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S 5332

Cooperative Institute Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Maria Cantwell and 3 co-sponsors

The bill formalizes NOAA’s Cooperative Institute program to expand research, education, and partnerships with eligible non-federal institutions via competitive, merit-based collabo

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 5332

Overview

Bill: S. 5332, the Cooperative Institute Act of 2026, introduced in the 119th Congress. Purpose: Direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to maintain and formalize a Cooperative Institute program that partners NOAA with eligible research institutions to advance basic and applied research, education, training, and outreach aligned with NOAA’s mission.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish and maintain a formal Cooperative Institute program within NOAA.
  • Expand and coordinate research capacity in areas relevant to NOAA’s mission, including education and training components.
  • Encourage collaboration between NOAA scientists and eligible non-federal research institutions through long-term, joint research efforts.
  • Promote student and postdoctoral involvement in NOAA-related research.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:
    • Cooperative Institute: a formal academic or research partnership between NOAA and eligible institutions (including associations of multiple institutions) formed through cooperative agreements previously authorized under statute or under this act.
    • Eligible research institution: non-federal academic or nonprofit institutions with active NOAA-relevant research, student/postdoc involvement, and ability to collaborate with other Cooperative Institutes.
    • Under Secretary: the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA’s top official in this context).
  • Program goals (section 2(b)(1)):
    • Promote basic and applied research, education, training, and outreach.
    • Fund research capabilities not currently present within NOAA.
    • Expand capacity in sciences related to NOAA’s work.
  • Cooperative Institute activities (section 2(b)(2)):
    • Long-term collaboration between NOAA scientists and eligible institutions in one or more disciplines of interest.
    • Leverage expertise at eligible institutions, potentially distant from NOAA facilities.
    • Support undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral participation.
    • Strengthen or expand institutional research capacity in NOAA-related areas via funding for administrative and scientific activities.
  • Emerging research needs (section 2(b)(3)):
    • Every two years, Under Secretary assesses the need for additional Cooperative Institutes to address new research needs aligned with program goals.
  • Establishment and competition (section 2(c)):
    • The Under Secretary may establish a Cooperative Institute via cooperative agreement with a single eligible institution or with a group of two or more eligible institutions.
    • Selection generally by open competition and merit-based peer review; limited competition allowed if justified in line with Department of Commerce and federal assistance policies.
    • Encourages consolidation of multiple institutions’ administrative functions when beneficial.
    • Collaboration options include colocating Federal staff or hosting Cooperative Institute staff at Federal facilities, or other arrangements as appropriate.
  • Financial assistance (section 2(d)):
    • Cooperative Institutes operate under Federal financial assistance awards (up to five-year initial awards, with possible second five-year renewal after external peer review and performance assessment).
    • Renewal considerations include performance metrics, advisory board input, and funding levels based on performance ratings.
  • Discontinuance (section 2(e)):
    • NOAA may terminate or not renew a Cooperative Institute with at least 60 days’ notice to Congress.
    • Requires a detailed termination/expiration plan, justification, performance assessments, staff reassignment plans, and explanation of how research needs will be met otherwise.
  • Governance and oversight (sections 2(f)-(g)):
    • NOAA must maintain a Cooperative Institute Handbook and consult Institute Directors on updates.
    • Institutes in existence at enactment are to be maintained unless terminated under the process above.

Who would be affected

  • NOAA (Under Secretary and agency programs).
  • Eligible research institutions (non-federal universities and nonprofit organizations) and potential coalitions of two or more such institutions.
  • NOAA scientists and administrative staff, who would collaborate with Institute personnel.
  • Students and postdoctoral researchers participating in NOAA-related projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Establishment and operation follow an open, merit-based competition framework, with potential limited competition under justified circumstances.
  • Initial five-year funding awards are standard, with a possible second five-year renewal based on external peer review around year four of the initial award.
  • Biennial assessment cycle to determine needs for additional Institutes.
  • Termination or non-renewal requires 60 days’ notice and a comprehensive reports package to Congress.

Overall, the bill codifies and strengthens NOAA’s Cooperative Institute program as a structured, merit-based, and periodically re-evaluated mechanism to expand NOAA’s research capabilities through university and nonprofit partnerships.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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