political appointee
(4) Selection (A) Competitive, merit review In awarding financial assistance under paragraph (1), an agency head shall— (i) use a competitive, merit review process that includes review by a diverse group of individuals with relevant expertise from both the private and public sectors; and (ii) ensure that the technology focus of a Manufacturing USA institute does not substantially duplicate the technology focus of any other Manufacturing USA institute. (B) Participation in process (i) Prohibition on participation by political appointees The review required by subparagraph (A)(i) may not include a review by a group of individuals that includes a political appointee. (ii) Conflict of interest policies Each agency head shall implement a conflict of interest policy that— (I) ensures public transparency and accountability in the process used under subparagraph (A)(i); and (II) requires full disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest on the parts of individuals that participate in the process used under subparagraph (A)(i). (iii) Definition of political appointee For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “political appointee” has the meaning given such term in section 714(h) of title 38 . (C) Considerations In selecting a person or group of persons who submitted an application to an agency head under paragraph (3) for an award of financial assistance under paragraph (1) for a Manufacturing USA institute, the agency head shall consider, at a minimum, the following: (i) The potential of the Manufacturing USA institute to advance domestic manufacturing and the likelihood of economic impact, including the creation or preservation of jobs, in the predominant focus areas of the institute. (ii) The commitment of continued financial support, advice, participation, and other contributions from non-Federal sources, to provide leverage and resources to promote a stable and sustainable business model. (iii) Whether the financial support provided to the Manufacturing USA institute from non-Federal sources exceeds the requested Federal financial assistance. (iv) How the Manufacturing USA institute will increase the non-Federal investment in advanced manufacturing research in the United States. (v) How the Manufacturing USA institute will engage with small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises to improve the capacity of such enterprises to commercialize new processes and technologies and to improve the domestic supply chain. (vi) How the Manufacturing USA institute will carry out educational and workforce activities that meet industrial needs related to the predominant focus areas of the institute. (vii) How the Manufacturing USA institute will advance economic competitiveness and generate substantial benefits to the Nation that extend beyond the direct return to participants in the Program. (viii) Whether the predominant focus of the Manufacturing USA institute is a manufacturing process, novel material, enabling technology, supply chain integration methodology, or other relevant aspect of advanced manufacturing that has not already been commercialized, marketed, distributed, or sold by another entity. (ix) How the Manufacturing USA institute will strengthen and leverage the industrial, research, entrepreneurship, and other assets of a region. (x) How the Manufacturing USA institute will encourage the education and training of veterans and individuals with disabilities.