1. U.S. Code
  2. title 42
  3. chapter 79
  4. subchapter II
  5. § 6611

Collapse to view only § 6611. Establishment of Office

§ 6611. Establishment of Office

There is established in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Science and Technology Policy (hereinafter referred to in this subchapter as the “Office”).

(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 202, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 463.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6611

§ 6612. Director; Associate Directors
(a) In general
(b) Associate Directors
(c) Chief Technology Officer
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 203, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 463; Pub. L. 114–329, title VI, § 604(b), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3037.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6612

§ 6613. Functions of the Director
(a) The primary function of the Director is to provide, within the Executive Office of the President, advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest levels of Government.
(b) In addition to such other functions and activities as the President may assign, the Director shall—
(1) advise the President of scientific and technological considerations involved in areas of national concern including, but not limited to, the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources;
(2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology and advise on appropriate actions;
(3) advise the President on scientific and technological considerations with regard to Federal budgets, assist the Office of Management and Budget with an annual review and analysis of funding proposed for research and development in budgets of all Federal agencies, and aid the Office of Management and Budget and the agencies throughout the budget development process; and
(4) assist the President in providing general leadership and coordination of the research and development programs of the Federal Government.
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 204, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 463; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, § 1712(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2320.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6613

§ 6614. Policy planning; analysis; advice; establishment of advisory panel
(a) The Office shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government. In carrying out the provisions of this section, the Director shall—
(1) seek to define coherent approaches for applying science and technology to critical and emerging national and international problems and for promoting coordination of the scientific and technological responsibilities and programs of the Federal departments and agencies in the resolution of such problems;
(2) assist and advise the President in the preparation of the Science and Technology Report, in accordance with section 6618 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title;
(3) gather timely and authoritative information concerning significant developments and trends in science, technology, and in national priorities, both current and prospective, to analyze and interpret such information for the purpose of determining whether such developments and trends are likely to affect achievement of the priority goals of the Nation as set forth in section 6601(b) of this title;
(4) encourage the development and maintenance of an adequate data base for human resources in science, engineering, and technology, including the development of appropriate models to forecast future manpower requirements, and assess the impact of major governmental and public programs on human resources and their utilization;
(5) initiate studies and analyses, including systems analyses and technology assessments, of alternatives available for the resolution of critical and emerging national and international problems amendable to the contributions of science and technology and, insofar as possible, determine and compare probable costs, benefits, and impacts of such alternatives;
(6) advise the President on the extent to which the various scientific and technological programs, policies, and activities of the Federal Government are likely to affect the achievement of the priority goals of the Nation as set forth in section 6601(b) of this title;
(7) provide the President with periodic reviews of Federal statutes and administrative regulations of the various departments and agencies which affect research and development activities, both internally and in relation to the private sector, or which may interfere with desirable technological innovation, together with recommendations for their elimination, reform, or updating as appropriate;
(8) develop, review, revise, and recommend criteria for determining scientific and technological activities warranting Federal support, and recommend Federal policies designed to advance (A) the development and maintenance of broadly based scientific and technological capabilities, including human resources, at all levels of government, academia, and industry, and (B) the effective application of such capabilities to national needs;
(9) assess and advise on policies for international cooperation in science and technology which will advance the national and international objectives of the United States;
(10) identify and assess emerging and future areas in which science and technology can be used effectively in addressing national and international problems;
(11) report at least once each year to the President and the Congress on the overall activities and accomplishments of the Office, pursuant to section 6615 of this title;
(12) periodically survey the nature and needs of national science and technology policy and make recommendations to the President, for review and transmission to the Congress, for the timely and appropriate revision of such policy in accordance with section 6602(a)(6) of this title; and
(13) perform such other duties and functions and make and furnish such studies and reports thereon, and recommendations with respect to matters of policy and legislation as the President may request.
(b)
(1) The Director shall establish an Intergovernmental Science, Engineering, and Technology Advisory Panel (hereinafter referred to as the “Panel”), whose purpose shall be to (A) identify and define civilian problems at State, regional, and local levels which science, engineering, and technology may assist in resolving or ameliorating; (B) recommend priorities for addressing such problems; and (C) advise and assist the Director in identifying and fostering policies to facilitate the transfer and utilization of research and development results so as to maximize their application to civilian needs.
(2) The Panel shall be composed of (A) the Director of the Office, or his representative; (B) at least ten members representing the interests of the States, appointed by the Director of the Office after consultation with State officials; (C) the Director of the National Science Foundation, or his representative; and (D) the Director of the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy.
(3)
(A) The Director of the Office, or his representative, shall serve as Chairman of the Panel.
(B) The Panel shall perform such functions as the Chairman may prescribe, and shall meet at the call of the Chairman.
(4) Each member of the Panel shall, while serving on business of the Panel, be entitled to receive compensation at a rate not to exceed the daily rate prescribed for GS–18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, including traveltime, and, while so serving away from his home or regular place of business, he may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence in the same manner as the expenses authorized by section 5703(b) 1 of title 5 for persons in government service employed intermittently.
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 205, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 464; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, § 215(2), (4), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1826, 1827; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2104(k)(3)(A), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5720.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6614

