,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #hbgc ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #af1 #bjbj ,ms4 ,johnson of ,texas introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,a ,,bill ,to establish programs and authorities to facilitate the commercial application of clean energy and related technologies in the ,united ,states4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,title ,i--,national ,clean ,energy ,technology ,transfer ,programs ,sec4 #aja4 ,regional clean energy innovation program4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,national clean energy incubator program4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,clean energy technology university prize competition4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,clean energy technology transfer coordination4 ,title ,,ii--,supporting ,technology ,development ,at the ,national ,laboratories ,sec4 #bja4 ,lab partnering service pilot program4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,lab-,embedded ,entrepreneurship ,program4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,small business voucher program4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,entrepreneurial leave program4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,national laboratory employee outside employment authority4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,technology commercialization fund4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,signature authority4 ,title ,,iii--,department of ,energy ,modernization ,sec4 #cja4 ,technology ,transfer ,program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,management of demonstration projects4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,streamlining prize competitions4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,milestone-based demonstration projects4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,cost-share waiver extension4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,special hiring authority for scientific1 engineering1 and project management personnel4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,technology transfer reports and evaluation4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,in order to achieve domestic and international net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets1 a rapid and substantial investment in clean energy innovation is needed4 7#b7 ,clean energy technologies face unique obstacles to successful commercial application1 including high up-front capital costs1 long development times1 and the need to displace incumbent technologies in highly regulated markets4 7#c7 ,multiple technology development and financing gaps exist in the clean energy innovation and commercial application landscape that are not currently met by private sector investment alone4 7#d7 ,federal investments in technology transfer and demonstration programs help fill existing gaps in the innovation cycle and improve the likelihood of successful and timely commercial application of clean energy technologies4 7#e7 ,to maximize clean energy innovation's positive impact on ,united ,states economic competitiveness and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions1 the ,department of ,energy must show significant leadership in enabling the transfer of new technologies to the private sector1 particularly through the ,office of ,technology ,transitions4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,clean energy technology ,the term clean energy technology means a technology that significantly reduces energy use1 increases energy efficiency1 reduces greenhouse gas emissions1 reduces emissions of other pollutants1 or mitigates other negative environmental consequences4 7#b7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,energy4 7#c7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of each ,national ,laboratory and the ,director of each ,department of ,energy single-purpose research facility4 7#d7 ,economically distressed area ,the term economically distressed area has the meaning described in section #cja7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cafa7;a774 7#e7 ,grant ,the term grant means a grant award1 cooperative agreement award1 or any other financial assistance arrangement that the ,secretary of ,energy determines to be appropriate4 7#f7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife1 as amended 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#g7 ,national laboratory ,the term ,national ,laboratory has the meaning given that term in section #b of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja74 7#h7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,energy4 ,i ,national ,clean ,energy ,technology ,transfer ,programs #aja4 ,regional clean energy innovation program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,regional clean energy innovation partnership ,the term regional clean energy innovation partnership means a group of one or more persons1 including a covered consortium1 who perform a collection of activities that are coordinated by such covered consortium to carry out the purposes of the program under subsection 7c7 in a region of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,covered consortium ,the term covered consortium means an individual or group of individuals in partnership with a government entity1 including a ,state1 local1 or tribal government or unit of such government1 and at least #b or more of the following additional entities-- 7,a7 an institution of higher education or higher education consortium2 7,b7 a workforce training provider1 including vocational schools and community colleges2 7,c7 a private sector entity2 7,d7 a nonprofit organization2 7,e7 a community group2 7,f7 a labor group2 7,g7 a ,national ,laboratory2 7,h7 a venture development organization2 7,i7 an organization focused on clean energy technology innovation or entrepreneurship2 7,j7 a business accelerator or incubator2 7,k7 a private sector entity or group of entities1 including a trade or industry association2 7,l7 an economic development organization2 7,m7 a manufacturing facility or organization2 7,n7 a clean energy incubator or accelerator2 or 7,o7 any other entity that the ,secretary determines to be relevant4 7#c7 ,program ,the term program means the ,regional ,clean ,energy ,innovation ,program authorized in subsection 7b74 7#d7 ,frontline community ,the term frontline community means a community with significant representation of communities of color1 low-income communities1 or ,tribal and indigenous communities1 that experiences1 or is at risk of experiencing higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a ,regional ,clean ,energy ,innovation ,program1 a research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program designed to accelerate the pace of innovation of clean energy technologies through the formation or support of regional clean energy innovation partnerships that-- 7#a7 are responsive to the energy resources1 needs of industry1 workforce1 policy landscape1 and clean energy innovation capabilities of the region of the country in which such partnership is located2 7#b7 enhance and accelerate clean energy innovation2 and 7#c7 are located in diverse geographic regions of the ,united ,states1 including ,united ,states territories4 7c7 ,purposes of the program ,the purposes of the program established under subsection 7a7 are to-- 7#a7 improve the competitiveness of ,united ,states clean energy technology research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application2 and 7#b7 support the development of tools and technologies best suited for use in low-income and frontline communities4 7d7 ,regional clean energy innovation partnerships 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall competitively award grants to covered consortia to establish or support regional clean energy innovation partnerships that achieve the purposes of the program in subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,permissible activities ,grants awarded under this subsection shall be used for activities determined appropriate by the ,secretary to achieve the purposes of the program in subsection 7c71 including-- 7,a7 facilitating the commercial application of clean energy products1 processes1 and services1 including through research1 development1 demonstration1 technology transfer1 or support of clean energy companies2 7,b7 planning among participants of a regional clean energy innovation partnership to improve the strategic coordination of the partnership2 7,c7 improving stakeholder involvement in the development of goals and activities of a regional clean energy innovation partnership2 7,d7 assessing different incentive mechanisms for clean energy development and commercial application in the region2 7,e7 hosting events and conferences2 and 7,f7 establishing and updating roadmaps to measure progress on relevant goals1 such as those relevant to metrics developed under subsection 7h74 7#c7 ,applications ,each application submitted to the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a7 may include-- 7,a7 a list of members and roles of members of the covered consortia1 as well as any other stakeholders supporting the activities of the regional clean energy innovation partnership2 7,b7 a description of the proposed outcomes of the regional clean energy innovation partnership2 7,c7 an assessment of the relevant clean energy innovation assets needed in a region to achieve proposed outcomes1 such as education and training programs1 research facilities1 infrastructure or site development1 access to capital1 manufacturing capabilities1 or other assets2 7,d7 a description of proposed activities that the regional clean energy innovation partnership plans to undertake and how the proposed activities will achieve the purposes described in subsection 7c7 and the proposed outcomes in subparagraph 7,b72 7,e7 a description of the geographical region that will engage in the partnership2 7,f7 a plan for attracting additional funds and identification of funding sources from non-,federal sources to deliver the proposed outcomes of the regional clean energy innovation partnership2 and 7,g7 a plan for sustaining activities of the regional clean energy innovation partnership after funds received under this program have been expended4 7#d7 ,considerations ,in selecting covered consortia for funding under the program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 give special consideration to applications from entities located in an economically distressed area2 and 7,b7 ensure that there is geographic diversity among the covered consortia selected to receive funding4 7#e7 ,award amount ,grants given out under this ,program shall be in an amount not greater than #aj1jjj1jjj1 with the total grant award in any year less than that in the previous year4 7#f7 ,cost share ,for grants that are disbursed over the course of three or more years1 the ,secretary shall require1 as a condition of receipt of funds under this section1 that a covered consortium provide not less than #ej percent of the funding for the activities of the regional clean energy partnership under this section for years #c1 #d1 and #e4 7#g7 ,duration ,each grant under paragraph 7#a7 shall be for a period of not longer than #e years4 7#h7 ,renewal ,a grant award made to a regional clean energy innovation partnership under this section may be renewed for a period of not more than #e years1 subject to a rigorous merit review based on the progress of a regional clean energy innovation partnership towards achieving the purposes of the program in section 7c7 and the metrics developed under section 7h74 7#i7 ,administrative costs ,the ,secretary may allow a covered consortium that receives funds under this section to allocate a portion of the funding received to be used for administrative or indirect costs4 7#aj7 ,funding ,the ,secretary may accept funds from other ,federal agencies to support funding and activities under this section4 7e7 ,planning funds ,the ,secretary may competitively award grants in an amount no greater than #b1jjj1jjj for a period not longer than #b years to an entity consisting of a government entity1 including a ,state1 local1 or tribal government or unit of such government or any entity listed under subsection 7a77#b7 to plan a regional clean energy innovation partnership or establish a covered consortium for the purpose of applying for funds under subsection 7b74 7f7 ,information sharing ,as part of the program1 the ,secretary shall support the gathering1 analysis1 and dissemination of information on best practices for developing and operating successful regional clean energy innovation partnerships4 7g7 ,metrics ,in evaluating a grant renewals under section 7d77#h71 the ,secretary shall work with program evaluation experts to develop and make publicly available metrics to assess the progress of a regional clean energy innovation partnership towards achieving the purposes of the program in section 7c74 ,such metrics may include-- 7#a7 the number and quality of-- 7,a7 new clean energy companies created in the region as a result of activities carried out under the regional clean energy innovation partnership2 7,b7 new or expanded workforce development or training programs2 and 7,c7 support services provided to clean energy technology developers in the region2 7#b7 changes in clean energy employment in the region as a result of activities carried out under the regional clean energy innovation partnership2 and 7#c7 the amount of capital investment in clean energy companies in the region as a result of activities carried out under the regional clean energy innovation partnership grant4 7h7 ,coordination ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary may coordinate with relevant programs at other ,federal agencies1 including-- 7#a7 the ,office of ,innovation and ,entrepreneurship under the ,economic ,development ,administration1 including the ,regional ,innovation ,program under section #bg of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgbb72 7#b7 the ,hollings ,manufacturing ,extension ,partnership ,program under section #be7;a7 of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bghk72 7#c7 the ,manufacturing ,,usa ,program under section #cd7;a7 of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bghs72 7#d7 the ,defense ,manufacturing ,communities ,support ,program under section #hdf of the ,john ,s4 ,mc,cain ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjai 7#aj ,u4,s4,c4 #beja note72 and 7#e7 the ,office of ,economic ,adjustment at the ,department of ,defense4 7i7 ,evaluation by comptroller general ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #c years thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation on the operation of the program during the most recent #c-year period1 including-- 7#a7 an assessment of the progress made towards achieving the purposes specified in subsection 7c7 based on the metrics developed under subsection 7h72 7#b7 the short-term and long-term metrics used to determine the success of the program under subsection 7h71 and any changes recommended to the metrics used2 7#c7 the regional clean energy innovation partnerships that have received grants under subsection 7d72 and 7#d7 any recommendations on how the program may be improved4 7j7 ,national laboratories ,in supporting technology transfer activities at the ,national ,laboratories1 the ,secretary shall encourage partnerships with entities that are located in the same region or ,state as the ,national ,laboratory4 7k7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #ej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 #ajb4 ,national clean energy incubator program 7a7 ,clean energy incubator defined ,in this section1 the term clean energy incubator-- 7#a7 means any entity that is designed to accelerate the commercial application of clean energy technologies by providing-- 7,a7 physical workspace1 labs1 and prototyping facilities to support clean energy startups or established clean energy companies2 or 7,b7 companies developing such technologies with support1 resources1 and services1 including-- 7i7 access to business education and counseling2 7ii7 mentorship opportunities2 and 7iii7 other services rendered for the purpose of aiding the development and commercial application of a clean energy technology2 and 7#b7 may include a program within or established by a ,national ,laboratory1 an institution of higher education or a ,state1 local1 or tribal government4 7b7 ,program establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator established in section #ajja7;a7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;a771 shall establish a ,clean ,energy ,incubator ,program 7herein referred to as the program7 to competitively award grants to clean energy incubators4 7c7 ,clean energy incubator selection ,in awarding grants to clean energy incubators under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall prioritize funding clean energy incubators that-- 7#a7 partner with entities that carry out activities relevant to the activities of such incubator and that operate at the local1 ,state1 and regional levels2 7#b7 support the commercial application activities of startup companies focused on physical hardware1 computational1 or integrated hardware and software technologies2 7#c7 are located in geographically diverse regions of the ,united ,states2 7#d7 are located in1 or partner with entities located in1 economically-distressed areas2 7#e7 support the development of entities focused on expanding clean energy tools and technologies to low-income and frontline communities2 7#f7 support the commercial application of technologies being developed by clean energy entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds2 and 7#g7 have a plan for sustaining activities of the incubator after grant funds received under this program have been expended4 7d7 ,award limits ,the ,secretary shall not award more than #d1jjj1jjj to one or more incubators in one given ,state1 per fiscal year4 7e7 ,duration ,each grant under subsection 7b7 shall be for a period of no longer than #e years1 subject to the availability of appropriations4 7f7 ,use of funds ,an entity receiving a grant under this section may use grant amounts for operating expenses4 7g7 ,renewal ,an award made to a clean energy incubator under this section may be renewed for a period of not more than #c years1 subject to merit review4 7h7 ,evaluation ,in accordance with section #cjg7;b7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit #c years after the enactment of this ,act and every #c years thereafter to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation of the program established under this section that includes analyses of the performance of the clean energy incubators4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this section #ae1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 #ajc4 ,clean energy technology university prize competition 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a nonprofit entity1 an institution of higher education1 or an entity working with one or more institutes of higher education4 7#b7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term minority-serving institution means an institution described in section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a774 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program1 known as the ,clean ,energy ,technology ,university ,prize1 to award funding for eligible entities to carry out regional and one national clean energy technology prize competitions1 under section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgai74 ,in carrying out such prize competitions1 students shall compete to develop a business model for furthering the commercial application of an innovative clean energy technology4 ,the purpose of this program is to encourage student interest in clean energy technology development and to help students solve challenges in clean energy technology commercial application1 with participation from diverse geographical regions of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,training funding ,in carrying out this program1 the ,secretary may provide funding to train participating students in skills needed for the successful commercial application of clean energy technologies1 including through virtual training sessions4 7d7 ,prioritization ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall prioritize awarding grants to eligible entities that work with students at minority-serving institutions4 7e7 ,coordination ,in carrying out this program1 the ,secretary shall coordinate and partner with existing clean energy technology prize competitions4 ,in doing so1 the ,secretary may develop and disseminate best practices for administering prize competitions under this section4 7f7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall report annually on the progress and implementation of the program established under section 7b74 7g7 ,evaluation ,in accordance with section #cjg7;b7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit #c years after the enactment of this ,act and every #c years thereafter to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation on the long-term outcomes of the program established under this section and the progress towards achieving the purposes of the program in subsection 7b74 7h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the activities authorized in this section #a1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 #ajd4 ,clean energy technology transfer coordination 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator established in section #ajja7;a7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;a771 shall support the coordination of relevant technology transfer programs1 including those authorized in sections #aja1 #ajb1 #ajc1 #bjb1 and #bjf of this ,act1 that advance the commercial application of clean energy technologies nationally and across all energy sectors4 ,in particular1 the ,secretary may support activities to-- 7#a7 facilitate the sharing of information on best practices for successful operation of clean energy technology transfer programs2 7#b7 coordinate resources and improve cooperation among clean energy technology transfer programs2 7#c7 facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and start-up companies and the variety of programs related to clean energy technology transfer under the ,department2 and 7#d7 facilitate the development of metrics to measure the impact of clean energy technology transfer programs on-- 7,a7 advancing the development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of clean energy technologies2 7,b7 increasing the competitiveness of ,united ,states in the clean energy sector1 including in manufacturing2 and 7,c7 commercial application of clean energy technologies being developed by entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the activities in this section #c1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 ,,ii ,supporting ,technology ,development ,at the ,national ,laboratories #bja4 ,lab partnering service pilot program 7a7 ,pilot program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator established in section #ajja7;a7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;a771 shall establish a ,lab ,partnering ,service ,pilot ,program 7hereinafter in this section referred to as the pilot program74 7#b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the pilot program are to provide services that encourage and support partnerships between the ,national ,laboratories and public and private sector entities1 and to improve communication of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application projects and opportunities at the ,national ,laboratories to potential partners through the development of a website and the provision of services1 in collaboration with relevant external entities4 7#c7 ,activities ,in carrying out this pilot program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 conduct outreach to and engage with relevant public and private entities2 7,b7 identify and disseminate best practices for strengthening connections between the ,national ,laboratories and public and private sector entities2 and 7,c7 develop a website to disseminate information on-- 7i7 different partnering mechanisms for working with the ,national ,laboratories2 7ii7 ,national ,laboratory experts and research areas2 and 7iii7 ,national ,laboratory facilities and user facilities4 7b7 ,metrics ,the ,secretary shall support the development of metrics1 including conversion metrics1 to determine the effectiveness of the pilot program in achieving the purposes in subsection 7a7 and the number and types of partnerships established between public and private sector entities and the ,national ,laboratories compared to baseline data4 7c7 ,coordination ,in carrying out the activities authorized in this section1 the ,secretary shall coordinate with the ,directors and dedicated technology transfer staff at the ,national ,laboratories1 in particular for matchmaking services for individual projects1 which should be led by the ,national ,laboratories4 7d7 ,funding employee partnering activities ,the ,secretary shall delegate to the ,directors the authority to compensate ,national ,laboratory employees providing services under this section4 7e7 ,duration ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the pilot program established in this section shall operate for not less than #c years and may be built off an existing program4 7f7 ,evaluation ,not later than #f months after the completion of this pilot program1 the ,secretary shall support the evaluation of the success of the pilot program in achieving the purposes in subsection 7a7 and shall submit the evaluation to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate4 ,the assessment shall include analyses of the performance of the pilot program based on the metrics developed under subsection 7b74 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbc to carry out subsections 7a71 7b71 7c71 7e71 and 7f7 and #a1gjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbc for national laboratory employees to provide services under subsection 7d74 #bjb4 ,lab-embedded entrepreneurship program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall competitively award grants to ,national ,laboratories for the purpose of establishing or supporting ,lab-,embedded ,entrepreneurship ,programs4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of such programs are to provide entrepreneurial fellows with access to ,national ,laboratory research facilities1 ,national ,laboratory expertise1 and mentorship to perform research and development and gain expertise that may be required or beneficial for the commercial application of research ideas4 7c7 ,entrepreneurial fellows ,an entrepreneurial fellow participating in a program described in subsection 7a7 shall be provided with-- 7#a7 opportunities for entrepreneurial training1 professional development1 and exposure to leaders from academia1 industry1 government1 and finance who may serve as advisors to or partners of the fellow2 7#b7 financial and technical support for research1 development1 and commercial application activities2 7#c7 fellowship awards to cover costs of living1 health insurance1 and travel stipends for the duration of the fellowship2 and 7#d7 any other resources determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,program activities ,each eligible entity that receives funding under this section shall support entrepreneurial fellows by providing-- 7#a7 access to facilities and expertise within the ,national ,laboratory2 7#b7 engagement with external stakeholders2 and 7#c7 market and customer development opportunities4 7e7 ,administration ,eligible entities that receive grants under this section shall prioritize the support and success of the entrepreneurial fellow with regards to professional development and development of a relevant technology4 7f7 ,partnerships ,in carrying out a ,lab-,embedded ,entrepreneurship ,program1 a ,national ,laboratory may partner with an external entity1 including-- 7#a7 a nonprofit organization2 7#b7 an institution of higher education2 or 7#c7 a federally owned corporation4 7g7 ,metrics ,the ,secretary shall support the development of short-term and long-term metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs receiving a grant under subsection 7a7 in achieving the purposes of the program in subsection 7a74 7h7 ,evaluation ,in accordance with section #cjg7;b7 of this ,act1 not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #c years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs under subsection 7a7 based on the metrics developed pursuant to subsection 7g74 7i7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary shall oversee the planning and coordination of grants under subsection 7a7 and shall identify and disseminate best practices for achieving the purposes of subsection 7a7 to eligible entities that receive grants under this section4 7j7 ,interagency collaboration ,the ,secretary shall