,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #acih ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #i1 #bjai,ms4 ,cantwell introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to promote the use of smart technologies and systems in communities1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,smart ,cities and ,communities ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,purpose4,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,enhancing ,federal coordination and investment in smart city or community programs,sec4 #aja4 ,coordination of activities among ,federal agencies4,sec4 #ajb4 ,smart city and community resource guide4,,title ,,ii--,providing assistance to cities and communities,sec4 #bja4 ,technology demonstration grant program4,sec4 #bjb4 ,cybersecurity ,working ,group4,sec4 #bjc4 ,tech,hire ,workforce ,training and ,development ,program4,sec4 #bjd4 ,,gao study on innovative financing4,,title ,,iii--,improving performance and interoperability,sec4 #cja4 ,standards and interoperability framework4,,title ,,iv--,international cooperation and best practices,sec4 #dja4 ,development of global smart city or community best practices4,sec4 #djb4 ,trade program4 #b4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this ,act is to promote smart technologies and systems to improve community livability1 services1 communication1 safety1 mobility1 energy productivity1 and resilience to natural and manmade disasters1 to reduce costs1 traffic congestion1 and air pollution1 and to promote economic growth and opportunities for communities of all sizes by-- 7#a7 improving ,federal ,government coordination and outreach with respect to smart city or community technologies2 7#b7 promoting the quality and performance of smart city or community technologies while protecting-- 7,a7 the security of data and systems2 and 7,b7 privacy2 7#c7 demonstrating the value and utility of smart1 local government-owned and -operated services through the development and implementation of performance standards2 7#d7 providing assistance to local governments interested in implementing smart city or community technologies2 7#e7 developing a workforce skilled in smart city or community technologies2 and 7#f7 expanding international cooperation and trade in smart city or community technologies4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,council ,the term ,council means the ,interagency ,council on ,smart ,cities established under section #aja7;a77#a77;,a77i74 7#b7 ,data ,the term data includes information and images4 7#c7 ,local workforce development board2 state workforce development board ,the terms local workforce development board and ,state workforce development board have the meanings given the terms local board and ,state board1 respectively1 in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#d7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means the ,secretary1 acting in coordination with-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,energy2 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7,c7 the ,secretary of ,transportation2 7,d7 the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation2 and 7,e7 as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate-- 7i7 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services2 7ii7 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security2 7iii7 the ,secretary of ,labor2 and 7iv7 the ,secretary of ,state4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7#f7 ,smart city or community 7,a7 ,in general ,the term smart city or community means a community in which innovative1 advanced1 and trustworthy information1 communication1 and energy technologies and related mechanisms are applied-- 7i7 to improve the health and quality of life of residents2 7ii7 to increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of civic operations and services2 7iii7 to promote economic growth2 and 7iv7 to create a community that is safer and more secure1 sustainable1 resilient1 livable1 and workable4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term smart city or community includes a local jurisdiction that-- 7i7 gathers and incorporates data from systems1 devices1 and sensors embedded in civic systems and infrastructure to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of civic operations and services2 7ii7 aggregates and analyzes gathered data2 7iii7 communicates the analysis and data in a variety of formats2 7iv7 makes corresponding improvements to civic systems and services based on gathered data2 7v7 coordinates with relevant public and private sector entities 7including entities providing electric1 water1 telecommunications1 energy1 and transportation services7 to leverage the activities carried out by those entities2 7vi7 integrates measures-- 7,i7 to ensure the resilience of civic systems against cybersecurity threats and physical vulnerabilities and breaches2 7,,ii7 to protect the private data of residents2 and 7,,iii7 to measure the impact of smart city or community technologies on the effectiveness and efficiency of civic operations and services2 and 7vii7 promotes regional coordination of the activities described in clauses 7i7 through 7vi74 7#g7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7,d7 any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7#h7 ,working ,group ,the term ,working ,group means the ,cybersecurity ,working ,group established under section #bjb7;b77#a74 ,i ,enhancing ,federal coordination and investment in smart city or community programs #aja4 ,coordination of activities among ,federal agencies 7a7 ,coordination 7#a7 ,coordination of activities 7,a7 ,federal council 7i7 ,establishment ,the ,secretaries shall establish a council of ,federal agencies1 to be known as the ,interagency ,council on ,smart ,cities1 to promote the coordination of the activities and funding from ,federal agencies relating to smart cities or communities4 7ii7 ,membership ,the ,council shall-- 7,i7 be led by the ,secretary2 and 7,,ii7 include-- 7aa7 the ,secretary of ,energy2 