§ 6615. National science and technology strategy
(a) In general
(b) RequirementsIn developing each national science and technology strategy described in subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall—
(1) consider—
(A) the recommendations and priorities developed by the review under section 6615b of this title;
(B) the most recently published interim or final national security strategy report submitted pursuant to section 3043 of title 50;
(C) other relevant national plans, reports, and strategies; and
(D) the strategic plans of relevant Federal departments and agencies; and
(2) include a description of—
(A) strategic objectives and research priorities necessary to maintain and advance—
(i) the leadership of the United States in science and technology, including in the key technology focus areas, including near-term, medium-term, and long-term economic competitiveness; and
(ii) the leadership of the United States in technologies required to address societal and national challenges, including a transition to a circular economy;
(B) programs, policies, and activities that the President recommends across all Federal departments and agencies to achieve the strategic objectives and research priorities described in subparagraph (A);
(C) plans to promote sustainability practices and strategies for increasing jobs in the United States;
(D) global trends in science and technology, including potential threats to the leadership of the United States in science and technology and opportunities for international collaboration in science and technology; and
(E) plans to foster the development of international partnerships to reinforce domestic policy actions, build new markets, engage in collaborative research, and create an international environment that reflects United States values and protects United States interests.
(c) Consultation
(d) Bi-annual briefing to CongressThe Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall provide on a bi-annual basis, after each release of the national science and technology strategy, a briefing to the relevant congressional committees, which may include updates on the following:
(1) The status and development of the national science and technology strategy, including any significant changes.
(2) The implementation of the national science and technology strategy.
(3) Any other information about the national science and technology strategy, as determined by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(e) Publication
(f) Termination
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 206, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 466; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, § 215(3), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1826; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VI, § 10611, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1634.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6615