collaborate with other executive branch agencies1 including the ,department of ,defense and other agencies with ,federal laboratories1 regarding opportunities to partner with programs receiving a grant under subsection 7a74 7k7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the activities authorized in this section #be1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 #bjc4 ,small business voucher program ,section #ajjc of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcic7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking 1 and may require the ,director of a single-purpose research facility1 and inserting 7as defined in section #b7 and the ,director of each single-purpose research facility2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking increase and inserting encourage2 and 7ii7 by striking collaborative research1 and inserting research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application activities1 including product development12 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking procurement and collaborative research and inserting procurement and the activities described in paragraph 7#a72 7,d7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by inserting facilities1 before training2 and 7ii7 by striking procurement and collaborative research activities and inserting procurement and the activities described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,e7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking for the program under subsection 7b7 and inserting and metrics for the programs under subsections 7b7 and 7c72 7#b7 by redesignating subsections 7c7 and 7d7 as subsections 7d7 and 7e71 respectively2 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,small business voucher program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,director ,the term ,director means-- 7i7 the ,director of each ,national ,laboratory2 and 7ii7 the ,director of each single-purpose research facility4 7,b7 ,national laboratory ,the term ,national ,laboratory has the meaning given the term in section #b4 7,c7 ,program ,the term program means the program established under paragraph 7#b74 7,d7 ,small business concern ,the term small business concern has the meaning given such term in section #c of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb74 7#b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator appointed under section #ajja7;a71 and in consultation with the ,directors1 shall establish a program to provide small business concerns with vouchers under paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 to achieve the goal described in subsection 7a77#a72 and 7,b7 to improve the products1 services1 and capabilities of small business concerns in the mission space of the ,department4 7#c7 ,vouchers ,under the program1 the ,directors are authorized to provide to small business concerns vouchers to be used at ,national ,laboratories and single-purpose research facilities for-- 7,a7 research1 development1 demonstration1 technology transfer1 or commercial application activities2 or 7,b7 any other activities that the applicable ,director determines appropriate4 7#d7 ,expedited approval ,the ,secretary1 working with the ,directors1 shall establish a streamlined approval process for financial assistance agreements signed between-- 7,a7 small business concerns selected to receive a voucher under the program2 and 7,b7 the ,national ,laboratories and single-purpose research facilities4 7#e7 ,cost-sharing requirement ,in carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall require cost-sharing in accordance with section #ihh4 7#f7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act1 the ,secretary shall report annually on the progress and implementation of the small business voucher program established under this section1 including the number and locations of small businesses that received grants under this program4 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7e7 7as so redesignated71 by striking for activities under this section and inserting for activities under subsection 7b7 and inserting at the end and for activities under subsection 7c7 #be1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 #bjd4 ,entrepreneurial leave program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall delegate to ,directors the authority to carry out an entrepreneurial leave program 7referred to in this section as the program7 to allow ,national ,laboratory employees to take a full leave of absence from their position1 with the option to return to that or a comparable position up to #c years later1 or a partial leave of absence1 to advance the commercial application of energy and related technologies relevant to the mission of the ,department4 7b7 ,termination authority ,directors shall retain the authority to terminate ,national ,laboratory employees that participate in the program if such employees are found to violate terms prescribed by the ,national ,laboratory at which such employee is employed4 7c7 ,licensing ,to reduce barriers to participation in the program1 the ,secretary shall delegate to the ,directors the requirement to establish streamlined mechanisms for facilitating the licensing of technology that is the focus of ,national ,laboratory employees who participate in the program4 7d7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall report annually on the utilization of this authority at national laboratories1 including the number of employees who participate in this program at each national laboratory and the number of employees who take a permanent leave from their positions at national laboratories as a result of participating in this program4 7e7 ,federal ethics ,nothing in this section shall affect existing ,federal ethics rules applicable to ,federal personnel4 #bje4 ,national laboratory employee outside employment authority 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall delegate to ,directors of ,national ,laboratories the authority to allow their employees-- 7#a7 to engage in outside employment1 including start-up companies based on licensing technologies developed at ,national ,laboratories and consulting in their areas of expertise1 and receive compensation from such entities2 and 7#b7 to engage in outside activities related to their areas of expertise at the ,national ,laboratory and may allow employees1 in their employment capacity at such outside employment1 to access the ,national ,laboratories under the same contracting mechanisms as non-laboratory employees and entities1 in accordance with appropriate conflict of interest protocols4 7b7 ,requirements ,if a ,director elects to use the authority granted by subsection 7a7 of this section1 the ,director1 or their designee1 shall-- 7#a7 require employees to disclose to and obtain approval from the ,director or their designee prior to engaging in any outside employment2 7#b7 develop and require appropriate conflict of interest protocols for employees that engage in outside employment2 and 7#c7 maintain the authority to terminate employees engaging in outside employment if they are found to violate terms1 including conflict of interest protocols1 mandated by the ,director4 7c7 ,additional restrictions ,employees engaging in outside employment may not-- 7#a7 sacrifice1 hamper1 