Summary: Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2009 - (Sec. 5) Establishes in the Geosciences Directorate of the National Science Foundation (NSF) the Weather Mitigation Research Office to establish and coordinate the national research and development program on weather mitigation described in this Act. Requires the Program to be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Director of the Geosciences Directorate. Instructs the Director of the NSF to coordinate the work of the Program with the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Authorizes the Director of the Program to: (1) fund studies, obtain information, and hold workshops necessary to carry out this Act; (2) cooperate with public or private agencies to promote the purposes of this Act; and (3) enter into cooperative agreements with the head of a U.S. department or agency, an appropriate official of a state or political subdivision of a state, or an appropriate official of a private or public agency or organization to conduct research and development (R&D) pertaining to weather mitigation. Creates a Working Group to advise the Program and to make recommendations to the Program concerning administration, research, and other matters. (Sec. 6) Requires the Director of the Program, in consultation with the Working Group, to submit an implementation plan to Congress for the establishment and coordination of the Program. Permits the inclusion in the Program of specified activities related to weather mitigation, including: (1) interdisciplinary R&D and coordination of R&D and activities to improve the understanding of processes relating to planned and inadvertent weather mitigation; (2) coordination with relevant organizations; (3) development, through partnerships among federal agencies, state agencies, and academic institutions, of new technologies and approaches for weather mitigation; and (4) establishment of scholarships and educational opportunities that encourage an interdisciplinary approach to weather mitigation. Requires the Program to promote and fund R&D, studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations; and (2) adaptation and scaling experiments in the efficacy of weather mitigation. Authorizes the Director of the NSF to establish a grant program for the awarding of grants to eligible entities (state agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits that have expertise in the field of weather mitigation and experience working with state agencies) for R&D projects that pertain to weather mitigation. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director to submit biennial reports containing certain information to the President and specified congressional committees. (Sec. 8) Instructs the head of any U.S. department or agency and the head of any other public or private institution receiving research funds from the United States to cooperate with the Director of the Program. (Sec. 9) Directs the OSTP, in support of the implementation plan, to: (1) address relevant programs and activities of the federal agencies and departments that would contribute to the Program; (2) consider and use, as appropriate, reports and studies of federal agencies and departments, weather modification organizations, and other expert scientific bodies, including a specified National Research Council report; and (3) make recommendations for the coordination of Program activities with weather mitigation activities of other national and international organizations. Requires OSTP, in the support of the biennial reports required from the Director under section 7, to provide specified information. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations. Allows for the acceptance, use, and disposal of gifts or donations of services or property under the Program.

sec establishes nsf establish coordinate national research development program weather mitigation described act requires program headed director shall appointed director instructs director nsf coordinate work program office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp authorizes director program fund studies obtain information hold workshops necessary carry act cooperate public private agencies promote purposes act enter cooperative agreements head department agency appropriate official state political subdivision state appropriate official private public agency organization conduct research development pertaining weather mitigation creates working_group advise program recommendations program concerning administration research matters sec requires director program consultation working_group submit implementation plan congress establishment coordination program permits inclusion program specified activities related weather mitigation including interdisciplinary coordination activities improve understanding processes relating planned inadvertent weather mitigation coordination relevant organizations development partnerships federal agencies state agencies academic institutions new technologies approaches weather mitigation establishment scholarships educational opportunities encourage interdisciplinary approach weather mitigation requires program promote fund studies investigations respect improved forecast decisionmaking technologies weather mitigation operations adaptation scaling experiments efficacy weather mitigation authorizes director nsf establish grant program awarding grants eligible entities state agencies institutions higher education nonprofits expertise field weather mitigation experience working state agencies projects pertain weather mitigation sec requires director submit biennial reports containing certain information president specified congressional committees sec instructs head department agency head public private institution receiving research funds united_states cooperate director program sec directs ostp support implementation plan address relevant programs activities federal agencies departments contribute program consider use appropriate reports studies federal agencies departments weather modification organizations expert scientific bodies including specified national_research_council report recommendations coordination program activities weather mitigation activities national international organizations requires ostp support biennial reports required director section provide specified information sec authorizes appropriations allows acceptance use disposal gifts donations services property program


Summary: National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act to expand the scope of the National Nanotechnology Program (the Program), including directing the Program to utilize the perspectives of the industrial community to promote the rapid commercial development of nanoscale-enabled devices, systems, and technologies and to coordinate research in determining the key physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials that may pose environmental, health, and safety risks. Requires issuing guidance to agencies that describes a strategy for transitioning research into commercial products and technologies and how the Program will coordinate or conduct research on the environmental, health, and safety issues related to nanotechnology. Revises requirements regarding the Program's triennial strategic plans. Requires participating agencies to support the activities of the committees of standards setting bodies involved in the development of standards for nanotechnology. Requires the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to be supported by funds from each participating agency. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the development of nanotechnology standards; and (2) the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the development of a public information database of projects in certain program component areas. Makes the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel a distinct entity. Instructs the Panel to establish a subpanel to enable it in assessing whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. Rewrites provisions for triennial external review of the Program. Designates a Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology, who shall convene a panel to develop a research plan. Requires the Coordinator to enter into an arrangement with the National Science Board to create a report in support of such plan that identifies the broad goals and needs of environmental, health, and safety researchers. Establishes an Education Working Group to coordinate, prioritize, and plan formal and informal educational activities supported under the Program. Provides for one or more grants to establish Nanotechnology Education Partnerships to recruit and help prepare secondary school students to pursue postsecondary level courses in nanotechnology. Requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities to provide access to representatives from industry and other stakeholders for the transfer of research results or assist in developing prototypes of nanoscale products, devices, or processes. Sets forth provisions concerning nanotechnology related projects under existing nanotechnology transfer programs. Makes it an objective of the Program to establish industry liaison groups. Requires coordination and leveraging of federal investments with nanotechnology research, development, and technology transition initiatives. Requires the Program to include support for nanotechnology research and development in areas of national importance, such as energy production, water purification, agriculture, and health care, and to additionally support research that addresses the environment, health, and safety risks of nanoparticles and the ethical, legal, and societal issues related to nanotechnology. Requires the Program to support nanomanufacturing research, including in green nanomanufacturing. Requires specified reviews by the Advisory Panel of certain program component areas and nanotechnology research facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding nanoscale characterization and metrology. Requires deliberative public input in the decision making processes affecting policies for the research, development, and use of nanotechnology.

amends 21st century research development act expand scope program including directing program utilize perspectives industrial community promote rapid commercial development nanoscale enabled devices systems technologies coordinate research determining key physical chemical characteristics pose environmental health safety risks requires issuing guidance agencies describes strategy transitioning research commercial products technologies program coordinate conduct research environmental health safety issues related nanotechnology revises requirements program triennial strategic plans requires participating agencies support activities committees standards setting bodies involved development standards nanotechnology requires national_nanotechnology_coordination_office supported funds participating agency authorizes appropriations national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist development nanotechnology standards national_science_foundation nsf development public information database projects certain program component areas makes distinct entity instructs panel establish enable assessing societal ethical legal environmental workforce concerns adequately addressed program rewrites provisions triennial external review program designates coordinator societal dimensions nanotechnology shall convene panel develop research plan requires coordinator enter arrangement national_science_board create report support plan identifies broad goals needs environmental health safety researchers coordinate prioritize plan formal informal educational activities supported program provides grants establish recruit help prepare secondary school students pursue postsecondary level courses nanotechnology requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities provide access representatives industry stakeholders transfer research results assist developing prototypes nanoscale products devices processes sets forth provisions concerning nanotechnology related projects existing nanotechnology transfer programs makes objective program establish industry liaison groups requires coordination leveraging federal investments nanotechnology research development technology transition initiatives requires program include support nanotechnology research development areas national importance energy production water agriculture health care additionally support research addresses environment health safety risks ethical legal societal issues related nanotechnology requires program support nanomanufacturing research including green nanomanufacturing requires specified reviews advisory_panel certain program component areas nanotechnology research facilities sets forth provisions nanoscale characterization requires public input decision making processes affecting policies research development use nanotechnology