§ 6615b. Quadrennial science and technology review
(a) Requirements
(1) Quadrennial reviews required
(2) Scope
(3) Consultation
The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall conduct each quadrennial science and technology review in consultation with the following:
(A) The National Science and Technology Council.
(B) The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
(C) The National Science Board.
(D) The National Security Council.
(E) The heads of other relevant Federal agencies.
(F) Other relevant governmental and nongovernmental entities, including representatives from industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, Members of Congress, and other policy experts.
(4) Coordination
(b) Contents
In each quadrennial science and technology review, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall—
(1) provide an integrated view of, and recommendations for, science and technology policy across the Federal Government, while considering economic and national security and other societal and national challenges;
(2) assess and recommend priorities for research, development, and demonstration programs to maintain United States leadership in science and technology, including in manufacturing and industrial innovation;
(3) assess and recommend priorities for research, development, and demonstration programs to address societal and national challenges;
(4) assess the global competition in science and technology and identify potential threats to the leadership of the United States in science and technology and opportunities for international collaboration;
(5) assess and make recommendations on the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science workforce of the United States;
(6) assess and make recommendations to improve regional innovation across the United States;
(7) identify and assess sectors critical for the long-term resilience of United States innovation leadership across design, manufacturing, supply chains, and markets;
(8) assess and make recommendations to improve translation of basic and applied research and the enhancement of technology transfer of federally funded research;
(9) identify, assess, and make recommendations to address science and technology gaps that would not be met without Federal investment;
(10) review administrative and legislative policies and funding opportunities that affect private sector science and technology activities, and identify and make recommendations regarding policies that maintain and grow the participation and competitiveness of small- and medium-sized businesses;
(11) assess and identify the infrastructure and tools needed to maintain the leadership of the United States in science and technology and address other societal and national challenges; and
(12) review administrative or legislative policies that affect the science and technology enterprise and identify and make recommendations regarding policies that hinder research and development in the United States.
(c) Reporting
(1) In general
(2) Publication
(d) Termination
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 206B, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VI, § 10613, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1640.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6615b

§ 6616. Additional functions of Director
(a) Service as Chairman of Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology and as member of Domestic Council
The Director shall, in addition to the other duties and functions set forth in this subchapter—
(1) serve as Chairman of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology established under subchapter IV; and
(2) serve as a member of the Domestic Council.
(b) Advice to National Security Council
(c) Officers and employees; services; contracts; payments
In carrying out his functions under this chapter, the Director is authorized to—
(1) appoint such officers and employees as he may deem necessary to perform the functions now or hereafter vested in him and to prescribe their duties;
(2) obtain services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5 at rates not to exceed the rate prescribed for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule by section 5332 of title 5; and
(3) enter into contracts and other arrangements for studies, analyses, and other services with public agencies and with private persons, organizations, or institutions, and make such payments as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter without legal consideration, without performance bonds, and without regard to section 6101 of title 41.
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 207, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 466.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6616

§ 6617. Coordination with other organizations
(a) Consultation and cooperation with Federal departments and agencies; utilization of consultants; establishment of advisory panels; consultation with State and local agencies, professional groups, and representatives of industry, etc.; hearings; utilization of services, personnel, equipment, etc., of public and private agencies and organizations, and individuals
In exercising his functions under this chapter, the Director shall—
(1) work in close consultation and cooperation with the Domestic Council, the National Security Council, the Office of Homeland Security, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Council of Economic Advisers, the Office of Management and Budget, the National Science Board, and the Federal departments and agencies;
(2) utilize the services of consultants, establish such advisory panels, and, to the extent practicable, consult with State and local governmental agencies, with appropriate professional groups, and with such representatives of industry, the universities, agriculture, labor, consumers, conservation organizations, and such other public interest groups, organizations, and individuals as he deems advisable;
(3) hold such hearings in various parts of the Nation as he deems necessary, to determine the views of the agencies, groups, and organizations referred to in paragraph (2) of this subsection and of the general public, concerning national needs and trends in science and technology; and
(4) utilize with their consent to the fullest extent possible the services, personnel, equipment, facilities, and information (including statistical information) of public and private agencies and organizations, and individuals, in order to avoid duplication of effort and expense, and may transfer funds made available pursuant to this chapter to other Federal agencies as reimbursement for the utilization of such personnel, services, facilities, equipment, and information.
(b) Information from Executive departments, agencies, and instrumentalities
(c) Assistance from Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 208, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 467; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, § 1712(2), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2320.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6617

§ 6618. Major science and technology proposals

The Director shall identify and provide an annual report to Congress on each major multinational science and technology project, in which the United States is not a participant, which has a total estimated cost greater than $1,000,000,000.

(Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 209, as added Pub. L. 102–245, title V, § 502, Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 24.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6618

§ 6619. National coordination of research infrastructure
(a) Identification and prioritization of deficiencies in Federal research facilities
(b) Planning for acquisition, refurbishment, and maintenance of research facilities and major instrumentation
(c) Report
The Director shall submit to Congress each year, together with documents submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for the fiscal year beginning in such year (as submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31), a report, current as of the fiscal year ending in the year before such report is submitted, setting forth the following:
(1) A description of the deficiencies in research infrastructure identified in accordance with subsection (a).
(2) A list of projects and budget proposals of Federal research facilities, set forth by agency, for major instrumentation acquisitions that are included in the budget proposal of the President.
(3) An explanation of how the projects and instrumentation acquisitions described in paragraph (2) relate to the deficiencies and priorities identified pursuant to subsection (a).
(Pub. L. 110–69, title I, § 1007, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 580.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6619

§ 6620. Release of scientific research results
(a) Principles
(b) Implementation
Not later than 180 days after August 9, 2007, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall ensure that all civilian Federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop specific policies and procedures regarding the public release of data and results of research conducted by a scientist employed by such an agency consistent with the principles established under subsection (a). Such polices 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “policies”.
and procedures shall—
(1) specifically address what is and what is not permitted or recommended under such policies and procedures;
(2) be specifically designed for each such agency;
(3) be applied uniformly throughout each such agency; and
(4) be widely communicated and readily accessible to all employees of each such agency and the public.
(Pub. L. 110–69, title I, § 1009, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 581.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6620

§ 6621. Coordination of Federal STEM education
(a) Establishment
(b) ResponsibilitiesThe committee established under subsection (a) shall—
(1) coordinate the STEM education activities and programs of the Federal agencies;
(2) coordinate STEM education activities and programs with the Office of Management and Budget;
(3) encourage the teaching of innovation and entrepreneurship as part of STEM education activities;
(4) review STEM education activities and programs to ensure they are not duplicative of similar efforts within the Federal government;
(5) develop, implement through the participating agencies, and update once every 5 years a 5-year STEM education strategic plan, which shall—
(A) specify and prioritize annual and long-term objectives;
(B) specify the common metrics that will be used to assess progress toward achieving the objectives;
(C) describe the approaches that will be taken by each participating agency to assess the effectiveness of its STEM education programs and activities; and
(D) with respect to subparagraph (A), describe the role of each agency in supporting programs and activities designed to achieve the objectives;
(6) establish, periodically update, and maintain an inventory of federally sponsored STEM education programs and activities, including documentation of assessments of the effectiveness of such programs and activities and rates of participation by women, underrepresented minorities, and persons in rural areas in such programs and activities;
(7) collaborate with the STEM Education Advisory Panel established under section 303 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act and other outside stakeholders to ensure the engagement of the STEM education community;
(8) review the measures used by a Federal agency to evaluate its STEM education activities and programs;
(9) request and review feedback from States on how the States are utilizing Federal STEM education programs and activities; and
(10) recommend the reform, termination, or consolidation of Federal STEM education activities and programs, taking into consideration the recommendations of the STEM Education Advisory Panel.
(c) Responsibilities of OSTP
(d) ReportsThe Director shall transmit a report annually to Congress at the time of the President’s budget request describing the plan required under subsection (b)(5). The annual report shall include—
(1) a description of the STEM education programs and activities for the previous and current fiscal years, and the proposed programs and activities under the President’s budget request, of each participating Federal agency;
(2) the levels of funding for each participating Federal agency for the programs and activities described under paragraph (1) for the previous fiscal year and under the President’s budget request;
(3) an evaluation of the levels of duplication and fragmentation of the programs and activities described under paragraph (1);
(4) except for the initial annual report, a description of the progress made in carrying out the implementation plan, including a description of the outcome of any program assessments completed in the previous year, and any changes made to that plan since the previous annual report;
(5) a description of how the participating Federal agencies will disseminate information about federally supported resources for STEM education practitioners, including teacher professional development programs, to States and to STEM education practitioners, including to teachers and administrators in schools that meet the criteria described in subsection (c)(1)(A) and (B) of section 7381j of this title;
(6) a description of all consolidations and terminations of Federal STEM education programs and activities implemented in the previous fiscal year, including an explanation for the consolidations and terminations;
(7) recommendations for reforms, consolidations, and terminations of STEM education programs or activities in the upcoming fiscal year;
(8) a description of any significant new STEM education public-private partnerships 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a semicolon.
(9) an account of Federal research agency investments in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including, to the degree practicable, data on the level of participation of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs as prime recipients, contractors, subrecipients, or subcontractors of an award, or reasonable estimates thereof; and
(10) a description of material changes to the implementation of section 10522 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act.
(Pub. L. 111–358, title I, § 101, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3984; Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 304, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3006; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title V, § 10522(e), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1621.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6621

