologies, based on Institute-
supported research, for the purpose of demonstrations and
technology transfer;
``(2) the active transfer and dissemination of research
findings and Center expertise to a wide range of companies and
enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers;
and
``(3) the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships
between small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and
community colleges and area career and technical education
schools to help such colleges and schools better understand the
specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers
better understand the skill sets that students learn in the
programs offered by such colleges and schools.
``(c) Operations.--
``(1) Financial support.--The Secretary may provide
financial support to any Center created under subsection (a).
The Secretary may not provide to a Center more than 50 percent
of the capital and annual operating and maintenance funds
required to create and maintain such Center.
``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall implement, review,
and update the sections of the Code of Federal Regulations
related to this section at least once every 3 years.
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--Any nonprofit institution, or
consortium thereof, or State or local government, may
submit to the Secretary an application for financial
support under this section, in accordance with the
procedures established by the Secretary.
``(B) Cost sharing.--In order to receive assistance
under this section, an applicant for financial
assistance under subparagraph (A) shall provide
adequate assurances that non-Federal assets obtained
from the applicant and the applicant's partnering
organizations will be used as a funding source to meet
not less than 50 percent of the costs incurred. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the costs incurred
means the costs incurred in connection with the
activities undertaken to improve the competitiveness,
management, productivity, and technological performance
of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
``(C) Agreements with other entities.--In meeting
the 50 percent requirement, it is anticipated that a
Center will enter into agreements with other entities
such as private industry, institutions of higher
education, and State governments to accomplish
programmatic objectives and access new and existing
resources that will further the impact of the Federal
investment made on behalf of small and medium-sized
manufacturing companies.
``(D) Legal rights.--Each applicant under
subparagraph (A) shall also submit a proposal for the
allocation of the legal rights associated with any
invention which may result from the proposed Center's
activities.
``(4) Merit review.--The Secretary shall subject each such
application to merit review. In making a decision whether to
approve such application and provide financial support under
this section, the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the
following:
``(A) The merits of the application, particularly
those portions of the application regarding technology
transfer, training and education, and adaptation of
manufacturing technologies to the needs of particular
industrial sectors.
``(B) The quality of service to be provided.
``(C) Geographical diversity and extent of service
area.
``(D) The percentage of funding and amount of in-
kind commitment from other sources.
``(5) Evaluation.--
``(A) In general.--Each Center that receives
financial assistance under this section shall be
evaluated during its third year of operation by an
evaluation panel appointed by the Secretary.
``(B) Composition.--Each such evaluation panel
shall be composed of private experts, none of whom
shall be connected with the involved Center, and
Federal officials.
``(C) Chair.--An official of the Institute shall
chair the panel.
``(D) Performance measurement.--Each evaluation
panel shall measure the involved Center's performance
against the objectives specified in this section.
``(E) Positive evaluation.--If the evaluation is
positive, the Secretary may provide continued funding
through the sixth year.
``(F) Probation.--The Secretary shall not provide
funding unless the Center has received a positive
evaluation. A Center that has not received a positive
evaluation by the evaluation panel shall be notified by
the panel of the deficiencies in its performance and
shall be placed on probation for 1 year, after which
time the panel shall reevaluate the Center. If the
Center has not addressed the deficiencies identified by
the panel, or shown a significant improvement in its
performance, the Director shall conduct a new
competition to select an operator for the Center or may
close the Center.
``(G) Additional financial support.--After the
sixth year, a Center may receive additional financial
support under this section if it has received a
positive evaluation through an independent review,
under procedures established by the Institute.
``(H) Eight-year review.--A Center shall undergo an
independent review in the eighth year of operation.
Each evaluation panel shall measure the Center's
performance against the objectives specified in this
section. A Center that has not received a positive
evaluation as a result of an independent review shall
be notified by the Program of the deficiencies in its
performance and shall be placed on probation for 1
year, after which time the Program shall reevaluate the
Center. If the Center has not addressed the
deficiencies identified by the review, or shown a
significant improvement in its performance, the
Director shall conduct a new competition to select an
operator for the Center or may close the Center.
``(I) Recompetition.--If a recipient of a Center
award has received financial assistance for 10
consecutive years, the Director shall conduct a new
competition to select an operator for the Center
consistent with the plan required in this Act.
Incumbent Center operators in good standing shall be
eligible to compete for the new award.
``(J) Reports.--
``(i) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Director shall
transmit to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a plan as to how
the Institute will conduct reviews,
assessments, and reapplication competitions
under this paragraph.
``(ii) Independent assessment.--The
Director shall contract with an independent
organization to perform an assessment of the
implementation of the reapplication competition
process under this paragraph within 3 years
after the transmittal of the report under
clause (i). The organization conducting the
assessment under this clause may consult with
the MEP Advisory Board.
``(iii) Comparison of centers.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015,
the Director shall transmit to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
report providing information on the first and
second years of operations for centers
operating from new competitions or
recompetition as compared to longstanding
centers. The report shall provide detail on the
engagement in services provided by Centers and
the characteristics of services provided,
including volume and type of services, so that
the Committees can evaluate whether the cost-
sharing ratio has an effect on the services
provided at Centers.
``(6) Patent rights.--The provisions of chapter 18 of title
35, United States Code, shall apply, to the extent not
inconsistent with this section, to the promotion of technology
from research by Centers under this section except for
contracts for such specific technology extension or transfer
services as may be specified by statute or by the Director.
``(7) Protection of center client confidential
information.--Section 552 of title 5, United States Code, shall
apply to the following information obtained by the Federal
Government on a confidential basis in connection with the
activities of any participant involved in the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership:
``(A) Information on the business operation of any
participant in a Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership program or of a client of a Center.
``(B) Trade secrets possessed by any client of a
Center.
``(8) Advisory boards.--Each Center's advisory boards shall
institute a conflict of interest policy, approved by the
Director, that ensures the Board represents local small and
medium-sized manufacturers in the Center's region. Board
Members may not serve as a vendor or provide services to the
Center, nor may they serve on more than one Center's oversight
board simultaneously.
``(d) Acceptance of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to such sums as may be
appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Secretary and
Director also may accept funds from other Federal departments
and agencies and, under section 2(c)(7), from the private
sector, to be available to the extent provided by
appropriations Acts, for the purpose of strengthening United
States manufacturing.
``(2) Allocation of funds.--
``(A) Funds accepted from other federal departments
or agencies.--The Director shall determine whether
funds accepted from other Federal departments or
agencies shall be counted in the calculation of the
Federal share of capital and annual operating and
maintenance costs under subsection (c).
``(B) Funds accepted from the private sector.--
Funds accepted from the private sector under section
2(c)(7), if allocated to a Center, may not be
considered in the calculation of the Federal share
under subsection (c) of this section.
``(e) MEP Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board
(in this subsection referred to as the `MEP Advisory Board').
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--The MEP Advisory Board shall
consist of not fewer than 10 members broadly
representative of stakeholders, to be appointed by the
Director. At least two members shall be employed by or
on an advisory board for the Centers, at least one
member shall represent a community college, and at
least five other members shall be from United States
small businesses in the manufacturing sector. No member
shall be an employee of the Federal Government.
``(B) Term.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C)
or (D), the term of office of each member of the MEP
Advisory Board shall be 3 years.
``(C) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a
vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term
for which his predecessor was appointed shall be
appointed for the remainder of such term.
``(D) Serving consecutive terms.--Any person who
has completed two consecutive full terms of service on
the MEP Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible
for appointment during the 1-year period following the
expiration of the second such term.
``(3) Meetings.--The MEP Advisory Board shall meet not less
than two times annually and shall provide to the Director--
``(A) advice on Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership programs, plans, and policies;
``(B) assessments of the soundness of Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership plans and
strategies; and
``(C) assessments of current performance against
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program
plans.
``(4) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--
``(A) In general.--In discharging its duties under
this subsection, the MEP Advisory Board shall function
solely in an advisory capacity, in accordance with the
Federal Advisory Committee Act.
``(B) Exception.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the MEP
Advisory Board.
``(5) Report.--The MEP Advisory Board shall transmit an
annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress
within 30 days after the submission to Congress of the
President's annual budget request in each year. Such report
shall address the status of the program established pursuant to
this section and comment on the relevant sections of the
programmatic planning document and updates thereto transmitted
to Congress by the Director under subsections (c) and (d) of
section 23.
``(f) Competitive Grant Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish, within
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, under this
section and section 26, a program of competitive awards among
participants described in paragraph (2) for the purposes
described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Participants.--Participants receiving awards under
this subsection shall be the Centers, or a consortium of such
Centers.
``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this
subsection is to add capabilities to the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership, including the development of projects to
solve new or emerging manufacturing problems as determined by
the Director, in consultation with the Director of the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, the MEP Advisory
Board, and small and medium-sized manufacturers. One or more
themes for the competition may be identified, which may vary
from year to year, depending on the needs of manufacturers and
the success of previous competitions. Centers may be reimbursed
for costs incurred under the program.
``(4) Applications.--Applications for awards under this
subsection shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, and
containing such information as the Director shall require, in
consultation with the MEP Advisory Board.
``(5) Selection.--Awards under this subsection shall be
peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The Director shall
endeavor to have broad geographic diversity among selected
proposals. The Director shall select proposals to receive
awards that will--
``(A) improve the competitiveness of industries in
the region in which the Center or Centers are located;
``(B) create jobs or train newly hired employees;
and
``(C) promote the transfer and commercialization of
research and technology from institutions of higher
education, national laboratories, and nonprofit
research institutes.
``(6) Program contribution.--Recipients of awards under
this subsection shall not be required to provide a matching
contribution.
``(7) Global marketplace projects.--In making awards under
this subsection, the Director, in consultation with the MEP
Advisory Board and the Secretary, may take into consideration
whether an application has significant potential for enhancing
the competitiveness of small and medium-sized United States
manufacturers in the global marketplace.
``(8) Duration.--Awards under this subsection shall last no
longer than 3 years.
``(g) Evaluation of Obstacles Unique to Small Manufacturers.--The
Director shall--
``(1) evaluate obstacles that are unique to small
manufacturers that prevent such manufacturers from effectively
competing in the global market;
``(2) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers
to address such obstacles; and
``(3) facilitate improved communication between the Centers
to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate,
targeted solutions to such obstacles.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `area career and technical education school'
has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006
(20 U.S.C. 2302); and
``(2) the term `community college' means an institution of
higher education (as defined under section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) at which the highest
degree that is predominately awarded to students is an
associate's degree.''.