Summary: Directs the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to complete a study of the technical policy decisionmaking and technical personnel at the FCC.

directs chairman federal_communications_commission fcc enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences complete study technical policy decisionmaking technical personnel fcc


Summary: Promote Nanotechnology in Schools Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a nanotechnology in the schools program awarding matching grants to certain eligible institutions to: (1) purchase nanotechnology equipment and software; (2) service and upgrade such equipment; and (3) provide nanotechnology education to students and teachers. Lists as eligible grantees: (1) public, private, parochial, and charter secondary schools that offer advanced or international baccalaureate science courses; (2) community colleges; (3) institutions of higher education; and (4) informal learning science and technology centers.

promote nanotechnology schools act requires director national_science_foundation nsf establish nanotechnology schools program awarding matching grants certain eligible institutions purchase nanotechnology equipment software service upgrade equipment provide nanotechnology education students teachers lists eligible grantees public private parochial charter secondary schools offer advanced international baccalaureate science courses community colleges institutions higher education informal learning science technology centers


Summary: Reward Innovation in America Act of 2010 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to authorize each head of a federal agency (other than a legislative agency) to carry out a program to award prizes competitively to stimulate innovation that has the potential to advance the agency's mission, including: (1) point solution prizes that reward and spur the development of solutions for a particular, well-defined problem; (2) exposition prizes that help identify and promote a broad range of ideas and practices that may not otherwise attract attention, facilitating further development of the idea or practice by third parties; and (3) participation prizes that create value by encouraging contestants to change their behavior or develop new skills that may have beneficial effects during and after the competition. Requires the agency head to: (1) widely advertise each competition to encourage broad participation; and (2) publish notices of competitions in the Federal Register. Prohibits the government from gaining an interest in intellectual property developed by a participant in a competition without the written consent of the participant, but authorizes the government to negotiate a license for the use of intellectual property developed by a participant. Authorizes: (1) an agency head to enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit entity to administer competitions; and (2) support for a competition to consist of federal appropriated funds and funds provided by the private sector for cash prizes. Prohibits a prize from being announced until all funds needed to pay out the announced amount of the prize have been appropriated or committed in writing by a private source. Limits prize amounts. Requires: (1) the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide government-wide services to share best practices and assist agencies in developing guidelines for issuing competitions; and (2) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to submit annual reports on program activities.

america act amends stevenson wydler technology innovation act authorize head federal agency legislative agency carry program award prizes competitively stimulate innovation potential advance agency mission including point solution prizes reward spur development solutions particular defined problem prizes help identify promote broad range ideas practices attract attention facilitating development idea practice parties participation prizes create value encouraging contestants change behavior develop new skills beneficial effects competition requires agency head widely advertise competition encourage broad participation publish notices competitions federal_register prohibits government gaining interest intellectual property developed participant competition written consent participant authorizes government negotiate license use intellectual property developed participant authorizes agency head enter agreement private nonprofit entity administer competitions support competition consist federal appropriated funds funds provided private sector cash prizes prohibits prize announced funds needed pay announced prize appropriated committed writing private source limits prize amounts requires general_services_administration gsa provide government wide services share best practices assist agencies developing guidelines issuing competitions director office_of_science_and_technology_policy submit annual reports program activities


Summary: Freedom for Consumer Choice Act - States U.S. government policy with regard to: (1) the promotion of the widespread availability of communications services; (2) the promotion of the integrity of communications facilities through investment and innovation in advanced communications networks; and (3) the economic regulation of communications markets. Makes it unlawful for providers of electronic communication services to engage or participate in: (1) unfair methods of competition in or affecting electronic communications networks and services; or (2) unfair or deceptive practices in or affecting such networks and services. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by rule, to define the acts or practices that shall constitute such unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Bars the FCC from having any authority to issue rules that declare unlawful an act or practice on the grounds that it is an unfair method of competition or unfair or deceptive act or practice, except that the FCC may declare an act or practice unlawful if: (1) marketplace competition is insufficient to adequately protect consumer welfare; and (2) such act or practice causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers, is unavoidable by consumers themselves, and is outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. Terminates any rule promulgated under this Act five years after its effective date unless the FCC makes an affirmative determination that such rule continues to be necessary. Grants the FCC the authority to hear complaints from any party injured by a violation of the prohibitions under this Act and to award damages to such party if such a violation has occurred. Sets forth specified additional authorities of the FCC.

freedom consumer choice act states government policy regard promotion widespread availability communications services promotion integrity communications facilities investment innovation advanced communications networks economic regulation communications markets makes unlawful providers electronic communication services engage participate unfair methods competition affecting electronic communications networks services unfair deceptive practices affecting networks services authorizes federal_communications_commission fcc rule define acts practices shall constitute unfair methods competition unfair deceptive acts practices bars fcc having authority issue rules declare unlawful act practice grounds unfair method competition unfair deceptive act practice fcc declare act practice unlawful marketplace competition insufficient adequately protect consumer welfare act practice causes likely cause substantial injury consumers unavoidable consumers outweighed countervailing benefits consumers competition terminates rule promulgated act years effective date fcc makes affirmative determination rule continues necessary grants fcc authority hear complaints party injured violation prohibitions act award damages party violation occurred sets forth specified additional authorities fcc


Summary: American Innovation Act of 2010 - Requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive one or more financial assistance grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research to report to the NSF on: (1) the IHE's strategy for commercializing the results of the research; (2) the implementation of such strategy; and (3) the results of its efforts to realize the commercial potential of the research. Authorizes the Director of the NSF to use funds appropriated to carry out grants to IHEs for the provision of financial support for post-graduate research in fields of study with potential commercial applications to match any private sector grant of financial assistance to any post-doctoral program in such a field. Authorizes the award of grants to IHEs or their consortia for the establishment or expansion of partnerships (including industry or professional association partnerships) with local or regional private sector entities to provide undergraduate students with private sector internship experiences (including manufacturing sector internships) that connect with their STEM coursework. Requires National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to initiate a study to evaluate, develop, or improve impact-on-society metrics, including the potential for commercial applications of research studies funded by grants from the NSF or other federal agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the research tax credit for basic research payments made to certain educational and scientific organizations to be made whether or not such research has a specific commercial objective. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to provide loan guarantees for obligations to borrowers who are small- or medium-sized businesses to assist them in making commercial use of products, processes, or ideas generated by NSF-funded research grants.

