HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM; TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM.

SEC. 4226. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM; TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM.(a) Hollings Manufacturing Partnership Program.—Section 25(f) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:“(7) Global marketplace projects.—In making awards under this subsection, the Director, in consultation with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board and the Secretary of Commerce, may—“(A) take into consideration whether an application has significant potential for enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized United States manufacturers in the global marketplace; and“(B) give a preference to applications for such projects to the extent the Director deems appropriate, taking into account the broader purposes of this subsection.”.(b) Technology Innovation Program.—In awarding grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts under section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), in addition to the award criteria set forth in subsection (c) of that section, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology may take into consideration whether an application has significant potential for enhancing the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States in the global marketplace. The Director shall consult with the Technology Innovation Program Advisory Board and the Secretary of Commerce in implementing this subsection.