((a)) ** In general** The Secretary may make competitive grants for the acquisition of special purpose scientific research equipment for use in the food and agricultural sciences programs of eligible institutions.

((b)) ** Maximum amount** The amount of a grant made to an eligible institution under this section may not exceed $500,000.

((c)) ** Prohibition on charge or equipment as indirect costs** The cost of acquisition or depreciation of equipment purchased with a grant under this section shall not be—

((1)) charged as an indirect cost against another Federal grant; or

((2)) included as part of the indirect cost pool for purposes of calculating the indirect cost rate of an eligible institution.

((d)) ** Eligible institutions defined** In this section, the term “eligible institution” means—

((1)) a college or university; or

((2)) a State cooperative institution.

((e)) ** Authorization of appropriations** There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.