42 USC 18653 - Office of Science Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 05, 2024

§ 18653.

Office of Science Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative

(a)

In general

(b)

Competitive, merit-reviewed process

(c)

Activities

In carrying out the initiative established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1)

determine a comprehensive set of technical milestones for the research activities described in that subsection;

(2)

prioritize the objectives of—

(A)

supporting fundamental research and development in advanced analytics, experimental studies, materials synthesis, and high-performance computing technologies needed in order to more quickly and effectively characterize, model, simulate, and predict complex natural phenomena and biological materials related to emerging biological threats;

(B)

supporting the development of tools that inform epidemiological modeling, and applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other computing tools to accelerate such processes;

(C)

supporting research and capabilities that enhance understanding and modeling of the transport of pathogens in indoor and outdoor air and water environments;

(D)

identifying priority research opportunities and capabilities for molecular design and modeling for medical countermeasures;

(E)

ensuring that new experimental and computational tools are accessible to relevant research communities, including private sector entities and other Federal research institutions; and

(F)

supporting activities and projects that combine computational modeling and simulation with experimental research facilities and studies;

(3)

leverage the research infrastructure of the Department, including scientific computing user facilities, x-ray light sources, neutron scattering facilities, nanoscale science research centers, and sequencing and biocharacterization facilities;

(4)

leverage experience from existing modeling and simulation research and work sponsored by the Department and promote collaboration and data sharing between National Laboratories, research entities, and user facilities of the Department by providing necessary access and secure data transfer capabilities; and

(5)

ensure that new experimental and computational tools are accessible to relevant research communities, including private sector entities, to address emerging biological threats.

(d)

Coordination

In carrying out the initiative established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate activities with—

(1)

other relevant offices of the Department;

(2)

the National Nuclear Security Administration;

(3)

the National Laboratories;

(4)

the Director of the National Science Foundation;

(5)

the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(6)

the Director of the National Institutes of Health;

(7)

the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response;

(8)

the heads of other relevant Federal agencies;

(9)

institutions of higher education; and

(10)

the private sector.

(e)

Infectious Diseases High Performance Computing Research Consortium

(1)

In general

(2)

Membership

(3)

Activities

The Consortium shall—

(A)

match applicants with available Federal and private sector computing resources;

(B)

consider supplemental awards for computing partnerships with Consortium members to qualifying entities on a competitive merit-review basis;

(C)

encourage collaboration and communication among member representatives of the Consortium and awardees;

(D)

provide access to the high-performance computing capabilities, expertise, and user facilities of the Department and the National Laboratories; and

(E)

submit an annual report to the Secretary summarizing the activities of the Consortium, including—

(i)

describing each project undertaken by the Consortium;

(ii)

detailing organizational expenditures; and

(iii)

evaluating contributions to the achievement of technical milestones as determined in subsection (a).

(4)

Coordination

(f)

Report

Not later than 2 years after August 9, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report detailing the effectiveness of—

(1)

the interagency coordination among each Federal agency involved in the initiative established under subsection (a);

(2)

the collaborative research achievements of that initiative, including the achievement of the technical milestones determined under that subsection; and

(3)

potential opportunities to expand the technical capabilities of the Department.

(g)

Funding

(Pub. L. 115–246, title III, § 315, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, § 10112(a), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1461.)

cite as: 42 USC 18653