american innovation act requires institutions higher education ihes receive financial assistance grants national_science_foundation nsf research report nsf ihe strategy commercializing results research implementation strategy results efforts realize commercial potential research authorizes director nsf use funds appropriated carry grants ihes provision financial support post graduate research fields study potential commercial applications match private sector grant financial assistance post doctoral program field authorizes award grants ihes consortia establishment expansion partnerships including industry professional association partnerships local regional private sector entities provide undergraduate students private sector internship experiences including manufacturing sector internships connect stem coursework nas initiate study evaluate develop improve impact society metrics including potential commercial applications research studies funded grants nsf federal agencies amends internal revenue code allow research tax credit basic research payments certain educational scientific organizations research specific commercial objective directs secretary commerce establish program provide loan guarantees obligations borrowers small- medium sized businesses assist making commercial use products processes ideas generated nsf funded research grants


Summary: Undergraduate Scholarship Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics Act or US-STEM Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award merit scholarships covering students' final two years of undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at four-year institutions of higher education. Restricts scholarship eligibility to students: (1) from families whose taxable income for 2010 did not exceed $75,000, adjusted annually thereafter for inflation; and (2) who maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, on a scale of 4.0. Allows the Director to award up to 2,500 scholarships each year. Requires the Director to establish an advisory board for the scholarship program.

undergraduate scholarship awards science technology engineering mathematics act stem act requires director national_science_foundation nsf award merit scholarships covering students final years undergraduate studies science technology engineering mathematics year institutions higher education restricts scholarship eligibility students families taxable income exceed adjusted annually inflation maintain grade point average scale allows director award scholarships year requires director establish advisory board scholarship program


Summary: Federal Acceleration of State Technologies Deployment Act of 2009 or the FAST Deployment Act of 2010 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development to establish a Federal Acceleration of State Technologies (FAST) Deployment Program to distribute matching federal funds to qualifying states. Requires each qualified state to use FAST grant funds exclusively for making assistance grants to small manufacturing enterprises for approved technology development projects. Establishes a national manufacturing technology database to disseminate to U.S. manufacturers information related to new U.S. manufacturing technologies. Requires an annual assessment of small manufacturing technology needs and information from such assessment to be incorporated into the database.

fast deployment act directs assistant secretary establish distribute matching federal funds qualifying states requires qualified state use fast grant funds exclusively making assistance grants small manufacturing enterprises approved technology development projects establishes national manufacturing technology database disseminate manufacturers information related new manufacturing technologies requires annual assessment small manufacturing technology needs information assessment incorporated database


Summary: 21st Century Investment Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research expenses, (2) increase such credit for amounts paid or incurred for research substantially all of which occurs in the United States, and (3) increase through December 31, 2020, the domestic production activities tax deduction for income attributable to the manufacture or production of property with respect to which substantially all of the research and development occurred in the United States.

21st century investment act amends internal revenue code permanent tax credit increasing research expenses increase credit amounts paid incurred research substantially occurs united_states increase december domestic production activities tax deduction income attributable manufacture production property respect substantially research development occurred united_states


Summary: Research and Development Tax Credit Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase the rate of the alternative simplified research tax credit.

amends internal revenue code permanent tax credit increasing research activities increase rate alternative simplified research tax credit


Summary: Healthy Media for Youth Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to nonprofit organizations to provide for the establishment, operation, coordination, and evaluation of programs to: (1) increase the media literacy of girls and boys; and (2) support the empowerment of girls or boys, including through extracurricular activities and programs. Permits grants to nonprofit organizations only if the organization agrees to make nonfederal contributions available toward the costs of the program (at least $1 for every $5 of awarded federal funds). Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to review, synthesize, and conduct or support research on the role and impact of depictions of girls and women in the media on the psychological, sexual, physical, and interpersonal development of youth. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convene a task force, to be known as the National Task Force on Girls and Women in the Media, to develop voluntary steps and goals for promoting healthy and positive depictions of girls and women in the media for the benefit of all youth.

youth act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs award grants nonprofit organizations provide establishment operation coordination evaluation programs increase media literacy girls boys support empowerment girls boys including extracurricular activities programs permits grants nonprofit organizations organization agrees nonfederal contributions available costs program awarded federal funds directs secretary acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc coordination director national_institutes_of_health nih director eunice kennedy shriver national institute child health human development review synthesize conduct support research role impact depictions girls women media psychological sexual physical interpersonal development youth directs federal_communications_commission fcc convene task force known media develop voluntary steps goals promoting healthy positive depictions girls women media benefit youth


Summary: Advanced Composites Development Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretaries of Transportation (DOT), Energy (DOE), Defense (DOD), and Homeland Security (DHS), to carry out a program to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure, advance the technologies used to produce alternative energy, enhance our military security, and develop new disaster mitigation systems by making grants to consortia for the establishment and operation of Advanced Composites Development Centers. Instructs the Secretaries to work with stakeholders to identify problems that can be solved over a period of five years through the development of an advanced composite material. Requires such Centers, by working with the private sector, to strive to produce new composite materials that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than existing materials and that have an immediate practical application.

advanced development act directs secretaries transportation dot energy doe defense dod homeland_security dhs carry program improve nation transportation infrastructure advance technologies produce alternative energy enhance military security develop new disaster mitigation systems making grants consortia establishment operation instructs secretaries work stakeholders identify problems period years development advanced composite material requires centers working private sector strive produce new composite materials lighter stronger durable existing materials immediate practical application


Summary: Abolishes the Office of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Rescinds any unobligated funds that were appropriated for the activities of the Office. Requires such funds to be returned to the Treasury and used toward reducing the federal deficit.

nsf rescinds unobligated funds appropriated activities office requires funds returned treasury reducing federal deficit


Summary: Public Safety Broadband Network Enabling Act - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) document operational requirements for a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network; (2) if necessary and practical, help accelerate the development of national voluntary consensus standards for such network; (3) conduct research and assist with the development of technologies and applications to advance wireless public safety communications; and (4) continue to develop and maintain a demonstration testbed for use by manufacturers, providers of commercial mobile services, and public safety agencies to evaluate advanced broadband communications equipment and software for use by the public safety community. Directs the Director to: (1) coordinate with federal agencies, the private sector, and public safety organizations; and (2) convene any appropriate working groups of government and commercial stakeholders. Requires that a specified amount be made available to the Director from any trust fund established in the Treasury after October 1, 2011, consisting of proceeds from the auction of electromagnetic spectrum.

national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act require director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist document operational requirements nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network necessary practical help accelerate development national voluntary consensus standards network conduct research assist development technologies applications advance wireless public safety communications continue develop maintain demonstration use manufacturers providers commercial mobile services public safety agencies evaluate advanced broadband communications equipment software use public safety community directs director coordinate federal agencies private sector public safety organizations convene appropriate working groups government commercial stakeholders requires specified available director trust fund established treasury october consisting proceeds auction electromagnetic spectrum


Summary: Research Works Act - Prohibits a federal agency from adopting, maintaining, continuing, or otherwise engaging in any policy, program, or other activity that: (1) causes, permits, or authorizes network dissemination of any private-sector research work without the prior consent of the publisher; or (2) requires that any actual or prospective author, or the author's employer, assent to such network dissemination. Defines "private-sector research work" as an article intended to be published in a scholarly or scientific publication, or any version of such an article, that is not a work of the U.S. government, describing or interpreting research funded in whole or in part by a federal agency and to which a commercial or nonprofit publisher has made or has entered into an arrangement to make a value-added contribution, including peer review or editing, but does not include progress reports or raw data outputs routinely required to be created for and submitted directly to a funding agency in the course of research.

