FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TEST BEDS AND SPECIALIZED FACILITIES.

SEC. 5911. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TEST BEDS AND SPECIALIZED FACILITIES. Section 34 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (f) through (l) as subsections (g) through (m), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: “(f) Authority to Award Financial Assistance for Construction of Test Beds and Specialized Facilities.— “(1) In general.—The Secretary may, acting through the Director, award financial assistance for the construction of test beds and specialized facilities by Manufacturing USA institutes established or supported under subsection (e) as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Program. “(2) Requirements.—The Secretary shall exercise authority under paragraph (1) in a manner and with requirements consistent with paragraphs (3) through (8) of subsection (e). “(3) Priority.—The Secretary shall establish preferences in selection criteria for proposals for financial assistance under this subsection from Manufacturing USA institutes that integrate as active members one or more covered entities as described in section 10262 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (Public Law 117-167).” .