,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bfaf ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #h1 #bjac ,ms4 ,edwards 7for herself1 ,ms4 ,eddie ,bernice ,johnson of ,texas1 ,ms4 ,wilson of ,florida1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,mr4 ,grayson1 ,mr4 ,peters of ,california1 ,ms4 ,bonamici1 ,mr4 ,maffei1 ,mr4 ,swalwell of ,california1 ,mr4 ,veasey1 ,ms4 ,kelly of ,illinois1 and ,mr4 ,kilmer7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,a ,,bill ,to authorize the programs of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration for fiscal years #bjad1 #bjae1 and #bjaf1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjac4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,title ,i--,authorization of ,appropriations ,sec4 #aja4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,fiscal year #bjad4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,fiscal year #bjae4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,fiscal year #bjaf4 ,title ,,ii--,human ,exploration and ,operations ,subtitle ,a--,exploration ,sec4 #bja4 ,goal4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,roadmap4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,sense of ,congress on international participation4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,exploration systems development4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,space radiation4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,participatory exploration4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,sense of ,congress on science and exploration4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,planetary protection for human exploration missions4 ,subtitle ,b--,international ,space ,station ,sec4 #baa4 ,objectives and policy4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,sense of ,congress regarding operation and utilization of the ,,iss beyond #bjbj4 ,sec4 #bac4 ,prohibition on precluding ,,iss operations beyond #bjbj4 ,sec4 #bad4 ,criteria for extending ,,iss operations beyond #bjbj4 ,sec4 #bae4 ,,iss cargo resupply services lessons learned4 ,sec4 #baf4 ,crew transportation to and from the ,,iss4 ,sec4 #bag4 ,commercial crew transportation development independent review4 ,sec4 #bah4 ,integrated plan to effect maximum utilization of the ,,iss4 ,sec4 #bai4 ,centrifuge4 ,sec4 #bbj4 ,management of the ,,iss ,national ,laboratory4 ,sec4 #bba4 ,barriers impeding enhanced utilization of the ,,iss's ,national ,laboratory by commercial companies4 ,subtitle ,c--,other ,operations ,sec4 #bca4 ,integrated space communications network and infrastructure4 ,title ,,iii--,science ,subtitle ,a--,space ,science ,sec4 #cja4 ,sense of ,congress regarding a balanced space science program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,sense of ,congress regarding integrated testing of ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,sense of ,congress regarding ,,wfirst mission4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,astrobiology science strategy4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,assessment of ,mars architecture4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,radioisotope thermoelectric generators4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,university class science missions4 ,subtitle ,b--,earth ,science ,sec4 #caa4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #cab4 ,comprehensive ,earth observation systems and research program4 ,sec4 #cac4 ,study on sustained1 long-term measurements4 ,sec4 #cad4 ,assessment4 ,sec4 #cae4 ,continuity of moderate resolution land imaging remote sensing data4 ,sec4 #caf4 ,venture class missions4 ,title ,,iv--,aeronautics ,sec4 #dja4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,aeronautics research goals4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,strategic planning for aeronautics research4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,research program to determine perceived impact of sonic booms4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,research program to facilitate greater use of composite materials in aircraft4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,transformative aeronautics research4 ,sec4 #djg4 ,united ,states leadership in aeronautics research4 ,title ,v--,space ,technology ,program ,sec4 #eja4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,space technology program4 ,title ,,vi--,acquisition ,management ,sec4 #fja4 ,project and program reserves4 ,sec4 #fjb4 ,cost estimation4 ,sec4 #fjc4 ,independent reviews4 ,sec4 #fjd4 ,avoiding organizational conflicts of interest in major ,,nasa acquisition programs4 ,sec4 #fje4 ,managing termination liability4 ,title ,,vii--,other ,provisions ,sec4 #gja4 ,facilities and infrastructure4 ,sec4 #gjb4 ,,nasa education program4 ,sec4 #gjc4 ,independent review of the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program4 ,sec4 #gjd4 ,review of practices to detect and prevent the use of counterfeit parts4 ,sec4 #gje4 ,remote satellite servicing demonstrations4 ,sec4 #gjf4 ,astronaut occupational healthcare4 ,sec4 #gjg4 ,use of operational commercial suborbital vehicles for research1 development1 and education4 ,sec4 #gjh4 ,fundamental space life and physical sciences research4 ,sec4 #gji4 ,restoring ,,nasa's commitment to engineering research4 ,sec4 #gaj4 ,near-,earth objects detection4 ,sec4 #gaa4 ,research on near-,earth object tsunami effects4 ,sec4 #gab4 ,review of