H.R. 2582 — Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act

This section establishes the Foundation for Standards and Metrology as a nonprofit corporation, not an agency or establishment of the federal government, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—the Department of Commerce agency that maintains national measurement standards and assists industry in technology development, product reliability, and commercialization—in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and emerging technologies. The Foundation's mission is to support NIST's activities for U.S. economic security and to foster collaboration with researchers, higher education, industry, nonprofits, and governments on standards development, measurement science, and technology commercialization. To carry out this mission, the Foundation may (1) support international metrology and standards engagement; (2) fund studies, projects, and research on metrology, benchmarks, and standards infrastructure; (3) advance collaborations across stakeholders; (4) improve NIST research facilities for emerging technologies; (5) support commercialization of federal research; (6) conduct education and outreach; (7) provide direct support to NIST personnel such as fellowships, grants, training, and awards; and (8) undertake other necessary activities. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors consisting of 11 appointed voting members—with initial appointments by the NIST Director in consultation with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, reflecting diverse stakeholders and expertise in standards, research, commercialization, and related fields—plus the NIST Director (or designee) as a nonvoting ex officio member; the board designates its chair and vice chair from voting members for up to three-year terms. The Foundation may receive and use private funds, gifts, and bequests; must seek 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status; and engages stakeholders to develop its activities.