SEC. 409. ELIMINATION OF OBSOLETE REPORTS.
Section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278n) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (g); and
(2) in subsection (k)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end;
(B) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``; and'' at
the end and inserting a period; and
(C) by striking paragraph (5).
SEC. 410. MODIFICATIONS TO GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
Section 8(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3706(a)) is amended by striking ``The total amount of
any such grant or cooperative agreement may not exceed 75 percent of
the total cost of the program.''.
SEC. 411. INFORMATION SYSTEMS STANDARDS CONSULTATION.
Section 20(c)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``the
National Security Agency,''.
SEC. 412. UNITED STATES-ISRAELI COOPERATION.
It is the Sense of Congress that--
(1) partnerships that facilitate basic scientific research
between the United States and Israel advance technology
development, innovation, and commercialization leading to
growth in various sectors, including manufacturing, and
creating benefits for both nations;
(2) joint research and development agreements carried out
through government organizations like the National Institute of
Standards and Technology support these efforts;
(3) partnerships between the United States and Israel that
further the basic scientific enterprise should be encouraged;
and
(4) the National Institute of Standards and Technology
should continue to facilitate scientific collaborations between
Israel and United States' technical agencies working in
measurement science and standardization.
TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE
SEC. 501. MISSION.
Section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C.
7139) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Mission.--The mission of the Office of Science shall be the
delivery of scientific discoveries, capabilities, and major scientific
tools to transform the understanding of nature and to advance the
energy, economic, and national security of the United States. In
support of this mission, the Director shall carry out programs on basic
energy sciences, advanced scientific computing research, high energy
physics, biological and environmental research, fusion energy sciences,
and nuclear physics, including as provided under subtitle A of title V
of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, through activities
focused on--
``(1) fundamental scientific discoveries through the study
of matter and energy;
``(2) science in the national interest, including--
``(A) advancing an agenda for American energy
security through research on energy production,
storage, transmission, efficiency, and use; and
``(B) advancing our understanding of the Earth's
climate through research in atmospheric and
environmental sciences; and
``(3) National Scientific User Facilities to deliver the
21st century tools of science, engineering, and technology and
provide the Nation's researchers with the most advanced tools
of modern science including accelerators, colliders,
supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, and
facilities for studying materials science.
``(d) Coordination With Other Department of Energy Programs.--The
Under Secretary for Science and Energy shall ensure the coordination of
Office of Science activities and programs with other activities of the
Department.''.
SEC. 502. BASIC ENERGY SCIENCES.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a program in basic
energy sciences, including materials sciences and engineering, chemical
sciences, physical biosciences, and geosciences, for the purpose of
providing the scientific foundations for new energy technologies.
(b) Mission.--The mission of the program described in subsection
(a) shall be to support fundamental research to understand, predict,
and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and
molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy
technologies and to support Department missions in energy, environment,
and national security.
(c) Basic Energy Sciences User Facilities.--The Director shall
carry out a subprogram for the development, construction, operation,
and maintenance of national user facilities to support the program
under this section. As practicable, these facilities shall serve the
needs of the Department, industry, the academic community, and other
relevant entities to create and examine new materials and chemical
processes for the purposes of advancing new energy technologies and
improving the competitiveness of the United States. These facilities
shall include--
(1) x-ray light sources;
(2) neutron sources;
(3) nanoscale science research centers; and
(4) other facilities the Director considers appropriate,
consistent with section 209 of the Department of Energy
Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7139).
(d) Light Source Leadership Initiative.--
(1) Establishment.--In support of the subprogram authorized
in subsection (c), the Director shall establish an initiative
to sustain and advance global leadership of light source user
facilities.
(2) Leadership strategy.--Not later than 9 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the
Director shall prepare, in consultation with relevant
stakeholders, and submit to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a light
source leadership strategy that--
(A) identifies, prioritizes, and describes plans
for the development, construction, and operation of
light sources over the next decade;
(B) describes plans for optimizing management and
use of existing light source facilities; and
(C) assesses the international outlook for light
source user facilities and describes plans for United
States cooperation in such projects.
(3) Advisory committee feedback and recommendations.--Not
later than 45 days after submission of the strategy described
in paragraph (2), the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee
shall provide the Director, the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a
report of the Advisory Committee's analyses, findings, and
recommendations for improving the strategy, including a review
of the most recent budget request for the initiative.
(4) Proposed budget.--The Director shall transmit annually
to Congress a proposed budget corresponding to the activities
identified in the strategy.
(e) Accelerator Research and Development.--The Director shall carry
out research and development on advanced accelerator and storage ring
technologies relevant to the development of Basic Energy Sciences user
facilities, in consultation with the Office of Science's High Energy
Physics and Nuclear Physics programs.
(f) Energy Frontier Research Centers.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a program to
provide awards, on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to
multi-institutional collaborations or other appropriate
entities to conduct fundamental and use-inspired energy
research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
(2) Collaborations.--A collaboration receiving an award
under this subsection may include multiple types of
institutions and private sector entities.
(3) Selection and duration.--
(A) In general.--A collaboration under this
subsection shall be selected for a period of 5 years.
An Energy Frontier Research Center already in existence
and supported by the Director on the date of enactment
of this Act may continue to receive support for a
period of 5 years beginning on the date of
establishment of that center.
(B) Reapplication.--After the end of the period
described in subparagraph (A), an awardee may reapply
for selection for a second period of 5 years on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(C) Termination.--Consistent with the existing
authorities of the Department, the Director may
terminate an underperforming center for cause during
the performance period.
(4) No funding for construction.--No funding provided
pursuant to this subsection may be used for the construction of
new buildings or facilities.
SEC. 503. ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING RESEARCH.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a research, development,
and demonstration program to advance computational and networking
capabilities to analyze, model, simulate, and predict complex phenomena
relevant to the development of new energy technologies and the
competitiveness of the United States.
(b) Facilities.--The Director, as part of the program described in
subsection (a), shall develop and maintain world-class computing and
network facilities for science and deliver critical research in applied
mathematics, computer science, and advanced networking to support the
Department's missions.
(c) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Department of Energy High-End
Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 5541) is amended by
striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following:
``(1) Co-design.--The term `co-design' means the joint
development of application algorithms, models, and codes with
computer technology architectures and operating systems to
maximize effective use of high-end computing systems.
``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Energy.
``(3) Exascale.--The term `exascale' means computing system
performance at or near 10 to the 18th power floating point
operations per second.
``(4) High-end computing system.--The term `high-end
computing system' means a computing system with performance
that substantially exceeds that of systems that are commonly
available for advanced scientific and engineering applications.
``(5) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
15801).
``(6) Leadership system.--The term `leadership system'
means a high-end computing system that is among the most
advanced in the world in terms of performance in solving
scientific and engineering problems.
``(7) National laboratory.--The term `National Laboratory'
means any one of the seventeen laboratories owned by the
Department.
``(8) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Energy.
``(9) Software technology.--The term `software technology'
includes optimal algorithms, programming environments, tools,
languages, and operating systems for high-end computing
systems.''.
(d) Department of Energy High-End Computing Research and
Development Program.--Section 3 of the Department of Energy High-End
Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 5542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``program'' and
inserting ``coordinated program across the
Department'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(1);
(C) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(2) and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) partner with universities, National Laboratories, and
industry to ensure the broadest possible application of the
technology developed in this program to other challenges in
science, engineering, medicine, and industry.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``vector'' and all
that follows through ``architectures'' and inserting ``computer
technologies that show promise of substantial reductions in
power requirements and substantial gains in parallelism of
multicore processors, concurrency, memory and storage,
bandwidth, and reliability''; and
(3) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Exascale Computing Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a
coordinated research program to develop exascale computing
systems to advance the missions of the Department.
``(2) Execution.--The Secretary shall, through competitive
merit review, establish two or more National Laboratory-
industry-university partnerships to conduct integrated
research, development, and engineering of multiple exascale
architectures, and--
``(A) conduct mission-related co-design activities
in developing such exascale platforms;
``(B) develop those advancements in hardware and
software technology required to fully realize the
potential of an exascale production system in
addressing Department target applications and solving
scientific problems involving predictive modeling and
simulation and large-scale data analytics and
management; and
``(C) explore the use of exascale computing
technologies to advance a broad range of science and
engineering.
``(3) Administration.--In carrying out this program, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) provide, on a competitive, merit-reviewed
basis, access for researchers in United States
industry, institutions of higher education, National
Laboratories, and other Federal agencies to these
exascale systems, as appropriate; and
``(B) conduct outreach programs to increase the
readiness for the use of such platforms by domestic
industries, including manufacturers.
``(4) Reports.--
``(A) Integrated strategy and program management
plan.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress, not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, a report
outlining an integrated strategy and program management
plan, including target dates for prototypical and
production exascale platforms, interim milestones to
reaching these targets, functional requirements, roles
and responsibilities of National Laboratories and
industry, acquisition strategy, and estimated resources
required, to achieve this exascale system capability.
The report shall include the Secretary's plan for
Departmental organization to manage and execute the
Exascale Computing Program, including definition of the
roles and responsibilities within the Department to
ensure an integrated program across the Department. The
report shall also include a plan for ensuring balance
and prioritizing across ASCR subprograms in a flat or
slow-growth budget environment.
``(B) Status reports.--At the time of the budget
submission of the Department for each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that
describes the status of milestones and costs in
achieving the objectives of the exascale computing
program.
``(C) Exascale merit report.--At least 18 months
prior to the initiation of construction or installation
of any exascale-class computing facility, the Secretary
shall transmit a plan to the Congress detailing--
``(i) the proposed facility's cost
projections and capabilities to significantly
accelerate the development of new energy
technologies;
``(ii) technical risks and challenges that
must be overcome to achieve successful
completion and operation of the facility; and
``(iii) an independent assessment of the
scientific and technological advances expected
from such a facility relative to those expected
from a comparable investment in expanded
research and applications at terascale-class
and petascale-class computing facilities,
including an evaluation of where investments
should be made in the system software and
algorithms to enable these advances.''.