research works act prohibits federal agency adopting maintaining continuing engaging policy program activity causes permits authorizes network dissemination private sector research work prior consent publisher requires actual prospective author author employer network dissemination defines private sector research work article intended published scholarly scientific publication version article work government describing interpreting research funded federal agency commercial nonprofit publisher entered arrangement value added contribution including peer review editing include progress reports raw data routinely required created submitted directly funding agency course research


Summary: Advancing America's Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012 - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to rename the National High-Performance Computing Program as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program. (Sec. 2) Directs the federal agencies participating in the Program to: (1) periodically assess the contents and funding levels of program component areas and restructure the Program when warranted; and (2) ensure that the Program includes large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development (R&D) activities, including such activities in networking and information technology in areas having the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and for other societal benefits. Requires the participating federal agencies to develop, and update every three years, a five-year strategic plan to guide activities provided for under the Program. Requires the plan to specify near-term and long-term objectives and how the Program will accomplish other specified objectives, including by: (1) fostering the transfer of R&D results into new technologies and applications for the benefit of society, including through cooperation and collaborations with networking and information technology research, development, and technology transition initiatives supported by the states; and (2) encouraging and supporting mechanisms for interdisciplinary R&D in networking and information technology, including through collaborations across agencies and program component areas, with industry, federal laboratories, and international organizations. Requires the strategic plan to be accompanied by milestones and road maps for establishing the national research infrastructure required to support the Program. Instructs the entities involved in developing the plan to consider recommendations of the: (1) advisory committee on networking and information technology (the advisory committee) (under current law, titled as the advisory committee on high-performance computing); and (2) stakeholders whose input was solicited by the National Coordination Office, as required under section 6 of this Act. Requires the Director of the National Coordination Office to transmit the strategic plan to Congress and the advisory committee. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to encourage and monitor the efforts of participating agencies to allocate the resources and management attention necessary to ensure that the strategic plan is executed effectively and that Program objectives are met. Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to require the co-chairs of the advisory committee to meet the qualifications for membership on the committee and permits them to be members of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Requires the OSTP Director to develop a research, development, and deployment roadmap covering all states and regions for the provision of high-end computing and networking systems (under current law, high-performance computing and networking systems), as specified in such Act. Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to require annual reports on the implementation of the Program to: (1) describe the levels of federal funding for the previous fiscal year, (2) describe the levels of federal funding for the previous fiscal year for agencies and departments participating in the Program, and (3) include reporting on the research areas supported under section 3 of this Act. Requires the OSTP Director to include in such reports: (1) a description of how the objectives for program component areas, and for activities that involve multiple program component areas relate to the Program's objectives identified in the strategic plan; (2) a description of the funding required by the National Coordination Office to perform its functions for the next and current fiscal years; and (3) the amount of funding provided for such Office for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 3) Directs the Program to encourage the federal agencies to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary R&D activities in networking and information technology directed toward areas having the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and for other societal benefits. Requires such activities to be designed to advance the development of research discoveries. Instructs the advisory committee to make recommendations for candidate R&D areas for support. Requires that such R&D activities shall: (1) include projects based on applications for support that are selected through a competitive, merit-based process; (2) involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, permitting the involvement of nonprofit research institutions and federal laboratories, as appropriate; (3) leverage federal investments through collaboration with related state initiatives, when possible; and (4) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research discoveries and the results of technology demonstration activities to industry for commercial development. Requires the federal agencies to give special consideration to projects that include cost sharing from non-federal sources. Instructs, when two or more of the federal agencies or other appropriate agencies are working on large-scale R&D activities in the same area, such agencies to strive to collaborate through joint solicitation and selection of applications for support and subsequent funding of projects. Allows R&D activities under this section to be supported through interdisciplinary research centers organized to investigate basic research questions and carry out technology demonstration activities. Permits research to be carried out through existing centers, including the multidisciplinary Centers for Communications Research authorized under the America COMPETES Act. (Sec. 4) Requires the Program, in addition to its current requirements, to provide for: (1) increased understanding of the scientific principles of cyber-physical systems and improve the methods available for the design, development, and operation of such systems; and (2) R&D on human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data. Defines "cyber-physical systems" as physical or engineered systems whose networking and information technology functions and physical elements are deeply integrated and are actively connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, or other means to perform monitoring and control functions. Requires the Director of the National Coordination Office to convene a task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative R&D activities for cyber-physical systems, including the related technologies required to enable such systems, through a consortium or other appropriate entity with participants from institutions of higher education, federal laboratories, and industry. Requires the task force to: (1) propose a process for the development of a R&D agenda for such entity, including guidelines ensuring an appropriate scope of work focused on nationally significant challenges which require collaboration and ensuring development of related scientific and technological milestones; and (2) propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property rights and for the transfer of research results to the private sector; and (3) recommend how such entity could be funded from federal, state, and non-governmental sources. Requires such Director to transmit to Congress a report that describes the task force's findings and recommendations. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the National Coordination Office, through the National Science and Technology Council, to convene an interagency working group to examine: (1) the R&D needed to enhance the effectiveness of cloud computing environments, increase the trustworthiness of cloud applications and infrastructure, and enhance the foundations of cloud architectures, programming models, and interoperability; (2) the potential use of cloud computing for federally-funded science and engineering research; and (3) report to Congress on the findings and recommendations of the working group. (Sec. 6) Repeals provisions for the National Research and Education Network. Requires continuation of a National Coordination Office. Directs the National Coordination Office to: (1) serve as the primary point of contact on federal networking and information technology activities; (2) solicit input and recommendations from stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan through the convening of at least one workshop; (3) conduct public outreach, including dissemination of the findings and recommendations of the advisory committee, as appropriate; and (4) promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to agency missions and systems across the federal government and to U.S. industry. Requires the operation of the National Coordination Office to be supported by funds from agencies participating in the Program. (Sec. 7) Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF), as part of the Program, to use its existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate, for improving the teaching and learning of networking and information technology at all education levels and to increase participation in networking and information technology fields. (Sec. 8) Makes technical and conforming amendments, including with respect to the activities of the NSF, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Education under the Program. Requires the advisory committee to report to Congress, no less frequently than once every three fiscal years (under current law, no less frequently than once every 2 fiscal years) on the committee's findings and recommendations from its periodic evaluations of the funding, management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program. Requires NIST to develop and propose standards and guidelines needed for assuring the cost-effective security and privacy of information in federal computer systems (under current law, privacy of sensitive information in those systems).

