This bill changes how the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is run through amendments to section 25 of the NIST Act (15 U.S.C. 278K). It makes a formerly optional cooperative agreement requirement mandatory by changing the word "may" to "shall." Evaluations of MEP centers must now include assessment of financial management, including monitoring for potential fraud and misuse of funds. The bill tightens probation rules by requiring a reevaluation within 180 days and makes at least one previously discretionary action mandatory. If a center does not fix problems during probation, the Secretary must start a competition to select a new operator within 30 days. If a center's financial assistance is not renewed or is canceled, the Secretary must, subject to available appropriations, start a competition within 30 days and make any remaining allocated financial assistance available to the new operator. The bill also sets competition timelines (application period no longer than 90 days and selection within 30 days after that period ends) and adds a rule that the Secretary may only take adverse actions against a center following a non-positive evaluation under the stated procedures.
No publicly available information on overall costs or budgetary effects. The bill does state that transferring remaining financial assistance to a new operator is "subject to the availability of appropriations."
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.