Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act
Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of S. 1235: Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would create a new nonprofit foundation called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology to support the work of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency focused on scientific research and technical standards. The foundation would raise private funds to help NIST develop technical standards and benchmarks, foster collaboration between NIST and outside partners like universities and businesses, and provide grants and support services to researchers working with NIST. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill primarily affects NIST researchers, the private sector (companies and nonprofits that work with NIST), academic institutions, and the broader scientific community.
By establishing an independent nonprofit rather than having NIST rely solely on government funding, the foundation could attract private donations and partnerships to supplement federal resources. The foundation would have its own governance structure separate from the federal government, though it would work closely with NIST. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness ActThis bill establishes a nonprofit corporation, to be known as the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, to support the mission and activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).Among other activities, the foundation maysupport metrology and the development of benchmarks and technical standards infrastructure across NIST’s mission areas;advance collaboration between NIST and researchers, industry, nonprofit organizations, academia, and other specified entities; andoffer direct support to NIST associates, including through the provision of grants, housing, training, and other appropriate expenditures. (NIST associates are guest researchers, volunteers, and other nonemployees who conduct research or otherwise engage with NIST.)The foundation must not be an agency or instrumentality of the federal government. No officer or employee of the foundation may exercise administrative control over a federal employee.The foundation may solicit, accept, and use funds and gifts to support its activities, and it may transfer funds and property to NIST.The foundation must submit a strategic plan to Congress, including short- and long-term objectives and a plan for the foundation to become financially self-sustaining. The foundation must also publish periodic reports describing its activities, financial condition, and a description of all support provided to the foundation.The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress with an evaluation of the foundation’s operations and any recommendations for improvement.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.