amends high performance computing act rename national high performance computing program networking_and_information_technology_research_and_development_program sec directs federal agencies participating program periodically assess contents funding levels program component areas restructure program warranted ensure program includes large scale long term interdisciplinary research development activities including activities networking information technology areas having potential significant contributions national economic competitiveness societal benefits requires participating federal agencies develop update years year strategic plan guide activities provided program requires plan specify near term long term objectives program accomplish specified objectives including fostering transfer results new technologies applications benefit society including cooperation collaborations networking information technology research development technology transition initiatives supported states encouraging supporting mechanisms interdisciplinary networking information technology including collaborations agencies program component areas industry federal laboratories international organizations requires strategic plan accompanied milestones road maps establishing national research infrastructure required support program instructs entities involved developing plan consider recommendations advisory committee networking information technology advisory committee current law titled advisory committee high performance computing stakeholders input solicited required section act requires director transmit strategic plan congress advisory committee requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp encourage monitor efforts participating agencies allocate resources management attention necessary ensure strategic plan executed effectively program objectives met amends high performance computing act require chairs advisory committee meet qualifications membership committee permits members requires ostp director develop research development deployment roadmap covering states regions provision high end computing networking systems current law high performance computing networking systems specified act amends high performance computing act require annual reports implementation program describe levels federal funding previous fiscal year describe levels federal funding previous fiscal year agencies departments participating program include reporting research areas supported section act requires ostp director include reports description objectives program component areas activities involve multiple program component areas relate program objectives identified strategic plan description funding required perform functions current fiscal years funding provided office current fiscal year sec directs program encourage federal agencies support large scale long term interdisciplinary activities networking information technology directed areas having potential significant contributions national economic competitiveness societal benefits requires activities designed advance development research discoveries instructs advisory committee recommendations candidate areas support requires activities shall include projects based applications support selected competitive merit based process involve collaborations researchers institutions higher education industry permitting involvement nonprofit research institutions federal laboratories appropriate leverage federal investments collaboration related state initiatives possible include plan fostering transfer research discoveries results technology demonstration activities industry commercial development requires federal agencies special consideration projects include cost sharing non federal sources instructs federal agencies appropriate agencies working large scale activities area agencies strive collaborate joint solicitation selection applications support subsequent funding projects allows activities section supported interdisciplinary research centers organized investigate basic research questions carry technology demonstration activities permits research carried existing centers including multidisciplinary authorized america competes act sec requires program addition current requirements provide increased understanding scientific principles cyber physical systems improve methods available design development operation systems human computer interactions big data defines cyber physical systems physical engineered systems networking information technology functions physical elements integrated actively connected physical world sensors means perform monitoring control functions requires director convene task force explore mechanisms carrying collaborative activities cyber physical systems including related technologies required enable systems consortium appropriate entity participants institutions higher education federal laboratories industry requires task force propose process development agenda entity including guidelines ensuring appropriate scope work focused nationally significant challenges require collaboration ensuring development related scientific technological milestones propose guidelines assigning intellectual property rights transfer research results private sector recommend entity funded federal state non governmental sources requires director transmit congress report describes task force findings recommendations sec requires director national_science_and_technology_council convene interagency working group examine needed enhance effectiveness cloud computing environments increase cloud applications infrastructure enhance foundations cloud architectures programming models interoperability potential use cloud computing federally funded science engineering research report congress findings recommendations working group sec repeals provisions requires continuation directs serve primary point contact federal networking information technology activities solicit input recommendations stakeholders development strategic plan convening workshop conduct public outreach including dissemination findings recommendations advisory committee appropriate promote access early application technologies innovations expertise derived program activities agency missions systems federal government industry requires operation supported funds agencies participating program sec directs national_science_foundation nsf program use existing programs collaboration agencies appropriate improving teaching learning networking information technology education levels increase participation networking information technology fields sec makes technical conforming amendments including respect activities nsf national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa department_of_energy doe epa department_of_education program requires advisory committee report congress frequently fiscal years current law frequently fiscal years committee findings recommendations periodic evaluations funding management coordination implementation activities program requires nist develop propose standards guidelines needed assuring cost effective security privacy information federal computer systems current law privacy sensitive information systems


Summary: Repeals the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Act. (The Act established the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, an independent establishment of the executive branch authorized to award fellowships to outstanding individuals to encourage new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind.) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit all funds in the Christopher Columbus Scholarship Fund into the general fund of the Treasury.

repeals christopher columbus fellowship act act established independent establishment executive branch authorized award fellowships outstanding individuals encourage new discoveries fields endeavor benefit requires secretary treasury deposit funds general fund treasury


Summary: Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2011 - Directs specified federal agencies participating in the National High-Performance Computing Program to: (1) transmit to Congress a cybersecurity strategic research and development plan and triennial updates, and (2) develop and annually update an implementation roadmap for such plan. Expands permitted National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for basic research on innovative approaches to the structure of computer and network hardware and software that are aimed at enhancing computer security to include research into identity management, crimes against children, and organized crime. Requires applications for the establishment of Computer and Network Security Research Centers to include a description of how such Centers will partner with government laboratories, for-profit entities, other institutions of higher education, or nonprofit research institutions. Repeals the Cyber Security Faculty Development Traineeship Program. Requires the NSF Director to continue carrying out a Scholarship for Service program under the Cyber Security Research and Development Act. Directs the President to transmit a report to Congress addressing the cybersecurity workforce needs of the federal government. Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director to convene a cybersecurity university-industry task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative R&D activities. Revises provisions concerning the development and dissemination by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of security risk checklists associated with computer systems that are, or are likely to become, widely used within the federal government. Requires conducting intramural security research activities under NIST's computing standards program. Requires the NIST Director to: (1) ensure coordination of U.S. government representation in the international development of technical standards related to cybersecurity; (2) maintain a cybersecurity awareness and education program through the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program; and (3) continue a program to support development of technical standards, metrology, testbeds, and conformance criteria with regard to identity management research and development.

directs specified federal agencies participating national high performance computing program transmit congress cybersecurity strategic research development plan triennial updates develop annually update implementation roadmap plan expands permitted national_science_foundation nsf grants basic research innovative approaches structure computer network hardware software aimed enhancing computer security include research identity management crimes children organized crime requires applications establishment include description centers partner government laboratories profit entities institutions higher education nonprofit research institutions repeals cyber security faculty development traineeship program requires nsf director continue carrying scholarship service program directs president transmit report congress addressing cybersecurity workforce needs federal government requires office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp director convene cybersecurity university industry task force explore mechanisms carrying collaborative activities revises provisions concerning development dissemination national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist security risk checklists associated computer systems likely widely federal government requires conducting intramural security research activities nist computing standards program requires nist director ensure coordination government representation international development technical standards related cybersecurity maintain cybersecurity awareness education program program continue program support development technical standards conformance criteria regard identity management research development


Summary: Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2012 - Establishes a national forensic science research program to improve, expand, and coordinate federal research in forensic sciences. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to develop a report identifying the most critical forensic science disciplines that require further research to strengthen the scientific foundation in those disciplines and making recommendations. Establishes a National Forensic Science Coordinating Office at the NSF to coordinate among federal agencies: (1) the development of a unified federal research strategy to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science disciplines; (2) the development of a five-year roadmap, updated triennially, for the unified strategy; and (3) any necessary programs, policies, and budgets to support implementation of the roadmap. Directs NSF to create a merit-reviewed, competitive forensic science research grants program to improve the foundation and practice of forensic science in the United States, based on recommendations in the unified strategy. Requires NSF to: (1) establish two forensic science research centers to conduct research consistent with the unified strategy, (2) award a grant of up to $10 million to each center, and (3) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the grants program every four years. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify or coordinate the development of forensic science standards to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science activities. Requires NIST to establish a Forensic Science Advisory Committee to provide advice to federal agencies, NIST, and the Department of Justice. Instructs the Attorney General to promote the adoption of the standards developed under this Act.

forensic science establishes national forensic science research program improve expand coordinate federal research forensic sciences requires director national_science_foundation nsf enter contract national_academy_of_sciences nas develop report identifying critical forensic science disciplines require research strengthen scientific foundation disciplines making recommendations establishes nsf coordinate federal agencies development unified federal research strategy enhance validity reliability forensic science disciplines development year roadmap updated triennially unified strategy necessary programs policies budgets support implementation roadmap directs nsf create merit reviewed competitive forensic science research grants program improve foundation practice forensic science united_states based recommendations unified strategy requires nsf establish forensic science research centers conduct research consistent unified strategy award grant million center conduct comprehensive evaluation grants program years directs national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist identify coordinate development forensic science standards enhance validity reliability forensic science activities requires nist establish provide advice federal agencies nist department_of_justice instructs attorney general promote adoption standards developed act


Summary:
Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects.

