S. 1235

Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act This bill establishes a nonprofit corporation, to be known as the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, to support the mission and activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Among other activities, the foundation may • support metrology and the development of benchmarks and technical standards infrastructure across NIST’s mission areas; • advance collaboration between NIST and researchers, industry, nonprofit organizations, academia, and other specified entities; and • offer direct support to NIST associates, including through the provision of grants, housing, training, and other appropriate expenditures. (NIST associates are guest researchers, volunteers, and other nonemployees who conduct research or otherwise engage with NIST.) The foundation must not be an agency or instrumentality of the federal government. No officer or employee of the foundation may exercise administrative control over a federal employee. The foundation may solicit, accept, and use funds and gifts to support its activities, and it may transfer funds and property to NIST. The foundation must submit a strategic plan to Congress, including short- and long-term objectives and a plan for the foundation to become financially self-sustaining. The foundation must also publish periodic reports describing its activities, financial condition, and a description of all support provided to the foundation. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress with an evaluation of the foundation’s operations and any recommendations for improvement.