The "Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act" establishes a nonprofit foundation to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology commercialization to boost U.S. economic security and prosperity.
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
The "Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act" establishes a nonprofit organization called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology commercialization. The Foundation will foster collaboration among researchers, higher education, industry, and nonprofits to boost U.S. economic security and prosperity through various activities, including funding research, supporting international engagement, and offering direct support to NIST associates. Governed by a Board of Directors representing diverse sectors, the Foundation will develop a strategic plan and conduct annual audits to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and alignment with NIST's mission. The Director may transfer between $500,000 and $1,250,000 to the Foundation each fiscal year beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Bill Proposes New Foundation to Link NIST Research with Industry, Speeding Up Tech Development
This legislation sets up a new non-profit called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, designed to work alongside the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Its main job is to boost U.S. economic security by improving measurement science (think ultra-precise measuring), technical standards, and getting new technologies out of the lab and into the market faster. The bill allows for the Foundation to potentially receive between $500,000 and $1.25 million annually from Commerce Department funds starting in fiscal year 2026 to help kickstart its work.
Bridging the Gap: Lab Bench to Marketplace
So, what will this Foundation actually do? Think of it as a connector and accelerator. It's tasked with fostering teamwork between researchers, universities, industry players, and non-profits. This could mean funding studies on measurement needs, helping stand up international technical standards, or even directly supporting researchers and improving facilities at NIST. A key goal mentioned in the bill is speeding up the commercialization of federally funded research – essentially, helping turn taxpayer-funded discoveries into actual products and services quicker. For instance, a small advanced manufacturing firm might partner through the Foundation to access NIST's expertise on precise measurements, or a university lab could get help connecting with businesses to apply their new material science breakthrough.
Keeping Tabs: How It's Governed and Funded
The Foundation won't be a government agency itself, but it's closely linked. It'll be run by an 11-member Board of Directors, chosen with input from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to represent folks from academia, the private sector, and non-profits. The NIST Director will also sit on the board (without a vote). An Executive Director, hired by the Board, will handle the day-to-day operations. While it can accept private donations, the bill outlines specific reporting requirements: a strategic plan submitted to Congress, public annual reports detailing activities and finances, yearly financial audits, and a review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) within five years to check on its performance.
The Fine Print: Potential Upsides and Watchouts
The big idea here is to make the U.S. more competitive by strengthening the link between fundamental research (like NIST does) and practical application. If it works as planned, we could see faster innovation and better standards, which helps businesses big and small. However, the bill does include some points worth noting. It specifically exempts the Foundation from Chapter 10 of Title 5, U.S. Code, which covers rules for federal advisory committees – potentially reducing some standard layers of administrative oversight. While the bill requires the Board to set up conflict-of-interest rules, ensuring these are robust and effectively enforced will be key, especially when deciding who gets funding or support. The structure aims for flexibility, but careful management will be needed to make sure it truly serves its public mission.