SEC. 504. HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a research program on
the fundamental constituents of matter and energy and the nature of
space and time.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the Director should incorporate the findings and
recommendations of the Particle Physics Project Prioritization
Panel's report entitled ``Building for Discovery: Strategic
Plan for U.S. Particle Physics in the Global Context'', into
the Department's planning process as part of the program
described in subsection (a);
(2) the Director should prioritize domestically hosted
research projects that will maintain the United States position
as a global leader in particle physics and attract the world's
most talented physicists and foreign investment for
international collaboration; and
(3) the nations that lead in particle physics by hosting
international teams dedicated to a common scientific goal
attract the world's best talent and inspire future generations
of physicists and technologists.
(c) Neutrino Research.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall carry out research activities on
rare decay processes and the nature of the neutrino, which may include
collaborations with the National Science Foundation or international
collaborations.
(d) Dark Energy and Dark Matter Research.--As part of the program
described in subsection (a), the Director shall carry out research
activities on the nature of dark energy and dark matter, which may
include collaborations with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration or the National Science Foundation, or international
collaborations.
(e) Accelerator Research and Development.--The Director shall carry
out research and development in advanced accelerator concepts and
technologies, including laser technologies, to reduce the necessary
scope and cost for the next generation of particle accelerators. The
Director shall ensure access to national laboratory accelerator
facilities, infrastructure, and technology for users and developers of
accelerators that advance applications in energy and the environment,
medicine, industry, national security, and discovery science.
(f) International Collaboration.--The Director, as practicable and
in coordination with other appropriate Federal agencies as necessary,
shall ensure the access of United States researchers to the most
advanced accelerator facilities and research capabilities in the world,
including the Large Hadron Collider.
SEC. 505. BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a program of research,
development, and demonstration in the areas of biological systems
science and climate and environmental science to support the energy and
environmental missions of the Department.
(b) Priority Research.--In carrying out this section, the Director
shall prioritize fundamental research on biological systems and
genomics science with the greatest potential to enable scientific
discovery.
(c) Assessment.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to
Congress identifying climate science-related initiatives under this
section that overlap or duplicate initiatives of other Federal agencies
and the extent of such overlap or duplication.
(d) Limitation.--The Director shall not approve new climate
science-related initiatives to be carried out through the Office of
Science without making a determination that such work is unique and not
duplicative of work by other Federal agencies. Not later than 3 months
after receiving the assessment required under subsection (c), the
Director shall cease those climate science-related initiatives
identified in the assessment as overlapping or duplicative, unless the
Director justifies that such work is critical to achieving American
energy security.
(e) Low Dose Radiation Research Program.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Department of Energy
Office of Science shall carry out a research program on low
dose radiation. The purpose of the program is to enhance the
scientific understanding of and reduce uncertainties associated
with the effects of exposure to low dose radiation in order to
inform improved risk management methods.
(2) Study.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an
agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study
assessing the current status and development of a long-term
strategy for low dose radiation research. Such study shall be
completed not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act. The study shall be conducted in coordination with
Federal agencies that perform ionizing radiation effects
research and shall leverage the most current studies in this
field. Such study shall--
(A) identify current scientific challenges for
understanding the long-term effects of ionizing
radiation;
(B) assess the status of current low dose radiation
research in the United States and internationally;
(C) formulate overall scientific goals for the
future of low-dose radiation research in the United
States;
(D) recommend a long-term strategic and prioritized
research agenda to address scientific research goals
for overcoming the identified scientific challenges in
coordination with other research efforts;
(E) define the essential components of a research
program that would address this research agenda within
the universities and the National Laboratories; and
(F) assess the cost-benefit effectiveness of such a
program.
(3) Research plan.--Not later than 90 days after the
completion of the study performed under paragraph (2) the
Secretary of Energy shall deliver to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 5-
year research plan that responds to the study's findings and
recommendations and identifies and prioritizes research needs.
(4) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``low dose
radiation'' means a radiation dose of less than 100
millisieverts.
(5) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to subject any research carried out by the
Director under the research program under this subsection to
any limitations described in section 977(e) of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16317(e)).
SEC. 506. FUSION ENERGY.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a fusion energy sciences
research program to expand the fundamental understanding of plasmas and
matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the
scientific foundation necessary to enable fusion power.
(b) Fusion Materials Research and Development.--As part of the
activities authorized in section 978 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 16318)--
(1) the Director, in coordination with the Assistant
Secretary for Nuclear Energy of the Department, shall carry out
research and development activities to identify, characterize,
and demonstrate materials that can endure the neutron, plasma,
and heat fluxes expected in a fusion power system; and
(2) the Secretary shall--
(A) provide an assessment of the need for a
facility or facilities that can examine and test
potential fusion and next generation fission materials
and other enabling technologies relevant to the
development of fusion power; and
(B) provide an assessment of whether a single new
facility that substantially addresses magnetic fusion
and next generation fission materials research needs is
feasible, in conjunction with the expected capabilities
of facilities operational as of the date of enactment
of this Act.
(c) Tokamak Research and Development.--
(1) In general.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall support research and
development activities and facility operations to optimize the
tokamak approach to fusion energy.
(2) ITER.--
(A) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report providing an assessment of--
(i) the most recent schedule for ITER that
has been approved by the ITER Council; and
(ii) progress of the ITER Council and the
ITER Director General toward implementation of
the recommendations of the Third Biennial
International Organization Management
Assessment Report.
(B) Fairness in competition for solicitations for
international project activities.--Section 33 of the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2053) is amended
by adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of
this section, with respect to international research
projects, the term `private facilities or laboratories'
shall refer to facilities or laboratories located in
the United States.''.
(C) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress
that the United States should support a robust, diverse
fusion program. It is further the sense of Congress
that developing the scientific basis for fusion,
providing research results key to the success of ITER,
and training the next generation of fusion scientists
are of critical importance to the United States and
should in no way be diminished by participation of the
United States in the ITER project.
(d) Inertial Fusion Energy Research and Development Program.--The
Secretary shall carry out a program of research and technology
development in inertial fusion for energy applications, including ion
beam, laser, and pulsed power fusion systems.
(e) Alternative and Enabling Concepts.--
(1) In general.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall support research and
development activities and facility operations at United States
universities, national laboratories, and private facilities for
a portfolio of alternative and enabling fusion energy concepts
that may provide solutions to significant challenges to the
establishment of a commercial magnetic fusion power plant,
prioritized based on the ability of the United States to play a
leadership role in the international fusion research community.
Fusion energy concepts and activities explored under this
paragraph may include--
(A) high magnetic field approaches facilitated by
high temperature superconductors;
(B) advanced stellarator concepts;
(C) non-tokamak confinement configurations
operating at low magnetic fields;
(D) magnetized target fusion energy concepts;
(E) liquid metals to address issues associated with
fusion plasma interactions with the inner wall of the
encasing device;
(F) immersion blankets for heat management and fuel
breeding;
(G) advanced scientific computing activities; and
(H) other promising fusion energy concepts
identified by the Director.
(2) Coordination with arpa-e.--The Under Secretary and the
Director shall coordinate with the Director of the Advanced
Research Projects Agency-Energy (in this paragraph referred to
as ``ARPA-E'') to--
(A) assess the potential for any fusion energy
project supported by ARPA-E to represent a promising
approach to a commercially viable fusion power plant;
(B) determine whether the results of any fusion
energy project supported by ARPA-E merit the support of
follow-on research activities carried out by the Office
of Science; and
(C) avoid unintentional duplication of activities.
(f) General Plasma Science and Applications.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
provide to Congress an assessment of opportunities in which the United
States can provide world-leading contributions to advancing plasma
science and non-fusion energy applications, and identify opportunities
for partnering with other Federal agencies both within and outside of
the Department of Energy.
(g) Identification of Priorities.--
(1) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress
a report on the Department's proposed fusion energy research
and development activities over the following 10 years under at
least 3 realistic budget scenarios, including a scenario based
on 3 percent annual growth in the non-ITER portion of the
budget for fusion energy research and development activities.
The report shall--
(A) identify specific areas of fusion energy
research and enabling technology development in which
the United States can and should establish or solidify
a lead in the global fusion energy development effort;
(B) identify priorities for initiation of facility
construction and facility decommissioning under each of
those scenarios; and
(C) assess the ability of the United States fusion
workforce to carry out the activities identified in
subparagraphs (A) and (B), including the adequacy of
college and university programs to train the leaders
and workers of the next generation of fusion energy
researchers.
(2) Process.--In order to develop the report required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall leverage best practices and
lessons learned from the process used to develop the most
recent report of the Particle Physics Project Prioritization
Panel of the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel. No member of
the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee shall be excluded
from participating in developing or voting on final approval of
the report required under paragraph (1).
SEC. 507. NUCLEAR PHYSICS.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a program of
experimental and theoretical research, and support associated
facilities, to discover, explore, and understand all forms of nuclear
matter.
(b) Isotope Development and Production for Research Applications.--
The Director shall carry out a program for the production of isotopes,
including the development of techniques to produce isotopes, that the
Secretary determines are needed for research, medical, industrial, or
other purposes. In making this determination, the Secretary shall--
(1) ensure that, as has been the policy of the United
States since the publication in 1965 of Federal Register notice
30 Fed. Reg. 3247, isotope production activities do not compete
with private industry unless critical national interests
necessitate the Federal Government's involvement;
(2) ensure that activities undertaken pursuant to this
section, to the extent practicable, promote the growth of a
robust domestic isotope production industry; and
(3) consider any relevant recommendations made by Federal
advisory committees, the National Academies, and interagency
working groups in which the Department participates.
SEC. 508. SCIENCE LABORATORIES INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a program to improve the
safety, efficiency, and mission readiness of infrastructure at Office
of Science laboratories. The program shall include projects to--
(1) renovate or replace space that does not meet research
needs;
(2) replace facilities that are no longer cost effective to
renovate or operate;
(3) modernize utility systems to prevent failures and
ensure efficiency;
(4) remove excess facilities to allow safe and efficient
operations; and
(5) construct modern facilities to conduct advanced
research in controlled environmental conditions.
(b) Approach.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall
utilize all available approaches and mechanisms, including capital line
items, minor construction projects, energy savings performance
contracts, utility energy service contracts, alternative financing, and
expense funding, as appropriate.
SEC. 509. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the current ability of
domestic manufacturers to meet the procurement requirements for major
ongoing projects funded by the Office of Science of the Department,
including a calculation of the percentage of equipment acquired from
domestic manufacturers for this purpose.
