The SCALE Biology Act establishes a new measurement research program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focused on engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. The program, called the Biometrology Laboratory Program, will develop technical standards, guidelines, and best practices to improve the accuracy and reliability of biological data and materials, support industrial competitiveness, and address biosafety and biosecurity concerns. The bill authorizes funding starting at $55 million in fiscal year 2026 and increasing to $85 million by 2030, with the Director required to submit an implementation plan within one year and a progress report within three years. The program will operate through partnerships with industry, universities, nonprofit organizations, and other federal agencies, including access to NIST user facilities and support for graduate research and training in biometrology.
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