1. U.S. Code
  2. title 15
  3. chapter 7
  4. § 278b

Collapse to view only § 278b. Working Capital Fund

§ 271. Findings and purposes
(a) The Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) The future well-being of the United States economy depends on a strong manufacturing base and requires continual improvements in manufacturing technology, quality control, and techniques for ensuring product reliability and cost-effectiveness.
(2) Precise measurements, calibrations, and standards help United States industry and manufacturing concerns compete strongly in world markets.
(3) Improvements in manufacturing and product technology depend on fundamental scientific and engineering research to develop (A) the precise and accurate measurement methods and measurement standards needed to improve quality and reliability, and (B) new technological processes by which such improved methods may be used in practice to improve manufacturing and to assist industry to transfer important laboratory discoveries into commercial products.
(4) Scientific progress, public safety, and product compatibility and standardization also depend on the development of precise measurement methods, standards, and related basic technologies.
(5) The National Bureau of Standards since its establishment has served as the Federal focal point in developing basic measurement standards and related technologies, has taken a lead role in stimulating cooperative work among private industrial organizations in efforts to surmount technological hurdles, and otherwise has been responsible for assisting in the improvement of industrial technology.
(6) The Federal Government should maintain a national science, engineering, and technology laboratory which provides measurement methods, standards, and associated technologies and which aids United States companies in using new technologies to improve products and manufacturing processes.
(7) Such national laboratory also should serve industry, trade associations, State technology programs, labor organizations, professional societies, and educational institutions by disseminating information on new basic technologies including automated manufacturing processes.
(b) It is the purpose of this chapter—
(1) to rename the National Bureau of Standards as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and to modernize and restructure that agency to augment its unique ability to enhance the competitiveness of American industry while maintaining its traditional function as lead national laboratory for providing the measurements, calibrations, and quality assurance techniques which underpin United States commerce, technological progress, improved product reliability and manufacturing processes, and public safety;
(2) to assist private sector initiatives to capitalize on advanced technology;
(3) to advance, through cooperative efforts among industries, universities, and government laboratories, promising research and development projects, which can be optimized by the private sector for commercial and industrial applications; and
(4) to promote shared risks, accelerated development, and pooling of skills which will be necessary to strengthen America’s manufacturing industries.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 1, 31 Stat. 1449; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5111, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1427.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 271

§ 272. Establishment, functions, and activities
(a) Establishment of National Institute of Standards and Technology
(b) Functions of Secretary and InstituteThe Secretary of Commerce (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the “Secretary”) acting through the Director of the Institute (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the “Director”) is 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 all actions necessary and appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, including the following functions of the Institute—
(1) to assist industry in the development of technology and procedures needed to improve quality, to modernize manufacturing processes, to ensure product reliability, manufacturability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, and to facilitate the more rapid commercialization, especially by small- and medium-sized companies throughout the United States, of products based on new scientific discoveries in fields such as automation, electronics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and optical technologies;
(2) to develop, maintain, and retain custody of the national standards of measurement, and provide the means and methods for making measurements consistent with those standards;
(3) to facilitate standards-related information sharing and cooperation between Federal agencies and to coordinate the use by Federal agencies of private sector standards, emphasizing where possible the use of standards developed by private, consensus organizations;
(4) to enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and development arrangements and grants and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary in the conduct of its work and on such terms as it may determine appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter;
(5) to provide United States industry, Government, and educational institutions with a national clearinghouse of current information, techniques, and advice for the achievement of higher quality and productivity based on current domestic and international scientific and technical development;
(6) to assist industry in the development of measurements, measurement methods, and basic measurement technology;
(7) to determine, compile, evaluate, and disseminate physical constants and the properties and performance of conventional and advanced materials when they are important to science, engineering, manufacturing, education, commerce, and industry and are not available with sufficient accuracy elsewhere;
(8) to develop a fundamental basis and methods for testing materials, mechanisms, structures, equipment, and systems, including those used by the Federal Government;
(9) to assure the compatibility of United States national measurement standards with those of other nations;
(10) to cooperate with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, with industry, with State and local governments, with the governments of other nations and international organizations, and with private organizations in establishing standard practices, codes, specifications, and voluntary consensus standards;
(11) to advise government and industry on scientific and technical problems;
(12) to invent, develop, and (when appropriate) promote transfer to the private sector of measurement devices to serve special national needs; and
(13) to coordinate technical standards activities and conformity assessment activities of Federal, State, and local governments with private sector technical standards activities and conformity assessment activities, with the goal of eliminating unnecessary duplication and complexity in the development and promulgation of conformity assessment requirements and measures.
(c) Implementation activitiesIn carrying out the functions specified in subsection (b), the Secretary, acting through the Director 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
may, among other things—
(1) construct physical standards;
(2) test, calibrate, and certify standards and standard measuring apparatus;
(3) study and improve instruments, measurement methods, and industrial process control and quality assurance techniques;
(4) cooperate with the States in securing uniformity in weights and measures laws and methods of inspection;
(5) cooperate with foreign scientific and technical institutions to understand technological developments in other countries better;
(6) prepare, certify, and sell standard reference materials for use in ensuring the accuracy of chemical analyses and measurements of physical and other properties of materials;
(7) in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, accept research associates, cash donations, and donated equipment from industry, and also engage with industry in research to develop new basic and generic technologies for traditional and new products and for improved production and manufacturing;
(8) study and develop fundamental scientific understanding and improved measurement, analysis, synthesis, processing, and fabrication methods for chemical substances and compounds, ferrous and nonferrous metals, and all traditional and advanced materials, including processes of degradation;
(9) investigate ionizing and nonionizing radiation and radioactive substances, their uses, and ways to protect people, structures, and equipment from their harmful effects;
(10) determine the atomic and molecular structure of matter, through analysis of spectra and other methods, to provide a basis for predicting chemical and physical structures and reactions and for designing new materials and chemical substances, including biologically active macromolecules;
(11) perform research on electromagnetic waves, including optical waves, and on properties and performance of electrical, electronic, and electromagnetic devices and systems and their essential materials, develop and maintain related standards, and disseminate standard signals through broadcast and other means;
(12) develop and test standard interfaces, communication protocols, and data structures for computer and related telecommunications systems;
(13) study computer systems (as that term is defined in section 278g–3(d) 2
2 See References in Text note below.
of this title) and their use to control machinery and processes;
(14) perform research to develop standards and test methods to advance the effective use of computers and related systems and to protect the information stored, processed, and transmitted by such systems and to provide advice in support of policies affecting Federal computer and related telecommunications systems;
(15) on an ongoing basis, facilitate and support the development of a voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led set of standards, guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes to cost-effectively reduce cyber risks to critical infrastructure (as defined under subsection (e));
(16) support information security measures for the development and lifecycle of software and the software supply chain, including development of voluntary, consensus-based technical standards, best practices, frameworks, methodologies, procedures, processes, and software engineering toolkits and configurations;
(17) support information security measures, including voluntary, consensus-based technical standards, best practices, and guidelines, for the design, adoption, and deployment of cloud computing services;
(18) support research, development, and practical application to improve the usability of cybersecurity processes and technologies;
(19) facilitate and support the development of a voluntary, consensus-based set of technical standards, guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes to improve privacy protections in systems, technologies, and processes used by both the public and private sector;
(20) support privacy measures, including voluntary, consensus-based technical standards, best practices, guidelines, metrology, and testbeds for the design, adoption, and deployment of privacy enhancing technologies;
(21) perform research to support the development of voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led standards and recommendations on the security of computers, computer networks, and computer data storage used in election systems to ensure voters can vote securely and privately;
(22) determine properties of building materials and structural elements, and encourage their standardization and most effective use, including investigation of fire-resisting properties of building materials and conditions under which they may be most efficiently used, and the standardization of types of appliances for fire prevention;
(23) undertake such research in engineering, pure and applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, materials science, and the physical sciences as may be necessary to carry out and support the functions specified in this section;
(24) host, participate in, and support scientific and technical workshops (as defined in section 202 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act);
(25) collect and retain any fees charged by the Secretary for hosting a scientific and technical workshop described in paragraph (19); 2
(26) notwithstanding title 31 of the United States Code, use the fees described in paragraph (20) 2 to pay for any related expenses, including subsistence expenses for participants;
(27) compile, evaluate, publish, and otherwise disseminate general, specific and technical data resulting from the performance of the functions specified in this section or from other sources when such data are important to science, engineering, or industry, or to the general public, and are not available elsewhere;
(28) collect, create, analyze, and maintain specimens of scientific value;
(29) operate national user facilities;
(30) evaluate promising inventions and other novel technical concepts submitted by inventors and small companies and work with other Federal agencies, States, and localities to provide appropriate technical assistance and support for those inventions which are found in the evaluation process to have commercial promise;
(31) demonstrate the results of the Institute’s activities by exhibits or other methods of technology transfer, including the use of scientific or technical personnel of the Institute for part-time or intermittent teaching and training activities at educational institutions of higher learning as part of and incidental to their official duties; and
(32) undertake such other activities similar to those specified in this subsection as the Director determines appropriate.
(d) Management costs
(e) Cyber risks
(1) In generalIn carrying out the activities under subsection (c)(15), the Director—
(A) shall—
(i) coordinate closely and regularly with relevant private sector personnel and entities, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and other relevant industry organizations, including Sector Coordinating Councils and Information Sharing and Analysis Centers, and incorporate industry expertise;
(ii) consult with the heads of agencies with national security responsibilities, sector-specific agencies and other appropriate agencies, State and local governments, the governments of other nations, and international organizations;
(iii) identify a prioritized, flexible, repeatable, performance-based, and cost-effective approach, including information security measures and controls, that may be voluntarily adopted by owners and operators of critical infrastructure to help them identify, assess, and manage cyber risks;
(iv) include methodologies—(I) to identify and mitigate impacts of the cybersecurity measures or controls on business confidentiality; and(II) to protect individual privacy and civil liberties;
(v) incorporate voluntary consensus standards and industry best practices;
(vi) align with voluntary international standards to the fullest extent possible;
(vii) prevent duplication of regulatory processes and prevent conflict with or superseding of regulatory requirements, mandatory standards, and related processes;
(viii) consider small business concerns (as defined in section 632 of this title);
(ix) consider institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in section 1001 of title 20); and
(x) include such other similar and consistent elements as the Director considers necessary; and
(B) shall not prescribe or otherwise require—
(i) the use of specific solutions;
(ii) the use of specific information or communications technology products or services; or
(iii) that information or communications technology products or services be designed, developed, or manufactured in a particular manner.
(2) Limitation
(3) DefinitionsIn this subsection:
(A) Critical infrastructure
(B) Sector-specific agency
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 2, 31 Stat. 1449; July 22, 1950, ch. 486, § 1, 64 Stat. 371; Pub. L. 92–317, § 3(b), June 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 100–235, § 3(1), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1724; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5112(a), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1428; Pub. L. 102–245, title II, § 201(e), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 19; Pub. L. 104–113, § 12(a), (b), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 782; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, §§ 3002(c)(2)(A), 3013(b), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 586, 598; Pub. L. 113–274, title I, § 101(a), (b), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2972; Pub. L. 114–329, title I, § 104(b)(4), title II, §§ 202(d), 205(a)(2)(B), title IV, § 403, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 2976, 2998, 3000, 3023; Pub. L. 115–236, § 2(b), Aug. 14, 2018, 132 Stat. 2444; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, §§ 10223, 10228, 10242(a), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1477, 1481, 1487.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 272

§ 272a. Technology services
In addition to such other technology services and technology extension activities which may be mandated or authorized by law, and in order to help improve the use of technology by small and medium-sized industrial firms within the United States, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as appropriate, shall—
(1) work directly with States, local governments, and other appropriate organizations to provide for extended distribution of Standard Reference Materials, Standard Reference Data, calibrations, and related technical services and to help transfer other expertise and technology to the States and to small businesses and other businesses within the States;
(2) evaluate those inventions from small businesses or individuals which have a significant potential for improving competitiveness;
(3) provide support for workshops on technical and entrepreneurial topics and share information developed through the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Program; and
(4) work with other Federal agencies to provide technical and related assistance to the States and businesses within the States.
(Pub. L. 100–519, title I, § 109, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2591.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 272a

§ 272b. Annual budget submission

The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall annually submit to the Congress, at the time of the release of the President’s budget, a three year budget estimate for the Institute, including funding estimates for each major account and new initiative.