SEC. 510. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2016.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary for the Office of Science for fiscal year 2016
$5,339,800,000, of which--
(1) $1,850,000,000 shall be for Basic Energy Science;
(2) $788,000,000 shall be for High Energy Physics;
(3) $550,000,000 shall be for Biological and Environmental
Research;
(4) $624,700,000 shall be for Nuclear Physics;
(5) $621,000,000 shall be for Advanced Scientific Computing
Research;
(6) $488,000,000 shall be for Fusion Energy Sciences;
(7) $113,600,000 shall be for Science Laboratories
Infrastructure;
(8) $181,000,000 shall be for Science Program Direction;
(9) $103,000,000 shall be for Safeguards and Security; and
(10) $20,500,000 shall be for Workforce Development for
Teachers and Scientists.
(b) Fiscal Year 2017.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary for the Office of Science for fiscal year 2017
$5,339,800,000, of which--
(1) $1,850,000,000 shall be for Basic Energy Science;
(2) $788,000,000 shall be for High Energy Physics;
(3) $550,000,000 shall be for Biological and Environmental
Research;
(4) $624,700,000 shall be for Nuclear Physics;
(5) $621,000,000 shall be for Advanced Scientific Computing
Research;
(6) $488,000,000 shall be for Fusion Energy Sciences;
(7) $113,600,000 shall be for Science Laboratories
Infrastructure;
(8) $181,000,000 shall be for Science Program Direction;
(9) $103,000,000 shall be for Safeguards and Security; and
(10) $20,500,000 shall be for Workforce Development for
Teachers and Scientists.
SEC. 511. DEFINITIONS.
In this title--
(1) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy;
(2) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office
of Science of the Department; and
(3) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Crosscutting Research and Development
SEC. 601. CROSSCUTTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Crosscutting Research and Development.--The Secretary shall,
through the Under Secretary for Science and Energy, utilize the
capabilities of the Department to identify strategic opportunities for
collaborative research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application of innovative science and technologies for--
(1) advancing the understanding of the energy-water-land
use nexus;
(2) modernizing the electric grid by improving energy
transmission and distribution systems security and resiliency;
(3) utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide in electric
power generation;
(4) subsurface technology and engineering;
(5) high performance computing;
(6) cybersecurity; and
(7) critical challenges identified through comprehensive
energy studies, evaluations, and reviews.
(b) Crosscutting Approaches.--To the maximum extent practicable,
the Secretary shall seek to leverage existing programs, and consolidate
and coordinate activities, throughout the Department to promote
collaboration and crosscutting approaches within programs.
(c) Additional Actions.--The Secretary shall--
(1) prioritize activities that promote the utilization of
all affordable domestic resources;
(2) develop a rigorous and realistic planning, evaluation,
and technical assessment framework for setting objective, long-
term strategic goals and evaluating progress that ensures the
integrity and independence to insulate planning from political
influence and the flexibility to adapt to market dynamics;
(3) ensure that activities shall be undertaken in a manner
that does not duplicate other activities within the Department
or other Federal Government activities; and
(4) identify programs that may be more effectively left to
the States, industry, nongovernmental organizations,
institutions of higher education, or other stakeholders.
SEC. 602. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AND COORDINATION PLAN.
Section 994 of Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16358) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 994. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS AND COORDINATION
PLAN.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall periodically review all of
the science and technology activities of the Department in a strategic
framework that takes into account the frontiers of science to which the
Department can contribute, the national needs relevant to the
Department's statutory missions, and global energy dynamics.
``(b) Coordination Analysis and Plan.--As part of the review under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop a plan to improve
coordination and collaboration in research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application activities across Department organizational
boundaries.
``(c) Plan Contents.--The plan shall describe--
``(1) crosscutting scientific and technical issues and
research questions that span more than one program or major
office of the Department;
``(2) how the applied technology programs of the Department
are coordinating their activities, and addressing those
questions;
``(3) ways in which the technical interchange within the
Department, particularly between the Office of Science and the
applied technology programs, can be enhanced, including limited
ways in which the research agendas of the Office of Science and
the applied programs can better interact and assist each other;
``(4) a description of how the Secretary will ensure that
the Department's overall research agenda include, in addition
to fundamental, curiosity-driven research, fundamental research
related to topics of concern to the applied programs, and
applications in Departmental technology programs of research
results generated by fundamental, curiosity-driven research;
``(5) critical assessments of any ongoing programs that
have experienced sub-par performance or cost over-runs of 10
percent or more over 1 or more years;
``(6) activities that may be more effectively left to the
States, industry, nongovernmental organizations, institutions
of higher education, or other stakeholders; and
``(7) detailed proposals for innovation hubs, institutes,
and research centers prior to establishment or renewal by the
Department, including--
``(A) certification that all hubs, institutes, and
research centers will advance the mission of the
Department, and prioritize research, development, and
demonstration;
``(B) certification that the establishment or
renewal of hubs, institutes, or research centers will
not diminish funds available for basic research and
development within the Office of Science; and
``(C) certification that all hubs, institutes, and
research centers established or renewed within the
Office of Science are consistent with the mission of
the Office of Science as described in section 209(c) of
the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C.
7139(c)).
``(d) Plan Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, and
every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate the results
of the review under subsection (a) and the coordination plan under
subsection (b).''.
SEC. 603. STRATEGY FOR FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Amendments.--Section 993 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16357) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``strategy for facilities and infrastructure''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``2008'' and
inserting ``2018''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The item relating to section 993
in the table of contents of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended to
read as follows:
``Sec. 993. Strategy for facilities and infrastructure.''.
SEC. 604. ENERGY INNOVATION HUBS.
(a) Authorization of Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a
program to enhance the Nation's economic, environmental, and
energy security by making awards to consortia for establishing
and operating Energy Innovation Hubs to conduct and support,
whenever practicable at one centralized location,
multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, and
demonstration of advanced energy technologies.
(2) Technology development focus.--The Secretary shall
designate for each Hub a unique advanced energy technology
focus.
(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure the
coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the
activities of Hubs with those of other Department of Energy
research entities, including the National Laboratories, the
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, Energy Frontier
Research Centers, and within industry.
(b) Consortia.--
(1) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an award under
this section for the establishment and operation of a Hub, a
consortium shall--
(A) be composed of no fewer than two qualifying
entities; and
(B) operate subject to an agreement entered into by
its members that documents--
(i) the proposed partnership agreement,
including the governance and management
structure of the Hub;
(ii) measures to enable cost-effective
implementation of the program under this
section;
(iii) a proposed budget, including
financial contributions from non-Federal
sources;
(iv) a plan for managing intellectual
property rights; and
(v) an accounting structure that enables
the Secretary to ensure that the consortium has
complied with the requirements of this section.
(2) Application.--A consortium seeking to establish and
operate a Hub under this section, acting through a prime
applicant, shall transmit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such form, and accompanied by such information as
the Secretary shall require, including a detailed description
of the elements of the consortium agreement required under
paragraph (1)(B). If the consortium members will not be located
at one centralized location, such application shall include a
communications plan that ensures close coordination and
integration of the Hub's activities.
(c) Selection and Schedule.--The Secretary shall select consortia
for awards for the establishment and operation of Hubs through
competitive selection processes. In selecting consortia, the Secretary
shall consider the information a consortium must disclose according to
subsection (b), as well as any existing facilities a consortium will
provide for Hub activities. Awards made to a Hub shall be for a period
not to exceed 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations,
after which the award may be renewed, subject to a rigorous merit
review. A Hub already in existence on the date of enactment of this Act
may continue to receive support for a period of 5 years, subject to the
availability of appropriations, beginning on the date of establishment
of that Hub.
(d) Hub Operations.--
(1) In general.--Each Hub shall conduct or provide for
multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, and
demonstration of advanced energy technologies within the
technology development focus designated under subsection
(a)(2). Each Hub shall--
(A) encourage collaboration and communication among
the member qualifying entities of the consortium and
awardees by conducting activities whenever practicable
at one centralized location;
(B) develop and publish on the Department of
Energy's website proposed plans and programs;
(C) submit an annual report to the Secretary
summarizing the Hub's activities, including detailing
organizational expenditures, and describing each
project undertaken by the Hub; and
(D) monitor project implementation and
coordination.
(2) Conflicts of interest.--
(A) Procedures.--Hubs shall maintain conflict of
interest procedures, consistent with those of the
Department of Energy, to ensure that employees and
consortia designees for Hub activities who are in
decisionmaking capacities disclose all material
conflicts of interest, and avoid such conflicts.
(B) Disqualification and revocation.--The Secretary
may disqualify an application or revoke funds
distributed to a Hub if the Secretary discovers a
failure to comply with conflict of interest procedures
established under subparagraph (A).
(3) Prohibition on construction.--
(A) In general.--No funds provided pursuant to this
section may be used for construction of new buildings
or facilities for Hubs. Construction of new buildings
or facilities shall not be considered as part of the
non-Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement.
(B) Test bed and renovation exception.--Nothing in
this subsection shall prohibit the use of funds
provided pursuant to this section, or non-Federal cost
share funds, for research or for the construction of a
test bed or renovations to existing buildings or
facilities for the purposes of research if the
Secretary determines that the test bed or renovations
are limited to a scope and scale necessary for the
research to be conducted.
(e) Termination.--Consistent with the existing authorities of the
Department, the Secretary may terminate an underperforming Hub for
cause during the performance period.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Advanced energy technology.--The term ``advanced energy
technology'' means--
(A) an innovative technology--
(i) that produces energy from solar, wind,
geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave, ocean, or
other renewable energy resources;
(ii) that produces nuclear energy;
(iii) for carbon capture and sequestration;
(iv) that enables advanced vehicles,
vehicle components, and related technologies
that result in significant energy savings;
(v) that generates, transmits, distributes,
utilizes, or stores energy more efficiently
than conventional technologies, including
through Smart Grid technologies; or
(vi) that enhances the energy independence
and security of the United States by enabling
improved or expanded supply and production of
domestic energy resources, including coal, oil,
and natural gas;
(B) research, development, and demonstration
activities necessary to ensure the long-term, secure,
and sustainable supply of energy critical elements; or
(C) another innovative energy technology area
identified by the Secretary.
