Sec. 402. Research grants
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/bill/113/s/2177/is/section-402A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In this subsection, the term eligible entity means— a nonprofit academic or research institution; an accredited forensic science laboratory; and any other entity designated by the Director of NIST. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required under section 101(d), the Director of NIST may, on a competitive basis and using funds appropriated to NIST for forensic science purposes, make grants to eligible entities to conduct peer-reviewed scientific research. In making grants under this paragraph, the Director of NIST shall— ensure that the grants are made for peer-reviewed scientific research in areas that are consistent with the research priorities established by the Director under section 401(b); take into consideration the research needs identified by the Committees under section 401(c); if made before the identification of research priorities under section 401(b) and research needs under section 401(c), consider any findings, surveys, and analyses relating to research in forensic science disciplines, including those made by the Subcommittee on Forensic Science of the National Science and Technology Council; and encourage and, if appropriate, provide incentives for partnerships between nonprofit academic or research institutions and accredited forensic science laboratories.
Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding required under section 101(d), the Director of NIST may, on a competitive basis, make grants to eligible entities to conduct peer-reviewed scientific research to develop new technologies and processes to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of forensic testing procedures. In making grants under this subsection, the Director of NIST shall coordinate with the Director to ensure implementation of the plan established under section 404.
The Director of NIST shall consult and coordinate with the National Science Foundation to ensure— the integrity of the process for reviewing funding proposals and awarding grants under this subsection; and that the grant-making process is not subject to any undue bias or influence. The Director of NIST shall, on an annual basis, submit to the Board and the Director a report that describes— the application process for grants under this section; each grant made under this section in the fiscal year before the report is submitted; and as appropriate, the status and results of grants previously described in a report submitted under this subsection.
The Director shall publish the report submitted under subparagraph
(A)on the Web site of the Office. The Board and the Director shall evaluate each report submitted under paragraph
(1)and consider the information provided in each report in reviewing the research strategy and priorities established under section 401.