NC S401

Establishes the North Carolina Collaboratory as a permanent entity housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to disseminate policy and research expertise for practical use by State and local governments.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in additional recurring funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 to support Collaboratory operations.

Requires the Collaboratory to conduct research on natural resources management, environmental and economic components, and new technologies for habitat and water quality improvements.

Mandates an annual grant program to expand research capacity at six Historically Minority-Serving Institutions: Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University, UNC Pembroke, and Winston-Salem State University.

Prohibits use of General Assembly appropriations for indirect overhead costs and exempts the Collaboratory from standard procurement requirements for emergency projects addressing public health, safety, or welfare threats.