(2) Hub.--The term ``Hub'' means an Energy Innovation Hub
established or operating in accordance with this section,
including any Energy Innovation Hub existing as of the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) Qualifying entity.--The term ``qualifying entity''
means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) an appropriate State or Federal entity,
including the Department of Energy Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers;
(C) a nongovernmental organization with expertise
in advanced energy technology research, development,
demonstration, or commercial application; or
(D) any other relevant entity the Secretary
considers appropriate.
Subtitle B--Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Research and
Development
SEC. 611. DISTRIBUTED ENERGY AND ELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS.
Section 921 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16211) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 921. DISTRIBUTED ENERGY AND ELECTRIC ENERGY SYSTEMS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out programs of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application on
distributed energy resources and systems reliability and efficiency, to
improve the reliability and efficiency of distributed energy resources
and systems, integrating advanced energy technologies with grid
connectivity, including activities described in this subtitle. The
programs shall address advanced energy technologies and systems and
advanced grid security, resiliency, and reliability technologies.
``(b) Objectives.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
shall seek to--
``(1) leverage existing programs;
``(2) consolidate and coordinate activities throughout the
Department to promote collaboration and crosscutting
approaches;
``(3) ensure activities are undertaken in a manner that
does not duplicate other activities within the Department or
other Federal Government activities; and
``(4) identify programs that may be more effectively left
to the States, industry, nongovernmental organizations,
institutions of higher education, or other stakeholders.''.
SEC. 612. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Amendments.--Section 925 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16215) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``electric transmission and distribution research and
development'';
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a comprehensive
research, development, and demonstration program to ensure the
reliability, efficiency, and environmental integrity of electrical
transmission and distribution systems, which shall include innovations
for--
``(1) advanced energy delivery technologies, energy storage
technologies, materials, and systems;
``(2) advanced grid reliability and efficiency technology
development;
``(3) technologies contributing to significant load
reductions;
``(4) advanced metering, load management, and control
technologies;
``(5) technologies to enhance existing grid components;
``(6) the development and use of high-temperature
superconductors to--
``(A) enhance the reliability, operational
flexibility, or power-carrying capability of electric
transmission or distribution systems; or
``(B) increase the efficiency of electric energy
generation, transmission, distribution, or storage
systems;
``(7) integration of power systems, including systems to
deliver high-quality electric power, electric power
reliability, and combined heat and power;
``(8) supply of electricity to the power grid by small
scale, distributed, and residential-based power generators;
``(9) the development and use of advanced grid design,
operation, and planning tools;
``(10) technologies to enhance security for electrical
transmission and distributions systems; and
``(11) any other infrastructure technologies, as
appropriate.''; and
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Implementation.--
``(1) Consortium.--The Secretary shall consider
implementing the program under this section using a consortium
of participants from industry, institutions of higher
education, and National Laboratories.
``(2) Objectives.--To the maximum extent practicable the
Secretary shall seek to--
``(A) leverage existing programs;
``(B) consolidate and coordinate activities,
throughout the Department to promote collaboration and
crosscutting approaches;
``(C) ensure activities are undertaken in a manner
that does not duplicate other activities within the
Department or other Federal Government activities; and
``(D) identify programs that may be more
effectively left to the States, industry,
nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher
education, or other stakeholders.''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The item relating to section 925
in the table of contents of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended to
read as follows:
``Sec. 925. Electric transmission and distribution research and
development.''.
Subtitle C--Nuclear Energy Research and Development
SEC. 621. OBJECTIVES.
Section 951 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271) is
amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct programs of civilian
nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application, including activities described in this subtitle. Such
programs shall take into consideration the following objectives:
``(1) Enhancing nuclear power's viability as part of the
United States energy portfolio.
``(2) Reducing used nuclear fuel and nuclear waste products
generated by civilian nuclear energy.
``(3) Supporting technological advances in areas that
industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of
technical and financial uncertainty.
``(4) Providing the technical means to reduce the
likelihood of nuclear proliferation.
``(5) Maintaining a cadre of nuclear scientists and
engineers.
``(6) Maintaining National Laboratory and university
nuclear programs, including their infrastructure.
``(7) Supporting both individual researchers and
multidisciplinary teams of researchers to pioneer new
approaches in nuclear energy, science, and technology.
``(8) Developing, planning, constructing, acquiring, and
operating special equipment and facilities for the use of
researchers.
``(9) Supporting technology transfer and other appropriate
activities to assist the nuclear energy industry, and other
users of nuclear science and engineering, including activities
addressing reliability, availability, productivity, component
aging, safety, and security of nuclear power plants.
``(10) Reducing the environmental impact of nuclear energy-
related activities.
``(11) Researching and developing technologies and
processes to meet Federal and State requirements and standards
for nuclear power systems.'';
(2) by striking subsections (b) through (d); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (b).
SEC. 622. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES STUDY.
Section 951 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271) is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Program Objectives Study.--In furtherance of the program
objectives listed in subsection (a) of this section, the Government
Accountability Office shall, within 1 year after the date of enactment
of this subsection, transmit to the Congress a report on the results of
a study on the scientific and technical merit of major Federal and
State requirements and standards, including moratoria, that delay or
impede the further development and commercialization of nuclear power,
and how the Department can assist in overcoming such delays or
impediments.''.
SEC. 623. NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
amended by striking subsections (c) through (e) and inserting the
following:
``(c) Reactor Concepts.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application to advance nuclear power systems as well as
technologies to sustain currently deployed systems.
``(2) Designs and technologies.--In conducting the program
under this subsection, the Secretary shall examine advanced
reactor designs and nuclear technologies, including those
that--
``(A) have higher efficiency, lower cost, and
improved safety compared to reactors in operation as of
the date of enactment of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015;
``(B) utilize passive safety features;
``(C) minimize proliferation risks;
``(D) substantially reduce production of high-level
waste per unit of output;
``(E) increase the life and sustainability of
reactor systems currently deployed;
``(F) use improved instrumentation;
``(G) are capable of producing large-scale
quantities of hydrogen or process heat;
``(H) minimize water usage or use alternatives to
water as a cooling mechanism; or
``(I) use nuclear energy as part of an integrated
energy system.
``(3) International cooperation.--In carrying out the
program under this subsection, the Secretary shall seek
opportunities to enhance the progress of the program through
international cooperation through such organizations as the
Generation IV International Forum or any other international
collaboration the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(4) Exceptions.--No funds authorized to be appropriated
to carry out the activities described in this subsection shall
be used to fund the activities authorized under sections 641
through 645.''.
SEC. 624. SMALL MODULAR REACTOR PROGRAM.
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Small Modular Reactor Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a small
modular reactor program to promote research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of small modular
reactors, including through cost-shared projects for commercial
application of reactor systems designs.
``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with and
utilize the expertise of the Secretary of the Navy in
establishing and carrying out such program.
``(3) Additional activities.--Activities may also include
development of advanced computer modeling and simulation tools,
by Federal and non-Federal entities, which demonstrate and
validate new design capabilities of innovative small modular
reactor designs.
``(4) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection, the
term `small modular reactor' means a nuclear reactor meeting
generally accepted industry standards--
``(A) with a rated capacity of less than 300
electrical megawatts;
``(B) with respect to which most parts can be
factory assembled and shipped as modules to a reactor
plant site for assembly; and
``(C) that can be constructed and operated in
combination with similar reactors at a single site.''.
SEC. 625. FUEL CYCLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Amendments.--Section 953 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16273) is amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``advanced fuel
cycle initiative'' and inserting ``fuel cycle research and
development'';
(2) by striking subsection (a);
(3) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as
subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and
(4) by inserting before subsection (d), as so redesignated
by paragraph (3) of this subsection, the following new
subsections:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a fuel cycle
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
program (referred to in this section as the `program') on fuel cycle
options that improve uranium resource utilization, maximize energy
generation, minimize nuclear waste creation, improve safety, mitigate
risk of proliferation, and improve waste management in support of a
national strategy for spent nuclear fuel and the reactor concepts
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
program under section 952(c).
``(b) Fuel Cycle Options.--Under this section the Secretary may
consider implementing the following initiatives:
``(1) Open cycle.--Developing fuels, including the use of
nonuranium materials and alternate claddings, for use in
reactors that increase energy generation, improve safety
performance and margins, and minimize the amount of nuclear
waste produced in an open fuel cycle.
``(2) Recycle.--Developing advanced recycling technologies,
including advanced reactor concepts to improve resource
utilization, reduce proliferation risks, and minimize
radiotoxicity, decay heat, and mass and volume of nuclear waste
to the greatest extent possible.
``(3) Advanced storage methods.--Developing advanced
storage technologies for both onsite and long-term storage that
substantially prolong the effective life of current storage
devices or that substantially improve upon existing nuclear
waste storage technologies and methods, including repositories.
``(4) Fast test reactor.--Investigating the potential
research benefits of a fast test reactor user facility to
conduct experiments on fuels and materials related to fuel
forms and fuel cycles that will increase fuel utilization,
reduce proliferation risks, and reduce nuclear waste products.
``(5) Advanced reactor innovation.--Developing an advanced
reactor innovation testbed where national laboratories,
universities, and industry can address advanced reactor design
challenges to enable construction and operation of privately
funded reactor prototypes to resolve technical uncertainty for
United States-based designs for future domestic and
international markets.
``(6) Other technologies.--Developing any other technology
or initiative that the Secretary determines is likely to
advance the objectives of the program.
``(c) Additional Advanced Recycling and Crosscutting Activities.--
In addition to and in support of the specific initiatives described in
paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b), the Secretary may support
the following activities:
``(1) Development and testing of integrated process flow
sheets for advanced nuclear fuel recycling processes.
``(2) Research to characterize the byproducts and waste
streams resulting from fuel recycling processes.
``(3) Research and development on reactor concepts or
transmutation technologies that improve resource utilization or
reduce the radiotoxicity of waste streams.
``(4) Research and development on waste treatment processes
and separations technologies, advanced waste forms, and
quantification of proliferation risks.
``(5) Identification and evaluation of test and
experimental facilities necessary to successfully implement the
advanced fuel cycle initiative.
``(6) Advancement of fuel cycle-related modeling and
simulation capabilities.
``(7) Research to understand the behavior of high-burnup
fuels.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to section 953 in the
table of contents of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended to read
as follows:
``Sec. 953. Fuel cycle research and development.''.
SEC. 626. NUCLEAR ENERGY ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM.