orbital debris removal concepts4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,covered program ,the term covered program means the ,international ,space ,station1 the ,space ,launch ,system1 the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle1 and the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4 7#c7 ,,doe ,the term ,,doe means the ,department of ,energy4 7#d7 ,,iss ,the term ,,iss means the ,international ,space ,station4 7#e7 ,,nasa ,the term ,,nasa means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#f7 ,,noaa ,the term ,,noaa means the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7#g7 ,prime contractor ,the term prime contractor means a person or entity contracting directly with the ,federal ,government on a covered program4 7#h7 ,safety1 ,security1 and ,workforce ,support ,programs ,the term ,safety1 ,security1 and ,workforce ,support ,programs means the programs and activities accounted for in the ,cross-,agency ,support ,programs accounts in the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj1 and subsequent appropriations ,acts4 7#i7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 ,i ,authorization of ,appropriations #aja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that a strong1 robust ,,nasa program is in the national interest4 ,ensuring that ,,nasa can continue to pursue cutting-edge space and aeronautical research and development activities and push back the frontier of space exploration requires a sustained and adequate commitment in resources4 ,however1 ,,nasa's share of the ,federal discretionary budgetary authority has declined significantly relative to even its post-,apollo historical average4 ,challenging goals cannot be reached and multimission responsibilities cannot be fulfilled with the consistent erosion of purchasing power and unstable funding1 which ,,nasa has experienced in recent years4 ,it should be a national goal to restore ,,nasa's funding to a level of one percent of the annual ,federal budget4 #ajb4 ,fiscal year #bjad ,there are authorized to be appropriated to ,,nasa for fiscal year #bjad1 #ah1ajj1jjj1jjj1 as follows3 7#a7 ,for ,exploration1 #d1bbj1hjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #a1fej1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,space ,launch ,system1 #a1bcj1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle1 and #cah1bjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,ground ,systems2 7,b7 #cbb1fjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,research and ,development2 and 7,c7 #gjj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,commercial ,spaceflight4 7#b7 ,for ,space ,operations1 #c1gfa1gjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #b1ibg1ijj1jjj shall be for the ,,iss program1 of which #bcj1ijj1jjj shall be for ,,iss research2 and 7,b7 #hcc1hjj1jjj shall be for ,space and ,flight ,support4 7#c7 ,for ,science1 #e1cjj1cjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #a1hdf1ajj1jjj shall be for ,earth ,sciences2 7,b7 #a1ejj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,planetary ,science2 7,c7 #fdb1cjj1jjj shall be for ,astrophysics2 7,d7 #feh1bjj1jjj shall be for the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope2 and 7,e7 #fec1gjj1jjj shall be for ,heliophysics4 7#d7 ,for ,aeronautics1 #efi1djj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for ,space ,technology1 #fae1jjj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for ,education1 #acf1ajj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,workforce ,support ,programs1 #b1hej1cjj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #fji1djj1jjj1jjj1 of which #adb1cjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,construction of ,facilities4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #cg1jjj1jjj4 #ajc4 ,fiscal year #bjae ,there are authorized to be appropriated to ,,nasa for fiscal year #bjae1 #ah1dfb1jjj1jjj1 as follows3 7#a7 ,for ,exploration1 #d1dcf1bjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #a1gej1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,space ,launch ,system1 #a1bce1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle1 and #djh1djj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,ground ,systems2 7,b7 #cdb1hjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,research and ,development2 and 7,c7 #gjj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,commercial ,spaceflight4 7#b7 ,for ,space ,operations1 #d1jdb1djj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #c1aig1cjj1jjj shall be for the ,,iss program1 of which #bdd1cjj1jjj shall be for ,,iss research2 and 7,b7 #hde1ajj1jjj shall be for ,space and ,flight ,support4 7#c7 ,for ,science1 #e1bic1ajj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #a1hed1fjj1jjj shall be for ,earth ,sciences2 7,b7 #a1ejj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,planetary ,science2 7,c7 #ffj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,astrophysics2 7,d7 #fde1djj1jjj shall be for the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope2 and 7,e7 #fcc1ajj1jjj shall be for ,heliophysics4 7#d7 ,for ,aeronautics1 #eha1jjj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for ,space ,technology1 #fde1jjj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for ,education1 #acf1ajj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,workforce ,support ,programs1 #b1hej1cjj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #ddj1ijj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #cg1jjj1jjj4 #ajd4 ,fiscal year #bjaf ,there are authorized to be appropriated to ,,nasa for fiscal year #bjaf1 #ah1hfh1jjj1jjj1 as follows3 7#a7 ,for ,exploration1 #d1ecd1bjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #a1hjj1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,space ,launch ,system2 #a1bfj1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle2 and #dad1bjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,ground ,systems2 7,b7 #cfj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,exploration ,research and ,development2 and 7,c7 #gjj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,commercial ,spaceflight4 7#b7 ,for ,space ,operations1 #d1acc1cjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #c1cai1ejj1jjj shall be for the ,,iss program1 of which #bgb1bjj1jjj shall be for ,,iss research2 and 7,b7 #hac1hjj1jjj shall be for ,space and ,flight ,support4 7#c7 ,for ,science1 #e1cje1fjj1jjj of which-- 7,a7 #a1hdh1hjj1jjj shall be for ,earth ,sciences2 7,b7 #a1ejj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,planetary ,science2 7,c7 #gjj1jjj1jjj shall be for ,astrophysics2 7,d7 #fbj1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope2 and 7,e7 #fcf1hjj1jjj shall be for ,heliophysics4 7#d7 ,for ,aeronautics1 #eic1hjj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for ,space ,technology1 #gbj1jjj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for ,education1 #acf1ajj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,workforce ,support ,programs1 #b1icg1jjj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #dga1jjj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #cg1jjj1jjj4 ,,ii ,human ,exploration and ,operations ,a ,exploration #bja4 ,goal ,the goal of ,,nasa's ,exploration program shall be to successfully conduct a crewed mission to the surface of ,mars to begin the human exploration of that planet as part of a broader national goal of human and robotic exploration of the solar system4 ,,nasa's exploration activities and investments shall be organized towards the achievement of that goal4 ,potential exploration and utilization of the ,moon1 cis-lunar space1 near-,earth asteroids1 ,lagrangian points1 and ,martian moons may be pursued as interim destinations to the extent that they make significant contributions to the achievement of that goal4 #bjb4 ,roadmap 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a roadmap to guide ,,nasa's planning for the achievement of the goal established in section #bja4 7b7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,the roadmap shall include information on the phasing of planned intermediate destinations1 ,mars mission risk areas and potential risk mitigation approaches1 technology requirements and phasing of required technology development activities1 the management strategy to be followed1 related ,,iss activities1 any planned international collaborative activities1 potential commercial contributions1 and other activities relevant to the achievement of the goal established in section #bja4 7#b7 ,initial roadmap requirement ,the first roadmap transmitted under subsection 7c77#a7 shall also include an explicit analysis of-- 7,a7 the technical requirements for pursuing a roadmap to ,mars that includes a human and robotic return to the lunar surface2 7,b7 the extent to which inclusion of that intermediate destination would assist in the achievement of the goal established in section #bja2 and 7,c7 the scope of international participation that might be anticipated and the potential benefits from such participation if such an intermediate destination were to be selected4 7#c7 ,participation ,the development of the roadmap shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 involve the participation of the ,,iss partnership in its preparation4 7c7 ,transmittal 7#a7 ,initial roadmap deadline ,the first roadmap shall be transmitted to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate concurrently with its submission to the ,office of ,management and ,budget and prior to when the budget for fiscal year #bjae is transmitted to ,congress under section #aaje7;a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,annual update ,the roadmap shall be updated annually and transmitted to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate with the budget for that fiscal year transmitted to ,congress under section #aaje7;a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bjc4 ,sense of ,congress on international participation ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,president should invite the ,united ,states partners in the ,,iss program and other nations1 as appropriate1 to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the ,united ,states to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of ,mars4 #bjd4 ,exploration systems development 7a7 ,in general ,given the critical importance of a heavy-lift launch vehicle and crewed spacecraft to enable the achievement of the goal established in section #bja1 as well as to the accomplishment of intermediate exploration milestones and the provision of a backup capability to transfer crew and cargo to the ,,iss1 the ,administrator shall make the expeditious development1 test1 and achievement of operational readiness of the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle the highest priority of the ,exploration program4 ,in order to promote safety and