Allows the Partnership to provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing. Requires return on investment of amounts resulting from the commercialization of developed technologies to the Partnership.

Requires establishment of an advisory board to assist the Secretary in carrying out the Partnership.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock.

Authorizes establishment within the Technology Administration of a grant program to support the establishment and development of incubators (entities affiliated with or housed in degree-granting institutions that provide space and coordinated and specialized services to certain entrepreneurial businesses). Establishes a Nanotechnology Startup Advisory Council.

Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center for the development of computer aided design tools for nanotechnology applications.

Requires the establishment of nanotechnology research grant programs by the: (1) Secretary of Energy (DOE) to address the need for clean, cheap, renewable energy; (2) Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address technologies for remediation of pollution and other environmental protection technologies; (3) Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to address the need for sensors and other materials related to homeland security needs; and (4) Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address health related applications of nanotechnology.

Requires the Director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to transmit a nanotechnology research strategy that establishes priorities for the federal government and industry.

Amends the IRC to: (1) allow a tax credit for nanotechnology education and training program expenses; and (2) revise, for purposes of Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, the definition of "eligible educational institution" to include commercial nanotechnology training providers.

Directs the NSF to establish: (1) a grant program for the development of curriculum materials for interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses at institutions of higher education, and (2) establish a program to encourage manufacturing companies to enter into partnerships with occupational training centers for the development of training to support nanotechnology manufacturing.

Directs the Secretary of Energy to transmit a strategy for increasing interaction on nanotechnology issues between scientists and engineers at the Department of Energy's national laboratories and in the informal science education community.

new opportunities act directs secretary commerce million available private sector establishing establish partnership provide funding precommercial nanomanufacturing research development projects allows partnership provide funding direct investments specified mechanisms designed advance nanomanufacturing requires return investment amounts resulting commercialization developed technologies partnership requires establishment advisory board assist secretary carrying partnership amends internal revenue code irc allow tax credit purchase qualified nanotechnology developer stock authorizes establishment technology_administration grant program support establishment development incubators entities affiliated housed degree granting institutions provide space coordinated specialized services certain entrepreneurial businesses establishes nanotechnology startup advisory council directs national_science_foundation nsf establish nanoscale_science_and_engineering_center development computer aided design tools nanotechnology applications requires establishment nanotechnology research grant programs secretary energy doe address need clean renewable energy administrator environmental_protection_agency epa address technologies remediation pollution environmental protection technologies secretary homeland_security dhs address need sensors materials related homeland security needs secretary health_and_human_services hhs address health related applications nanotechnology requires director national_nanotechnology_coordination_office transmit nanotechnology research strategy establishes priorities federal government industry amends irc allow tax credit nanotechnology education training program expenses revise purposes hope lifetime_learning tax credits definition eligible educational institution include commercial nanotechnology training providers directs nsf establish grant program development curriculum materials interdisciplinary nanotechnology courses institutions higher education establish program encourage manufacturing companies enter partnerships occupational training centers development training support nanotechnology manufacturing directs secretary energy transmit strategy increasing interaction nanotechnology issues scientists engineers department_of_energy national laboratories informal science education community


Summary:
American Discoveries and American Jobs Commission Act of 2013 - Establishes the Commission on American Discoveries and American Jobs to study: (1) the state of technology transfer from federally funded research to the private sector; (2) the possibilities for the federal government to collect royalties from early research that leads to the commercialization of a profitable product or technology; (3) the potential adverse consequences of such royalties on technology transfer, commercialization, and economic growth; and (4) the potential benefits of reinvesting revenues from federal royalties into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and seeding future federally funded research.

Requires submission to Congress of recommendations of specified regulatory and statutory changes.

establishes commission american_jobs study state technology transfer federally funded research private sector possibilities federal government collect royalties early research leads commercialization product technology potential adverse consequences royalties technology transfer commercialization economic growth potential benefits reinvesting revenues federal royalties science technology engineering math stem education future federally funded research requires submission congress recommendations specified regulatory statutory changes


Summary: Research and Development Tax Credit Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase the rate of the alternative simplified research tax credit.


Summary:
STEM Opportunities Act of 2013 - Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to provide federal science agencies with guidance on establishing specified policies to accommodate the needs of caregiver researchers who receive their research awards.

Requires each federal science agency to annually collect and submit to the National Science Foundation (NSF) institution-level data on demographics, primary field, award type, review rating (as practicable), budget request, funding outcome, and awarded budget for all applications for merit-reviewed research and development grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and federal laboratories. Requires NSF to publish a statistical summary of that data.

Directs OSTP, in collaboration with NSF, to identify and disseminate to federal science agencies information and best practices useful in educating program officers and members of standing peer review committees at federal science agencies about: (1) research on implicit gender, race, or ethnic bias; and (2) methods to minimize the effect of such bias in federal research grant reviews.

Requires federal science agencies to maintain or develop and implement policies and practices to minimize the effects of implicit bias in federal research grant reviews.

Directs NSF, within three years of this Act's enactment and at least every five years thereafter, to conduct a survey to collect institution-level data on the demographics of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty, by broad fields of STEM, at different types of IHEs. Requires NSF to publish a statistical summary of that data.

Requires NSF to develop written guidance for IHEs on the best practices for: (1) conducting periodic campus culture surveys of STEM departments; and (2) educating STEM faculty and administrators about implicit bias in recruiting, evaluating, and promoting STEM students and faculty.

Directs NSF to broadly disseminate that guidance to IHEs that receive federal research funding.

Directs OSTP to develop written guidance for federal laboratories to develop and implement practices and policies to: (1) conduct periodic laboratory-wide culture surveys of research personnel at all levels; and (2) educate STEM research personnel about implicit bias in recruiting, evaluating, and promoting researchers at federal laboratories.

Requires federal science agencies to maintain or develop and implement such policies for their laboratories.

Directs NSF to recommend a uniform policy for federal science agencies to carry out workshops to educate STEM department chairs at IHEs, senior managers at federal laboratories, and other federally funded researchers about methods of minimizing the effects of implicit bias in the career advancement of academic and federal STEM researchers.

Requires NSF to award research grants and conduct dissemination activities consistent with this Act's goal of ensuring that federal science agencies and IHE research grant recipients are fully engaging their talent pool.

Directs NSF to award competitive grants to IHEs to develop innovative reform efforts designed to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented minority groups in academic STEM careers.

Requires NSF to award competitive grants to IHEs to implement or expand research-based reforms in undergraduate STEM education to recruit and retain minority students who are underrepresented in STEM fields, with a priority focus on the natural science and engineering fields.

