Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4066

 124 STAT. 4040 PUBLIC LAW 111–358—JAN. 4, 2011 conducted under subsection (a) and the strategy developed under subsection (b). (2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the study conducted under subsection (a). (B) The strategy required by subsection (b). SEC. 605. PROMOTING USE OF HIGH-END COMPUTING SIMULATION AND MODELING BY SMALL- AND MEDIUM -SIZED MANU- FACTURERS. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— (1) the utilization of high-end computing simulation and modeling by large-scale government contractors and Federal research entities has resulted in substantial improvements in the development of advanced manufacturing technologies; and (2) such simulation and modeling would also benefit small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States if such manufacturers were to deploy such simulation and modeling throughout their manufacturing chains. (b) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States to take all effective measures practicable to ensure that Federal programs and policies encourage and contribute to the use of high-end com- puting simulation and modeling in the United States manufacturing sector. (c) STUDY.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall carry out, through an interagency consulting process, a study of the barriers to the use of high-end computing simulation and mod- eling by small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States. (2) FACTORS.—In carrying out the study required by para- graph (1), the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall consider the following: (A) The access of small- and medium-sized manufactur- ers in the United States to high-performance computing facilities and resources. (B) The availability of software and other applications tailored to meet the needs of such manufacturers. (C) Whether such manufacturers employ or have access to individuals with appropriate expertise for the use of such facilities and resources. (D) Whether such manufacturers have access to training to develop such expertise. (E) The availability of tools and other methods to such manufacturers to understand and manage the costs and risks associated with transitioning to the use of such facili- ties and resources. (3) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after the commence- ment of the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Commerce shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, submit to Congress a report on such study. Such report shall Deadline. 15 USC 3701 note.