Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) Introduce Bill to Create Non-profit Foundation to Support National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Critical Work

June 10, 2024
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last Friday, U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act. This legislation would establish a Foundation for Standards and Metrology (FSM) to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in their critical work advancing measurement science, standards, and technological development.

“NIST’s work is at the heart of American innovation and competitiveness,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “Unfortunately, recent budgets have not fully funded their critical work. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act, which will establish a non-profit foundation adjacent to NIST to help them access private sector and philanthropic dollars and partnerships to continue their critical work. Tapping new collaborations will allow NIST to continue their vital role in securing American leadership in cyber, AI, and quantum computing in the mid-21st century and beyond.”

“It is vital that America maintains its position as the world leader in science and technology,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA). “The creation of the Foundation for Standards and Metrology will assist in ensuring industry, non-profits, and academia receive the resources that they need to establish cutting-edge standards that enhances the economic security and prosperity of the U.S., which is why I’m proud to be the Republican co-lead on this critical legislation.”

This legislation is supported by the following institutions, organizations, and individuals:

  • The Honorable Walter G. Copan, Former Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology (2017-2021)

  • The Honorable Willie E. May, Former Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology (2015-2017)

  • The Honorable Patrick D. Gallagher, Former Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology (2009-2014)

  • The Honorable William A. Jeffrey, Former Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology (2005-2007)

  • Eric Schmidt

  • Vint Cerf 

  • IEEE-USA 

  • Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0

  • SEMI Americas 

  • Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

  • NIST Coalition 

  • SPIE

  • Institute for Progress 

  • Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)

  • The Center for AI Policy 

  • American Chemical Society

  • Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) 

  • Federation of American Scientists 

  • Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS)

  • Center for Democracy & Technology

  • The Center for AI Safety Action Fund

  • Materials Research Society

  • University of Maryland, College Park

  • University of Toronto 

  • Carnegie Mellon University

  • University of Colorado, Boulder 

  • Common Crawl Foundation

  • Trustible

  • Americans for Responsible Innovation

  • Safe Quantum Inc

  • 3D Epitaxial Technologies

  • Microsoft

  • Darling Fibers 

  • Keysight Technologies

  • TOPTICA Photonics, Inc.

  • Rigetti Computing, Inc

  • SEEQC

  • CJW Quantum Consulting LLC, CEO 

  • Renaissance Philanthropy 

  • Chainguard

  • SeedAI

  • Vescent Technologies

  • Members of Quantum Economic Development - Consortium

  • American Governance Institute

  • ACT | The App Association

  • American Physical Society

Background

The EPIC Act establishes a Foundation for Standards and Metrology (FSM) to engage with academia, industry, and civil society organizations to create innovative & flexible partnerships to support NIST’s mission in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and emerging technologies. FSM will support NIST as a Congressionally-authorized independent Foundation, similar to those at other federal science agencies including NIH, CDC, USDA, and DOE. By allowing NIST the same flexibility that other Federal science agencies already enjoy, the U.S. will fully unlock the potential of NIST’s unique role in our innovation ecosystem and foster the commercialization of emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing. 

Specifically, the FSM will allow NIST to have:

  1. increased access to private sector and philanthropic funding, 

  2. advanced innovative and diverse collaborations with industry, non-profit organizations, and academia, and

  3. support NIST’s workforce through education, training, retention & recruitment support, and professional development.