(Pub. L. 100–519, title I, § 111, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2592.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 272b

§ 273. Functions; for whom exercised

The Institute is authorized to exercise its functions for the Government of the United States and for international organizations of which the United States is a member; for governments of friendly countries; for any State or municipal government within the United States; or for any scientific society, educational institution, firm, corporation, or individual within the United States or friendly countries engaged in manufacturing or other pursuits requiring the use of standards or standard measuring instruments: Provided, That the exercise of these functions for international organizations, governments of friendly countries and scientific societies, educational institutions, firms, corporations, or individuals therein shall be in coordination with other agencies of the United States Government, in particular the Department of State in respect to foreign entities. All requests for the services of the Institute shall be made in accordance with the rules and regulations herein established.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 3, 31 Stat. 1449; Pub. L. 92–317, § 3(c), June 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 273

§ 273a. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology
(a) Establishment
(b) Appointment
(c) Compensation
(d) Duties
(e) Applicability
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 4, as added Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 403(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4000.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 273a

§ 274. Director; powers and duties; report; compensation

The Director shall report directly to the Secretary and shall have the general supervision of the Institute, its equipment, and the exercise of its functions. The Director shall make an annual report to the Secretary of Commerce. The Director may issue, when necessary, bulletins for public distribution, containing such information as may be of value to the public or facilitate the exercise of the functions of the Institute.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 5, 31 Stat. 1449; Pub. L. 99–73, § 6(a), July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 172; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5112(c)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1431; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3002(c)(2)(B), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 586; Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 403(b)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4000.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 274

§ 275. Hiring critical technical experts
(a) In general
(b)
(c) Sunset
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 6, 31 Stat. 1450; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, § 10, 32 Stat. 829; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, § 1, 37 Stat. 736; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10244, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1488.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 275

§ 275a. Service charges

The Secretary shall charge for services performed under the authority of section 273 of this title, except in cases where he determines that the interest of the Government would be best served by waiving the charge. Such charges may be based upon fixed prices or costs. The appropriation or fund bearing the cost of the services may be reimbursed, or the Secretary may require advance payment subject to such adjustment on completion of the work as may be agreed upon.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 7, as added Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 906, § 1, 70 Stat. 959.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 275a

§ 275b. Charges for activities performed for other agencies

The Secretary of Commerce shall charge for any service performed by the Institute, at the request of another Government agency, in compliance with any statute, enacted before, on, or after October 6, 1982, which names the Secretary or the Institute as a consultant to another Government agency, or calls upon the Secretary or the Institute to support or perform any activity for or on behalf of another Government agency, or to cooperate with any Government agency in the performance by that agency of any activity, regardless of whether the statute specifically requires reimbursement to the Secretary or the Institute by such other Government agency for such service, unless funds are specifically appropriated to the Secretary or the Institute to perform such service. The Secretary may, however, waive any charge where the service rendered by the Institute is such that the Institute will incur only nominal costs in performing it. Costs shall be determined in accordance with section 278b(e) of this title.

(Pub. L. 97–286, § 8, Oct. 6, 1982, 96 Stat. 1223; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 275b

§ 275c. Cost recovery authority

Fees for calibration services, standard reference materials, and other comparable services provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall be at least sufficient to meet the requirements set forth in the amendments made by subsection (a),1

1 See References in Text note below.
and any funds recovered in excess of such requirements shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States.

(Pub. L. 99–73, § 5(b), July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 172; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 275c

§ 276. Ownership of facilities

In the absence of specific agreement to the contrary, additional facilities, including equipment, purchased pursuant to the performance of services authorized by section 273 of this title shall become the property of the Department of Commerce.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 8, 31 Stat. 1450; June 30, 1932, ch. 314, pt. II, title III, § 312, 47 Stat. 410; Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 906, § 1, 70 Stat. 959.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 276

§ 277. Regulations

The Secretary of Commerce shall, from time to time, make regulations regarding the payment of fees, the limits of tolerance to be attained in standards submitted for verification, the sealing of standards, the disbursement and receipt of moneys, and such other matters as he may deem necessary for carrying this chapter into effect.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 9, 31 Stat. 1450; Feb. 14, 1903, ch. 552, § 10, 32 Stat. 829; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, § 1, 37 Stat. 736.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 277

§ 278. Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology
(a) Establishment; appointment; membership and composition; review and recommendations
(b) Qualifications; recommendations for appointment
The persons appointed as members of the Committee—
(1) shall be eminent in fields such as business, research, new product development, engineering, labor, education, management consulting, environment, and international relations;
(2) shall be selected solely on the basis of established records of distinguished service;
(3) shall not be employees of the Federal Government; and
(4) shall be so selected as to provide representation of a cross-section of the traditional and emerging United States industries.
The Director is requested, in making appointments of persons as members of the Committee, to give due consideration to any recommendations which may be submitted to the Director by the National Academies, professional societies, business associations, labor associations, and other appropriate organizations.
(c) Terms of office; eligibility
(1) The term of office of each member of the Committee, other than the original members, shall be 3 years; except that 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. Any person who has completed two consecutive full terms of service on the Committee shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment during the one-year period following the expiration of the second such term.
(2) The original members of the Committee shall be elected to three classes of three members each; one class shall have a term of one year, one a term of two years, and the other a term of three years.
(d) Meetings; quorum; notice
(e) Appointment by Committee of executive and other committees
(f) Chairman; Vice Chairman
(g) Professional and clerical staff
(h) Annual and other reports to Secretary and Congress
(1) The Committee shall render an annual report to the Secretary for submission to the Congress not later than 30 days after the submittal to Congress of the President’s annual budget request in each year. Such report shall deal essentially, though not necessarily exclusively, with policy issues or matters which affect the Institute or with which the Committee in its official role as the private sector policy advisor of the Institute is concerned. Each such report shall identify areas of research and research techniques of the Institute of potential importance to the long-term competitiveness of United States industry, in which the Institute possesses special competence, which could be used to assist United States enterprises and United States industrial joint research and development ventures.
(2) The Committee shall render to the Secretary and the Congress such additional reports on specific policy matters as it deems appropriate.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 10, 31 Stat. 1450; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §§ 5115(a)(1), 5131(b), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433, 1441; Pub. L. 104–113, § 8(1), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 779; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, §§ 3005, 3006, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 590; Pub. L. 114–329, title II, §§ 204(a)(1)(B)(ii), 205(a)(2)(C), title IV, § 404, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 2998, 3001, 3023.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278

§ 278a. Repealed. Pub. L. 88–611, § 4(a)(1), Oct. 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 991

CITE AS: 15 USC 278a

§ 278b. Working Capital Fund
(a) Utilization
(b) Availability of Fund
(c) Reimbursements
(d) Credits
(e) “Cost” defined
(f) Distribution of earnings; restoration of prior impairment
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 12, as added Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 906, § 2, 70 Stat. 959; amended Pub. L. 95–322, § 2(a), July 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 99–73, § 5(a), July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 172; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278b

§ 278c. Acquisition of land for field sites

To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated therefor, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to acquire land for such field sites as are necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the activities authorized herein.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 13, as added Pub. L. 85–890, § 1, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1711.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278c

§ 278d. Construction and improvement of buildings and facilities
(a) In general
(b) Retention of fees
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 14, as added Pub. L. 85–890, § 1, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1711; amended Pub. L. 92–317, § 3(d), June 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 96–461, § 8, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2051; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 102–245, title I, § 104(f), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 11; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3014, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 599.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278d

§ 278e. Functions and activities

In the performance of the functions of the Institute the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to undertake the following activities: (a) The purchase, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for guards; (b) the care, maintenance, protection, repair, and alteration of Institute buildings and other plant facilities, equipment, and property; (c) the rental of field sites and laboratory, office, and warehouse space; (d) the purchase of reprints from technical journals or other periodicals and the payment of page charges for the publication of research papers and reports in such journals; (e) the furnishing of food and shelter without repayment therefor to employees of the Government at Arctic and Antarctic stations; (f) for the conduct of observations on radio propagation phenomena in the Arctic or Antarctic regions, the appointment of employees at base rates established by the Secretary of Commerce which shall not exceed such maximum rates as may be specified from time to time in the appropriation concerned, and without regard to the civil service and classification laws and sections 5542 to 5546 of title 5; (g) the erection on leased property of specialized facilities and working and living quarters when the Secretary of Commerce determines that this will best serve the interests of the Government; and (h) the provision of transportation services for employees of the Institute between the facilities of the Institute and nearby public transportation, notwithstanding section 1344 of title 31.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 15, as added Pub. L. 85–890, § 1, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1711; amended Pub. L. 92–317, § 3(e), June 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 104–113, § 8(2), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 779.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278e

