HR2582119th CongressWALLET

Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act

Sponsored By: Representative Stevens

Introduced

Summary

Creates a nonprofit Foundation for Standards and Metrology to accelerate U.S. measurement science, technical standards, and commercialization of emerging technologies. It would partner NIST with universities, industry, philanthropies, and others to fund research, standards work, and technology transfer.

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  • Researchers and institutions: Would expand collaboration with NIST, support studies and projects on metrology and benchmarks, and help improve research facilities and infrastructure.
  • Industry and startups: Would back commercialization of federally funded research, fund standard-setting and international metrology engagement, and accept private gifts to speed market-ready technologies.
  • NIST associates and facility users: Would provide direct support such as fellowships, grants, stipends, travel, health insurance, housing, and other assistance for guest researchers and facility users.
  • Oversight and donor transparency: A Board with ethics rules must publish annual reports, disclose all donors and gift restrictions, undergo annual audits, and face a Comptroller General review within 5 years.
  • Federal funding link: The Commerce Director may transfer $0.5 million to $1.3 million per year to the Foundation starting in 2026.

*Would allow federal transfers of $0.5–$1.3 million per year beginning in 2026, representing a modest increase in federal outlays.*

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Support for NIST researchers and guests

If enacted, the Foundation could give fellowships, grants, and stipends. It could also cover travel, health insurance, training, housing, and awards. NIST associates, like guest researchers and facility users, could apply for this support.

Annual funding and transfers for Foundation

If enacted, NIST could transfer $500,000 to $1,250,000 each year to the Foundation starting in fiscal year 2026. The Foundation could also transfer money or property to NIST, which NIST would use under federal research rules. The Board would have to keep any authorized appropriations in a separate account.

New nonprofit to boost U.S. standards

If enacted, the Commerce Secretary would set up a new nonprofit, the Foundation for Standards and Metrology. It would help NIST advance measurement science and technical standards. It would also work with universities, industry, and nonprofits to speed up standards and bring new tech to market. The Foundation would be the only group allowed to run the listed activities.

Planning and Congressional oversight reports

If enacted, the Foundation would send Congress a strategic plan within one year of being set up. The plan would include a five-year path to be self-sustaining, ten-year financial goals, and steps to avoid overlap with NIST. Within five years after the Foundation is created, the Comptroller General would report to Congress on how well the Foundation is working and how to improve it.

Stronger ethics and donor transparency

If enacted, the Board would set bylaws that limit donor control over gifts and define the Executive Director’s duties. The Foundation would enforce ethics rules, disclosures, audits, and strict conflict-of-interest limits, including recusal. The Foundation would publish an audited report within 18 months and then by February 1 each year, listing donors, any gift restrictions, activities, and finances, and send it to two congressional committees.

Tax status, IP rules, and limits

If enacted, the Board would seek 501(c) tax-exempt status for the Foundation. The Board would set written rules on who owns and licenses intellectual property from Foundation work. No Foundation leader, employee, or program participant would be allowed to control any federal employee. The United States would not be liable for any Foundation debts or obligations.

How the Foundation board would work

If enacted, the Foundation would have 11 voting Board members chosen from a list developed with the National Academies. Terms would be up to five years, with initial terms split between 4.5 and 5 years. Department of Commerce employees could not serve as voting members. Board members would not be paid for serving, but travel and other necessary expenses could be reimbursed. The Board would appoint an Executive Director to run daily operations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Stevens

MI • D

Cosponsors

  • Obernolte

    CA • R

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

  • Beyer

    VA • D

    Sponsored 4/24/2025

  • Fitzpatrick

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/24/2025

  • Foster

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/24/2025

  • Kean

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 4/24/2025

  • Nunn (IA)

    IA • R

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

  • Jacobs

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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