Requires each grant to include an education research component so that reform efforts can be evaluated and, if shown to be effective, replicated to improve the participation of minority students in STEM fields at other schools.

directs office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp provide federal science agencies guidance establishing specified policies accommodate needs caregiver researchers receive research awards requires federal science agency annually collect submit national_science_foundation nsf institution level data demographics primary field award type review rating practicable budget request funding outcome awarded budget applications merit reviewed research development grants institutions higher education ihes federal laboratories requires nsf publish statistical summary data directs ostp collaboration nsf identify disseminate federal science agencies information best practices useful educating program officers members standing peer review committees federal science agencies research implicit gender race ethnic bias methods minimize effect bias federal research grant reviews requires federal science agencies maintain develop implement policies practices minimize effects implicit bias federal research grant reviews directs nsf years act enactment years conduct survey collect institution level data demographics science technology engineering mathematics stem faculty broad fields stem different types ihes requires nsf publish statistical summary data requires nsf develop written guidance ihes best practices conducting periodic campus culture surveys stem departments educating stem faculty administrators implicit bias recruiting evaluating promoting stem students faculty directs nsf broadly disseminate guidance ihes receive federal research funding directs ostp develop written guidance federal laboratories develop implement practices policies conduct periodic laboratory wide culture surveys research personnel levels educate stem research personnel implicit bias recruiting evaluating promoting researchers federal laboratories requires federal science agencies maintain develop implement policies laboratories directs nsf recommend uniform policy federal science agencies carry workshops educate stem department chairs ihes senior managers federal laboratories federally funded researchers methods minimizing effects implicit bias career advancement academic federal stem researchers requires nsf award research grants conduct dissemination activities consistent act goal ensuring federal science agencies ihe research grant recipients fully engaging talent pool directs nsf award competitive grants ihes develop innovative reform efforts designed increase recruitment retention advancement individuals underrepresented minority groups academic stem careers requires nsf award competitive grants ihes implement expand research based reforms undergraduate stem education recruit retain minority students underrepresented stem fields priority focus natural science engineering fields requires grant include education research component reform efforts evaluated shown effective replicated improve participation minority students stem fields schools


Summary:
Public Access to Public Science Act - Directs each of the covered agencies (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], National Science Foundation [NSF], National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST], and National Weather Service [NWS]) to formulate and implement a public access policy to make covered works publicly available, without charge, on the day after the end of an embargo period.

Defines: (1) "covered work" as any peer-reviewed research results published in scholarly publications, with certain exceptions, that are based on research funded in whole or in part by a covered agency; and (2) "embargo period" as the period of time no more than 12 months after the initial date of publication of a covered work, unless modified.

Specifies that the public access policy shall: (1) allow the public to read, download, and analyze by machine covered works in digital form; (2) facilitate easy public search of, analysis of, and access to covered works; (3) encourage public-private collaboration; (4) ensure that attribution to authors, journals, and original publishers is maintained; and (5) ensure that publications and metadata are stored in an archive.

Requires a covered agency's public access policy to ensure full public access to covered works' metadata, without charge, upon first publication.

Requires each covered agency, in coordination with specified stakeholders, to provide a mechanism for a stakeholder to petition to change the embargo period for specific covered works by presenting evidence that the public will be substantially and uniquely harmed under the agency's public access policy related to that work.

public access public science act directs covered agencies national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa national_science_foundation nsf national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist national_weather_service nws formulate implement public access policy covered works publicly available charge day end embargo period defines covered work peer reviewed research results published scholarly publications certain exceptions based research funded covered agency embargo period period time months initial date publication covered work modified specifies public access policy shall allow public read download analyze machine covered works digital form facilitate easy public search analysis access covered works encourage public private collaboration ensure attribution original publishers maintained ensure publications metadata stored archive requires covered agency public access policy ensure public access covered works metadata charge publication requires covered agency coordination specified stakeholders provide mechanism stakeholder petition change embargo period specific covered works presenting evidence public substantially uniquely harmed agency public access policy related work


Summary: 21st Century Investment Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities; (2) allow an increased 25% tax credit rate for research expenses incurred in the United States; and (3) increase to 15%, through 2022, the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic manufacturing production activities for which substantially all of the research and development occurred in the United States.

21st century investment act amends internal revenue code permanent tax credit increasing research activities allow increased tax credit rate research expenses incurred united_states increase tax deduction income attributable domestic manufacturing production activities substantially research development occurred united_states


Summary:
Establishes in the legislative branch the Commission on Health Care Savings through Innovative Wireless Technologies, which shall:

 examine the cost savings to the U.S. health care system that can be achieved by increasing the use of wireless health information technologies by patients, caregivers, and health care providers; examine existing scientific research studying the medical effectiveness of such technologies; examine existing payment models and incentive payment programs that provide federal financial reimbursement or funding for the use of such technologies; examine options for Congress and federal agencies to incentivize and promote innovation and technological advancements in the area of such technologies; examine barriers to marketplace entry that impede efforts to develop new, and improve existing, wireless health information technologies; identify appropriate situations and recommend methods for integrating such technologies into federal health care programs; develop a proposal for a comprehensive program to encourage such integration; develop cost estimate approaches that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) can use to more accurately assess the cost savings the government can achieve by increasing the use of such technologies by patients, caregivers, and health care providers; and submit an interim report within 9 months and a final report within 18 months after its final member is appointed.

establishes legislative branch shall examine cost savings health care system achieved increasing use wireless health information technologies patients caregivers health care providers examine existing scientific research studying medical effectiveness technologies examine existing payment models incentive payment programs provide federal financial reimbursement funding use technologies examine options congress federal agencies incentivize promote innovation technological advancements area technologies examine barriers marketplace entry impede efforts develop new improve existing wireless health information technologies identify appropriate situations recommend methods integrating technologies federal health care programs develop proposal comprehensive program encourage integration develop cost estimate approaches congressional_budget_office cbo use accurately assess cost savings government achieve increasing use technologies patients caregivers health care providers submit interim report months final report months final member appointed


Summary: Igniting American Research Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for increasing research expenditures, to: (1) extend such credit through 2014; (2) increase the rate of the alternative simplified research tax credit to 20% and make such credit permanent; (3) allow a 20% research tax credit for payments to a tax-exempt biotechnology research consortium for biotechnology research; and (4) modify the requirements relating to the eligibility of an energy research consortium for the tax credit to require at least 3 unrelated persons (currently, 5 unrelated persons) to make payments to such a consortium for energy research.

american research act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit increasing research expenditures extend credit increase rate alternative simplified research tax credit credit permanent allow research tax credit payments tax exempt biotechnology research consortium biotechnology research modify requirements relating eligibility energy research consortium tax credit require unrelated persons currently unrelated persons payments consortium energy research


Summary: Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to: (1) expand the duties and reporting requirements of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including by requiring the development of a strategic plan to guide the activities of the Office; (2) authorize appropriations for such Office for FY2014-FY2018; and (3) modify the Regional Innovation Program established by such Act to eliminate provisions relating to science and research parks and require outreach to public and private sector entities in rural communities to encourage participation in Program activities.

regional innovation entrepreneurship enhancement act amends stevenson wydler technology innovation act expand duties reporting requirements including requiring development strategic plan guide activities office authorize appropriations office fy2014-fy2018 modify established act eliminate provisions relating science research parks require outreach public private sector entities rural communities encourage participation program activities


Summary:
America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Establishes, revises, and extends specified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as education, research, and training programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2015-FY2019 for: (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF), (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and (3) the Department of Energy (DOE) for activities of the Office of Science.

america competes reauthorization act establishes revises extends specified science technology engineering mathematics stem programs education research training programs authorizes appropriations fy2015-fy2019 national_science_foundation nsf national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist department_of_energy doe activities office_of_science


Summary:
Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science, and Technology Act of 2014 or FIRST Act of 2014 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2015 to the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Specifies policy objectives for the NSF in allocating resources.

