Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act

This bill establishes a nonprofit corporation called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support measurement science, technical standards, and technology development through collaboration with researchers, industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations.

Sec. 2, Foundation for Standards and Metrology: The Secretary of Commerce, through the NIST Director, must establish the Foundation as a nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to support NIST's work in measurement science and standards to enhance U.S. economic security and prosperity, and to accelerate collaboration on standards, measurement science, and commercialization of emerging technologies.

The Foundation may support international standards activities, fund studies and research on metrology and standards infrastructure, advance collaboration between NIST and various partners, improve NIST research facilities, commercialize federally funded research, conduct education and outreach, and provide direct support to NIST associates including fellowships, grants, stipends, and training.

The Foundation is solely responsible for these activities and is not a federal agency. It can receive funds and gifts, but not from foreign countries or entities of concern. It must be tax-exempt under IRS rules.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors with 11 appointed voting members and ex officio nonvoting members including the NIST Director. Appointed members must represent diverse sectors and have relevant experience. The Board establishes bylaws, provides direction, coordinates with NIST, and solicits funds. Members serve up to five years and receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses.

The Foundation has an Executive Director appointed by the Board who handles daily operations, hires staff, accepts donations, and enters contracts. The Foundation cannot control federal employees. It may transfer funds to NIST. Within one year, it must submit a strategic plan to Congress on becoming financially self-sustaining, objectives, transparency, financial goals, and complementarity with NIST.

The Foundation must publish annual reports on its activities and finances, undergo annual audits, and make records available to the Secretary and Comptroller General. The Comptroller General must evaluate the Foundation after five years.

The Board must enforce conflict-of-interest and integrity procedures, including prohibitions on participation in matters affecting personal financial interests. The Foundation must adopt standards for intellectual property ownership and licensing. The United States is not liable for the Foundation's debts. The Secretary may provide facilities and support services to the Foundation. The Federal Advisory Committee Act does not apply.

Funds from appropriations must be held separately. For fiscal year 2025 and each following year, the Director may transfer between $500,000 and $1,250,000 to the Foundation from amounts authorized for NIST.