§ 278f. Fire Research Center
(a) Establishment; programs of research; functions of Secretary; dissemination of informationThere is hereby established within the Department of Commerce a Fire Research Center which shall have the mission of performing and supporting research on all aspects of fire with the aim of providing scientific and technical knowledge applicable to the prevention and control of fires. The span and priorities of the research program shall be determined in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration. In implementing this section, the Secretary is authorized to conduct, directly or through contracts or grants, a fire research program, including—
(1) basic and applied fire research for the purpose of arriving at an understanding of the fundamental processes underlying all aspects of fire. Such research shall include scientific investigations of—
(A) the physics and chemistry of combustion processes;
(B) the dynamics of flame ignition, flame spread, and flame extinguishment;
(C) the composition of combustion products developed by various sources and under various environmental conditions;
(D) the early stages of fires in buildings and other structures, structural subsystems and structural components in all other types of fires, including, but not limited to, forest fires, brush fires, fires underground, oil blowout fires, and waterborne fires, with the aim of improving early detection capability;
(E) the behavior of fires involving all types of buildings and other structures and their contents (including mobile homes and highrise buildings, construction materials, floor and wall coverings, coatings, furnishings, and other combustible materials), and all other types of fires, including forest fires, brush fires, fires underground, oil blowout fires, and waterborne fires;
(F) the unique fire hazards arising from the transportation and use, in industrial and professional practices, of combustible gases, fluids, and materials;
(G) design concepts for providing increased fire safety consistent with habitability, comfort, and human impact in buildings and other structures;
(H) such other aspects of the fire process as may be deemed useful in pursuing the objectives of the fire research program; and
(I) methods, procedures, and equipment for arson prevention, detection, and investigation;
(2) research into the biological, physiological, and psychological factors affecting human victims of fire, and the performance of individual members of fire services, including—
(A) the biological and physiological effects of toxic substances encountered in fires;
(B) the trauma, cardiac conditions, and other hazards resulting from exposure to fire;
(C) the development of simple and reliable tests for determining the cause of death from fires;
(D) improved methods of providing first aid to victims of fires;
(E) psychological and motivational characteristics of persons who engage in arson, and the prediction and cure of such behavior;
(F) the conditions of stress encountered by firefighters, the effects of such stress, and the alleviation and reduction of such conditions; and
(G) such other biological, psychological, and physiological effects of fire as have significance for purposes of control or prevention of fires; and
(3) operation tests, demonstration projects, and fire investigations in support of the activities set forth in this section.
The Secretary shall insure that the results and advances arising from the work of the research program are disseminated broadly. He shall encourage the incorporation, to the extent applicable and practicable, of such results and advances in building codes, fire codes, and other relevant codes, test methods, fire service operations and training, and standards. The Secretary is authorized to encourage and assist in the development and adoption of uniform codes, test methods, and standards aimed at reducing fire losses and costs of fire protection.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
(1) $525,000 for programs which are recommended in the report submitted to the Congress by the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration pursuant to section 2220(b)(1) 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title; and
(2) $119,000 for adjustments required by law in salaries, pay, retirement, and employee benefits.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 16, as added Pub. L. 93–498, § 18, Oct. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 1545; amended Pub. L. 94–411, § 1(b), Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1254; Pub. L. 95–422, §§ 1(b), 2(b), 3(b), Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 932, 933; Pub. L. 96–121, § 3, Nov. 16, 1979, 93 Stat. 863.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278f

§ 278g. International activities
(a) Financial assistance to foreign nationals
(b) Foreign assistance and compensation to Institute employees
(c) Prohibition on use of appropriations inapplicable
(d) Recruitment and employment of resident aliens
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 17, as added Pub. L. 96–461, § 9, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2051; amended Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 102–245, title I, § 104(h)(2), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 11; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10246(a)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1491.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g

§ 278g–1. Education and outreach
(a) In general
(b) Hiring
The Director, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may revise the procedures the Director applies when making appointments to laboratory positions within the competitive service—
(1) to ensure corporate memory of and expertise in the fundamental ongoing work, and on developing new capabilities in priority areas;
(2) to maintain high overall technical competence;
(3) to improve staff diversity;
(4) to balance emphases on the noncore and core areas; or
(5) to improve the ability of the Institute to compete in the marketplace for qualified personnel.
(c) Volunteers
(1) In general
(2) Acceptance of personnel
The Director may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel Management, voluntary service for the Institute for such purpose if the service—
(A) is to be without compensation; and
(B) will not be used to displace any current employee or act as a substitute for any future full-time employee of the Institute.
(3) Federal employee status
(d) Research fellowships
(1) In general
The Director may expend funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, as the Director considers appropriate, for awards of research fellowships and other forms of financial and logistical assistance, including direct stipend awards to—
(A) students at institutions of higher learning 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, including programs.
(2) Selection criteria
(3) Financial and logistical assistance
(e) Educational outreach activities
The Director may—
(1) facilitate education programs for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic and industry employees;
(2) sponsor summer workshops for STEM kindergarten through grade 12 teachers as appropriate;
(3) develop programs for graduate student internships and visiting faculty researchers;
(4) document publications, presentations, and interactions with visiting researchers and sponsoring interns as performance metrics for improving and continuing interactions with those individuals;
(5) facilitate laboratory tours and provide presentations for educational, industry, and community groups; and 1
1 So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear.
(6) conduct outreach to and develop research collaborations with historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority serving institutions, including through the recruitment of students and faculty at such institutions to participate in programs developed under paragraph (3);
(7) conduct outreach to and develop research collaborations with community colleges, including through the recruitment of students and faculty at such institutions to participate in programs developed under paragraph (3);
(8) carry out other activities to increase the participation of persons historically underrepresented in STEM in the Institute’s programs; and
(9) conduct outreach to and develop collaborations with nontraditional educational organizations, including those that offer training through nonprofit associations and professional associations or professional societies, to engage persons historically underrepresented in STEM through programs developed under this subsection.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 18, as added Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 306(b), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3008; amended Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10241, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1486.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-1

§ 278g–2. Post-doctoral fellowship program
(a) In general
(b) Organization
(c) Evaluations
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 19, as added Pub. L. 99–574, § 8(a), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3238; amended Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 104–113, § 8(3), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 779; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3015, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 599; Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, §§ 406(b), 407(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4004; Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 306(c), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3010.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-2

§ 278g–2a. Teacher science and technology enhancement Institute program
(a) Establishment
(b) Areas of focus
In carrying out the program under this section, the Director shall focus on the areas of—
(1) scientific measurements;
(2) tests and standards development;
(3) industrial competitiveness and quality;
(4) manufacturing;
(5) technology transfer; and
(6) any other area of expertise of the Institute that the Director determines to be appropriate.
(c) Procedures and selection criteria
(d) Scheduling
(e) Means of accomplishing goals
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 19A, as added Pub. L. 105–309, § 7, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2937; amended Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 406(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4004.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-2a

§ 278g–3. Computer standards program
(a) In generalThe Institute shall—
(1) have the mission of developing standards, guidelines, and associated methods and techniques for information systems;
(2) develop standards and guidelines, including minimum requirements, for information systems used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of an agency, other than national security systems (as defined in section 3552(b)(6) of title 44);
(3) develop standards and guidelines, including minimum requirements, for providing adequate information security for all agency operations and assets, but such standards and guidelines shall not apply to national security systems;
(4) carry out the responsibilities described in paragraph (3) through the Computer Security Division; and
(5) identify and develop standards and guidelines for improving the cybersecurity workforce for an agency as part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NIST Special Publication 800–181), or successor framework.
(b) Minimum requirements for standards and guidelinesThe standards and guidelines required by subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum—
(1)
(A) standards to be used by all agencies to categorize all information and information systems collected or maintained by or on behalf of each agency based on the objectives of providing appropriate levels of information security according to a range of risk levels;
(B) guidelines recommending the types of information and information systems to be included in each such category; and
(C) minimum information security requirements for information and information systems in each such category;
(2) a definition of and guidelines concerning detection and handling of information security incidents;
(3) guidelines developed in coordination with the National Security Agency for identifying an information system as a national security system consistent with applicable requirements for national security systems, issued in accordance with law and as directed by the President; and
(4) performance standards and guidelines for high risk biometric identification systems, including facial recognition systems, accounting for various use cases, types of biometric identification systems, and relevant operational conditions.
(c) Development of standards and guidelinesIn developing standards and guidelines required by subsections (a) and (b), the Institute shall—
(1) consult with other agencies and offices (including, but not limited to, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Departments of Defense and Energy, the National Security Agency, the Government Accountability Office, and the Secretary of Homeland Security) to assure—
(A) use of appropriate information security policies, procedures, and techniques, in order to improve information security and avoid unnecessary and costly duplication of effort; and
(B) that such standards and guidelines are complementary with standards and guidelines employed for the protection of national security systems and information contained in such systems;
(2) provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed standards and guidelines;
(3) submit such standards and guidelines to the Secretary of Commerce for promulgation under section 11331 of title 40;
(4) issue guidelines as required under subsection (b)(1)(B), no later than 18 months after November 25, 2002;
(5) ensure that such standards and guidelines do not require specific technological solutions or products, including any specific hardware or software security solutions;
(6) ensure that such standards and guidelines provide for sufficient flexibility to permit alternative solutions to provide equivalent levels of protection for identified information security risks; and
(7) use flexible, performance-based standards and guidelines that, to the greatest extent possible, permit the use of off-the-shelf commercially developed information security products.
(d) Information security functionsThe Institute shall—
(1) submit standards developed pursuant to subsection (a), along with recommendations as to the extent to which these should be made compulsory and binding, to the Secretary of Commerce for promulgation under section 11331 of title 40;
(2) provide assistance to agencies regarding—
(A) compliance with the standards and guidelines developed under subsection (a);
(B) detecting and handling information security incidents; and
(C) information security policies, procedures, and practices;
(3) conduct research and analysis—
(A) to determine the nature and extent of information security vulnerabilities and techniques for providing cost-effective information security;
(B) to review and determine prevalent information security challenges and deficiencies identified by agencies or the Institute, including any challenges or deficiencies described in any of the annual reports under section 3553 or 3554 of title 44, and in any of the reports and the independent evaluations under section 3555 of that title, that may undermine the effectiveness of agency information security programs and practices; and
(C) to evaluate the effectiveness and sufficiency of, and challenges to, Federal agencies’ implementation of standards and guidelines developed under this section and policies and standards promulgated under section 11331 of title 40;
(4) develop and periodically revise performance indicators and measures for agency information security policies and practices;
(5) evaluate private sector information security policies and practices and commercially available information technologies to assess potential application by agencies to strengthen information security;
(6) evaluate security policies and practices developed for national security systems to assess potential application by agencies to strengthen information security;
(7) periodically assess the effectiveness of standards and guidelines developed under this section and undertake revisions as appropriate;
(8) solicit and consider the recommendations of the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board, established by section 278g–4 of this title, regarding standards and guidelines developed under subsection (a) and submit such recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce with such standards submitted to the Secretary; and
(9) prepare an annual public report on activities undertaken in the previous year, and planned for the coming year, to carry out responsibilities under this section.
(e) Intramural security researchAs part of the research activities conducted in accordance with subsection (d)(3), the Institute shall, to the extent practicable and appropriate—
(1) conduct a research program to develop a unifying and standardized identity, privilege, and access control management framework for the execution of a wide variety of resource protection policies and that is amenable to implementation within a wide variety of existing and emerging computing environments;
(2) carry out research associated with improving the security of information systems and networks;
(3) carry out research associated with improving the testing, measurement, usability, and assurance of information systems and networks;
(4) carry out research associated with improving security of industrial control systems;
(5) carry out research associated with improving the security and integrity of the information technology supply chain; and
(6) carry out any additional research the Institute determines appropriate.
(f) DefinitionsAs used in this section—
(1) the term “agency” has the same meaning as provided in section 3502(1) of title 44;
(2) the term “information security” has the same meaning as provided in section 3552(b)(2) 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “3552(b)(3)”.
of such title;
(3) the term “information system” has the same meaning as provided in section 3502(8) of such title;
(4) the term “information technology” has the same meaning as provided in section 11101 of title 40; and
(5) the term “national security system” has the same meaning as provided in section 3552(b)(5) 2
2 So in original. Probably should be “3552(b)(6)”.
of such title.3
3 So in original. “Such title” probably means title 44.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 20, as added Pub. L. 100–235, § 3(2), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1724; amended Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 104–106, div. E, title LVI, § 5607(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 701; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, § 1073(h)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1906; Pub. L. 107–296, title X, § 1003, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2269; Pub. L. 107–305, §§ 8(b), 9, 10, Nov. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 2378, 2379; Pub. L. 107–347, title III, § 303, Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 2957; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 113–274, title II, § 204, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2980; Pub. L. 113–283, § 2(e)(4), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3087; Pub. L. 114–329, title I, § 104(b)(3), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 2976; Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCIV, § 9402(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4810; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, §§ 10227, 10246(a)(2), (g), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1481, 1491, 1494.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3

