This bill directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a nonprofit called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology. The Foundation's mission is to support NIST work in measurement science, technical standards, and to advance collaboration with researchers, industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, federally funded research centers, and State, Tribal, and local governments. The Foundation may support international metrology engagement, studies and research, expansion of NIST facilities, commercialization of federally funded research, education and outreach, and direct support to NIST associates such as fellowships, grants, stipends, travel, health insurance, housing, and training. The Foundation must be a separate nonprofit (not a federal agency), seek 501(c) tax-exempt status, maintain conflict-of-interest policies, and produce strategic plans, annual reports, and audited financial statements. The Foundation may accept gifts and transfer funds to NIST, but the United States will not be liable for the Foundation's debts.
If you are a researcher, student, institution, company, or NIST associate, the Foundation could offer new opportunities for partnerships, grants, fellowships, training, and help with commercialization of research. The Foundation will be governed by a Board of Directors with 11 appointed voting members and ex officio nonvoting members, and it will coordinate activities with NIST. The Board must adopt bylaws, set conflict-of-interest rules, and report publicly on activities and donors. No Department of Commerce employee may serve as a voting Board member.
The bill allows the NIST Director to transfer between $500,000 and $1,250,000 each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2026, from amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 10211 to the Foundation. Those amounts must be held in a separate account. The bill requires annual audits and annual reports that disclose donors and any restrictions on gifts. No publicly available information on other costs or total federal budget impact beyond the annual transfer range is provided in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.