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Creates a nonprofit Foundation for Standards and Metrology to support the Institute’s work on measurement science, technical standards, and moving technologies toward commercialization. The Foundation will have a governing board, bylaws, an executive director, and must follow reporting, audit, and conflict-of-interest rules; a federal fund transfer to the Foundation is authorized beginning in fiscal year 2026 with limits on U.S. liability for the Foundation’s obligations.
Establish a nonprofit corporation called the Foundation for Standards and Metrology (the “Foundation”).
Define the mission of the Foundation: (1) support the Institute in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology to enhance U.S. economic security and prosperity; and (2) advance collaboration with researchers, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to accelerate standards, measurement science, and commercialization of emerging technologies.
Permit the Foundation to carry out specified activities including international metrology engagement; studies, projects, and research on metrology and standards infrastructure; collaborations across sectors; expansion and improvement of Institute research facilities; commercialization of federally funded research; education and outreach; and other necessary activities.
Allow the Foundation to offer direct support to NIST associates such as fellowships, grants, stipends, travel, health insurance, professional development, housing, technical and administrative assistance, recognition awards, and occupational safety training.
Make the Foundation solely responsible for carrying out the activities listed in subsection (c).
Who is affected and how:
Scientific research organizations and metrology labs: Likely to receive support for measurement research, access to funding, and partnership opportunities that accelerate development and commercialization of measurement technologies.
Companies developing critical and emerging technologies and technology companies: May gain access to Foundation-supported resources, testing, standards development assistance, or commercialization pathways that lower technical barriers and speed product readiness.
Institutions of higher education and nonprofit research institutions: Could benefit from grants, collaboration opportunities, and clearer pathways to translate measurement research into applications.
Federal agencies and the Institute: The Foundation is intended to complement the Institute’s work, providing an external nonprofit vehicle to mobilize resources, partners, and commercialization activities while the Institute maintains programmatic roles.
U.S. taxpayers and the federal budget: The legislation authorizes annual federal transfers beginning FY2026, creating a recurring federal funding commitment; however, the text includes limits on U.S. liability for Foundation obligations which constrain federal exposure to Foundation debts.
Net effect: The Foundation aims to strengthen the ecosystem around measurement science and standards by providing governance, funding channels, and commercialization support. That should accelerate adoption of standards and translation of measurement technologies into industry use, while introducing a modest, structured federal funding stream and accountability requirements.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced April 1, 2025 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress April 1, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced in Senate