Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act
INTRO APR 1· LAST ACTION APR 1
READING
15MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to speed up how quickly new scientific discoveries and technological advancements move from laboratories to everyday use. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the ability to rapidly develop and adopt cutting-edge standards and technologies is crucial for a country's economic security and innovation.
If this bill becomes law, it could create a more agile way for NIST to partner with external groups, attract private funding, and push forward research and development. This means the U.S. could be better equipped to lead in emerging technologies, create jobs, and improve product quality. If it doesn't pass, NIST would continue to operate under existing frameworks, potentially missing out on a dedicated vehicle for private sector collaboration and additional funding that could accelerate its critical work on measurement science and technical standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Foundation for Standards and Metrology as an independent nonprofit corporation.
This creates a new entity specifically designed to support NIST's mission and expand its reach beyond traditional government funding and operational structures.
PROVISION 02
Establishes the Foundation's mission to support NIST in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology to enhance U.S. economic security and prosperity.
This clearly defines the purpose of the Foundation, focusing its efforts on critical areas for national economic competitiveness and innovation.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes the Foundation to engage in various activities, including supporting international standards efforts, funding research, improving NIST facilities, and commercializing federally funded research.
These activities provide concrete mechanisms for the Foundation to achieve its mission, fostering collaboration and accelerating technology development and transfer.
PROVISION 04
Allows the Foundation to receive and use funds, gifts, and property from various sources, and ensures it will operate as a tax-exempt organization.
This provision enables the Foundation to secure diverse funding streams independent of direct federal appropriations, potentially increasing resources for NIST's work.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a Board of Directors, with a mix of appointed voting members from diverse backgrounds (academia, industry, philanthropy) and nonvoting ex officio members.
The board's composition aims to bring broad expertise and stakeholder perspectives to guide the Foundation's strategic direction and activities.
This bill matters because it seeks to speed up how quickly new scientific discoveries and technological advancements move from laboratories to everyday use. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the ability to rapidly develop and adopt cutting-edge standards and technologies is crucial for a country's economic security and innovation.
If this bill becomes law, it could create a more agile way for NIST to partner with external groups, attract private funding, and push forward research and development. This means the U.S. could be better equipped to lead in emerging technologies, create jobs, and improve product quality. If it doesn't pass, NIST would continue to operate under existing frameworks, potentially missing out on a dedicated vehicle for private sector collaboration and additional funding that could accelerate its critical work on measurement science and technical standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Foundation for Standards and Metrology as an independent nonprofit corporation.
This creates a new entity specifically designed to support NIST's mission and expand its reach beyond traditional government funding and operational structures.
high
Establishes the Foundation's mission to support NIST in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology to enhance U.S. economic security and prosperity.
This clearly defines the purpose of the Foundation, focusing its efforts on critical areas for national economic competitiveness and innovation.
med
Authorizes the Foundation to engage in various activities, including supporting international standards efforts, funding research, improving NIST facilities, and commercializing federally funded research.
These activities provide concrete mechanisms for the Foundation to achieve its mission, fostering collaboration and accelerating technology development and transfer.
med
Allows the Foundation to receive and use funds, gifts, and property from various sources, and ensures it will operate as a tax-exempt organization.
This provision enables the Foundation to secure diverse funding streams independent of direct federal appropriations, potentially increasing resources for NIST's work.
low
Establishes a Board of Directors, with a mix of appointed voting members from diverse backgrounds (academia, industry, philanthropy) and nonvoting ex officio members.
The board's composition aims to bring broad expertise and stakeholder perspectives to guide the Foundation's strategic direction and activities.
earlier of 3 years or the end of their member term
Term of service for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board
GLOSSARY
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National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
A U.S. government agency that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
Metrology
The scientific study of measurement, including the standards used for measurement, and the equipment and methods involved.
Technical Standards
Agreed-upon rules, specifications, or guidelines that dictate how products, services, or processes are designed, manufactured, tested, or measured, ensuring consistency and compatibility.
Nonprofit Corporation
A type of organization that uses its surplus revenues to achieve its goals rather than distributing them as profit or dividends to owners or members. It often qualifies for tax-exempt status.
Commercialization
The process of bringing new products or services to market, turning research and development into something that can be bought and sold.
Ex officio
A Latin term meaning 'by virtue of office.' It refers to a person who is a member of a board or committee automatically because of the position they hold, without needing to be elected or appointed.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
APR 1, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
APR 1, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Special organizations that are privately managed but sponsored and funded by the U.S. government to conduct long-term, complex research and development in specific areas.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986
The primary body of U.S. federal tax law, which includes rules for income tax, estate tax, gift tax, and various other taxes, as well as provisions for tax-exempt organizations.
