(a) Energy Frontier Research Centers

(1) In general
The Director shall carry out a program to provide awards, on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to multi-institutional collaborations or other appropriate entities to conduct fundamental and use-inspired energy research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

(2) Collaborations
A collaboration receiving an award under this subsection may include multiple types of institutions and private sector entities.

(3) Selection and duration

(A) In general
A collaboration under this subsection shall be selected for a period of 4 years.

(B) Existing centers
An Energy Frontier Research Center in existence and supported by the Director on September 28, 2018, may continue to receive support for a period of 4 years beginning on the date of establishment of that center.

(C) Reapplication
After the end of the period described in subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, a recipient of an award may reapply for selection on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.

(D) Termination
Consistent with the existing authorities of the Department, the Director may terminate an underperforming center for cause during the performance period.

(4) No funding for construction
No funding provided pursuant to this subsection may be used for the construction of new buildings or facilities.

(b) Basic energy sciences user facilities

(1) In general
The Director shall carry out a program for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of national user facilities.

(2) Requirements
To the maximum extent practicable, the national user facilities developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under paragraph (1) shall serve the needs of the Department, industry, the academic community, and other relevant entities to create and examine materials and chemical processes for the purpose of improving the competitiveness of the United States.

(3) Included facilities
The national user facilities developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) x-ray light sources;

(B) neutron sources;

(C) nanoscale science research centers; and

(D) such other facilities as the Director considers appropriate, consistent with section 7139 of this title.

(c) Accelerator research and development
The Director shall carry out research and development on advanced accelerator and storage ring technologies relevant to the development of basic energy sciences user facilities, in consultation with the High Energy Physics and Nuclear Physics programs of the Office of Science.