§ 278g–3a. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Agency
(2) Director of OMB
(3) Director of the Institute
(4) Information system
(5) National security system
(6) Operational technology
(7) Secretary
(8) Security vulnerability
(Pub. L. 116–207, § 3, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1001; Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, § 7143(d)(8), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3664.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3a

§ 278g–3b. Security standards and guidelines for agencies on use and management of Internet of Things devices
(a) National Institute of Standards and Technology development of standards and guidelines for use of Internet of Things devices by agencies
(1) In general
(2) Consistency with ongoing effortsThe Director of the Institute shall ensure that the standards and guidelines developed under paragraph (1) are consistent with the efforts of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in effect on December 4, 2020—
(A) regarding—
(i) examples of possible security vulnerabilities of Internet of Things devices; and
(ii) considerations for managing the security vulnerabilities of Internet of Things devices; and
(B) with respect to the following considerations for Internet of Things devices:
(i) Secure Development.
(ii) Identity management.
(iii) Patching.
(iv) Configuration management.
(3) Considering relevant standards
(b) Review of agency information security policies and principles
(1) Requirement
(2) ReviewIn reviewing agency information security policies and principles under paragraph (1) and issuing policies and principles under such paragraph, as may be necessary, the Director of OMB shall—
(A) consult with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security; and
(B) ensure such policies and principles are consistent with the information security requirements under subchapter II of chapter 35 of title 44.
(3) National security systems
(c) Quinquennial review and revision
(1) Review and revision of NIST standards and guidelinesNot later than 5 years after the date on which the Director of the Institute publishes the standards and guidelines under subsection (a), and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Director of the Institute, shall—
(A) review such standards and guidelines; and
(B) revise such standards and guidelines as appropriate.
(2) Updated OMB policies and principles for agencies
(d) Revision of Federal Acquisition Regulation
(Pub. L. 116–207, § 4, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1002.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3b

§ 278g–3c. Guidelines on the disclosure process for security vulnerabilities relating to information systems, including Internet of Things devices
(a) In generalNot later than 180 days after December 4, 2020, the Director of the Institute, in consultation with such cybersecurity researchers and private sector industry experts as the Director considers appropriate, and in consultation with the Secretary, shall develop and publish under section 278g–3 of this title guidelines—
(1) for the reporting, coordinating, publishing, and receiving of information about—
(A) a security vulnerability relating to information systems owned or controlled by an agency (including Internet of Things devices owned or controlled by an agency); and
(B) the resolution of such security vulnerability; and
(2) for a contractor providing to an agency an information system (including an Internet of Things device) and any subcontractor thereof at any tier providing such information system to such contractor, on—
(A) receiving information about a potential security vulnerability relating to the information system; and
(B) disseminating information about the resolution of a security vulnerability relating to the information system.
(b) ElementsThe guidelines published under subsection (a) shall—
(1) to the maximum extent practicable, be aligned with industry best practices and Standards 29147 and 30111 of the International Standards Organization (or any successor standard) or any other appropriate, relevant, and widely-used standard;
(2) incorporate guidelines on—
(A) receiving information about a potential security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by an agency (including an Internet of Things device); and
(B) disseminating information about the resolution of a security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by an agency (including an Internet of Things device); and
(3) be consistent with the policies and procedures produced under section 659(m) of title 6.
(c) Information items
(d) Oversight
(e) Operational and technical assistance
(Pub. L. 116–207, § 5, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1004.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3c

§ 278g–3d. Implementation of coordinated disclosure of security vulnerabilities relating to agency information systems, including Internet of Things devices
(a) Agency guidelines required
(b) Operational and technical assistance
(c) Consistency with guidelines from National Institute of Standards and Technology
(d) Revision of Federal Acquisition Regulation
(Pub. L. 116–207, § 6, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1005.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3d

§ 278g–3e. Contractor compliance with coordinated disclosure of security vulnerabilities relating to agency Internet of Things devices
(a) Prohibition on procurement and use
(1) In general
(2) Simplified acquisition threshold
(b) Waiver
(1) AuthorityThe head of an agency may waive the prohibition under subsection (a)(1) with respect to an Internet of Things device if the Chief Information Officer of that agency determines that—
(A) the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security;
(B) procuring, obtaining, or using such device is necessary for research purposes; or
(C) such device is secured using alternative and effective methods appropriate to the function of such device.
(2) Agency process
(c) Reports to Congress
(1) ReportEvery 2 years during the 6-year period beginning on December 4, 2020, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report—
(A) on the effectiveness of the process established under subsection (b)(2);
(B) that contains recommended best practices for the procurement of Internet of Things devices; and
(C) that lists—
(i) the number and type of each Internet of Things device for which a waiver under subsection (b)(1) was granted during the 2-year period prior to the submission of the report; and
(ii) the legal authority under which each such waiver was granted, such as whether the waiver was granted pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of such subsection.
(2) Classification of report
(d) Effective date
(Pub. L. 116–207, § 7, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1005.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-3e

§ 278g–4. Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board
(a) Establishment and composition
There is hereby established a 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “an”.
Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board within the Department of Commerce. The Secretary of Commerce shall appoint the chairman of the Board. The Board shall be composed of twelve additional members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce as follows:
(1) four members from outside the Federal Government who are eminent in the information technology industry, at least one of whom is representative of small or medium sized companies in such industries;
(2) four members from outside the Federal Government who are eminent in the fields of information technology, or related disciplines, but who are not employed by or representative of a producer of information technology; and
(3) four members from the Federal Government who have information system management experience, including experience in information security and privacy, at least one of whom shall be from the National Security Agency.
(b) Duties
The duties of the Board shall be—
(1) to identify emerging managerial, technical, administrative, and physical safeguard issues relative to information security and privacy;
(2) to advise the Institute, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget on information security and privacy issues pertaining to Federal Government information systems, including through review of proposed standards and guidelines developed under section 278g–3 of this title; and
(3) to report annually its findings to the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the National Security Agency, and the appropriate committees of the Congress.
(c) Term of office
The term of office of each member of the Board shall be four years, except that—
(1) of the initial members, three shall be appointed for terms of one year, three shall be appointed for terms of two years, three shall be appointed for terms of three years, and three shall be appointed for terms of four years; and
(2) any member appointed to fill a vacancy in the Board shall serve for the remainder of the term for which his predecessor was appointed.
(d) Quorum
(e) Allowance for travel expenses
(f) Meetings
(g) Staff services and utilization of Federal personnel
(h) Definitions
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 21, as added Pub. L. 100–235, § 3(2), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1727; amended Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 107–296, title X, § 1004, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2271; Pub. L. 107–347, title III, § 304, Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 2959; Pub. L. 113–283, § 2(f)(2), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3087.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-4

§ 278g–5. Enterprise integration initiative
(a) Establishment
(b) Assessment
(c) Authorized activities
In order to carry out this Act, the Director may work with industry, trade associations, professional societies, and others as appropriate—
(1) to raise awareness in the United States, including awareness by businesses that are majority owned by women, minorities, or both, of enterprise integration activities in the United States and abroad, including by the convening of conferences;
(2) on the development of enterprise integration roadmaps;
(3) to support the development, testing, promulgation, integration, adoption, and upgrading of standards related to enterprise integration including application protocols; and
(4) to provide technical assistance and, if necessary, financial support to small- and medium-sized businesses that set up pilot projects in enterprise integration.
(d) Manufacturing Extension Program
(Pub. L. 107–277, § 3, Nov. 5, 2002, 116 Stat. 1936; Pub. L. 113–188, title II, § 201(b), Nov. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 2018; Pub. L. 114–329, title V, § 501(e)(2), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3033.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278g-5

§ 278h. Research program on security of computer systems
(a) EstablishmentThe Director shall establish a program of assistance to institutions of higher education that enter into partnerships with for-profit entities to support research to improve the security of computer systems. The partnerships may also include government laboratories and nonprofit research institutions. The program shall—
(1) include multidisciplinary, long-term research;
(2) include research directed toward addressing needs identified through the activities of the Computer System Security 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “Information Security”.
and Privacy Advisory Board under section 278g–3(f) 2
2 See References in Text note below.
of this title; and
(3) promote the development of a robust research community working at the leading edge of knowledge in subject areas relevant to the security of computer systems by providing support for graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and senior researchers.
(b) Fellowships
(1) Post-doctoral research fellowships
(2) Senior research fellowships
(3) Eligibility
(A) In general
(B) Stipends
(c) Awards; applications
(1) In general
(2) EligibilityTo be eligible for an award under this section, an institution of higher education shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of—
(A) the number of graduate students anticipated to participate in the research project and the level of support to be provided to each;
(B) the number of post-doctoral research positions included under the research project and the level of support to be provided to each;
(C) the number of individuals, if any, intending to change research fields and pursue studies related to the security of computer systems to be included under the research project and the level of support to be provided to each; and
(D) how the for-profit entities, nonprofit research institutions, and any other partners will participate in developing and carrying out the research and education agenda of the partnership.
(d) Program operation
(1) Management
(2) Managers may be employees
(3) Manager responsibilityProgram managers designated under paragraph (1) shall be responsible for—
(A) establishing and publicizing the broad research goals for the program;
(B) soliciting applications for specific research projects to address the goals developed under subparagraph (A);
(C) selecting research projects for support under the program from among applications submitted to the Institute, following consideration of—
(i) the novelty and scientific and technical merit of the proposed projects;
(ii) the demonstrated capabilities of the individual or individuals submitting the applications to successfully carry out the proposed research;
(iii) the impact the proposed projects will have on increasing the number of computer security researchers;
(iv) the nature of the participation by for-profit entities and the extent to which the proposed projects address the concerns of industry; and
(v) other criteria determined by the Director, based on information specified for inclusion in applications under subsection (c); and
(D) monitoring the progress of research projects supported under the program.
(4) Reports
(e) Review of program
(1) Periodic review
(2) Comprehensive 5-year review
(f) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Computer system
(2) Institution of higher education
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 22, as added Pub. L. 107–305, § 8(a)(2), Nov. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 2375.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278h