Directs the NSF to award federal funding for basic research and education in the sciences through a new research grant or cooperative agreement only if it makes, and justifies in writing, an affirmative determination that the grant or agreement is worthy of federal funding and meets certain other criteria.

Authorizes the NSF Director to increase funding for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship program (or any successor) over the previous fiscal year's funding level only at the same rate as a corresponding funding increase for the NSF Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program (or any successor).

Allows any Education and Human Resources Directorate grant to support informal education to be used to: (1) support the participation of students in nonprofit competitions, out-of-school activities, and field experiences related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects; and (2) broaden secondary school students' access to, and interest in, careers that require academic preparation in STEM subjects.

 Requires the Director of the NSF to provide merit-reviewed, competitive grants for research on programming that engages underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM to prepare them to pursue undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees or careers.

Requires such grants to be used toward research to advance the engagement of these students in STEM through providing before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills development of underrepresented students in STEM.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the use of NSF-funded scientific computing resources at institutions of higher education.

Requires the NSF Director to place a high priority on designing and administering pilot programs for scientific breakthrough prizes, in conjunction with private entities, that are consistent with Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) guidelines.

Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to call on the NSF to collaborate with the Israel Science Foundation.

Instructs the NSF to support research activities related to the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative.

Directs the President to establish or designate a STEM Education Advisory Panel.

Requires the NSF Director to establish a STEM Education Coordinating Office for the coordination of STEM education activities and programs of the federal government. Requires the Office, taking over from the committee to coordinate federal programs and activities in support of STEM education, to update triennially the STEM education strategic plan established in May 2013.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2015 for OSTP.

Requires the Director of OSTP to establish a working group under the authority of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to review federal regulations that affect research and research universities.

Directs the NSTC to deliver a plan to Congress containing policies, procedures, and standards for the federal science agencies to enable archiving and retrieving covered material in digital form for public availability in perpetuity.

Requires the OSTP Director to establish a body under such Council to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen U.S. science and technology enterprise, improve economic and national security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals.

Directs the heads of specified federal science agencies to conduct pilot programs to validate alternative research funding models.

Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 regarding prize competitions.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2015 to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (the Act) to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of the NIST, to serve as the President's principal advisor on standards policy pertaining to the nation's technological competitiveness and innovation ability.

Revises requirements for research fellowships. Authorizes the NIST Director to support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and technology by the general public, industry, and academia in support of the NIST mission. Retains the current post-doctoral fellowship program, but eliminates the manufacturing fellowship program and the teacher science and technology enhancement program.

Directs NIST to contract with the National Research Council (NRC) to perform and report on assessments of the technical quality and impact of the work conducted at NIST laboratories (currently, contract with the NRC for advice and studies to assist the NIST to serve U.S. industry and science).

 Adds as a purpose of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers the transfer of best business practices.

 Amends the Small Business Act to replace the Proof of Concept Partnership pilot program (to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations made by certain institutions) with a requirement that each federal agency already required to establish a small business technology transfer (STTR) program also carry out an Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer Grant Program to support innovative approaches to technology transfer at institutions of higher education, nonprofit research institutions, and federal laboratories in order to accelerate the commercialization of federally funded research and technology by small businesses, including new businesses.

 Advancing America's Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2014 - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to rename the National High-Performance Computing Program as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program.

Requires the participating federal agencies to develop, and update every three years, a five-year strategic plan to guide activities provided for under the Program, to be accompanied by milestones and road maps for establishing the national research infrastructure required to support the Program.

Requires the OSTP Director to encourage and monitor the efforts of participating agencies to allocate the resources and management attention necessary to ensure that the strategic plan is executed effectively and that Program objectives are met.

Replaces the National Research and Education Network with a National Coordination Office, and requires the Director of the Office to convene: (1) a workshop to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative R&D activities for cyber-physical systems; and (2) through the National Science and Technology Council, an interagency working group to examine how federal science agencies can facilitate the use of cloud-computing for federally-funded science and engineering research.

Requires the NIST to develop and propose standards and guidelines needed for assuring the cost-effective security and privacy of information in federal computer systems (under current law, privacy of sensitive information in those systems).

technology act act authorizes appropriations fy2014 fy2015 national_science_foundation nsf specifies policy objectives nsf allocating resources directs nsf award federal funding basic research education sciences new research grant cooperative agreement makes justifies writing affirmative determination grant agreement worthy federal funding meets certain criteria authorizes nsf director increase funding program successor previous fiscal year funding level rate corresponding funding increase research_traineeship program successor allows education human resources directorate grant support informal education support participation students nonprofit competitions school activities field experiences related science technology engineering mathematics stem subjects broaden secondary school students access interest careers require academic preparation stem subjects requires director nsf provide merit reviewed competitive grants research programming engages underrepresented students grades kindergarten stem prepare pursue undergraduate graduate stem degrees careers requires grants research advance engagement students stem providing school school school summer activities designed encourage interest engagement skills development underrepresented students stem directs comptroller general gao study use nsf funded scientific computing resources institutions higher education requires nsf director place high priority designing administering pilot programs scientific breakthrough prizes conjunction private entities consistent office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp guidelines amends energy independence security act nsf collaborate instructs nsf support research activities related directs president establish designate requires nsf director establish coordination stem education activities programs federal government requires office taking committee coordinate federal programs activities support stem education update triennially stem education strategic plan established authorizes appropriations fy2014 fy2015 ostp requires director ostp establish working group authority national_science_and_technology_council nstc review federal regulations affect research research universities directs nstc deliver plan congress containing policies procedures standards federal science agencies enable archiving retrieving covered material digital form public availability perpetuity requires ostp director establish body council identify coordinate international science technology cooperation strengthen science technology enterprise improve economic national security support foreign policy goals directs heads specified federal science agencies conduct pilot programs validate alternative research funding models amends stevenson wydler technology innovation act prize competitions authorizes appropriations fy2014 fy2015 secretary commerce national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist amends national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act act authorize secretary commerce director nist serve president principal advisor standards policy pertaining nation technological competitiveness innovation ability revises requirements research fellowships authorizes nist director support promote coordinate activities efforts enhance awareness understanding measurement sciences standards technology general public industry academia support nist mission retains current post doctoral fellowship program eliminates manufacturing fellowship program teacher science technology enhancement program directs nist contract national_research_council nrc perform report assessments technical quality impact work conducted nist laboratories currently contract nrc advice studies assist nist serve industry science adds purpose transfer best business practices amends small_business_act replace proof concept partnership pilot program accelerate creation small businesses commercialization research innovations certain institutions requirement federal agency required establish small business technology transfer sttr program carry innovative approaches technology transfer grant program support innovative approaches technology transfer institutions higher education nonprofit research institutions federal laboratories order accelerate commercialization federally funded research technology small businesses including new businesses amends high performance computing act rename national high performance computing program networking_and_information_technology_research_and_development_program requires participating federal agencies develop update years year strategic plan guide activities provided program accompanied milestones road maps establishing national research infrastructure required support program requires ostp director encourage monitor efforts participating agencies allocate resources management attention necessary ensure strategic plan executed effectively program objectives met replaces national research education network requires director office convene workshop explore mechanisms carrying collaborative activities cyber physical systems national_science_and_technology_council interagency working group examine federal science agencies facilitate use cloud computing federally funded science engineering research requires nist develop propose standards guidelines needed assuring cost effective security privacy information federal computer systems current law privacy sensitive information systems