reduce programmatic risk1 the ,administrator shall budget for and undertake a robust ground test and uncrewed and crewed flight test and demonstration program for the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle and shall budget for an operational flight rate sufficient to maintain safety and operational readiness4 7b7 ,government ,accountability ,office review ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report on ,,nasa's acquisition of ground systems in support of the ,space ,launch ,system4 ,the report shall assess the extent to which ,,nasa's exploration systems development of ground systems is focused on the direct support of the ,space ,launch ,system and shall identify any ground support projects or activities that ,,nasa is undertaking that do not solely or primarily support the ,space ,launch ,system4 7c7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,president's annual budget requests for the ,space ,launch ,system and ,orion multipurpose crew vehicle development1 test1 and operational phases should strive to accurately reflect the resource requirements of each of those phases1 consistent with subsection 7a74 #bje4 ,space radiation 7a7 ,strategy and plan 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall develop a space radiation mitigation and management strategy and implementation plan to enable the achievement of the goal established in section #bja that includes key research and monitoring requirements1 milestones1 a timetable1 and an estimate of facility and budgetary requirements4 7#b7 ,coordination ,the strategy shall include a mechanism for coordinating ,,nasa research1 technology1 facilities1 engineering1 operations1 and other functions required to support the strategy and plan4 7#c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the strategy and plan to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 7b7 ,space radiation research facilities ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with the heads of other appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall assess the national capabilities for carrying out critical ground-based research on space radiation biology and shall identify any issues that could affect the ability to carry out that research4 #bjf4 ,participatory exploration ,the ,administrator shall identify opportunities to-- 7#a7 leverage technologies in ,,nasa's ,exploration program to deliver a rich1 multimedia experience to the public2 and 7#b7 facilitate participation by the public1 the private sector1 nongovernmental organizations1 and international partners in outreach efforts related to the ,exploration program4 #bjg4 ,sense of ,congress on science and exploration ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should strive to make use of the synergies between science and human exploration in ways that maximize the benefits to both sets of activities4 #bjh4 ,planetary protection for human exploration missions 7a7 ,study ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for a study to explore the planetary protection ramifications of future missions by astronauts to the lunar polar regions1 near-,earth asteroids1 the moons of ,mars1 and the surface of ,mars4 7b7 ,scope ,the study shall-- 7#a7 collate and summarize what has been done to date with respect to planetary protection measures to be applied to human missions to the lunar polar regions1 near-,earth asteroids1 the moons of ,mars1 and the surface of ,mars2 7#b7 identify and document planetary protection concerns associated with human missions to the lunar polar regions1 near-,earth asteroids1 the moons of ,mars1 and the surface of ,mars2 7#c7 develop a methodology1 if possible1 for defining and classifying the degree of concern associated with each likely destination2 7#d7 assess likely methodologies for addressing planetary protection concerns2 and 7#e7 identify areas for future research to reduce current uncertainties4 7c7 ,completion date ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the results of the study to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 ,b ,international ,space ,station #baa4 ,objectives and policy ,the ,united ,states ,,iss program shall have two primary objectives3 supporting achievement of the goal established in section #bja and pursuing a research program that advances knowledge and provides benefits to society4 ,it shall continue to be the policy of the ,united ,states to1 in consultation with its international partners in the ,,iss program1 support full and complete utilization of the ,,iss through at least #bjbj4 #bab4 ,sense of ,congress regarding operation and utilization of the ,,iss beyond #bjbj ,it is the sense of ,congress that the operation and utilization of the ,,iss beyond #bjbj should be considered if the ,administrator determines that the ,,iss is functioning as a productive research facility in the years prior to #bjbj or that operation and utilization of the ,,iss past #bjbj is essential for the achievement of the goal established in section #bja1 and the ,administrator's determination is validated by an independent external review4 #bac4 ,prohibition on precluding ,,iss operations beyond #bjbj ,the ,administrator shall take no steps that would preclude continued ,united ,states operation and utilization of the ,,iss after #bjbj4 #bad4 ,criteria for extending ,,iss operations beyond #bjbj 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 establish specific criteria for