§ 278h–1. Standards for artificial intelligence
(a) MissionThe Institute shall—
(1) advance collaborative frameworks, standards, guidelines, and associated methods and techniques for artificial intelligence;
(2) support the development of a risk-mitigation framework for deploying artificial intelligence systems;
(3) support the development of technical standards and guidelines that promote trustworthy artificial intelligence systems; and
(4) support the development of technical standards and guidelines by which to test for bias in artificial intelligence training data and applications.
(b)The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology may—
(1) support measurement research and development of best practices and voluntary standards for trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, which may include—
(A) privacy and security, including for datasets used to train or test artificial intelligence systems and software and hardware used in artificial intelligence systems;
(B) advanced computer chips and hardware designed for artificial intelligence systems;
(C) data management and techniques to increase the usability of data, including strategies to systematically clean, label, and standardize data into forms useful for training artificial intelligence systems and the use of common, open licenses;
(D) safety and robustness of artificial intelligence systems, including assurance, verification, validation, security, control, and the ability for artificial intelligence systems to withstand unexpected inputs and adversarial attacks;
(E) auditing mechanisms and benchmarks for accuracy, transparency, verifiability, and safety assurance for artificial intelligence systems;
(F) applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence systems to improve other scientific fields and engineering;
(G) model documentation, including performance metrics and constraints, measures of fairness, training and testing processes, and results;
(H) system documentation, including connections and dependences within and between systems, and complications that may arise from such connections; and
(I) all other areas deemed by the Director to be critical to the development and deployment of trustworthy artificial intelligence;
(2) produce curated, standardized, representative, high-value, secure, aggregate, and privacy protected data sets for artificial intelligence research, development, and use;
(3) support one or more institutes as described in section 9431(b) of this title for the purpose of advancing measurement science, voluntary consensus standards, and guidelines for trustworthy artificial intelligence systems;
(4) support and strategically engage in the development of voluntary consensus standards, including international standards, through open, transparent, and consensus-based processes; and
(5) enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and development arrangements and grants and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary in the conduct of the work of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and on such terms as the Director considers appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this division.1
1 See References in Text note below.
(c) Risk management frameworkNot later than 2 years after January 1, 2021, the Director shall work to develop, and periodically update, in collaboration with other public and private sector organizations, including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, a voluntary risk management framework for trustworthy artificial intelligence systems. The framework shall—
(1) identify and provide standards, guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures and processes for—
(A) developing trustworthy artificial intelligence systems;
(B) assessing the trustworthiness of artificial intelligence systems; and
(C) mitigating risks from artificial intelligence systems;
(2) establish common definitions and characterizations for aspects of trustworthiness, including explainability, transparency, safety, privacy, security, robustness, fairness, bias, ethics, validation, verification, interpretability, and other properties related to artificial intelligence systems that are common across all sectors;
(3) provide case studies of framework implementation;
(4) align with international standards, as appropriate;
(5) incorporate voluntary consensus standards and industry best practices; and
(6) not prescribe or otherwise require the use of specific information or communications technology products or services.
(d) Participation in standard setting organizations
(1) Requirement
(2) PurposeThe purpose of this participation shall be to ensure—
(A) that standards promote artificial intelligence systems that are trustworthy; and
(B) that standards relating to artificial intelligence reflect the state of technology and are fit-for-purpose and developed in transparent and consensus-based processes that are open to all stakeholders.
(e) Data sharing best practices
(f) Best practices for documentation of data setsNot later than 1 year after January 1, 2021, the Director shall, in collaboration with other public and private sector organizations, develop best practices for datasets used to train artificial intelligence systems, including—
(1) standards for metadata that describe the properties of datasets, including—
(A) the origins of the data;
(B) the intent behind the creation of the data;
(C) authorized uses of the data;
(D) descriptive characteristics of the data, including what populations are included and excluded from the datasets; and
(E) any other properties as determined by the Director; and
(2) standards for privacy and security of datasets with human characteristics.
(g) Testbeds
(h) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out this section—
(1) $64,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
(2) $70,400,000 for fiscal year 2022;
(3) $77,440,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(4) $85,180,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
(5) $93,700,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 22A, as added Pub. L. 116–283, div. E, title LIII, § 5301, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4536; amended Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10232(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1484.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278h-1

§ 278i. Reports to Congress
(a) Information to Congress on Institute activities
(b) Justification for changes in policies and fees
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 23, as added Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5114(2), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1432; amended Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3004, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 590; Pub. L. 114–329, title II, § 204(a)(1)(B)(i), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 2998.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278i

§ 278j. Studies by National Research Council
The Director may periodically contract with the National Research Council for advice and studies to assist the Institute to serve United States industry and science. The subjects of such advice and studies may include—
(1) the competitive position of the United States in key areas of manufacturing and emerging technologies and research activities which would enhance that competitiveness;
(2) potential activities of the Institute, in cooperation with industry and the States, to assist in the transfer and dissemination of new technologies for manufacturing and quality assurance; and
(3) identification and assessment of likely barriers to widespread use of advanced manufacturing technology by the United States workforce, including training and other initiatives which could lead to a higher percentage of manufacturing jobs of United States companies being located within the borders of our country.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 24, as added Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5114(2), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1432.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278j

§ 278k. Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congressThe term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
(2) Area career and technical education school
(3) CenterThe term “Center” means a manufacturing extension center that—
(A) is created under subsection (b); and
(B) is affiliated with an eligible entity that applies for and is awarded financial support under subsection (e).
(4) Community college
(5) Eligible entity
(6) Historically Black college and university
(7)1
1 So in original. Two pars. (7) have been enacted.
Institution of higher education
(7)1 Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership or Program
(8) MEP Advisory Board
(9) Minority-serving institution
(10) Secondary school
(11) Tribal College or University
(b) Establishment and purpose
(c) ObjectiveThe objective of the Program shall be to enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance in United States manufacturing through—
(1) the transfer of manufacturing technology and techniques developed at the Institute to Centers and, through them, to manufacturing companies throughout the United States;
(2) 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;
(3) efforts to make new manufacturing technology and processes usable by United States-based small and medium-sized companies;
(4) the active dissemination of scientific, engineering, technical, and management information about manufacturing to United States-based industrial firms, including small and medium-sized manufacturing companies;
(5) the utilization, when appropriate, of the expertise and capability that exists in Federal agencies, other than the Institute, and federally-sponsored laboratories;
(6) the provision to secondary schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities, of information about the job skills needed in manufacturing companies, including small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the regions they serve;
(7) the promotion and expansion of certification systems offered through industry, associations, local secondary schools and local colleges, including historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and secondary schools and colleges in underserved and rural communities, when appropriate, including efforts such as facilitating training, supporting new or existing apprenticeships or other applied learning opportunities, and providing access to information and experts, to address workforce needs and skills gaps in order to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses; and
(8) the growth in employment and wages at United States-based small and medium-sized companies.
(d) ActivitiesThe activities of a Center shall include—
(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing systems and other advanced production technologies, at United States-based industrial facilities, including small and medium manufacturing companies 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 United States-based companies and enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers; and
(3) the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships between United States-based small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities, to help those entities 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.
(e) Financial assistance
(1) Authorization
(2) Cost sharing
(3) Rule of construction
(4) Regulations
(f) Applications
(1) In general
(2) Program descriptionThe Secretary shall establish and update, as necessary—
(A) a description of the Program;
(B) the application procedures;
(C) performance metrics;
(D) criteria for determining qualified applicants; and 3
3 So in original.
(E) criteria for choosing recipients of financial assistance from among the qualified applicants.3
(F) procedures for determining allowable cost share contributions; and
(G) such other program policy objectives and operational procedures as the Secretary considers necessary.
(3) Cost sharing
(A) In general
(B) Agreements with other entitiesIn meeting the cost-sharing requirement under subparagraph (A), an eligible entity may enter into an agreement with 1 or more other entities, such as a private industry, institutions of higher education, or a State, United States territory, local, or tribal government for the contribution by that other entity of funding if the Secretary determines the agreement—
(i) is programmatically reasonable;
(ii) will help accomplish programmatic objectives; and
(iii) is allocable under Program procedures under subsection (f)(2).
(4) Legal rights
(5) Merit review of applications
(A) In general
(B) ConsiderationsIn making a decision whether to approve an application and provide financial assistance under subsection (e), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum—
(i) 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 in the United States;
(ii) the quality of service to be provided;
(iii) the geographical diversity and extent of the service area; and
(iv) the type and percentage of funding and in-kind commitment from other sources under paragraph (3).
(g) Evaluations
(1) Third and eighth year evaluations by panel
(A) In general
(B) CompositionThe Secretary shall ensure that each evaluation panel appointed under subparagraph (A) is composed of—
(i) private experts, none of whom are connected with the Center evaluated by the panel; and
(ii) Federal officials.
(C) Chairperson
(2) Fifth year evaluations by Secretary
(3) Performance measurementIn evaluating a Center an evaluation panel or the Secretary, as applicable, shall measure the performance of the Center against—
(A) the objective specified in subsection (c);
(B) the performance metrics under subsection (f)(2)(C); and
(C) such other criterion as considered appropriate by the Secretary.
(4) Positive evaluationsIf an evaluation of a Center is positive, the Secretary may continue to provide financial assistance for the Center—
(A) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the third year of a Center, through the fifth year of the Center;
(B) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the fifth year of a Center, through the eighth year of the Center; and
(C) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the eighth year of a Center, through the tenth year of the Center.
(5) Other than positive evaluations
(A) Probation
(B) Notice and reevaluationIf a Center receives an evaluation that is other than positive, the evaluation panel or Secretary, as applicable, shall—
(i) notify the Center of the reason, including any deficiencies in the performance of the Center identified during the evaluation;
(ii) assist the Center in remedying the deficiencies by providing the Center, not less frequently than once every 3 months, an analysis of the Center, if considered appropriate by the panel or Secretary, as applicable; and
(iii) reevaluate the Center not later than 1 year after the date of the notice under clause (i).
(C) Continued support during period of probation
(i) In general
(ii) Post probation
(6) Failure to remedy
(A) In general
(B) Treatment of Centers subject to new competition
(h) Reapplication competition for financial assistance after 10 years
(1) In general
(2) Incumbent eligible entities
(3) Treatment of Centers subject to reapplication competition
(i) Process plan
(j) Operational requirements
(1) Protection of confidential information of Center clientsThe following information, if obtained by the Federal Government in connection with an activity of a Center or the Program, shall be exempt from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5:
(A) Information on the business operation of any participant in the Program or of a client of a Center.
(B) Trade secrets of any client of a Center.
(k) Oversight boards
(1) In general
(2) Standards
(A) In general
(B) Considerations
(C) RequirementsThe standards shall address—
(i) membership;
(ii) composition;
(iii) term limits;
(iv) conflicts of interest; and
(v) such other requirements as the Director considers necessary.
(3) Membership
(A) In generalEach board established under paragraph (1) shall be composed of members as follows:
(i) The membership of each board shall be representative of stakeholders in the region in which the Center is located.
(ii) A majority of the members of the board shall be selected from among individuals who own or are employed by small or medium-sized manufacturers.
(B) Limitation
(4) Bylaws
(A) In general
(B) Conflicts of interest
(l) Acceptance of funds
(1) In general
(2) Competitive awardsFunds accepted from other Federal departments and agencies and from the private sector under paragraph (1) shall be awarded competitively by the Secretary and Director to Centers, provided that the Secretary and Director may make noncompetitive 3 awards, pursuant to this section or section 278k–1 of this title, or as a non-competitive 3 contract, as appropriate, if the Secretary and Director determine that—
(A) the manufacturing market or sector targeted is limited geographically or in scope;
(B) the number of States (or territory, in the case of Puerto Rico) with Centers serving manufacturers of such market or sector is five or fewer; and
(C) such Center has or Centers have received a positive evaluation in the most recent evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (g).
(m) MEP Advisory Board
(1) Establishment
(2) Membership
(A) Composition
(i) In general
(ii) RequirementsOf the members appointed under clause (i)—(I) at least 2 members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for a Center;(II) at least 5 members shall be from United States small businesses in the manufacturing sector; and(III) at least 1 member shall represent a community college.
(iii) Limitation
(B) Term
(C) Vacancies
(D) Serving consecutive terms
(3) MeetingsThe MEP Advisory Board shall—
(A) meet not less than biannually; and
(B) provide to the Director—
(i) advice on the activities, plans, and policies of the Program;
(ii) assessments of the soundness of the plans and strategies of the Program; and
(iii) assessments of current performance against the plans of the Program.
(4) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5
(A) In general
(B) Exception
(5) Annual report
(A) In general
(B) Contents
(n) Small manufacturers
(1) Evaluation of obstaclesAs part of the Program, the Director shall—
(A) identify obstacles that prevent United States-based small manufacturers from effectively competing in the global market;
(B) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers to address the obstacles identified in paragraph (2); and
(C) facilitate improved communication between the Centers to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate, targeted solutions to the obstacles identified in paragraph (2).
(2) Development of open access resources
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 25, as added Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5121(a), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; amended Pub. L. 102–245, title I, § 105(e), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 12; Pub. L. 105–309, § 2, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2935; Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3003, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 111–240, title IV, § 4226(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2598; Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 404(a)–(f)(1), (3), (h), (i), title VII, § 703, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4001–4003, 4042; Pub. L. 114–329, title V, § 501(b), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3023; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, §§ 10252(a), (b), (d), 10255, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1499, 1503; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(65), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4312.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278k