§ 6622. Coordination of advanced manufacturing research and development
(a) Interagency Committee
(b) Responsibilities of CommitteeThe Committee shall—
(1) coordinate the advanced manufacturing research and development programs and activities of the Federal agencies;
(2) establish goals and priorities for advanced manufacturing research and development that will strengthen United States manufacturing;
(3) work with industry organizations, Federal agencies, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers not represented on the Committee, to identify and reduce regulatory, logistical, and fiscal barriers within the Federal government and State governments that inhibit United States manufacturing;
(4) facilitate the transfer of intellectual property and technology based on federally supported university research into commercialization and manufacturing;
(5) identify technological, market, or business challenges that may best be addressed by public-private partnerships, and are likely to attract both participation and primary funding from industry;
(6) encourage the formation of public-private partnerships to respond to those challenges for transition to United States manufacturing; and
(7) develop and update a national strategic plan for advanced manufacturing in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) National strategic plan for advanced manufacturing
(1) In general
(2) Development
(3) ContentsThe strategic plan described in paragraph (2) shall—
(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long-term objectives, including research and development objectives, the anticipated time frame for achieving the objectives, and the metrics for use in assessing progress toward the objectives;
(B) describe the progress made in achieving the objectives from prior strategic plans, including a discussion of why specific objectives were not met;
(C) specify the role, including the programs and activities, of each relevant Federal agency in meeting the objectives of the strategic plan;
(D) describe how the Federal agencies and Federally funded research and development centers supporting advanced manufacturing research and development will foster the transfer of research and development results into new manufacturing technologies and United States-based manufacturing of new products and processes for the benefit of society to ensure national, energy, and economic security;
(E) describe how such Federal agencies and centers will strengthen all levels of manufacturing education and training programs to ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce;
(F) describe how such Federal agencies and centers will assist small and medium-sized manufacturers in developing and implementing new products and processes;
(G) analyze factors that impact innovation and competitiveness for United States advanced manufacturing, including—
(i) technology transfer and commercialization activities;
(ii) the adequacy of the national security industrial base;
(iii) the capabilities of the domestic manufacturing workforce;
(iv) export opportunities and trade policies;
(v) financing, investment, and taxation policies and practices;
(vi) emerging technologies and markets;
(vii) advanced manufacturing research and development undertaken by competing nations; and
(viii) the capabilities of the manufacturing workforce of competing nations; and
(H) elicit and consider the recommendations of a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from diverse manufacturing companies, academia, and other relevant organizations and institutions.
(4) Updates
(5) Requirement to consider strategy in the budget
(6) AMP steering committee input
(Pub. L. 111–358, title I, § 102, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3985; Pub. L. 113–235, div. B, title VII, § 704, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2229.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6622