(a) Amendment.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 958. NUCLEAR ENERGY ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a program to support
the integration of activities undertaken through the reactor concepts
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
program under section 952(c) and the fuel cycle research and
development program under section 953, and support crosscutting nuclear
energy concepts. Activities commenced under this section shall be
concentrated on broadly applicable research and development focus
areas.
``(b) Activities.--Activities conducted under this section may
include research involving--
``(1) advanced reactor materials;
``(2) advanced radiation mitigation methods;
``(3) advanced proliferation and security risk assessment
methods;
``(4) advanced sensors and instrumentation;
``(5) high performance computation modeling, including
multiphysics, multidimensional modeling simulation for nuclear
energy systems, and continued development of advanced modeling
simulation capabilities through national laboratory, industry,
and university partnerships for operations and safety
performance improvements of light water reactors for currently
deployed and near-term reactors and advanced reactors and for
the development of small modular reactors; and
``(6) any crosscutting technology or transformative concept
aimed at establishing substantial and revolutionary
enhancements in the performance of future nuclear energy
systems that the Secretary considers relevant and appropriate
to the purpose of this section.
``(c) Report.--The Secretary shall submit, as part of the annual
budget submission of the Department, a report on the activities of the
program conducted under this section, which shall include a brief
evaluation of each activity's progress.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 is amended by adding at the end of the items for
subtitle E of title IX the following new item:
``Sec. 958. Nuclear energy enabling technologies.''.
SEC. 627. TECHNICAL STANDARDS COLLABORATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology shall establish a nuclear energy standards
committee (in this section referred to as the ``technical standards
committee'') to facilitate and support, consistent with the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995, the development or
revision of technical standards for new and existing nuclear power
plants and advanced nuclear technologies.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The technical standards committee shall
include representatives from appropriate Federal agencies and
the private sector, and be open to materially affected
organizations involved in the development or application of
nuclear energy-related standards.
(2) Co-chairs.--The technical standards committee shall be
co-chaired by a representative from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and a representative from a private
sector standards organization.
(c) Duties.--The technical standards committee shall, in
cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies--
(1) perform a needs assessment to identify and evaluate the
technical standards that are needed to support nuclear energy,
including those needed to support new and existing nuclear
power plants and advanced nuclear technologies, including
developing the technical basis for regulatory frameworks for
advanced reactors;
(2) formulate, coordinate, and recommend priorities for the
development of new technical standards and the revision of
existing technical standards to address the needs identified
under paragraph (1);
(3) facilitate and support collaboration and cooperation
among standards developers to address the needs and priorities
identified under paragraphs (1) and (2);
(4) as appropriate, coordinate with other national,
regional, or international efforts on nuclear energy-related
technical standards in order to avoid conflict and duplication
and to ensure global compatibility; and
(5) promote the establishment and maintenance of a database
of nuclear energy-related technical standards.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To the extent provided for in
advance by appropriations Acts, the Secretary may transfer to the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology not to
exceed $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 for the Secretary of Commerce to
carry out this section from amounts appropriated for nuclear energy
research and development within the Nuclear Energy Enabling
Technologies account for the Department.
SEC. 628. AVAILABLE FACILITIES DATABASE.
The Secretary shall prepare a database of non-Federal user
facilities receiving Federal funds that may be used for unclassified
nuclear energy research. The Secretary shall make this database
accessible on the Department's website.
Subtitle D--Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research and
Development
SEC. 641. ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
Section 911 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16191) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 911. ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
``(a) Objectives.--The Secretary shall conduct programs of energy
efficiency research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application, including activities described in this subtitle. Such
programs shall prioritize activities that industry by itself is not
likely to undertake because of technical challenges or regulatory
uncertainty, and take into consideration the following objectives:
``(1) Increasing energy efficiency.
``(2) Reducing the cost of energy.
``(3) Reducing the environmental impact of energy-related
activities.
``(b) Programs.--Programs under this subtitle shall include
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of--
``(1) innovative, affordable technologies to improve the
energy efficiency and environmental performance of vehicles,
including weight and drag reduction technologies, technologies,
modeling, and simulation for increasing vehicle connectivity
and automation, and whole-vehicle design optimization;
``(2) cost-effective technologies, for new construction and
retrofit, to improve the energy efficiency and environmental
performance of buildings, using a whole-buildings approach;
``(3) advanced technologies to improve the energy
efficiency, environmental performance, and process efficiency
of energy-intensive and waste-intensive industries;
``(4) technologies to improve the energy efficiency of
appliances and mechanical systems for buildings in extreme
climates, including cogeneration, trigeneration, and
polygeneration units;
``(5) advanced battery technologies; and
``(6) fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.''.
SEC. 642. NEXT GENERATION LIGHTING INITIATIVE.
Section 912 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16192) and
the item relating thereto in the table of contents of that Act are
repealed.
SEC. 643. BUILDING STANDARDS.
Section 914 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16194) is
amended by striking subsection (c).
SEC. 644. SECONDARY ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY USE PROGRAM.
Section 915 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16195) and
the item relating thereto in the table of contents of that Act are
repealed.
SEC. 645. NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING INNOVATION PROGRAM.
To the extent provided for in advance by appropriations Acts, the
Secretary may transfer to the National Institute of Standards and
Technology up to $150,000,000 for the period encompassing fiscal years
2015 through 2017 from amounts appropriated for advanced manufacturing
research and development under this subtitle (and the amendments made
by this subtitle) for the Secretary of Commerce to carry out the
Network for Manufacturing Innovation Program authorized under section
34 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
SEC. 646. ADVANCED ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTERS.
Section 917 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16197) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(2)(B);
(B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of paragraph
(3) and inserting a period; and
(C) by striking paragraph (4);
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively; and
(C) by striking paragraph (6);
(3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Prohibition.--None of the funds awarded under this section
may be used for the construction of facilities or the deployment of
commercially available technologies.''; and
(4) by striking subsection (i).
SEC. 647. RENEWABLE ENERGY.
Section 931 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16231) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 931. RENEWABLE ENERGY.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Objectives.--The Secretary shall conduct programs of
renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application, including activities described in this
subtitle. Such programs shall prioritize discovery research and
development and take into consideration the following
objectives:
``(A) Increasing the conversion efficiency of all
forms of renewable energy through improved
technologies.
``(B) Decreasing the cost of renewable energy
generation and delivery.
``(C) Promoting the diversity of the energy supply.
``(D) Decreasing the dependence of the United
States on foreign mineral resources.
``(E) Decreasing the environmental impact of
renewable energy-related activities.
``(F) Increasing the export of renewable generation
technologies from the United States.
``(2) Programs.--
``(A) Solar energy.--The Secretary shall conduct a
program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application for solar energy, including
innovations in--
``(i) photovoltaics;
``(ii) solar heating;
``(iii) concentrating solar power;
``(iv) lighting systems that integrate
sunlight and electrical lighting in complement
to each other; and
``(v) development of technologies that can
be easily integrated into new and existing
buildings.
``(B) Wind energy.--The Secretary shall conduct a
program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application for wind energy, including
innovations in--
``(i) low speed wind energy;
``(ii) testing and verification
technologies;
``(iii) distributed wind energy generation;
and
``(iv) transformational technologies for
harnessing wind energy.
``(C) Geothermal.--The Secretary shall conduct a
program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application for geothermal energy, including
technologies for--
``(i) improving detection of geothermal
resources;
``(ii) decreasing drilling costs;
``(iii) decreasing maintenance costs
through improved materials;
``(iv) increasing the potential for other
revenue sources, such as mineral production;
and
``(v) increasing the understanding of
reservoir life cycle and management.
``(D) Hydropower.--The Secretary shall conduct a
program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application for technologies that enable the
development of new and incremental hydropower capacity,
including:
``(i) Advanced technologies to enhance
environmental performance and yield greater
energy efficiencies.
``(ii) Ocean energy, including wave energy.
``(E) Miscellaneous projects.--The Secretary shall
conduct research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application programs for--
``(i) the combined use of renewable energy
technologies with one another and with other
energy technologies, including the combined use
of renewable power and fossil technologies;
``(ii) renewable energy technologies for
cogeneration of hydrogen and electricity; and
``(iii) kinetic hydro turbines.
``(b) Rural Demonstration Projects.--In carrying out this section,
the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall
give priority to demonstrations that assist in delivering electricity
to rural and remote locations including--
``(1) advanced renewable power technology, including
combined use with fossil technologies;
``(2) biomass; and
``(3) geothermal energy systems.
``(c) Analysis and Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct analysis and
evaluation in support of the renewable energy programs under
this subtitle. These activities shall be used to guide budget
and program decisions, and shall include--
``(A) economic and technical analysis of renewable
energy potential, including resource assessment;
``(B) analysis of past program performance, both in
terms of technical advances and in market introduction
of renewable energy;
``(C) assessment of domestic and international
market drivers, including the impacts of any Federal,
State, or local grants, loans, loan guarantees, tax
incentives, statutory or regulatory requirements, or
other government initiatives; and
``(D) any other analysis or evaluation that the
Secretary considers appropriate.
``(2) Funding.--The Secretary may designate up to 1 percent
of the funds appropriated for carrying out this subtitle for
analysis and evaluation activities under this subsection.
``(3) Submittal to congress.--This analysis and evaluation
shall be submitted to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate at least 30 days
before each annual budget request is submitted to Congress.''.
SEC. 648. BIOENERGY PROGRAM.
Section 932 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16232) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 932. BIOENERGY PROGRAM.
``(a) Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a program of research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application for bioenergy,
including innovations in--
``(1) biopower energy systems;
``(2) biofuels;
``(3) bioproducts;
``(4) integrated biorefineries that may produce biopower,
biofuels, and bioproducts; and
``(5) crosscutting research and development in feedstocks.
``(b) Biofuels and Bioproducts.--The goals of the biofuels and
bioproducts programs shall be to develop, in partnership with industry
and institutions of higher education--
``(1) advanced biochemical and thermochemical conversion
technologies capable of making fuels from lignocellulosic
feedstocks that are price-competitive with fossil-based fuels
and fully compatible with either internal combustion engines or
fuel cell-powered vehicles;
``(2) advanced conversion of biomass to biofuels and
bioproducts as part of integrated biorefineries based on either
biochemical processes, thermochemical processes, or hybrids of
these processes; and
``(3) other advanced processes that will enable the
development of cost-effective bioproducts, including biofuels.
