Sec. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education
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/bill/115/hr/6227/eh/section-302A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to establish up to five Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education. A collaboration receiving an award under this subsection may include institutions of higher education, eligible nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities. The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct basic research and education activities in support of the goals and priorities of the Program as determined in title I, to— continue to advance quantum information science and engineering; support curriculum and workforce development in quantum information science and engineering; and foster innovation by bringing industry perspectives to quantum research and workforce development, including by leveraging industry resources and research capacity.
An institution of higher education or an eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium thereof) seeking funding under this section shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of— how the Center will work with other research institutions and industry partners to leverage expertise in quantum science, education and curriculum development, and technology transfer; how the Center will promote active collaboration among researchers in multiple disciplines involved in quantum research including physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and material science; how the Center will support long-term and short-term workforce development in the quantum field; how the Center can support an innovation ecosystem to work with industry to translate Center research into applications; and a long-term plan to become self-sustaining after the expiration of Foundation support.
The Centers selected and established under this section are authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 years. An awardee may reapply for an additional, subsequent period of 5 years on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis. Consistent with the existing authorities of the Foundation, the Director of the National Science Foundation may terminate an underperforming Center for cause during the performance period. The Director of the National Science Foundation shall devote $250,000,000 to carry out this section, which shall include $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of appropriations, to come from amounts made available for Research and Related Activities and Education and Human Resources.
This section shall be carried out using funds otherwise appropriated by law after the date of enactment of this Act. The Director of the National Science Foundation may establish a program to provide traineeships to graduate students at institutions of higher education within the United States who are citizens of the United States and who choose to pursue masters or doctoral degrees in quantum information science.