determining how long the ,,iss can and should continue operations2 and 7#b7 identify the actions needed to deorbit the ,,iss once a decision is made to deorbit the laboratory4 7b7 ,report ,the ,administrator shall transmit a report to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate documenting such criteria and deorbit actions not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #bae4 ,,iss cargo resupply services lessons learned ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit a report to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate that-- 7#a7 identifies the lessons learned to date from the ,commercial ,resupply ,services contract2 7#b7 indicates whether changes are needed to the manner in which ,,nasa procures and manages similar services upon the expiration of the existing ,commercial ,resupply ,services contract2 and 7#c7 identifies any lessons learned from the ,commercial ,resupply ,services contract that should be applied to the procurement and management of commercially provided crew transfer services to and from the ,,iss4 #baf4 ,crew transportation to and from the ,,iss 7a7 ,objective ,the objective of ,,nasa's ,commercial ,crew ,program shall be to assist the development of at least one crew transportation system to carry ,,nasa astronauts safely1 reliably1 and affordably to and from the ,,iss and to serve as an emergency crew rescue vehicle as soon as practicable within the funding levels authorized in this ,act4 7b7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that once developed and certified to meet ,,nasa's safety and reliability requirements1 ,united ,states commercially provided crew transportation systems offer the potential of serving as the primary means of transporting ,american astronauts and international partner astronauts to and from the ,,iss and serving as ,,iss emergency crew rescue vehicles4 ,at the same time1 the budgetary assumptions used by ,,nasa in its planning for the ,commercial ,crew ,program have consistently assumed significantly higher funding levels than have historically been authorized and appropriated by ,congress4 ,it is the sense of ,congress that credibility in the ,administration's budgetary estimates for the ,commercial ,crew ,program can be enhanced by an independently developed cost estimate4 ,it is further the sense of ,congress that this lack of budgetary realism in the planning process creates unnecessary inefficiencies and increased programmatic risk1 and ,,nasa should thus adjust its planning process to realistically reflect the levels of funding authorized in this ,act4 ,,nasa's plans indicate that it will not be able to begin contracted-for crew transportation resupply operational flights until fiscal year #bjah even under its optimistic funding assumptions1 which means that ,,nasa is not likely to have a requirement for more than a total of #h commercially provided crew rotation flights prior to the expiration of the current ,congressional commitment to continued operation of the ,,iss in #bjbj4 ,thus1 it is also the sense of ,congress that the highest priority of the ,commercial ,crew ,program should be assisting the development of a safe1 reliable1 and affordable crew transportation system for transporting ,,nasa astronauts to and from the ,,iss as soon as practicable within the funding levels authorized in this ,act rather than making a specific date for the initiation of operational service drive the program planning4 7c7 ,independent cost estimate 7#a7 ,requirement ,not later than #cj days after the ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation-based contract described in subsection 7d77#b7 is awarded1 the ,administrator shall arrange for the initiation of an ,independent ,cost ,estimate for-- 7,a7 all activities associated with the development1 test1 demonstration1 and certification of commercial crew transportation systems2 and 7,b7 transportation and rescue services required by ,,nasa for ,,iss operations through calendar year #bjbj or later if ,,nasa requirements so dictate4 7#b7 ,transmittal ,not later than one year after initiation of the ,independent ,cost ,estimate under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the ,independent ,cost ,estimate to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 7d7 ,acquisition ,approach 7#a7 ,restriction ,the ,administrator shall not exercise any optional milestones beyond the base period of the ,space ,act ,agreements established under the ,commercial ,crew ,integrated ,capability initiative4 7#b7 ,source selection ,to cover all development1 test1 demonstration1 and certification activities not included in the base period of the ,commercial ,crew ,integrated ,capability ,space ,act ,agreements1 the ,administrator shall conduct a ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation-based competitive source selection for a cost plus incentive fee contract for all activities related to the development1 test1 demonstration1 and certification of one or more commercially provided crew transportation systems to transport ,,nasa astronauts to and from the ,,iss and serve as an emergency crew rescue vehicle as soon as practicable under the authorized funding and while ensuring that all safety requirements are met4 ,the number of systems selected shall be consistent with the funding levels authorized in this ,act4 ,the ,administrator shall identify a methodology by which ,,nasa will ensure that the ,government is not charged for contractor costs incurred during development1 testing1 demonstration1 and certification activities by an awardee of the ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation-based contract for operational commercial crew transportation services4 7#c7 ,cost minimization ,the ,administrator shall strive through the competitive selection process to minimize the life cycle cost to ,,nasa through the planned period of commercially provided crew transportation services4 7e7 ,safety ,consistent with the findings and recommendations of the ,columbia ,accident ,investigation ,board1 the ,administrator shall seek to ensure that minimization of the probability of loss of crew shall be an important selection criterion in the competitive selection described in subsection 7d74 7f7 ,determination of cost-,effectiveness of services ,,nasa1 prior to contracting for commercial crew transportation services1 shall identify the manner by which it will establish whether such transportation services provide an equally or more cost-effective alternative to current services4 7g7 ,operational services contract 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may not enter into a contract for commercially provided crew transportation services developed and certified as described in subsection 7b7 in which the price per seat or total amount charged per year shall be greater than the amount charged per seat or on an annual basis for ,soyuz crew transfer services agreed to on ,april #bb1 #bjac4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #fj days before entering into a contract for commercial crew transportation services1 the ,administrator shall provide a report to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate identifying the methodology and criteria by which the ,administrator determined that the price per seat or total annual amount charged per year of procured commercial transportation services is not greater than the amount charged per seat for ,soyuz crew transfer services agreed to on ,april #bb1 #bjac4 ,the ,administrator shall also certify1 using the methodology identified pursuant to subsection 7d77#b71 that the service transportation costs contracted for do not include contractor costs incurred during development1 testing1 demonstration1 and certification activities4 ,if the ,administrator determines that ,,nasa is unable to enter into a contract under the terms specified in paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall report that determination to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 and shall also report what alternative contract arrangement the ,administrator will seek to enter into at least #fj days before entering into such an alternative contract4 #bag4 ,commercial crew transportation development independent review 7a7 ,in general ,the congressionally established ,aerospace ,safety ,advisory ,panel 7,,asap7 shall conduct a review to determine whether ,,nasa has-- 7#a7 adequate assurance that the requirements1 standards1 and processes for commercial transportation systems developed with ,,nasa funding are held to the same safety standards as ,government human spaceflight missions2 and 7#b7 developed a procedure to provide independent assurance of flight safety and flight readiness before the authorization of ,united ,states ,government personnel to participate as crew onboard any commercial space transportation system4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,aerospace ,safety ,advisory ,panel shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report describing-- 7#a7 the ,panel's assessment of ,,nasa's certification strategy1 specifications1 and guidance2 7#b7 the ,panel's view of the mandatory safety requirements that must be met2 and 7#c7 the steps ,,nasa and the commercial space industry need to take to ensure that commercial crew transportation and rescue vehicles have requirements1 standards1 and processes equivalent to those of ,,nasa4 7c7 ,prohibition against financial commitment prior to ,,asap report ,the ,administrator may not enter into any financially binding contract with a commercial space transportation services provider for crew transportation services until #cj days after the ,committees' receipt of the report under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,certification ,the ,administrator may not enter into any financially binding contract with a commercial space transportation services provider for crew transportation services until-- 7#a7 the ,administrator has transmitted to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a certification that-- 7,a7 the provider with which a contract is planned has demonstrated the safety and reliability of its systems for crew transportation and crew rescue to be equivalent to ,,nasa-promulgated safety and reliability policies1 procedures1 and standards for human spaceflight2 and 7,b7 successful flight experience accrued has provided ,,nasa with sufficient safety-related and reliability-related data and information to make an informed assessment about the flight readiness2 and 7#b7 all indemnification and liability issues associated with the use of such systems by the ,united ,states ,government have been addressed1 and the ,administrator has transmitted to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report describing the indemnification and liability provisions that are planned to be included in such contracts4 #bah4 ,integrated plan to effect maximum utilization of the ,,iss 7a7 ,purpose ,,nasa shall seek to maximize the productivity and use of the ,,iss with respect to scientific and technological research and development1 advancement of space exploration1 and international collaboration4 7b7 ,plan ,,nasa shall develop an up-to-date1 comprehensive1 and integrated plan to achieve the purpose stated in subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 a list of planned activities1 including any activities in support of the goal established in section #bja1 that the ,administrator believes require extension of the ,,iss beyond #bjbj to carry out1 along with the rationale for carrying out those activities2 7#b7 funding requirements2 7#c7 research or technology objectives to be achieved1 including those established to enable the achievement of the goal established in section #bja2 7#d7 success criteria2 and 7#e7 the details of-- 7,a7 the specific objectives for using the ,,iss through #bjbj2 7,b7 priorities attributed to these objectives2 7,c7 resources required to achieve these objectives on an annual basis2 7,d7 how ,,nasa will achieve those objectives and how ,congress can measure ,,nasa's progress on those objectives2 7,e7 key assumptions driving the plan2 and 7,f7 what ,,nasa will do with the unused capacity and capabilities of the ,,iss if potential users of the ,national ,laboratory decide not to make significant use of it4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 and concurrently to the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 the plan developed under subsection 7b74 #bai4 ,centrifuge ,if a commitment is made to extend ,,iss operation and utilization past #bjbj1 the ,administrator shall take all necessary steps to provide for the inclusion on the ,,iss of a variable gravity centrifuge of sufficient size and capability to support both plant and animal research1 along with necessary support facilities1 as soon as practicable4 #bbj4 ,management of the ,,iss ,national ,laboratory 7a7 ,assessment ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for an independent assessment of the status of and performance under the cooperative agreement with the ,center for the ,advancement of ,science in ,space 7,,casis7 for the management of the portion of the ,,iss that operates as a ,united ,states ,national ,laboratory4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report containing the independent assessment conducted pursuant to subsection 7a74 ,the report shall address-- 7#a7 the extent to which ,,casis is helping to ensure that the ,,iss's unique capabilities are available to the broadest possible cross section of ,united ,states scientific1 technological1 and industrial communities2 7#b7 the status of ,,casis's development and management of a varied research and development portfolio based on ,united ,states national needs2 7#c7 progress in establishing a marketplace to facilitate matching research pathways with qualified funding sources2 7#d7 efforts to stimulate interest in using the ,national ,laboratory for research and technology demonstrations and as a platform for science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics 7,,stem7 education2 and 7#e7 the status of ,,nasa's efforts to transition responsibilities to ,,casis for managing the ,national ,laboratory research portfolio1 including planning and coordinating ground and on-orbit research activities4 #bba4 ,barriers impeding enhanced utilization of the ,,iss's ,national ,laboratory by commercial companies 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 enhanced utilization of the ,,iss's ,national ,laboratory requires a full understanding of the barriers impeding such utilization and actions needed to be taken to remove or mitigate them to the maximum extent practicable2 and 7#b7 doing so will allow ,,nasa to encourage commercial companies to invest in microgravity research using ,national ,laboratory research facilities4 7b7 ,assessment ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for an assessment to-- 7#a7 identify barriers impeding enhanced utilization of the ,,iss's ,national ,laboratory2 7#b7 recommend ways to encourage commercial companies to make greater use of the ,,iss's ,national ,laboratory1 including corporate investment in microgravity research2 and 7#c7 identify any legislative changes that may be required4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate the results of the assessment described in subsection 7b74 ,c ,other ,operations #bca4 ,integrated space communications network and infrastructure 7a7 ,plan ,the ,administrator shall prepare an updated plan for ,,nasa's near-,earth1 space1 and deep space communications network and infrastructure4 ,the plan shall-- 7#a7 identify steps to sustain the existing network and infrastructure2 7#b7 assess the capabilities1 including any upgrades1 needed to support ,,nasa's programs2 7#c7 identify priorities for how resources should be used to implement the plan2 and 7#d7 assess the impact on missions if resources are not secured at the level needed4 7b7 ,transmittal ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the plan to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 ,,iii ,science ,a ,space ,science #cja4 ,sense of ,congress regarding a balanced space science program ,it is the sense of ,congress that a balanced and adequately funded set of activities consistent with the priorities identified in the ,national ,academies' decadal