S. 1235 — Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act

This section establishes the Foundation for Standards and Metrology as a nonprofit corporation, not an agency of the federal government, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—a Department of Commerce laboratory that develops national measurement standards and advances technology for industry, government, and education—in carrying out its mission. The Foundation's mission is to advance measurement science, technical standards, and technology commercialization through collaboration with researchers, higher education, industry, nonprofits, and others; authorized activities include supporting international engagement, research and benchmarks, collaborations, research facilities, commercialization of federal research, education and outreach, direct support to NIST personnel (e.g., fellowships, grants, stipends, training), and other mission-related efforts, with authority as the sole entity for such activities and ability to receive funds, gifts, and property. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors consisting of 11 appointed voting members—with broad stakeholder representation in academia, private sector, standards bodies, investment, philanthropy, and nonprofits, initially selected in consultation with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—plus the NIST Director (or designee) as a nonvoting ex officio member; the board designates a chair and vice chair from voting members for terms of up to three years.