§ 278k–1. Competitive awards program
(a) Establishment
(b) Participants
(c) Purpose, themes, and reimbursement
(1) Purpose
(2) Themes
(3) Reimbursement
(d) Applications
(e) Selection
(1) Peer review and competitively awarded
(2) Geographic diversity
(3) Criteria
The Director shall select applications to receive awards that the Director determines will achieve 1 or more of the following:
(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.
(C) Promote the transfer and commercialization of research and technology from institutions of higher education, national laboratories or other federally funded research programs, and nonprofit research institutes.
(D) Recruit a diverse manufacturing workforce, including through outreach to underrepresented populations, including individuals identified in section 1885a or section 1885b of title 42.
(E) Such other result as the Director determines will advance the objective set forth in section 278k(c) of this title or in section 278l of this title.
(f) Program Contribution
(g) Global marketplace projects
(h) Duration
(i) Definitions
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 25A, as added Pub. L. 114–329, title V, § 501(c), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3031; amended Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10252(c), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1499.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278k-1

§ 278k–2. Expansion awards pilot program
(a) Definitions
(b) Establishment
(c) Participants
(d) Award amountsSubject to the availability of appropriations, an award for a recipient under this section shall be in an amount equal to the sum of the following:
(1) Such amount as the Director considers appropriate as a minimum base funding level for each award under this section.
(2) Such additional amount as the Director considers in proportion to the manufacturing density of the region of the recipient.
(3) Such supplemental amounts as the Director considers appropriate.
(e) Purpose of awardsAn award under this section shall be made for one or more of the following purposes:
(1) To provide worker education, training, development, and entrepreneurship training and to connect individuals or business with such services offered in their community, which may include employee ownership and workforce training, including connecting manufacturers with career and technical education entities, institutions of higher education (including community colleges), workforce development boards, labor organizations, and nonprofit job training providers to develop and support training and job placement services, including apprenticeship and online learning platforms, for new and incumbent workers, programming to prevent job losses when adopting new technologies and processes, and development of employee ownership practices.
(2) To provide services to improve the resiliency of domestic supply chains.
(3) To mitigate vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, including helping to offset the cost of cybersecurity projects for small manufacturers.
(4) To expand advanced technology services to United States-based small- and medium-sized manufacturers, which may include—
(A) developing technology demonstration laboratories;
(B) training and demonstration in areas of supply chain and critical technology needs, including a focus on the demonstration of technologies developed by companies based in the United States;
(C) services for the adoption of advanced technologies, including smart manufacturing technologies and practices; and
(D) establishing partnerships, for the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced technologies, with—
(i) national laboratories (as defined in section 15801 of title 42);
(ii) Federal laboratories;
(iii) Manufacturing USA institutes (as described in section 278s(d) of this title); and
(iv) institutions of higher education.
(5) To build capabilities across the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership for domestic supply chain resiliency and optimization, including—
(A) assessment of domestic manufacturing capabilities, expanded capacity for researching and deploying information on supply chain risk, hidden costs of reliance on offshore suppliers, redesigning products and processes to encourage reshoring, and other relevant topics; and
(B) expanded services to provide industrywide support that assists United States manufacturers with reshoring manufacturing to strengthen the resiliency of domestic supply chains, including in critical technology areas and foundational manufacturing capabilities that are key to domestic manufacturing competitiveness and resiliency, including forming, casting, machining, joining, surface treatment, tooling, and metal or chemical refining.
(f) Reimbursement
(g) Applications
(h) Selection
(1) Reviewed and merit-based
(2) Geographic diversity
(3) CriteriaThe Director shall select applications consistent with the purposes identified pursuant to subsection (e) to receive awards that the Director determines will achieve one or more of the following:
(A) Improvement of the competitiveness of industries in the region in which the Center or Centers are located.
(B) Creation of jobs or training of newly hired employees.
(C) Promotion of the transfer and commercialization of research and technology from institutions of higher education, national laboratories, or other federally funded research programs, and nonprofit research institutes.
(D) Recruitment of a diverse manufacturing workforce, including through outreach to underrepresented populations, including individuals identified in section 1885a or section 1885b of title 42.
(E) Any other result the Director determines will advance the objective set forth in section 278k(c) or 278k–1 of this title.
(i) Program contribution
(j) Global marketplace projects
(k) Duration
(l) ReportNot later than October 1, 2025, the Director shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
(1) a summary description of what activities were funded and the measurable outcomes of such activities;
(2) a description of which types of activities under paragraph (1) could remain as part of a permanent expansion awards program;
(3) a description of which types of activities under paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and supported under, the program under section 278k of this title;
(4) a description of which types of activities under paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and supported under, the competitive awards program under section 278k–1 of this title; and
(5) a recommendation, supported by a clear explanation, as to whether the pilot program should be continued.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 25B, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10251(a), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1496.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278k-2

§ 278l. Assistance to State technology programs
(a) In addition to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership under section 278k of this title, the Secretary, through the Director and, if appropriate, through other officials, shall provide technical assistance to State technology programs throughout the United States, in order to help those programs help businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses, to enhance their competitiveness through the application of science and technology.
(b) Such assistance from the Institute to State technology programs shall include, but not be limited to—
(1) technical information and advice from Institute personnel;
(2) workshops and seminars for State officials interested in transferring Federal technology to businesses; and
(3) entering into cooperative agreements when authorized to do so under this chapter or any other Act.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 26, as added Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5121(a), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1435; amended Pub. L. 114–329, title V, § 501(e)(3), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3033.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278l

§ 278m. Repealed. Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3013(d), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 599

CITE AS: 15 USC 278m

§ 278n. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–329, title II, § 205(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3000

CITE AS: 15 USC 278n

§ 278n–1. Emergency communication and tracking technologies research initiative
(a) Establishment
(b) Activities
In order to carry out this section, the Director shall work with the private sector and appropriate Federal agencies to—
(1) perform a needs assessment to identify and evaluate the measurement, technical standards, and conformity assessment needs required to improve the operation and reliability of such emergency communication and tracking technologies;
(2) support the development of technical standards and conformance architecture to improve the operation and reliability of such emergency communication and tracking technologies; and
(3) incorporate and build upon existing reports and studies on improving emergency communications.
(c) Report
(Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 405, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4003.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278n-1

§ 278n–2. Green manufacturing and construction
The Director shall carry out a green manufacturing and construction initiative—
(1) to develop accurate sustainability metrics and practices for use in manufacturing;
(2) to advance the development of standards, including high performance green building standards, and the creation of an information infrastructure to communicate sustainability information about suppliers; and
(3) to move buildings toward becoming high performance green buildings, including improving energy performance, service life, and indoor air quality of new and retrofitted buildings through validated measurement data.
(Pub. L. 111–358, title IV, § 408, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4004.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278n-2

§ 278o. User fees

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 30, as added Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5161, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1450.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278o

§ 278p. Notice to Congress
(a) Notice of reprogramming
(b) Notice of reorganization
(1) Requirement
(2) “Major reorganization” defined
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 31, as added Pub. L. 105–309, § 4(b), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2935.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278p

§ 278q. Appropriations; availability

Appropriations to carry out the provisions of this chapter may remain available for obligation and expenditure for such period or periods as may be specified in the Acts making such appropriations.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 32, formerly § 18, as added Pub. L. 92–317, § 3(a), June 22, 1972, 86 Stat. 235; amended Pub. L. 95–322, § 2(b), July 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 96–461, § 10, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2052; renumbered § 19, Pub. L. 99–574, § 6(a), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3237; renumbered § 20, Pub. L. 99–574, § 8(a), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3238; renumbered § 22, Pub. L. 100–235, § 3(2), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1724; renumbered § 32, Pub. L. 107–305, § 8(a)(1), Nov. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 2375.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278q

§ 278r. Collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants
(a) Authority
(1) Establishment
(2) Participants
Such partnerships shall include at least—
(A) 1 manufacturing industry partner; and
(B) 1 nonindustry partner.
(3) Purpose
(b) Program contribution
(c) Applications
Applications for awards under this section shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, and containing such information as the Director shall require. Such applications shall describe at a minimum—
(1) how each partner will participate in developing and carrying out the research agenda of the partnership;
(2) the research that the grant would fund; and
(3) how the research to be funded with the award would contribute to improved performance, productivity, and competitiveness of the United States manufacturing industry.
(d) Selection criteria
In selecting applications for awards under this section, the Director shall consider at a minimum—
(1) the degree to which projects will have a broad impact on manufacturing;
(2) the novelty and scientific and technical merit of the proposed projects; and
(3) the demonstrated capabilities of the applicants to successfully carry out the proposed research.
(e) Distribution
(f) Duration
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 33, as added Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3007(2), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 591.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278r

