S. 451 would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to implement recommendations from a report on the use of fiber reinforced composite materials in infrastructure projects. The report recommends that NIST test the composites’ durability and develop industry standards for their use in infrastructure projects; establish a clearinghouse for information on their design, manufacture, and use; and disseminate educational and training information to academia and private industry.
Using information from NIST, CBO expects the agency would incur the following costs over the 2022-2026 period:
$26 million for research grants and contracting costs;
$20 million for salaries for 20 new employees, including scientists, engineers, and software developers at a cost of $245,000 per employee (adjusted each year for anticipated inflation); and