or impede their duties at the ,national ,laboratory2 7#b7 engage in activities related to outside employment using ,national ,laboratory government equipment1 property1 or resources1 unless such activities are performed under ,national ,laboratory contracting mechanisms1 such as ,cooperative ,research and ,development ,agreement or ,strategic ,partnership ,projects1 whereby all conflicts of interest requirements apply2 or 7#c7 use their position at a ,national ,laboratory to provide an unfair competitive advantage to an outside employer or start-up activity4 7d7 ,federal ethics ,nothing in this section shall affect existing ,federal ethics rules applicable to ,federal personnel4 #bjf4 ,technology commercialization fund ,section #ajja7;e7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;e77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,technology commercialization fund 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator established in section #ajja7;a7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;a771 shall establish a ,technology ,commercialization ,fund 7hereafter referred to as the ,fund71 using nine-tenths of one percent of the amount of appropriations made available to the ,department for applied energy research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application for each fiscal year1 to be used to provide1 in accordance with the cost-sharing requirements under section #ihh1 funds to national laboratories to promote promising energy technologies for commercial purposes4 7#b7 ,applications 7,a7 ,considerations ,the ,secretary shall develop criteria for evaluating applications for funding under this section1 which may include-- 7i7 the potential that a proposed technology will result in a commercially successful product within a reasonable timeframe2 and 7ii7 the relative maturity of a proposed technology for commercial application4 7,b7 ,selections ,in awarding funds under this section1 the ,secretary may give special consideration to applications that involve at least one applicant that has participated in an entrepreneurial or commercialization training program1 such as ,energy ,innovation ,corps4 7#c7 ,annual report ,the ,secretary shall include in the annual report required under subsection 7h77#b7-- 7,a7 a description of the projects carried out with awards from the ,fund for that fiscal year2 7,b7 each project's cost-share for that fiscal year2 and 7,c7 each project's partners for that fiscal year4 7#d7 ,evaluation ,in accordance with section #cjg7;b7 of the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit #c years after the enactment of that ,act and every #c years thereafter to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,committee of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation on the long-term commercial success of projects that received awards from the ,fund4 7#e7 ,technology commercialization fund report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology and ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources and ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate a report on the current and recommended implementation of the ,fund4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 a summary1 with supporting data1 of how much ,department program offices contribute to and use the ,fund each year1 including a list of current funding restrictions2 7ii7 recommendations on how to improve implementation and administration of the ,fund2 and 7iii7 an analysis on how to spend funds optimally on technology areas that have the greatest need and opportunity for commercial application1 rather than spending funds at the programmatic level or under current funding restrictions4 4 #bjg4 ,signature authority 7a7 ,in general ,subject to subsections 7b7 and 7c71 the ,secretary shall delegate to ,directors of the ,national ,laboratories signature authority with respect to any agreement described in subsection 7b7 the total cost of which1 including the ,national ,laboratory contributions and project recipient cost share1 is less than #a1jjj1jjj1 if such an agreement falls within the scope of-- 7#a7 the strategic plan for the ,national ,laboratory or a master scope of work that has been approved by the ,department2 or 7#b7 the most recent budget approved by ,congress for ,department activities to be carried out by the ,national ,laboratory4 7b7 ,agreements ,subsection 7a7 applies to-- 7#a7 a cooperative research and development agreement2 7#b7 a strategic partnership project2 7#c7 prize competitions2 7#d7 an agreement for commercializing technology2 or 7#e7 any other agreement determined to be appropriate by the ,secretary1 in collaboration with the ,directors4 7c7 ,administration 7#a7 ,accountability ,the ,director of the affected ,national ,laboratory and the affected contractor shall carry out an agreement under this section in accordance with applicable policies of the ,department1 including by ensuring that the agreement does not compromise any national security1 economic1 or environmental interest of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,certification ,the ,director of the affected ,national ,laboratory and the affected contractor shall certify that each activity carried out under a project for which an agreement is entered into under this section does not present1 or minimizes1 any apparent conflict of interest1 and avoids or neutralizes any actual conflict of interest1 as a result of the agreement under this section4 7#c7 ,availability of records ,not later than #cj days after the date on which a ,director enters an agreement under this section1 such ,director shall submit to the ,secretary for monitoring and review all records of the ,national ,laboratory relating to the agreement4 7d7 ,approval ,upon granting the signature authority under in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary may not require any additional reviews or approvals of draft agreements1 statements of work1 or other documents for agreements that meet the criteria under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,exception ,this section does not apply to any agreement with a foreign-controlled entity or entity under the majority control of any foreign entity4 7f7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit annually information on the number and types of agreements signed using the authorities granted under this section4 7g7 ,evaluation ,not later than #c years after the enactment of this ,act the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation of the efficacy of reducing administrative burden for agreements signed using the authorities granted under this section4 7h7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ab of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgaj;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively1 and indenting the subparagraphs appropriately2 7,b7 by striking ,each ,federal agency and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 each ,federal agency 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 in accordance with section #bjg of the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act1 approval by the ,secretary of ,energy shall not be required for any agreement proposed to be entered into by a ,national ,laboratory of the ,department of ,energy1 the