7bb7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7cc7 the ,secretary of ,transportation2 7dd7 the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation2 7ee7 the heads of such other departments and agencies as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate1 including-- 7,,aa7 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security2 7,,bb7 the ,secretary of ,labor2 and 7,,cc7 the ,secretary of ,state2 and 7ff7 such representatives of industry expert organizations and local government entities as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7,b7 ,prioritization ,for purposes of coordinating ,federal activities under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretaries shall prioritize the conduct of ,federal activities that would-- 7i7 demonstrate smart city or community technologies in repeatable ways that can rapidly be scaled2 7ii7 encourage public1 private1 regional1 national1 and international sharing of data and best practices2 7iii7 encourage private sector innovation by promoting industry-driven technology standards1 open platforms1 technology-neutral requirements1 and interoperability2 7iv7 promote-- 7,i7 a skilled workforce2 7,,ii7 an open and competitive global market for smart city or community technologies2 7,,iii7 inclusion of all citizens1 including minority or disadvantaged groups2 and 7,,iv7 protocols and standards that allow for the measurement and validation of the cost savings and performance improvements associated with the installation and use of smart city or community technologies and practices2 7v7 foster the growth of the smart city or community technology industry and workforce in the ,united ,states2 7vi7 encourage the adoption of smart city or community technologies by communities2 7vii7 safeguard cybersecurity1 including by promoting industry practices regarding cybersecurity2 and 7viii7 safeguard privacy and1 in consultation with cities1 communities1 and industry entities1 establish parameters and best practices for the full life cycle management of all types of smart city or community data1 including collection1 storage1 ownership1 and sharing of data4 7,c7 ,considerations ,the ,secretaries shall-- 7i7 ensure that the ,federal activities described in subparagraph 7,b7 related to safeguarding cybersecurity take into account existing ,federal1 ,state1 and local frameworks1 guidelines1 and best practices when considering their application to smart city technologies2 7ii7 ensure that the ,federal activities described in subparagraph 7,b7 take into consideration software quality1 especially as that quality impacts reproducibility1 maintainability1 reliability1 and security1 especially of high-confidence systems2 7iii7 conduct privacy impact assessments for ,federal activities that could negatively affect privacy2 and 7iv7 ensure the privacy of individuals through the use of technologies with inherent privacy and security considerations4 7#b7 ,strategy 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries1 acting through the ,council1 in consultation with industry entities1 cities1 and communities1 shall develop a multiyear strategy for-- 7i7 the coordination of activities and funding under paragraph 7#a77;,a72 7ii7 the development of partnerships with the private sector relating to smart cities or communities2 and 7iii7 the promotion of international cooperation with respect to smart city or community technologies and standards4 7,b7 ,requirement ,the ,secretaries shall coordinate with the heads of any applicable ,federal agencies to leverage private sector and non-,federal public investment in smart city or community technologies consistent with the strategy developed under subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,assessment 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,labor1 in consultation with the heads of other applicable ,federal agencies1 shall coordinate with such private and public organizations and units of local government as the ,secretary of ,labor determines to be appropriate regarding the preparation of a smart city or community technology workforce needs assessment4 7,b7 ,submission ,on completion of the assessment prepared under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress and the ,council the completed assessment4 7#d7 ,coordination of funds ,in promoting the coordination of ,federal funding relating to smart city or community activities under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 and in accordance with the strategy developed under paragraph 7#b77;,a71 each of the ,secretaries shall-- 7,a7 track1 with respect to the appropriate agency1 the expenditures and planned expenditures of ,federal funds for smart city- or community-related activities1 together with leveraged non-,federal matching funds2 and 7,b7 coordinate with the head of any other applicable ,federal agency that allocates funds for smart city or community activities-- 7i7 to achieve greater benefits from activities using ,federal funds2 7ii7 to produce integrated projects relating to those activities2 and 7iii7 to leverage complementary investments of other ,federal agencies in those activities4 7b7 ,submission of information and biennial report ,during the #f-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act-- 7#a7 the head of each applicable ,federal agency shall submit to the ,secretary information for inclusion in the report submitted under paragraph 7#b72 and 7#b7 not less frequently than once every #b years1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committees on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate and the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce and ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report1 based on the information under paragraph 7#a71 that includes-- 7,a7 an update of the status of relevant smart city or community technology developments and applications1 including broadband infrastructure2 7,b7 a description of any related program or activity that is funded by the ,federal agency during the period covered by the report2 