§ 278s. Manufacturing USA
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Agency head
(2) Regional innovation initiative
(b) Establishment of Manufacturing USA Program
(1) In general
(2) Purposes of ProgramThe purposes of the Program are—
(A) to improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing and to increase the production of goods manufactured predominantly within the United States;
(B) to stimulate United States leadership in advanced manufacturing research, innovation, and technology;
(C) to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-performing manufacturing capabilities;
(D) to facilitate access by manufacturing enterprises to capital-intensive infrastructure, including high-performance electronics and computing, and the supply chains that enable these technologies;
(E) to accelerate the development of an advanced manufacturing workforce;
(F) to facilitate peer exchange of and the documentation of best practices in addressing advanced manufacturing challenges;
(G) to leverage non-Federal sources of support to promote a stable and sustainable business model without the need for long-term Federal funding;
(H) to create and preserve jobs; and
(I) to contribute to the development of regional innovation initiatives across the United States.
(3) SupportThe Secretary, acting through the Director, shall carry out the purposes set forth in paragraph (2) by supporting—
(A) the Manufacturing USA Network established under subsection (b); and
(B) the establishment of Manufacturing USA institutes.
(4) Director
(c) Establishment of Manufacturing USA Network
(1) In general
(2) Designation
(d) Manufacturing USA institutes
(1) In generalFor purposes of this section, a Manufacturing USA institute is an institute that—
(A) has been established by a person or group of persons to address challenges in advanced manufacturing and to assist manufacturers in retaining or expanding industrial production and jobs in the United States;
(B) has a predominant focus on a manufacturing process, novel material, enabling technology, supply chain integration methodology, or another relevant aspect of advanced manufacturing, such as nanotechnology applications, advanced ceramics, photonics and optics, composites, biobased and advanced materials, flexible hybrid technologies, tool development for microelectronics, food manufacturing, superconductors, advanced battery technologies, robotics, advanced sensors, quantum information science, supply chain water optimization, aeronautics and advanced materials, and graphene and graphene commercialization;
(C) has the potential—
(i) to improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing, including key advanced manufacturing technologies such as nanotechnology, advanced ceramics, photonics and optics, composites, biobased and advanced materials, flexible hybrid technologies, tool development for microelectronics, food manufacturing, superconductors, advanced battery technologies, robotics, advanced sensors, quantum information science, supply chain water optimization, aeronautics and advanced materials, and graphene and graphene commercialization;
(ii) to accelerate non-Federal investment in advanced manufacturing production capacity in the United States; or
(iii) to enable the commercial application of new technologies or industry-wide manufacturing processes; and
(D) includes active participation among representatives from multiple industrial entities, research universities, community colleges, and other entities as appropriate, which may include industry-led consortia, career and technical education schools, Federal laboratories, State, local, and Tribal governments, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
(2) Activities
(A) Required activitiesFor purposes of this section, a Manufacturing USA institute is also an institute that carries out the following:
(i) Research, development, and demonstration projects, including proof-of-concept development and prototyping, to reduce the cost, time, or risk of commercializing new technologies and improvements in existing technologies, processes, products, and research and development of materials to solve precompetitive industrial problems with economic or national security implications.
(ii) Development and implementation of education, training, and workforce recruitment courses, materials, and programs addressing workforce needs through training and education programs at all appropriate education levels, including programs on applied engineering.
(iii) Development of innovative methodologies and practices for supply chain integration and introduction of new technologies into supply chains, as appropriate.
(iv) Outreach and engagement with small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, including women, minority, and veteran owned manufacturing enterprises, in addition to large manufacturing enterprises.
(v) Development of roadmaps or leveraging of existing roadmaps with respect to technology areas being pursued by that Manufacturing USA institute that take into account the research and development undertaken at other Manufacturing USA institutes and Federal agencies with respect to such areas.
(B) Permissible activities
(3) Additional Manufacturing USA institutes
(A) In general
(B) Network participation
(C) ApplicabilityEffective beginning on December 20, 2019, an institute shall be treated as a Manufacturing USA institute under this section and subject to subsections (b)(2), (d), and (e) in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply to a Manufacturing USA institute described by paragraphs (1) and (2) if such institute—
(i)(I) is, as of December 20, 2019, considered a Manufacturing USA institute under subparagraph (A) or recognized as a Manufacturing USA institute under subparagraph (B); and(II) as of December 20, 2019, receives Federal financial assistance under subsection (e) or otherwise consistent with the purposes of this section;
(ii) is under pending agency review for such recognition as of December 20, 2019; or
(iii) is currently funded by the Department of Energy.
(e) Financial assistance to establish and support Manufacturing USA institutes
(1) Financial assistance authorized
(2) Period and renewal of awards
(A) Initial periods
(B) Renewal of awards
(i) Renewal authorized
(ii) Consideration of performance standards
(iii) Initial failure to meet performance standardsIf, pursuant to a rigorous merit review under clause (i) for renewal of an award under such clause for a Manufacturing USA institute, an agency head finds that the institute does not meet the standards for performance established pursuant to paragraph (5)(C), the agency head shall—(I) notify the institute of any deficiencies in the performance of the institute; and(II) provide the institute one year to remedy such deficiencies.
(iv) Further failure to meet performance standardsIf a Manufacturing USA institute fails to remedy a deficiency identified or to show significant improvement in performance during the 1-year period set forth under clause (iii)(II)—(I) the institute shall not be eligible for 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by “a”.
renewed award under clause (i); and(II) the agency head that conducted the review for renewal shall notify the institute of such ineligibility.
(v) Continuation of existing Manufacturing USA institutesNot withstanding clauses (i) through (iv), a Manufacturing USA institute already in existence or undergoing a renewal process prior to December 1, 2019—(I) may continue to receive support for the duration of the original funding award beginning on the date of establishment of that institute; and(II) shall be eligible for renewal of that funding pursuant to clause (i).
(3) Application for financial assistance
(A) In general
(B) RequirementsAn application submitted under subparagraph (A) for an institute shall, at a minimum include the following:
(i) A description of the specific sources and amounts of non-Federal financial support for the institute on the date financial assistance is sought.
(ii) A description of the anticipated sources and amounts of non-Federal financial support during the period for which the institute could be eligible for continued Federal financial assistance under this section.
(4) Selection
(A) Competitive, merit reviewIn awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), an agency head shall—
(i) use a competitive, merit review process that includes review by a diverse group of individuals with relevant expertise from both the private and public sectors; and
(ii) ensure that the technology focus of a Manufacturing USA institute does not substantially duplicate the technology focus of any other Manufacturing USA institute.
(B) Participation in process
(i) Prohibition on participation by political appointees
(ii) Conflict of interest policiesEach agency head shall implement a conflict of interest policy that—(I) ensures public transparency and accountability in the process used under subparagraph (A)(i); and(II) requires full disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest on the parts of individuals that participate in the process used under subparagraph (A)(i).
(iii) Definition of political appointee
(C) ConsiderationsIn selecting a person or group of persons who submitted an application to an agency head under paragraph (3) for an award of financial assistance under paragraph (1) for a Manufacturing USA institute, the agency head shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
(i) The potential of the Manufacturing USA institute to advance domestic manufacturing and the likelihood of economic impact, including the creation or preservation of jobs, in the predominant focus areas of the institute.
(ii) The commitment of continued financial support, advice, participation, and other contributions from non-Federal sources, to provide leverage and resources to promote a stable and sustainable business model.
(iii) Whether the financial support provided to the Manufacturing USA institute from non-Federal sources exceeds the requested Federal financial assistance.
(iv) How the Manufacturing USA institute will increase the non-Federal investment in advanced manufacturing research in the United States.
(v) How the Manufacturing USA institute will engage with small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises to improve the capacity of such enterprises to commercialize new processes and technologies and to improve the domestic supply chain.
(vi) How the Manufacturing USA institute will carry out educational and workforce activities that meet industrial needs related to the predominant focus areas of the institute.
(vii) How the Manufacturing USA institute will advance economic competitiveness and generate substantial benefits to the Nation that extend beyond the direct return to participants in the Program.
(viii) Whether the predominant focus of the Manufacturing USA institute is a manufacturing process, novel material, enabling technology, supply chain integration methodology, or other relevant aspect of advanced manufacturing that has not already been commercialized, marketed, distributed, or sold by another entity.
(ix) How the Manufacturing USA institute will strengthen and leverage the industrial, research, entrepreneurship, and other assets of a region.
(x) How the Manufacturing USA institute will encourage the education and training of veterans and individuals with disabilities.
(5) Performance measurement, transparency, and accountabilityFor each award of financial assistance under paragraph (1) by an agency head, the agency head shall—
(A) develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of the activities funded in making progress toward the purposes of the Program set forth under subsection (b)(2), including the effectiveness of Manufacturing USA institutes in advancing technology readiness levels or manufacturing readiness levels;
(B) establish standards for the performance of Manufacturing USA institutes that are based on the metrics developed under subparagraph (A); and
(C) for each Manufacturing USA institute supported by the award, 5 years after the initial award and every 5 years thereafter until Federal financial assistance under this subsection is discontinued, conduct an assessment of the institute to confirm whether the performance of the institute is meeting the standards for performance established under subparagraph (B).
(6) Collaboration
(7) Matching funds and preferences
(A) In general
(B) Waivers
(8) Diversity preferencesIn awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1) for planning or establishing a Manufacturing USA institute, an agency head shall give special consideration to Manufacturing USA institutes that—
(A) contribute to the geographic diversity of the Manufacturing USA Program;
(B) are located in an area with a low per capita income;
(C) are located in an area with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged residents; or
(D) are located in small and rural communities.
(f) Authority to award financial assistance for construction of test beds and specialized facilities
(1) In general
(2) Requirements
(3) Priority
(g) Grant program for public service activities for Manufacturing USA institutes without Federal fundingThe Secretary may award a grant on a competitive basis to a Manufacturing USA institute that is not receiving financial assistance under subsection (e) to carry out workforce development, outreach to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, and other activities that—
(1) are determined by the Secretary to be in the national interest; and
(2) are unlikely to receive private sector financial support.
(h) Authorization of appropriations
(1) NIST Industrial Technical Services accountTo the extent provided for in advance by appropriations Acts, the Secretary may use amounts appropriated to the Industrial Technical Services account to carry out this section as follows:
(A) For each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2019, an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.
(B) For each of fiscal years 2020 through 2030, such amounts as may be necessary to carry out this section.
(2) Department of EnergyThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for the provision of financial assistance under subsection (e) by the Department of Energy amounts as follows:
(A) $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
(B) $84,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
(i) National Program Office
(1) Establishment
(2) FunctionsThe functions of the National Program Office are—
(A) to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program;
(B) to coordinate with and, as appropriate, enter into memorandums of understanding with Federal departments and agencies whose missions contribute to or are affected by advanced manufacturing, including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation, to carry out the purposes set forth under subsection (b)(2);
(C) to develop, not later than December 16, 2015, and update not less frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, a strategic plan to guide the Program, including a strategy for retaining domestic public benefits from Manufacturing USA institutes once Federal funding has been discontinued;
(D) to establish such procedures, processes, and criteria as may be necessary and appropriate to maximize cooperation and coordinate the activities of the Program with programs and activities of other Federal departments and agencies whose missions contribute to or are affected by advanced manufacturing;
(E) to establish a clearinghouse of public information related to the activities of the Program;
(F) to act as a convener of the Network;
(G) to work with Federal agencies that are not sponsoring or supporting a Manufacturing USA institute to explore and develop options for sponsoring or supporting a Manufacturing USA institute;
(H) to work with Federal agencies that are sponsoring or supporting a Manufacturing USA institute to develop and implement network-wide performance goals with measurable targets and timelines;
(I) to help develop pilot programs that may be implemented by the Manufacturing USA institutes to address specific purposes of the Program, including to accelerate technology transfer to the private sector and to develop entrepreneurship programs;
(J) to provide support services to promote workforce development activities, including the development of industry credentials;
(K) to identify and disseminate best practices for workforce education and training across the Network and further enhance collaboration among Manufacturing USA institutes in developing and implementing such practices;
(L) to collaborate with the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, industry, career and technical education schools, local community colleges, universities, and labor organizations to provide input, as appropriate, for the development of national certifications for advanced manufacturing workforce skills in the technology areas of the Manufacturing USA institutes; and
(M) to coordinate with Manufacturing USA institutes to develop best practices for the membership agreements and coordination of similar project solicitations.
(3) Recommendations
(4) Report to Congress
(5) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall ensure that the National Program Office leverages the capabilities of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership into Program planning to ensure—
(i) significant outreach to, participation of, and engagement of small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Manufacturing USA institutes across the entirety of the manufacturing supply chain; and
(ii) that the results of the Program, including technologies developed by the Program, reach small- and medium-sized manufacturers and that such entities have access to technical assistance, as appropriate, in deploying those technologies.
(B) LiaisonsThe Secretary may provide financial assistance to a manufacturing extension center established as part of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership to support the purposes of the Program by providing services in one or more of the following areas:
(i) Support services for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, that many include the designation of a liaison.
(ii) Assistance with workforce development.
(iii) Technology transfer for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
(iv) Such other areas as the Secretary determines appropriate to support the purposes of the Program.
(6) Detailees
(7) Council for coordination of institutes
(A) Council
(B) Meetings
(C) Duties of the council
(j) Reporting and auditing
(1) Annual reports to the Secretary
(A) In generalNot less frequently than once each year, each agency head that is providing financial assistance under subsection (e) shall—
(i) require each recipient of such financial assistance submit to the agency head a report that describes the finances and performance of the Manufacturing USA institute with respect to which the financial assistance is awarded; and
(ii) submit to the Secretary each report received by the agency head under clause (i).
(B) ElementsEach report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include:
(i) an accounting of expenditures of amounts awarded to the recipient under subsection (e); and
(ii) consistent with the standards for performance established under subsection (e)(5)(B), a description of the performance of the Manufacturing USA institute with respect to—(I) its goals, plans, financial support, and accomplishments; and(II) how the Manufacturing USA institute has furthered the purposes set forth under subsection (b)(2).
(2) Annual reports to Congress
(A) In general
(B) ElementsEach report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include, for the period covered by the report—
(i) a summary and assessment of the reports received by the Secretary under paragraph (1);
(ii) an accounting of the funds expended by the Secretary under the Program, including any waivers made under subsection (e)(7)(B);
(iii) an assessment of the participation in, and contributions to, the Network by any Manufacturing USA institutes not receiving financial assistance under subsection (e); and
(iv) an assessment of the Program with respect to meeting the purposes set forth under subsection (b)(2).
(3) Assessments by Comptroller General of the United States
(A) Assessments
(B) ElementsEach assessment submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include, for the period covered by the report—
(i) a review of the management, coordination, and industry utility of the Program;
(ii) an assessment of the extent to which the Program has furthered the purposes set forth under subsection (b)(2);
(iii) such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to improve the Program; and
(iv) an assessment as to whether any prior recommendations for improvement made by the Comptroller General have been implemented or adopted.
(C) Final assessment
(k) Additional authorities
(1) Appointment of personnel and contracts
(2) Transfer of funds
(3) Authority of other agencies
(4) Use of resources
(5) Acceptance of resources
(6) Covered entities
(7) Collaborations with other agenciesThe Secretary shall collaborate with Federal agencies whose missions contribute to, or are affected by, advanced manufacturing to identify and leverage existing resources at such Federal agencies to assist Manufacturing USA institutes in carrying out the purposes of the Program set forth under subsection (b)(2). Such existing resources may include programs—
(A) at the Department of Labor relating to labor and apprenticeships;
(B) at the Economic Development Administration relating to regional innovation, such as the Regional Innovation Strategies program;
(C) at the Department of Education relating to workforce development, education, training, and retraining;
(D) at the Department of Defense relating to procurement and other authorities of the Department of Defense;
(E) at the Food and Drug Administration relating to biopharmaceutical manufacturing;
(F) at the National Science Foundation, including the Advanced Technological Education program;
(G) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration relating to procurement, workforce development, education, training, and retraining;
(H) at the Department of Energy relating to development of clean energy technologies and other authorities of the Department of Energy;
(I) at the Department of Agriculture relating to outreach to rural communities;
(J) additional programs that the Secretary determines are appropriate to support the activities of existing Manufacturing USA institutes; and 2
2 So in original. Subpars. (J) and (K) are identical and the words “additional programs” do not follow from introductory provisions.
(K) additional programs that the Secretary determines are appropriate to support the activities of existing Manufacturing USA institutes.2
(l) Patents
(m) References to prior names and terminology
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 34, as added Pub. L. 113–235, div. B, title VII, § 703(2), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2221; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, § 1741(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1826; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, §§ 10261, 10263(b)–(d), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1503, 1505, 1506; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LIX, § 5911, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3442.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278s

