SUPPORTING GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY.

SEC. 10261. SUPPORTING GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY. Section 34(e) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following: “(8) Diversity preferences.—In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1) for planning or establishing a Manufacturing USA institute, an agency head shall give special consideration to Manufacturing USA institutes that— “(A) contribute to the geographic diversity of the Manufacturing USA Program; “(B) are located in an area with a low per capita income; “(C) are located in an area with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged residents; or “(D) are located in small and rural communities.” .