7,c7 the budget of the agency for supporting smart city or community activities1 as described in subsection 7a77#d77;,a72 7,d7 any non-,federal cost-share contributed for activities for which ,federal assistance is provided under this section2 7,e7 a description of the applicable strategy under subsection 7a77#b77;,a71 including a description of how the relevant programs are progressing under that strategy2 7,f7 a description of outreach activities conducted under section #ajb7;d71 including the amount and type of assistance required by cities and communities to overcome barriers to implementing smart city or community technologies1 and any ,federal actions that are needed to meet those needs2 7,g7 a description of projects funded under section #bja1 including a description of-- 7i7 project outcomes and performance2 and 7ii7 the use of leveraged non-,federal funds2 and 7,h7 such other information as the ,secretary determines to be necessary4 #ajb4 ,smart city and community resource guide 7a7 ,publication 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the heads of any other applicable ,federal agencies1 shall create1 publish1 and maintain1 for a period of at least #f years beginning on the date that is #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 a resource guide designed to assist ,states and ,united ,states communities and cities in developing and implementing smart city or community programs4 7#b7 ,information included ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with cities1 communities1 and industry entities1 shall determine which information shall be included in the guide under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,requirements ,the guide published under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 shall be maintained electronically on a website2 7#b7 shall be provided as an electronic reference guide available to the public free of charge2 and 7#c7 may include-- 7,a7 a compilation of existing related programs of the ,federal ,government available to communities1 including technical assistance1 education1 training1 research and development1 analysis1 and funding2 7,b7 available examples of local governments engaging private sector entities in order to implement smart city or community solutions1 including public-private partnership models1 such as the use of energy savings performance contracts and utility energy service contracts or other innovative models1 that could be used to leverage private sector funding to increase energy productivity and reduce water1 transportation1 and other costs to cities and communities1 including the results of the study under section #bjd2 7,c7 available examples of proven methods for local governments and utilities to facilitate integration of smart technologies with new and existing infrastructure and systems2 7,d7 best practices and lessons learned from technology demonstrations1 including return on investment and performance information to help cities decide how to initiate integration of smart technologies2 7,e7 ,federal1 ,state1 and local best practices for safeguarding cybersecurity and ensuring appropriate data management and data privacy2 7,f7 technical specifications for wireless or wired broadband infrastructure to support smart city technologies2 and 7,g7 such other topics as are requested by industry entities or local governments or determined to be necessary by the ,secretaries4 7c7 ,existing guides ,in creating1 publishing1 and maintaining the guide under subsection 7a71 the ,secretaries shall consider ,federal1 ,state1 and local guides published before1 on1 or after the date of enactment of this ,act relating to smart city or community goals1 activities1 and best practices-- 7#a7 to prevent duplication of efforts by the ,federal ,government2 and 7#b7 to leverage existing complementary efforts4 7d7 ,outreach ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the heads of any applicable ,federal agencies and in consultation with applicable private sector entities1 shall conduct outreach to ,states1 cities1 and communities-- 7#a7 to provide interested ,states and cities with the guide published under subsection 7a72 7#b7 to promote the consideration of smart city or community technologies and encourage ,states and local governments to contribute smart city or community program and activity data to the guide published under subsection 7a72 7#c7 to identify-- 7,a7 barriers to smart city or community technology adoption2 7,b7 any research1 development1 and assistance that is needed1 including in ,tribal1 rural1 and underserved communities2 and 7,c7 local government programs that could be included in the guide under subsection 7a72 7#d7 to respond to requests for assistance1 advice1 or consultation from cities2 and 7#e7 for other purposes1 as identified by the ,secretaries4 ,,ii ,providing assistance to cities and communities #bja4 ,technology demonstration grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a smart city or community regional demonstration grant program under which the ,secretary shall conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems in a variety of communities1 including small- and medium-sized cities and rural and ,tribal communities4 7b7 ,goals ,the goals of the program established under subsection 7a7 are-- 7#a7 to demonstrate-- 7,a7 potential benefits of concentrated investments in smart city or community technologies that are repeatable and scalable across cities of different sizes2 and 7,b7 the efficiency1 reliability1 and resilience of civic infrastructure and services2 7#b7 to facilitate the adoption of advanced smart city or community technologies and collaboration between small- and medium- to large-sized cities2 and 7#c7 to demonstrate protocols and standards that allow for the measurement and validation of the cost savings and performance improvements associated with the installation and use of smart city or community technologies and practices4 7c7 ,demonstration projects 7#a7 ,eligibility ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 a unit