§ 278t. Advanced communications research activities
(a) Advanced communications research
(1) In general
(2) Research areas
Research areas may include—
(A) radio frequency emissions and interference, including technologies and techniques to mitigate such emissions and interference;
(B) advanced antenna arrays and artificial intelligence systems capable of operating advanced antenna arrays;
(C) artificial intelligence systems to enable internet of things networks, immersive technology, and other advanced communications technologies;
(D) network sensing and monitoring technologies;
(E) technologies to enable spectrum flexibility and agility;
(F) optical and quantum communications technologies;
(G) security of advanced communications systems;
(H) public safety communications;
(I) resilient internet of things applications for advanced manufacturing; and
(J) other research areas determined necessary by the Director.
(3) Testbeds
(4) Outreach
(5) Technical roadmaps
(b) National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network
(1) In general
(2) Purposes
NASCTN shall be for the purposes of facilitating and coordinating the use of intellectual capacity, modeling and simulation, laboratory facilities, and test facilities to meet national spectrum interests and challenges, including—
(A) measurements and analyses of electromagnetic propagation, radio systems characteristics, and operating techniques affecting the utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum in coordination with specialized, related research and analysis performed by other Federal agencies in their areas of responsibility;
(B) conducting research and analysis in the general field of telecommunications sciences in support of the Institute’s mission and in support of other Government agencies;
(C) developing methodologies for testing, measuring, and setting guidelines for interference;
(D) conducting interference tests to better understand the impact of current and proposed Federal and commercial spectrum activities;
(E) conducting research and testing to improve spectrum interference tolerance, flexibility, agility, and interference mitigation methods; and
(F) other activities as determined necessary by the Director.
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 35, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10230(2), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1482.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278t

§ 278u. Xylazine detection and analysis
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Director
(2) Federal laboratory
(3) Institute
(4) Institution of higher education
(5) Nonprofit organization
(6) Xylazine
(b) In generalThe Director shall—
(1) support intramural basic measurement science and research of the Institute to advance—
(A) analytical methods to identify, understand, differentiate, and categorize substances containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, or other new psychoactive substances;
(B) measurement technologies to shorten analysis timelines and enhance narcotic and opioid detection and analysis capabilities;
(C) new data tools, techniques, and processes to identify and publicly disclose relevant information concerning substances containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, or other new psychoactive substances; and
(D) such other areas as the Director determines to be critical to the development and deployment of technologies to measure and analyze the presence of xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other new psychoactive substances;
(2) support activities to inform and expand the development of near-real time spectrometry capabilities regarding xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other new psychoactive substances;
(3) convene and consult with organizations engaged in the analysis of new psychoactive substances to develop coordinated strategies and voluntary best practices for the safe handling, transport, data-sharing, and analysis of substances containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, or other new psychoactive substances, including—
(A) the Drug Enforcement Administration;
(B) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
(C) the National Institute on Drug Abuse;
(D) Federal laboratories;
(E) States and territories;
(F) State fusion centers;
(G) the private sector;
(H) intergovernmental organizations;
(I) institutions of higher education,1
1 So in original. The comma probably should be a semicolon.
and
(J) nonprofit organizations;
(4) establish or expand collaborative partnerships or consortia with other government agencies and persons engaged in related research and development, such as institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, public health agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and the private sector, to enhance narcotic and opioid detection and analysis capabilities regarding xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other new psychoactive substances; and
(5) encourage graduate and post-graduate research to include detection and identification of xylazine and other new psychoactive substances in relevant course studies when practicable.
(c) Controls
(d) Report
(Pub. L. 118–23, § 2, Dec. 19, 2023, 137 Stat. 125.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 278u

§ 279. Absence of Director

In the case of the absence of the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology the Secretary of Commerce may designate some officer of said Institute to perform the duties of the director during his absence.

(Mar. 4, 1911, ch. 237, § 1, 36 Stat. 1231; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, § 1, 37 Stat. 736; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 279

§§ 280, 281. Repealed. Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5113, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1432

CITE AS: 15 USC 280, 281

§ 281a. Structural failures

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, on its own initiative but only after consultation with local authorities, may initiate and conduct investigations to determine the causes of structural failures in structures which are used or occupied by the general public. No part of any report resulting from such investigation, or from an investigation under the National Construction Safety Team Act [15 U.S.C. 7301 et seq.], shall be admitted as evidence or used in any suit or action for damages arising out of any matter mentioned in such report.

(Pub. L. 99–73, § 7, July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 173; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 107–231, § 13, Oct. 1, 2002, 116 Stat. 1476.)

CITE AS: 15 USC 281a

§ 282. Repealed. Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5113, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1432

CITE AS: 15 USC 282

§ 282a. Assessment of emerging technologies requiring research in metrology

The Board of Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall include, as part of its annual review, an assessment of emerging technologies which are expected to require research in metrology to keep the Institute abreast of its mission, including process and quality control, engineering databases, advanced materials, electronics and fiber optics, bioprocess engineering, and advanced computing concepts. Such review shall include estimates of the cost of the required effort, required staffing levels, appropriate interaction with industry, including technology transfer, and the period over which the research will be required.

(Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5163(a),

CITE AS: 15 USC 282a

§ 283. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, § 8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 655, 656

CITE AS: 15 USC 283

§ 284. Omitted

CITE AS: 15 USC 284

§§ 285, 286. Repealed. Pub. L. 85–890, § 3, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1712

CITE AS: 15 USC 285, 286