§ 6623. Interagency public access committee
(a) Establishment
(b) Responsibilities
The working group shall—
(1) identify the specific objectives and public interests that need to be addressed by any policies coordinated under (a);
(2) take into account inherent variability among Federal science agencies and scientific disciplines in the nature of research, types of data, and dissemination models;
(3) coordinate the development or designation of standards for research data, the structure of full text and metadata, navigation tools, and other applications to maximize interoperability across Federal science agencies, across science and engineering disciplines, and between research data and scholarly publications, taking into account existing consensus standards, including international standards;
(4) coordinate Federal science agency programs and activities that support research and education on tools and systems required to ensure preservation and stewardship of all forms of digital research data, including scholarly publications;
(5) work with international science and technology counterparts to maximize interoperability between United States based unclassified research databases and international databases and repositories;
(6) solicit input and recommendations from, and collaborate with, non-Federal stakeholders, including the public, universities, nonprofit and for-profit publishers, libraries, federally funded and non federally 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “non-federally”.
funded research scientists, and other organizations and institutions with a stake in long term preservation and access to the results of federally funded research;
(7) establish priorities for coordinating the development of any Federal science agency policies related to public access to the results of federally funded research to maximize the benefits of such policies with respect to their potential economic or other impact on the science and engineering enterprise and the stakeholders thereof;
(8) take into consideration the distinction between scholarly publications and digital data;
take into consideration the role that scientific publishers play in the peer review process in ensuring the integrity of the record of scientific research, including the investments and added value that they make; and
(10) examine Federal agency practices and procedures for providing research reports to the agencies charged with locating and preserving unclassified research.
(c) Patent or copyright law
(d) Application with existing law
(e) Report to Congress
Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2011, the Director shall transmit a report to Congress describing—
(1) the specific objectives and public interest identified under (b)(1);
(2) any priorities established under subsection (b)(7);
(3) the impact the policies described under (a) have had on the science and engineering enterprise and the stakeholders, including the financial impact on research budgets;
(4) the status of any Federal science agency policies related to public access to the results of federally funded research; and
(5) how any policies developed or being developed by Federal science agencies, as described in subsection (a), incorporate input from the non-Federal stakeholders described in subsection (b)(6).
(f) Federal science agency defined
(Pub. L. 111–358, title I, § 103, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3986.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6623

§ 6624. Federal scientific collections
(a) Management of scientific collectionsThe Office of Science and Technology Policy shall develop policies for the management and use of Federal scientific collections to improve the quality, organization, access, including online access, and long-term preservation of such collections for the benefit of the scientific enterprise. In developing those policies the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall consult, as appropriate, with—
(1) Federal agencies with such collections; and
(2) representatives of other organizations, institutions, and other entities not a part of the Federal Government that have a stake in the preservation, maintenance, and accessibility of such collections, including State and local government agencies, institutions of higher education, museums, and other entities engaged in the acquisition, holding, management, or use of scientific collections.
(b) Clearinghouse
(c) Disposal of collectionsThe policies developed under subsection (a) shall—
(1) require that, before disposing of a scientific collection, a Federal agency shall—
(A) conduct a review of the research value of the collection; and
(B) consult with researchers who have used the collection, and other potentially interested parties, concerning—
(i) the collection’s value for research purposes; and
(ii) possible additional educational uses for the collection; and
(2) include procedures for Federal agencies to transfer scientific collections they no longer need to researchers at institutions or other entities qualified to manage the collections.
(d) Cost projections
(e) Scientific collection defined
(Pub. L. 111–358, title I, § 104, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3988.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6624

§ 6625. Coordination of international science and technology partnerships
(a) Short title
(b) Establishment
(c) NSTC body leadership
(d) Responsibilities
The body established under subsection (b) shall—
(1) plan and coordinate interagency international science and technology cooperative research and training activities and partnerships supported or managed by Federal agencies;
(2) work with other National Science and Technology Council committees to help plan and coordinate the international component of national science and technology priorities;
(3) establish Federal priorities and policies for aligning, as appropriate, international science and technology cooperative research and training activities and partnerships supported or managed by Federal agencies with the foreign policy goals of the United States;
(4) identify opportunities for new international science and technology cooperative research and training partnerships that advance both the science and technology and the foreign policy priorities of the United States;
(5) in carrying out paragraph (4), solicit input and recommendations from non-Federal science and technology stakeholders, including institutions of higher education, scientific and professional societies, industry, and other relevant organizations and institutions; and
(6) identify broad issues that influence the ability of United States scientists and engineers to collaborate with foreign counterparts, including barriers to collaboration and access to scientific information.
(e) Report to Congress
(f) Website
(g) Termination
(h) Additional reports to Congress
(Pub. L. 114–329, title II, § 208, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3002.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6625