of local government shall be eligible to receive a grant for a demonstration project under this section4 7#b7 ,application2 ,cooperation ,to qualify for a demonstration project under this section1 a unit of local government shall-- 7,a7 submit to the ,secretary an application for a grant for a demonstration project at such time and containing such information as the ,secretary may require2 and 7,b7 agree to follow applicable best practices identified by the ,secretaries1 in consultation with industry entities and institutions of higher education1 to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented smart city or community technologies to ensure that-- 7i7 technologies and interoperability can be assessed2 7ii7 best practices can be shared2 and 7iii7 data can be shared in a public1 interoperable1 and transparent format4 7#c7 ,federal share of cost of technology investments ,the ,secretary-- 7,a7 subject to subparagraph 7,b71 shall provide to a unit of local government selected under this section for the conduct of a demonstration project a grant in an amount equal to not more than #ej percent of the total cost of technology investments to incorporate and assess qualifying smart city or community technologies in the applicable jurisdiction2 but 7,b7 may waive the cost-share requirement of subparagraph 7,a7 as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7d7 ,requirement ,in conducting demonstration projects under this section1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 develop competitive1 technology-neutral requirements2 7#b7 seek to leverage ongoing or existing civic infrastructure investments2 and 7#c7 take into consideration the non-,federal cost share as a competitive criterion in applicant selection in order to leverage non-,federal investment4 7e7 ,public availability of data and reports ,the ,secretary shall ensure that reports1 public data sets1 schematics1 diagrams1 and other works created using a grant provided under this section are-- 7#a7 available on a royalty-free1 non-exclusive basis2 and 7#b7 open to the public to reproduce1 publish1 or otherwise use1 without cost4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7c7 #ajj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 #bjb4 ,cybersecurity ,working ,group 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the work conducted by the ,internet ,policy ,task ,force and the ,digital ,economy ,leadership ,team of the ,department of ,commerce to foster an enabling environment for ,internet of ,things technology to grow and thrive1 allow the private sector to lead1 and promote technology-neutral standards and consensus-based multistakeholder approaches to policymaking at local1 ,tribal1 ,state1 ,federal1 and international levels on issues ranging from the security to the competitiveness of the ,united ,states is valuable and should be continued2 and 7#b7 the work conducted by the ,department of ,commerce and the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration to create resources for communities seeking to adopt smart cities or communities technology is valuable and should be continued4 7b7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,council1 shall convene a multistakeholder working group1 to be known as the ,cybersecurity ,working ,group1 to develop tools for communities to use to evaluate the cybersecurity of smart city or community technologies4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,in appointing members to the ,working ,group1 the ,secretary shall consider appointing-- 7i7 representatives of consumer groups2 7ii7 representatives of small units of local government1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7iii7 representatives of large units of local government1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7iv7 manufacturers of smart city or community devices1 equipment1 and software2 7v7 individuals with expertise in communications networks2 7vi7 ,federal1 ,state1 and local law enforcement officials2 7vii7 individuals with other expertise necessary to carry out the duties of the ,working ,group2 and 7viii7 such representatives of the ,council as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7,b7 ,representation ,in appointing members to the ,working ,group1 the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,working ,group includes a multidisciplinary cross section of smart city or community stakeholders4 7#c7 ,duties ,the ,working ,group shall-- 7,a7 leverage and build on previous activities carried out by the ,department of ,commerce relating to ,internet of ,things technology2 7,b7 develop tools for communities to evaluate the cybersecurity of smart city or community technology being considered by the communities for adoption in those communities2 7,c7 develop tools for communities to protect against cybersecurity threats relevant to the technology the community has chosen to adopt2 7,d7 7i7 assess-- 7,i7 whether ,internet of ,things cybersecurity standards should exist2 and 7,,ii7 whether the standards described in subclause 7,i7 should be voluntary or mandatory2 and 7ii7 identify which entity is appropriate to devise the standards described in clause 7i77,i72 and 7,e7 submit to the ,council a report that describes the findings of the ,working ,group4 #bjc4 ,tech,hire ,workforce ,training and ,development ,program 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 based on findings from the needs assessment conducted under section #aja7;a77#c71 the ,secretary of ,labor1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 shall establish a pilot program1 to be known as the ,tech,hire ,workforce ,training and ,development ,pilot ,program1 under which the ,secretary of ,labor1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 shall provide to eligible entities1 on a competitive basis1 grants for technology-based job training and education programs that provide industry-recognized credentials4 7b7 ,requirements ,a job training and education program that is awarded a grant under this section shall-- 7#a7 provide technology-based