BIO-SCALE Act
Sponsored By: Representative Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a network of regional, nonprofit, open-access, product-agnostic technology maturation facilities to scale U.S. bioindustrial technologies. This bill would fund and run at least three centers to move bio-based chemicals, fuels, materials, and related processes from prototype to early manufacturing.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Federal funding and spending rules
If enacted, the bill would authorize a total of $462 million for the program: $345 million for fiscal years 2026–2028 and $117 million for fiscal years 2029–2030. Federal funds could pay for site acquisition or construction, equipment, and initial operating costs. For sites with existing infrastructure, money must be spent within 2 years of receipt; for new construction, within 3 years. The Secretary could use no more than 7.5% of each year's funds for administration and oversight.
New regional bioindustrial facilities
If enacted, the bill would require the Commerce Department to set up at least three regional, nonprofit, open-access bioindustrial technology maturation facilities. Those centers would be product-agnostic and serve researchers, startups, and public and private users. They would offer precommercial scale-up capabilities, including fermentation tanks from about 1,500 liters up to over 75,000 liters. The Department would run a competitive two-phase award process with planning grants first and implementation grants after planning.
Access, IP, and reporting rules
If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary to set rules so facility resources are open and equitable, meaning no licensing or IP barriers for access and a focus on rural inclusion. The bill would make IP that a federal employee creates at a facility while doing their job part of the public domain. IP made by non-federal users would stay protected under normal IP law and facility agreements. The Secretary would also send Congress at least one annual report on usage, training, spending, and obstacles.
Ten-year program sunset rule
If enacted, the authority to establish and operate these facilities would end 10 years after the bill becomes law. The Secretary could allow facilities that show successful performance to keep operating after that date, under continued oversight.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
PA • D
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov