; and (5) to the extent practical be harmonized with existing ethical and security policies or requirements, including the Common Rule (Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, 45 CFR 690). (c) Limitation The policy developed under subsection (a) shall not factor into award decisions unless deemed necessary by the merit review panel for each program. 504. Major research instrumentation update Section 7036(a) of the America COMPETES Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1862o–14 ) is amended by striking The maximum award under the program shall be $4,000,000 except if the total amount appropriated for the program for a fiscal year exceeds $125,000,000, in which case the maximum amount of an award shall be $6,000,000 and inserting The maximum amount of an award under the program shall be $6,000,000 . 505. NSF mid-scale project investments (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Foundation funds major research facilities, infrastructure, and instrumentation that provide unique capabilities at the frontiers of science and engineering. (2) Modern and effective research facilities, infrastructure, and instrumentation are critical to maintaining United States leadership in science and engineering. (3) The costs of some proposed research instrumentation, equipment, and upgrades to major research facilities fall between programs currently funded by the Foundation, creating a gap between the established parameters of the Major Research Instrumentation and Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction programs, including projects that have been identified as cost-effective additions of high priority to the advancement of scientific understanding. (4) The National Science Board in a 2018 report to Congress, Bridging the Gap: Building a Sustained Approach to Mid-scale Research Infrastructure and Cyberinfrastructure at NSF recommended funding mid-scale projects in the $20,000,000 to $70,000,000 range through the major research equipment and facilities program. (b) Mid-Scale projects (1) In general The