§ 1161v. Modeling and simulation
(a)
Purpose; definition
(1)
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education, through the collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically to promote the use of technology in such study through the creation of accurate models that can simulate processes or recreate real life, by—
(A)
establishing a task force at the Department of Education to raise awareness of and define the study of modeling and simulation;
(b)
Establishment of task force
(1)
In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a task force within the Department to study modeling and simulation and to support the development of the modeling and simulation field. The activities of such task force shall include—
(A)
helping to define the study of modeling and simulation (including the content of modeling and simulation classes and programs);
(2)
Task force membership
The membership of the task force under this subsection shall be composed of representatives from—
(c)
Enhancing modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education
(1)
Enhancement grants authorized
(A)
In general
The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enhance modeling and simulation degree programs at such eligible institutions.
(B)
Duration of grant
A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a three-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than two years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in enhancing the modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution.
(C)
Minimum grant amount
Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be less than $750,000.
(D)
Non-Federal share
Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution.
(2)
Eligible institutions
For the purposes of this subsection, an eligible institution is an institution of higher education that—
(3)
Application
To be considered for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—
(A)
a letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;
(4)
Uses of funds
A grant awarded under this subsection shall be used by an eligible institution to carry out the plan developed in accordance with paragraph (3)(C) to enhance modeling and simulation programs at the institution, which may include—
(A)
in the case of an institution that is eligible under paragraph (2)(B), activities to assist in the establishment of a major, minor, or career-track modeling and simulation program at the eligible institution;
(C)
recruiting students into the field of modeling and simulation through the provision of fellowships or assistantships;
(d)
Establishing modeling and simulation programs
(1)
Establishment grants authorized
(A)
In general
The Secretary is authorized to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program.
(B)
Duration of grant
A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a three-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than two years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in establishing a modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution.
(C)
Minimum grant amount
Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be less than $750,000.
(D)
Non-Federal share
Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in-kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution.
(2)
Application
To apply for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—
(A)
a letter from the president or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;
(3)
Uses of funds
A grant awarded under this subsection may be used by an eligible institution to—
(A)
establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program at the eligible institution;
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year—