total cost of which1 including the ,national ,laboratory contributions and project recipient cost share1 is less than #a1jjj1jjj4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking subsection 7a77#a7 each place it appears and inserting subsection 7a77#a77;,a74 ,,iii ,department of ,energy ,modernization #cja4 ,technology ,transfer ,program ,title ,x of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ajab4 ,technology ,transfer ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program1 to be led by the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator appointed in section #ajja7;a7 who shall report directly to1 and be appointed by1 the ,secretary1 and shall be the principal advisor to the ,secretary on all matters relating to technology transfer and commercial application4 7b7 ,mission ,the mission of the program shall be-- 7#a7 to expand the commercial impact of the research investments of the ,department2 and 7#b7 to advance the commercial application of technologies that reduce energy use1 reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants1 improve energy efficiency1 mitigate other negative environmental consequences1 or support other missions of the ,department4 7c7 ,goals 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the program1 the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator shall1 with respect to commercial application activities1 meet all of the goals described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,goals described ,the goals referred to in paragraph 7#a7 are the following3 7,a7 ,reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants4 7,b7 ,improvement of energy efficiency4 7,c7 ,improvement of economic competitiveness4 7,d7 ,enhancement of domestic energy security and national security4 7,e7 ,enhancement of the domestic workforce relevant to energy and other sectors relevant to the mission of the ,department4 7d7 ,hiring and management ,to carry out the program authorized in this section1 the ,under ,secretary for ,science may appoint personnel using the authorities in section #cjf of this ,act4 7e7 ,collaboration ,in carrying out the mission and activities of the program1 the ,technology ,transfer ,coordinator shall coordinate with the senior leadership of the ,department1 other relevant offices of the ,department1 the ,directors1 the ,national ,laboratories1 the ,technology ,transfer ,working ,group established under section #ajja7;d71 the ,technology ,transfer ,policy ,board1 and other stakeholders1 including private industry4 7f7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall report annually on the activities carried out by this program pertaining to the mission of the program in subsection 7b7 and the goals in subsection 7c74 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the activities authorized in this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 4 #cjb4 ,management of demonstration projects 7a7 ,management of department of energy demonstration projects ,the ,secretary1 shall establish a program to conduct project management and oversight of demonstration projects that receive more than #ej1jjj1jjj in funding from the ,department1 in coordination with relevant staff from ,department program offices4 ,the purposes of this program are to-- 7#a7 conduct evaluation of demonstration project proposals prior to selection of a project for funding2 7#b7 conduct independent oversight of the execution of a demonstration project once funding has been awarded for such project2 and 7#c7 ensure a balanced portfolio of investments in clean energy technology demonstration projects4 7b7 ,demonstration project management employees 7#a7 ,authority ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,under ,secretary for ,science shall appoint at least #b full time employees to achieve the purposes of the program outlined in subsection 7a7 in coordination with relevant staff at ,department program offices4 7#b7 ,hiring authority ,to carry out the program authorized in this section1 the ,under ,secretary for ,science may hire personnel using the authorities in section #cjf of this ,act4 7c7 ,duties ,in carrying out the program in subsection 7a71 employees under this section shall work with relevant staff from ,department program offices to-- 7#a7 evaluate demonstration project proposals1 including the scope1 technical specifications1 maturity of design1 funding profile1 estimated costs1 proposed schedule1 proposed technical and financial milestones1 and potential for commercial success based on economic and policy projections2 7#b7 develop independent cost estimates of demonstration project proposals1 when appropriate2 7#c7 recommend to the director of a program office whether to fund a demonstration project proposal2 7#d7 oversee the execution of the demonstration projects that receive funding from the ,department under this section and conduct reviews of ongoing projects1 which may include reconciling estimated costs as compared to actual costs and evaluating progress of the project based on the proposed schedule and technical and financial milestones1 and provide such reviews to the ,secretary2 and 7#e7 assess lessons learned and implement improvements to evaluate and oversee demonstration projects carried out under this section4 7d7 ,project termination ,should an ongoing demonstration project receive an unfavorable review under subsection 7c77#d71 the director of a ,department program office or their designee may cease funding the demonstration project and reallocate the remaining funds to new or existing demonstration projects carried out by that program office4 7e7 ,coordination ,in establishing and carrying out the program1 the ,secretary shall coordinate with project management and acquisition management entities within the ,department1 including the ,office of ,project ,management1 and relevant professional organizations in project management1 construction1 cost estimation1 and other relevant fields4 7f7 ,reporting ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a71 the ,secretary shall report annually on the utilization of the authority granted under this section1 including a summary of-- 7#a7 any demonstration projects currently being carried out under this section2 and 7#b7 a summary of the reviews under subsection 7c77#d7 of any ongoing demonstration projects carried out under this section4 7g7 ,evaluation by comptroller general ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation on the operation of the program established under this section1 including-- 7#a7 the processes and procedures used to evaluate demonstration project proposals and oversee demonstration projects that receive funding under this section2 7#b7 any recommended changes to the program1 including the structure and the processes and procedures used to evaluate and oversee demonstration projects that receive funding under this section2 and 7#c7 any recommended changes to the structure of this program to improve the success in meeting the program purposes under subsection 7a74 #cjc4 ,streamlining prize competitions ,section #ajjh of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcif7 is amended by inserting after subsection 7d7 the following 7and redesignating subsections 7f7 and 7g7 as subsections 7g7 and 7h71 respectively73 7e7 ,coordination ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 and for any prize competitions under section #aje of the ,america ,creating ,opportunities to ,meaningfully ,promote ,excellence in ,technology1 ,education1 and ,science ,reauthorization ,act of #bjaj1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 designate at least one full time employee to serve as a ,department-wide point of contact on prize competitions2 7#b7 issue ,department-wide guidance on the design1 development1 and implementation of prize competitions2 7#c7 collect and disseminate best practices on the design and administration of prize competitions2 7#d7 streamline contracting mechanisms for the implementation of prize competitions2 and 7#e7 provide training and prize competition design support1 as necessary1 to ,department staff to develop prize competitions and challenges4 7f7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a7 of the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act1 the ,secretary shall report annually on a description of any prize competitions carried out using this authority1 the total amount of prizes awarded along with any private sector contributions1 the methods used for solicitation and evaluation1 and a description of how each prize competition advanced the mission of the ,department4 4 #cjd4 ,milestone-based demonstration projects 7a7 ,in general ,acting under section #fdf7;g7 of the ,department of ,energy ,organization ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gbef7;g771 notwithstanding paragraph 7#aj7 of such section1 the ,secretary may carry out demonstration projects as a milestone-based demonstration project that requires particular technical and financial milestones to be met before a participant is awarded grants by the ,department through a competitive award process4 7b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out milestone-based demonstration projects under the authority in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall1 for each relevant project-- 7#a7 request proposals from eligible entities1 as determined by the ,secretary1 including-- 7,a7 a business plan1 that may include a plan for scalable manufacturing and a plan for addressing supply chain gaps2 7,b7 a plan for raising private sector investment2 and 7,c7 proposed technical and financial milestones1 including estimated project timelines and total costs2 and 7#b7 award funding of a predetermined amount to projects that successfully meet proposed milestones under paragraph 7#a77;,c7 or for expenses deemed reimbursable by the ,secretary1 in accordance with terms negotiated for an individual award2 7#c7 require cost sharing in accordance with section #ihh of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje2 and 7#d7 communicate regularly with selected eligible entities and1 if the ,secretary deems appropriate1 exercise small amounts of flexibility for technical and financial milestones as projects mature4 7c7 ,awards ,for the program established under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 an award recipient shall be responsible for all costs until milestones are achieved1 or reimbursable expenses are reviewed and verified by the ,department2 and 7#b7 should an awardee not meet the milestones described in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary or their designee may end the partnership with an award recipient and use the remaining funds in the ended agreement for new or existing projects carried out under this section4 7d7 ,project management ,in carrying out projects under this program and assessing the completion of their milestones in accordance with subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall consult with experts that represent diverse perspectives and professional experiences1 including those from the private sector1 to ensure a complete and thorough review4 7e7 ,report ,in accordance with section #cjg7;a71 the ,secretary shall report annually on any demonstration projects carried out using the authorities under this section4 #cje4 ,cost-share waiver extension 7a7 ,section #ihh of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje is amended in subsection 7b77#d77;,b7 by striking this paragraph and inserting the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act4 7b7 ,section #ajh of the ,department of ,energy ,research and ,innovation ,act is amended in subparagraph 7b7 by striking this ,act everywhere it appears and replacing with the ,energizing ,technology ,transfer ,act4 #cjf4 ,special hiring authority for scientific1 engineering1 and project management personnel 7a7 ,in general ,the ,under ,secretary for ,science shall have the authority to-- 7#a7 make appointments of scientific1 engineering1 and professional personnel1 without regard to civil service laws1 to assist the ,department in meeting specific project or research needs2 7#b7 fix the basic pay of any employee appointed under this section at a rate to be determined by the ,under ,secretary at rates not in excess of the ,executive ,schedule 7,,ex-,,ii7 without regard to the civil service laws2 and 7#c7 pay any employee appointed under this section payments in addition to basic pay1 except that the total amount of additional payments paid to an employee under this subsection for any #ab-month period shall not exceed the lesser of the following amounts3 7,a7 #be1jjj4 7,b7 ,the amount equal to #be percent of the annual rate of basic pay of that employee4 7,c7 ,the amount of the limitation that is applicable for a calendar year under section #ecjg7;a77#a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,term 7#a7 ,in general ,the term of any employee appointed under this section shall not exceed #c years unless otherwise authorized in law4 7#b7 ,termination ,the ,under ,secretary for ,science shall have the authority to terminate any employee appointed under this section at any time based on performance or changing project or research needs of the ,department4 #cjg4 ,technology transfer reports and evaluation 7a7 ,annual report ,as part of the updated technology transfer execution plan required each year under section #ajja7;h77#b7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;g77#b771 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report on the progress and implementation of programs established under sections #ajc1 #bjc1 #bjd1 #bje1 #bjg1 #cja1 #cjb1 #cjc1 and #cjd of this ,act and section #ajja7;e7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;e774 7b7 ,evaluation ,not later than #c years after the enactment of this ,act and every #c years thereafter the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate an evaluation on the extent to which programs established under sections #ajb1 #ajc1 #ajd1 and #bjb of this ,act and section #ajja7;e7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afcia7;e77 are achieving success based on relevant short-term and long-term metrics4 7c7 ,report on technology transfer gaps ,not later than #c years after the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academies of ,science1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine to submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report on programmatic gaps that exist to advance the commercial application of technologies developed at the ,national ,laboratories4