have expertise in one or more of the challenges and key technology focus areas under section 19107 of this title; and

come from a variety of backgrounds, including industry, and from a variety of institutions of higher education.

establishing research and development goals for the program, including through the convening of workshops, conferring with a broad range of stakeholders and outside experts, taking into account relevant expert reports, and publicizing the goals of the program to the public and private sectors;

surveying a wide range of institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to identify emerging trends in the challenges and key technology focus areas under section 19107 of this title, and, as appropriate, soliciting proposals from such entities to conduct research in areas of particular promise that the private sector is the not likely to undertake independently.

facilitating research collaborations in the challenges and key technology focus areas under section 19107 of this title, including connecting academic researchers with potential end-users of technology, including industry, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations, civil society organizations, and other relevant organizations;

reviewing applications for projects submitted under section 19114 of this title according to the Merit Review Criteria established by the Director for such projects and described in the Foundation’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, and any such additional criteria as determined by the Director; and

monitoring the progress of projects supported under the program and taking into account input from relevant experts and stakeholders, recommending program updates as needed.

without regard to any provision of title 5 governing the appointment of employees in the competitive service, appoint individuals to a total of not more than 70 positions in the Foundation, of which not more than 5 such positions may be positions of administration or management of the Foundation;

in the case of employees appointed pursuant to clause (i) to any of 5 positions designated by the Foundation for purposes of this clause, at rates not in excess of a rate equal to 150 percent of the maximum rate of basic pay authorized for positions at level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5; and

in the case of any other employee appointed pursuant to clause (i), at rates not in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay authorized for senior-level positions under section 5376 of title 5; and

pay any employee appointed under subparagraph (A), other than an employee appointed to a position designated as described in clause (ii)(I), payments in addition to basic pay within the limit applicable to the employee under subparagraph (D).

appoint personnel from outside the civil service and uniformed services (as such terms are defined in section 2101 of title 5) to positions in the Foundation without regard to any provision of title 5 governing the appointment of employees in the competitive service;

prescribe the rates of basic pay for positions to which employees are appointed under clause (i) at rates not in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay authorized for senior-level positions under

pay any employee appointed under clause (i) payments in addition to basic pay within the limits applicable to the employee under subparagraph (D).

the period for which the employee was appointed; or

the period to which the employee’s service is limited under subparagraph (C), including any extension made under this paragraph before the termination of the program; and

the rate of basic pay prescribed for the position under this paragraph may not be reduced as long as the employee continues to serve at an acceptable level of performance in the position without a break in service.

evaluate and make recommendations to efficiently and effectively implement the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships; and

evaluate and make recommendations to ensure coordination of the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships with other directorates and offices of the Foundation and other Federal agencies.