§ 6626. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields
(a) Establishment
(b) Responsibilities
The working group shall be responsible for reviewing and assessing research, best practices, and policies across Federal science agencies related to the inclusion of individuals identified in sections 1885a and 1885b of this title in the Federal STEM workforce, including available research and best practices on how to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, including—
(1) policies providing flexibility for scientists and engineers that are also caregivers, particularly on the timing of research grants;
(2) policies to address the proper handling of claims of sexual harassment;
(3) policies to minimize the effects of implicit bias and other systemic factors in hiring, promotion, evaluation and the workplace in general; and
(4) other evidence-based strategies that the working group considers effective for promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields.
(c) Stakeholder input
In carrying out the responsibilities under section (b), the working group shall solicit and consider input and recommendations from non-Federal stakeholders, including—
(1) the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology;
(2) federally funded and non-federally funded researchers, institutions of higher education, scientific disciplinary societies, and associations;
(3) nonprofit research institutions;
(4) industry, including small businesses;
(5) federally funded research and development centers;
(6) non-governmental organizations; and
(7) such other members of the public interested in promoting a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce.
(d) Public reports
(e) Termination
(Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 308, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3011.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6626

§ 6627. Federally-funded research with enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential
(a) Review and oversight of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential
(1) In generalThe Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (referred to in this section as the “Director”), in consultation with the heads of relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall—
(A) not later than 1 year after December 29, 2022—
(i) continue or conduct a review of existing Federal policies related to research proposed for Federal funding that may be reasonably anticipated to involve the creation, transfer, or use of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential; and
(ii) establish or update a Federal policy for the consistent review and oversight of such proposed research that appropriately considers the risks associated with, and potential benefits of, such research; and
(B) not less than every 4 years thereafter, review and update such policy, as necessary and appropriate, to ensure that such policy fully accounts for relevant research that may be reasonably anticipated to involve the creation, transfer, or use of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential, takes into consideration the benefits of such research, and supports the mitigation of related risks.
(2) RequirementsThe policy established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include—
(A) a clear scope to support the consistent identification of research proposals subject to such policy by relevant Federal departments and agencies;
(B) a framework for such reviews that accounts for safety, security, and ethical considerations related to the creation, transfer, or use of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential;
(C) measures to enhance the transparency and public availability of information related to such research activities in a manner that does not compromise national security, the safety and security of such research activities, or any identifiable, sensitive information of relevant individuals; and
(D) consistent procedures across relevant Federal department and agencies to ensure that—
(i) proposed research that has been determined to have scientific and technical merit and may be subject to such policy is identified and referred for review;
(ii) subjected research activities conducted under an award, including activities undertaken by any subrecipients of such award, are monitored regularly throughout the project period to ensure compliance with such policy and the terms and conditions of such award; and
(iii) in the event that federally-funded research activities not subject to such policy produce unanticipated results related to the creation, transfer, or use of enhanced pathogens of pandemic potential, such research activities are identified and appropriately reviewed under such policy.
(3) Clarification
(b) Implementation
(1) In general
(2) Updates
(c) Limitations on countries of concern conducting certain research
(1) In general
(2) Conditions for lifting or suspending prohibitionThe Secretary of Health and Human Services may lift or suspend the prohibition of funding under paragraph (1)—
(A) only after the review required under subsection (a)(1)(A)(i) is complete; and
(B) only if the Secretary notifies Congress not less than 15 days before such prohibition is lifted or suspended.
(Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title II, § 2315, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5763.)

CITE AS: 42 USC 6627