Research Security and Accountability in DHS ActThis bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and development from unauthorized access or disclosures of sensitive information in related acquisitions.Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the compliance of DHS with a 2021 presidential memorandum and related guidance that required certain disclosures about government-funded research and development (e.g., conflicts of interest involving foreign governments).
DOE and USDA Interagency Research ActThis bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement.The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions.Research and development activities may includecollaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, biofuels and biobased products, grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention;developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information;supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; andcollaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
DOE and NSF Interagency Research ActThis bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.
Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act
Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS ActThis bill extends through FY2028 the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use other transactions (OT) to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (OTs, in contrast to traditional procurement contracts, are exempt from many federal procurement laws and regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending this authority for research and development projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision. The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website.
Relative to research by independent testing laboratories
To amend the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to coordinate with certain Federal officials to conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies to detect fentanyl vapor or particles in support of rapid screening of the mails, at prisons, at United States borders, and in other related use cases, and for other purposes.
DOE and SBA Research ActThis bill requires the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to enter into an agreement to collaborate on research and development activities. These activities must include, as appropriate, small businesses.The agencies must report on any collaborative research achievements and potential opportunities to expand the technical capabilities of the agencies.
Restore and Modernize Our National Laboratories Act of 2025
Restore and Modernize Our National Laboratories Act of 2025