``(c) Retrofit Technologies for the Development of Ethanol From
Cellulosic Materials.--The Secretary shall establish a program of
research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for
technologies and processes to enable biorefineries that exclusively use
corn grain or corn starch as a feedstock to produce ethanol to be
retrofitted to accept a range of biomass, including lignocellulosic
feedstocks.
``(d) Limitations.--None of the funds authorized for carrying out
this section may be used to fund commercial biofuels production for
defense purposes.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Biomass.--The term `biomass' means--
``(A) any organic material grown for the purpose of
being converted to energy;
``(B) any organic byproduct of agriculture
(including wastes from food production and processing)
that can be converted into energy; or
``(C) any waste material that can be converted to
energy, is segregated from other waste materials, and
is derived from--
``(i) any of the following forest-related
resources: mill residues, precommercial
thinnings, slash, brush, or otherwise
nonmerchantable material;
``(ii) wood waste materials, including
waste pallets, crates, dunnage, manufacturing
and construction wood wastes (other than
pressure-treated, chemically treated, or
painted wood wastes), and landscape or right-
of-way tree trimmings, but not including
municipal solid waste, gas derived from the
biodegradation of municipal solid waste, or
paper that is commonly recycled; or
``(iii) solids derived from waste water
treatment processes.
``(2) Lignocellulosic feedstock.--The term `lignocellulosic
feedstock' means any portion of a plant or coproduct from
conversion, including crops, trees, forest residues, grasses,
and agricultural residues not specifically grown for food,
including from barley grain, grapeseed, rice bran, rice hulls,
rice straw, soybean matter, cornstover, and sugarcane
bagasse.''.
SEC. 649. CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 934 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16234) and
the item relating thereto in the table of contents of that Act are
repealed.
SEC. 650. RENEWABLE ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Section 935 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16235) and
the item relating thereto in the table of contents of that Act are
repealed.
Subtitle E--Fossil Energy Research and Development
SEC. 661. FOSSIL ENERGY.
Section 961 of Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16291) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 961. FOSSIL ENERGY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application programs in
fossil energy, including activities under this subtitle, with the goal
of improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental
performance of fossil energy production, upgrading, conversion, and
consumption. Such programs shall take into consideration the following
objectives:
``(1) Increasing the energy conversion efficiency of all
forms of fossil energy through improved technologies.
``(2) Decreasing the cost of all fossil energy production,
generation, and delivery.
``(3) Promoting diversity of energy supply.
``(4) Decreasing the dependence of the United States on
foreign energy supplies.
``(5) Decreasing the environmental impact of energy-related
activities.
``(6) Increasing the export of fossil energy-related
equipment, technology, and services from the United States.
``(b) Objectives.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
shall seek to--
``(1) leverage existing programs;
``(2) consolidate and coordinate activities throughout the
Department to promote collaboration and crosscutting
approaches;
``(3) ensure activities are undertaken in a manner that
does not duplicate other activities within the Department or
other Federal Government activities; and
``(4) identify programs that may be more effectively left
to the States, industry, nongovernmental organizations,
institutions of higher education, or other stakeholders.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) Uses.--None of the funds authorized for carrying out
this section may be used for Fossil Energy Environmental
Restoration.
``(2) Institutions of higher education.--Not less than 20
percent of the funds appropriated for carrying out section 964
of this Act for each fiscal year shall be dedicated to research
and development carried out at institutions of higher
education.
``(3) Use for regulatory assessments or determinations.--
The results of any research, development, demonstration, or
commercial application projects or activities of the Department
authorized under this subtitle may not be used for regulatory
assessments or determinations by Federal regulatory
authorities.
``(d) Assessments.--
``(1) Constraints against bringing resources to market.--
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress an assessment of the technical,
institutional, policy, and regulatory constraints to bringing
new domestic fossil resources to market.
``(2) Technology capabilities.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary shall transmit to
Congress a long-term assessment of existing and projected
technological capabilities for expanded production from
domestic unconventional oil, gas, and methane reserves.''.
SEC. 662. COAL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL
APPLICATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 962 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16292) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (10), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) specific additional programs to address water use
and reuse;
``(13) the testing, including the construction of testing
facilities, of high temperature materials for use in advanced
systems for combustion or use of coal; and
``(14) innovations to application of existing coal
conversion systems designed to increase efficiency of
conversion, flexibility of operation, and other modifications
to address existing usage requirements.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as
subsections (c) through (e), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Transformational Coal Technology Program.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary may carry out a program designed
to undertake research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application of technologies, including the
accelerated development of--
``(A) chemical looping technology;
``(B) supercritical carbon dioxide power generation
cycles;
``(C) pressurized oxycombustion, including new and
retrofit technologies; and
``(D) other technologies that are characterized by
the use of--
``(i) alternative energy cycles;
``(ii) thermionic devices using waste heat;
``(iii) fuel cells;
``(iv) replacement of chemical processes
with biotechnology;
``(v) nanotechnology;
``(vi) new materials in applications (other
than extending cycles to higher temperature and
pressure), such as membranes or ceramics;
``(vii) carbon utilization, such as in
construction materials, using low quality
energy to reconvert back to a fuel, or
manufactured food;
``(viii) advanced gas separation concepts;
and
``(ix) other technologies, including--
``(I) modular, manufactured
components; and
``(II) innovative production or
research techniques, such as using 3-D
printer systems, for the production of
early research and development
prototypes.
``(2) Cost share.--In carrying out the program described in
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall enter into partnerships with
private entities to share the costs of carrying out the
program. The Secretary may reduce the non-Federal cost share
requirement if the Secretary determines that the reduction is
necessary and appropriate considering the technological risks
involved in the project.''; and
(4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking
paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--In carrying out programs authorized by
this section, the Secretary shall identify cost and performance
goals for coal-based technologies that would permit the
continued cost-competitive use of coal for the production of
electricity, chemical feedstocks, transportation fuels, and
other marketable products.''.
(b) Advisory Committee; Authorization of Appropriations.--Section
963 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16293) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (6) of subsection (c) to read as
follows:
``(6) Advisory committee.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to
undertake, not less frequently than once every 3 years,
a review and prepare a report on the progress being
made by the Department of Energy to achieve the goals
described in subsections (a) and (b) of section 962 and
subsection (b) of this section.
``(B) Membership requirements.--Members of the
advisory committee established under subparagraph (A)
shall be appointed by the Secretary, except that three
members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives and two members shall be appointed
by the Majority Leader of the Senate. The total number
of members of the advisory committee shall be 15.'';
and
(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Study of Carbon Dioxide Pipelines.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
of 2015, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress the results of a
study to assess the cost and feasibility of engineering, permitting,
building, maintaining, regulating, and insuring a national system of
carbon dioxide pipelines.''.
SEC. 663. HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS TURBINES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, through the Office of Fossil
Energy, shall carry out a multiyear, multiphase program of research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application to innovate
technologies to maximize the efficiency of gas turbines used in power
generation systems.
(b) Program Elements.--The program under this section shall--
(1) support innovative engineering and detailed gas turbine
design for megawatt-scale and utility-scale electric power
generation, including--
(A) high temperature materials, including
superalloys, coatings, and ceramics;
(B) improved heat transfer capability;
(C) manufacturing technology required to construct
complex three-dimensional geometry parts with improved
aerodynamic capability;
(D) combustion technology to produce higher firing
temperature while lowering nitrogen oxide and carbon
monoxide emissions per unit of output;
(E) advanced controls and systems integration;
(F) advanced high performance compressor
technology; and
(G) validation facilities for the testing of
components and subsystems;
(2) include technology demonstration through component
testing, subscale testing, and full scale testing in existing
fleets;
(3) include field demonstrations of the developed
technology elements so as to demonstrate technical and economic
feasibility; and
(4) assess overall combined cycle and simple cycle system
performance.
(c) Program Goals.--The goals of the multiphase program established
under subsection (a) shall be--
(1) in phase I--
(A) to develop the conceptual design of advanced
high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least
62 percent combined cycle efficiency or 47 percent
simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis;
and
(B) to develop and demonstrate the technology
required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that
can achieve at least 62 percent combined cycle
efficiency or 47 percent simple cycle efficiency on a
lower heating value basis; and
(2) in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for
advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least
65 percent combined cycle efficiency or 50 percent simple cycle
efficiency on a lower heating value basis.
(d) Proposals.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall solicit grant and contract proposals from
industry, small businesses, universities, and other appropriate parties
for conducting activities under this section. In selecting proposals,
the Secretary shall emphasize--
(1) the extent to which the proposal will stimulate the
creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States;
and
(2) the extent to which the proposal will promote and
enhance United States technology leadership.
(e) Competitive Awards.--The provision of funding under this
section shall be on a competitive basis with an emphasis on technical
merit.
(f) Cost Sharing.--Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to an award of financial assistance made
under this section.
Subtitle F--Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy
SEC. 671. ARPA-E AMENDMENTS.
Section 5012 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16538) is
amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (c) to read as
follows:
``(1) In general.--The goals of ARPA-E shall be to enhance
the economic and energy security of the United States and to
ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead
through the development of advanced energy technologies.'';
(2) in subsection (i)(1), by inserting ``ARPA-E shall not
provide funding for a project unless the prospective grantee
demonstrates sufficient attempts to secure private financing or
indicates that the project is not independently commercially
viable.'' after ``relevant research agencies.'';
(3) in subsection (l)(1), by inserting ``and once every 6
years thereafter,'' after ``operation for 6 years,''; and
(4) by redesignating subsection (n) as subsection (o) and
inserting after subsection (m) the following new subsection:
``(n) Protection of Proprietary Information.--
``(1) In general.--The following categories of information
collected by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy from
recipients of financial assistance awards shall be considered
privileged and confidential and not subject to disclosure
pursuant to section 552 of title 5, United States Code:
``(A) Plans for commercialization of technologies
developed under the award, including business plans,
technology to market plans, market studies, and cost
and performance models.
``(B) Investments provided to an awardee from third
parties, such as venture capital, hedge fund, or
private equity firms, including amounts and percentage
of ownership of the awardee provided in return for such
investments.
``(C) Additional financial support that the awardee
plans to invest or has invested into the technology
developed under the award, or that the awardee is
seeking from third parties.
``(D) Revenue from the licensing or sale of new
products or services resulting from the research
conducted under the award.
``(2) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection
affects--
``(A) the authority of the Secretary to use
information without publicly disclosing such
information; or
``(B) the responsibility of the Secretary to
transmit information to Congress as required by law.''.