training across #b or more sectors2 7#b7 focus on smart city or community technologies1 systems1 and infrastructure across all sectors of the economy2 7#c7 address privacy and cybersecurity considerations2 and 7#d7 address smart city or community workforce needs identified by the ,secretary of ,labor1 after consultation with other applicable ,federal agencies4 7c7 ,eligible entities ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 an entity shall be a public organization or an organization described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of that ,code that-- 7#a7 includes an advisory board1 which may be-- 7,a7 7i7 a local workforce development board2 7ii7 a ,state workforce development board2 or 7iii7 an appropriate subgroup of a local workforce development board or a ,state workforce development board2 or 7,b7 a board of proportional participation1 as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor1 of relevant organizations1 including-- 7i7 relevant industry organizations1 including public and private employers2 7ii7 labor organizations2 7iii7 one or more units of local government that are actively pursuing smart city or community programs2 and 7iv7 postsecondary education organizations2 7#b7 demonstrates experience in implementing and operating job training and education programs2 7#c7 demonstrates the ability to recruit and support individuals who plan to work in a relevant sector on the successful completion of relevant job training and education programs2 7#d7 7,a7 provides students who complete the training and education program with an industry-recognized credential2 or 7,b7 uses a curriculum that has received extensive feedback from employers2 and 7#e7 demonstrates successful outcomes connecting graduates of job training and education programs to quality jobs relevant to the job training and education programs4 7d7 ,applications ,an eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary of ,labor an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of ,labor may require4 7e7 ,priority ,in selecting eligible entities to receive grants under this section1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall prioritize applicants that-- 7#a7 7,a7 are a local workforce development board or ,state workforce development board2 or 7,b7 demonstrate a strong partnership with a local workforce development board or ,state workforce development board2 7#b7 house the job training and education program in-- 7,a7 a community college or institution of higher education that includes basic science1 technology1 and math education in the curriculum of the community college or institution of higher education2 or 7,b7 an apprenticeship program registered with the ,department of ,labor or a ,state2 7#c7 work with the ,secretary of ,defense or veterans organizations to transition members of the ,armed ,forces and veterans to careers in a relevant sector2 7#d7 include in the application an entity that receives ,state funding or is operated by a ,state agency2 7#e7 include an apprenticeship program registered with the ,department of ,labor or a ,state as part of the job training and education program2 7#f7 provide support services and career coaching2 7#g7 provide entry-level technology workforce training aimed at matching workers with well-paying jobs2 or 7#h7 propose to serve-- 7,a7 young adults between the ages of #af and #bd2 or 7,b7 individuals with barriers to employment 7as defined in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb774 7f7 ,additional consideration ,in making grants under this section1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall consider regional diversity4 7g7 ,limitation on applications ,an eligible entity may not submit1 either individually or as part of a joint application1 more than #a application for a grant under this section during any #a fiscal year4 7h7 ,limitations on amount of grant ,the amount of a single grant provided under this section for any #a year shall not exceed #e1jjj1jjj4 7i7 ,non-,federal share ,the non-,federal share of the cost of a job training and education program carried out using a grant under this section shall be not less than #be percent of the total cost4 7j7 ,reduction of duplication ,before submitting an application for a grant under this section1 each applicant shall-- 7#a7 consult with the heads of appropriate ,federal agencies2 and 7#b7 coordinate the proposed activities of the applicant with existing ,state and local programs4 7k7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary of ,labor1 in consultation with the ,secretary1 may provide technical assistance to eligible entities under subsection 7c7 to leverage the existing job training and education programs of the ,department of ,labor and other relevant programs at appropriate ,federal agencies4 7l7 ,report ,not less frequently than once every #b years1 the ,secretary of ,labor shall submit to ,congress1 and make publicly available on the website of the ,department of ,labor1 a report on the program established under this section1 including a description of-- 7#a7 any entity that receives a grant under this section2 7#b7 any activity carried out using the grants under this section2 7#c7 best practices used to leverage the investment of the ,federal ,government under this section2 and 7#d7 an assessment of the results achieved by the program established under this section1 including the rate of employment for participants after completing a job training and education program carried out using a grant under this section4 7m7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #ajj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 #bjd4 ,,gao study on innovative financing ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study to identify-- 7#a7 financial and procurement mechanisms currently available to public and private entities to fund smart city or community activities and associated demonstration projects1 including pay for performance financing that could deliver measurable and verifiable market and non-market values to smart cities or communities2 7#b7 new1 innovative financial and procurement mechanisms under development or used experimentally that may be available1 in the near term1 to public and private entities to fund smart city or community activities and associated demonstration projects2 7#c7 barriers to creative financing solutions for those activities and projects1 including procurement barriers faced by ,state and local governments2 and 7#d7 ways to leverage private sector investments in smart cities and communities4 ,,iii ,improving performance and interoperability #cja4 ,standards and interoperability framework 7a7 ,participation ,to strengthen the public-private partnership approach to smart city- or community-related standards development and interoperability1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology1 shall strongly encourage and support participation by ,federal ,government experts in private sector-led standards-related activities that convene smart city or community stakeholders1 including representatives of applicable ,federal agencies4 7b7 ,activities ,to promote innovation and economic competitiveness and to achieve interoperability of smart city or community devices and systems1 while strengthening the ,united ,states approach to private sector-led standardization activities and the participation of ,federal representatives under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary1 in consultation with private and public sector stakeholders1 shall-- 7#a7 survey and review domestic and international smart city or community performance standards1 existing architectures1 applications1 and deployments1 and interoperability standards2 7#b7 make consensus-based recommendations-- 7,a7 to identify gaps in the smart city or community performance standards and interoperability standards under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 to harmonize existing standards and deployment efforts and enable greater interoperability across smart city or community technologies2 7,c7 to coordinate domestic and international performance standards and interoperability standards to promote uniform performance standards and interoperability standards worldwide1 including with respect to the need for testing and demonstration2 and 7,d7 for guidelines to enable interoperability in the collection1 storage1 ownership1 and sharing of data2 7#c7 based on the recommendations under paragraph 7#b71 develop a consensus-based framework that includes protocols and model standards for the management and exchange of information1 including existing guidelines1 best practices1 and industry consensus standards2 7#d7 ensure that cybersecurity and privacy are core elements of the recommended performance standards and interoperability standards2 and 7#e7 lead international coordination efforts to develop industry-led1 technology-neutral1 voluntary1 consensus-based global smart city or community performance standards and interoperability standards4 ,,iv ,international cooperation and best practices #dja4 ,development of global smart city or community best practices 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries may carry out activities-- 7#a7 to enable cities and communities in the ,united ,states and other countries to work together toward shared smart city- or community-related goals2 7#b7 to promote smart city or community solutions that provide measurable benefits to local governments and residents2 7#c7 to enable an open1 global market place for smart city or community technologies based on voluntary1 consensus-based1 and technology-neutral standards2 and 7#d7 to connect innovators from industry and academia to local governments to catalyze the emergence of open and advanced technologies that-- 7,a7 meet community needs2 and 7,b7 advance innovation and open competition4 7b7 ,eligible activities ,the activities referred to in subsection 7a7 may include grants1 contracts1 challenges1 prize competitions1 public-private partnerships1 and other innovative mechanisms4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretaries to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd4 7#b7 ,limitation on use of funds ,funds made available under paragraph 7#a7 may not be used to provide assistance to-- 7,a7 a foreign country2 or 7,b7 a foreign company 7excluding any ,united ,states subsidiary of a foreign holding company74 #djb4 ,trade program ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 such other members of the ,council as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate1 and private stakeholders1 shall establish a strategic international smart cities and communities trade program1 which shall include trade missions-- 7#a7 to promote the export of ,united ,states smart cities or communities technologies2 7#b7 to stimulate job growth in the ,united ,states2 7#c7 to identify potential partners and strategies for ,united ,states companies in target foreign market sectors2 7#d7 to organize events with local governments1 businesses1 associations1 academia1 and other stakeholders to promote smart city or community partnerships2 7#e7 to assist in the development of competitive strategies and foreign market access for ,united ,states smart city or community technology business interests2 7#f7 to assist in developing appropriate ,united ,states policy regarding ,united ,states business and international smart cities or communities business interests2 7#g7 to assist in achieving ,united ,nations ,framework ,convention on ,climate ,change commitments2 7#h7 to assist in lowering the cost to consumers of smart cities or communities technologies2 7#i7 to leverage expertise in infrastructure to deliver solutions that can help make communities more efficient1 livable1 and sustainable2 and 7#aj7 to work with the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,overseas ,private ,investment ,corporation1 and the ,export-,import ,bank of the ,united ,states to identify opportunities to finance international investment in ,united ,states smart cities or communities technology companies4