Federal standards agency would run biological measurement research program

The Commerce Secretary, through NIST's director, would establish a federal measurement research program. It would cover engineering living systems, using biological systems to make goods and services, and other life-science technologies. Technical standards would be voluntary and based on consensus. Program activities would have to follow federal research-security rules.

NIST would gather outside input, establish or expand partnerships when appropriate, and provide specialized facilities for research and testing. These activities would involve companies, colleges, nonprofits, federal laboratories, and federal, state, and Tribal agencies, as applicable. College outreach must include minority-serving, historically Black, and Tribal colleges, plus public colleges outside the top 100 for average federal research and development spending. NIST would seek outside input on an ongoing basis.

NIST's director would submit and publicly post an implementation plan and a later report on the program's rollout. The plan and report would go to the listed House and Senate committees and appear on a NIST public website. The plan would explain how the program fits with existing laboratories, carries out its work, and uses current infrastructure for international cooperation on voluntary standards. The plan would be due no later than one year after enactment, and the implementation report no later than three years after enactment.