Subtitle G--Authorization of Appropriations
SEC. 681. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Research and
Development.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
for electrical delivery and energy reliability technology activities
within the Office of Electricity $113,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2016 and 2017.
(b) Nuclear Energy.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary for research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application for nuclear energy technology activities
within the Office of Nuclear Energy $504,600,000 for each of
fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
(2) Limitation.--Any amounts made available pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) shall not
be derived from the Nuclear Waste Fund established under
section 302(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42
U.S.C. 10222(c)).
(c) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application for energy efficiency and
renewable energy technology activities within the Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy $1,193,500,000 for each of fiscal years
2016 and 2017.
(d) Fossil Energy.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary for research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for fossil energy technology activities within the Office
of Fossil Energy $605,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
(e) ARPA-E.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy $140,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
Subtitle H--Definitions
SEC. 691. DEFINITIONS.
In this title--
(1) the term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy;
and
(2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.
TITLE VII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Subtitle A--In General
SEC. 701. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Energy.
(2) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
means a Department of Energy nonmilitary national laboratory,
including--
(A) Ames Laboratory;
(B) Argonne National Laboratory;
(C) Brookhaven National Laboratory;
(D) Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory;
(E) Idaho National Laboratory;
(F) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory;
(G) National Energy Technology Laboratory;
(H) National Renewable Energy Laboratory;
(I) Oak Ridge National Laboratory;
(J) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory;
(K) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory;
(L) Savannah River National Laboratory;
(M) Stanford Linear Accelerator Center;
(N) Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility;
and
(O) any laboratory operated by the National Nuclear
Security Administration, but only with respect to the
civilian energy activities thereof.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
SEC. 702. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
Nothing in this title or an amendment made by this title abrogates
or otherwise affects the primary responsibilities of any National
Laboratory to the Department.
Subtitle B--Innovation Management at Department of Energy
SEC. 712. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND TRANSITIONS ASSESSMENT.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report which
shall include--
(1) an assessment of the Department's current ability to
carry out the goals of section 1001 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391), including an assessment of the role and
effectiveness of the Director of the Office of Technology
Transitions; and
(2) recommended departmental policy changes and legislative
changes to section 1001 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16391) to improve the Department's ability to
successfully transfer new energy technologies to the private
sector.
SEC. 713. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should encourage
the National Laboratories and federally funded research and development
centers to inform small businesses of the opportunities and resources
that exist pursuant to this title.
SEC. 714. NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary, in consultation with the National Laboratories, relevant
Federal agencies, and other stakeholders, shall transmit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate a report assessing the Department's capabilities to
authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and non-light
water reactor prototypes and related demonstration facilities at
Department-owned sites. For purposes of this report, the Secretary
shall consider the Department's capabilities to facilitate privately-
funded prototypes up to 20 megawatts thermal output. The report shall
address the following:
(1) The Department's safety review and oversight
capabilities.
(2) Potential sites capable of hosting research,
development, and demonstration of prototype reactors and
related facilities for the purpose of reducing technical risk.
(3) The Department's and National Laboratories' existing
physical and technical capabilities relevant to research,
development, and oversight.
(4) The efficacy of the Department's available contractual
mechanisms, including cooperative research and development
agreements, work for others agreements, and agreements for
commercializing technology.
(5) Potential cost structures related to physical security,
decommissioning, liability, and other long-term project costs.
(6) Other challenges or considerations identified by the
Secretary, including issues related to potential cases of
demonstration reactors up to 2 gigawatts of thermal output.
Subtitle C--Cross-Sector Partnerships and Grant Competitiveness
SEC. 721. AGREEMENTS FOR COMMERCIALIZING TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out the Agreements for
Commercializing Technology pilot program of the Department, as
announced by the Secretary on December 8, 2011, in accordance with this
section.
(b) Terms.--Each agreement entered into pursuant to the pilot
program referred to in subsection (a) shall provide to the contractor
of the applicable National Laboratory, to the maximum extent determined
to be appropriate by the Secretary, increased authority to negotiate
contract terms, such as intellectual property rights, payment
structures, performance guarantees, and multiparty collaborations.
(c) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--Any director of a National Laboratory may
enter into an agreement pursuant to the pilot program referred
to in subsection (a).
(2) Agreements with non-federal entities.--To carry out
paragraph (1) and subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall
permit the directors of the National Laboratories to execute
agreements with a non-Federal entity, including a non-Federal
entity already receiving Federal funding that will be used to
support activities under agreements executed pursuant to
paragraph (1), provided that such funding is solely used to
carry out the purposes of the Federal award.
(3) Restriction.--The requirements of chapter 18 of title
35, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Bayh-Dole
Act'') shall apply if--
(A) the agreement is a funding agreement (as that
term is defined in section 201 of that title); and
(B) at least one of the parties to the funding
agreement is eligible to receive rights under that
chapter.
(d) Submission to Secretary.--Each affected director of a National
Laboratory shall submit to the Secretary, with respect to each
agreement entered into under this section--
(1) a summary of information relating to the relevant
project;
(2) the total estimated costs of the project;
(3) estimated commencement and completion dates of the
project; and
(4) other documentation determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary.
(e) Certification.--The Secretary shall require the contractor of
the affected National Laboratory to certify that each activity carried
out under a project for which an agreement is entered into under this
section--
(1) is not in direct competition with the private sector;
and
(2) does not present, or minimizes, any apparent conflict
of interest, and avoids or neutralizes any actual conflict of
interest, as a result of the agreement under this section.
(f) Extension.--The pilot program referred to in subsection (a)
shall be extended until October 31, 2017.
(g) Reports.--
(1) Overall assessment.--Not later than 60 days after the
date described in subsection (f), the Secretary, in
coordination with directors of the National Laboratories, shall
submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate a report that--
(A) assesses the overall effectiveness of the pilot
program referred to in subsection (a);
(B) identifies opportunities to improve the
effectiveness of the pilot program;
(C) assesses the potential for program activities
to interfere with the responsibilities of the National
Laboratories to the Department; and
(D) provides a recommendation regarding the future
of the pilot program.
(2) Transparency.--The Secretary, in coordination with
directors of the National Laboratories, shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate an annual report that accounts for all
incidences of, and provides a justification for, non-Federal
entities using funds derived from a Federal contract or award
to carry out agreements pursuant to this section.
SEC. 722. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR COMMERCIALIZATION.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary
shall delegate to directors of the National Laboratories signature
authority with respect to any agreement described in subsection (b) the
total cost of which (including the National Laboratory contributions
and project recipient cost share) is less than $1 million.
(b) Agreements.--Subsection (a) applies to--
(1) a cooperative research and development agreement;
(2) a non-Federal work-for-others agreement; and
(3) any other agreement determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary, in collaboration with the directors of the National
Laboratories.
(c) Administration.--
(1) Accountability.--The director of the affected National
Laboratory and the affected contractor shall carry out an
agreement under this section in accordance with applicable
policies of the Department, including by ensuring that the
agreement does not compromise any national security, economic,
or environmental interest of the United States.
(2) Certification.--The director of the affected National
Laboratory and the affected contractor shall certify that each
activity carried out under a project for which an agreement is
entered into under this section does not present, or minimizes,
any apparent conflict of interest, and avoids or neutralizes
any actual conflict of interest, as a result of the agreement
under this section.
(3) Availability of records.--On entering an agreement
under this section, the director of a National Laboratory shall
submit to the Secretary for monitoring and review all records
of the National Laboratory relating to the agreement.
(4) Rates.--The director of a National Laboratory may
charge higher rates for services performed under a partnership
agreement entered into pursuant to this section, regardless of
the full cost of recovery, if such funds are used exclusively
to support further research and development activities at the
respective National Laboratory.
(d) Exception.--This section does not apply to any agreement with a
majority foreign-owned company.
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
the subparagraphs appropriately;
(B) by striking ``Each Federal agency'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
each Federal agency''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in
accordance with section 722(a) of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2015, approval by the Secretary of
Energy shall not be required for any technology transfer
agreement proposed to be entered into by a National Laboratory
of the Department of Energy, the total cost of which (including
the National Laboratory contributions and project recipient
cost share) is less than $1 million.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (a)(1)''
each place it appears and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(A)''.
SEC. 723. INCLUSION OF EARLY-STAGE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION IN
AUTHORIZED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITIES.
Section 1001 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391) is
amended by--
(1) redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Early-Stage Technology Demonstration.--The Secretary shall
permit the directors of the National Laboratories to use funds
authorized to support technology transfer within the Department to
carry out early-stage and pre-commercial technology demonstration
activities to remove technology barriers that limit private sector
interest and demonstrate potential commercial applications of any
research and technologies arising from National Laboratory
activities.''.
SEC. 724. FUNDING COMPETITIVENESS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
AND OTHER NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS.
Section 988(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16352(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as provided in
paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting ``Except as provided in
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Exemption for institutions of higher education and
other nonprofit institutions.--
``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
a research or development activity performed by an
institution of higher education or nonprofit
institution (as defined in section 4 of the Stevenson-
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3703)).
``(B) Termination date.--The exemption under
subparagraph (A) shall apply during the 6-year period
beginning on the date of enactment of this
paragraph.''.
SEC. 725. PARTICIPATION IN THE INNOVATION CORPS PROGRAM.
The Secretary may enter into an agreement with the Director of the
National Science Foundation to enable researchers funded by the
Department to participate in the National Science Foundation Innovation
Corps program.
Subtitle D--Assessment of Impact
SEC. 731. REPORT BY GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a
report--
(1) describing the results of the projects developed under
sections 721, 722, and 723, including information regarding--
(A) partnerships initiated as a result of those
projects and the potential linkages presented by those
partnerships with respect to national priorities and
other taxpayer-funded research; and
(B) whether the activities carried out under those
projects result in--
(i) fiscal savings;
(ii) expansion of National Laboratory
capabilities;
(iii) increased efficiency of technology
transfers; or
(iv) an increase in general efficiency of
the National Laboratory system; and
(2) assess the scale, scope, efficacy, and impact of the
Department's efforts to promote technology transfer and private
sector engagement at the National Laboratories, and make
recommendations on how the Department can improve these
activities.
TITLE VIII--SENSE OF CONGRESS
SEC. 801. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that climate change is real.
Passed the House of Representatives May 20, 2015.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk.