HR10035-118

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Blue Economy and Innovation Act.

2. Grant program regarding ocean science and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes waters The Director of the National Science Foundation (referred to in this section as the Director) may carry out a program, on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to award grants for any of the following activities: Supporting transdisciplinary research that would advance the understanding of ocean science and ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters. Developing, piloting, and deploying an innovative technology, system, or approach that would identify and address the challenges that affect ocean science and ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters, including through either of the following: Direct engagement with a community that is affected by ocean science or ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters. A partnership with any of the following: A for-profit organization. A nonprofit organization. A governmental unit of a State, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States. A regional technology and innovation hub under section 28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722a). Expanding the scientific workforce that is capable of studying or managing ocean science or ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters through education, training, or other professional development. Subject to subsection (b), repairing, maintaining, or upgrading research instrumentation or infrastructure, including laboratories or telecommunications, relating to ocean science or ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters. If the Director awards multiple grants under subsection (a)(4), the Director shall ensure that the grants are awarded to repair, maintain, or upgrade a balanced portfolio of research instrumentation and infrastructure. If the Director awards a grant under this section for an activity that involves another department or agency of the Federal Government, the Director shall coordinate the activity with the other department or agency.