surveys constitutes a robust and productive space science program that will advance knowledge and serve as a catalyst for innovation1 with such activities consisting of-- 7#a7 research and analysis grants programs2 7#b7 technology development2 7#c7 small1 medium1 and large space missions2 and 7#d7 suborbital research activities4 #cjb4 ,sense of ,congress regarding integrated testing of ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope 7,,jwst7 will revolutionize our understanding of star and planet formation and how galaxies evolved1 and advance the search for the origins of our universe2 7#b7 the ,,jwst will enable ,american scientists to maintain their leadership in astrophysics and other disciplines2 7#c7 the ,,jwst program is making steady progress towards a launch in #bjah2 7#d7 the on-time and on-budget delivery of ,,jwst is a high congressional priority2 and 7#e7 maintaining this progress will require the ,administrator to ensure that integrated testing is appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive to enable potential issues to be identified and addressed early enough to be handled within ,,jwst's development schedule4 #cjc4 ,sense of ,congress regarding ,,wfirst mission ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator1 to the extent practicable1 should make progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to position ,,nasa to meet the objectives of the ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope 7,,wfirst7 mission1 as outlined in the #bjaj ,national ,academies' astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey1 in a way that maximizes the scientific productivity of meeting those objectives for the resources invested4 ,it is further the sense of ,congress that the ,,wfirst mission has the potential to enable scientific discoveries that will transform our understanding of the universe4 #cjd4 ,astrobiology science strategy 7a7 ,finding ,both the ,national ,academies' astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey of #bjaj and the planetary science decadal survey of #bjaa discuss scientific objectives related to astrobiology4 ,however1 a comprehensive1 independent science strategy for astrobiology has not been carried out4 7b7 ,science strategy ,building on the work of the ,astrobiology ,roadmap process1 the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for a comprehensive assessment of the state of science in astrobiology and development of a strategy for astrobiology science research and activities4 ,the strategy shall take into account the ,national ,academies' planetary science and astronomy and astrophysics decadal surveys as well as other relevant ,national ,academies studies on ,,nasa's astrobiology program4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #bj months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the study to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #cje4 ,assessment of ,mars architecture 7a7 ,assessment ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies to assess-- 7#a7 ,,nasa's revised post-#bjaf ,mars exploration architecture and its responsiveness to the strategies1 priorities1 and guidelines put forward by ,national ,academies' planetary science decadal surveys and other relevant ,national ,academies ,mars-related reports2 7#b7 the long-term goals of ,,nasa's ,mars ,exploration ,program and such program's ability to optimize the science return1 given the current fiscal posture of the program2 7#c7 the ,mars architecture's relationship to ,mars-related activities to be undertaken by agencies and organizations outside of the ,united ,states2 and 7#d7 the extent to which the ,mars architecture represents a reasonably balanced mission portfolio4 7b7 ,transmittal ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the assessment to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #cjf4 ,radioisotope thermoelectric generators 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that conducting deep space exploration requires radioisotope thermoelectric generators1 and establishing continuity in the production of the material needed to power these generators is paramount to the success of these future deep space missions4 ,it is further the sense of ,congress that ,federal agencies supporting ,,nasa in the production of such material should do so in a cost effective manner so as not to impose excessive reimbursement requirements on ,,nasa4 7b7 ,analysis of requirements and risks ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with other ,federal agencies1 shall conduct an analysis of ,,nasa requirements for radioisotope power system material4 ,the analysis shall-- 7#a7 detail ,,nasa's current projected mission requirements1 and associated timeframes1 for radioisotope power system material2 7#b7 identify the assumptions used to determine ,,nasa's requirements for the material1 including-- 7,a7 the planned use of ,advanced ,stirling ,radioisotope ,generator technology2 7,b7 the status of and timeline for completing development and demonstration of the ,advanced ,stirling ,radioisotope ,generator technology1 including the development of flight readiness requirements2 and 7,c7 the risks1 implications1 and contingencies for ,,nasa mission plans of any delays or unanticipated technical challenges related to the anticipated use of ,advanced ,stirling ,radioisotope ,generator technology2 7#c7 assess the risk to ,,nasa programs of any potential delays in achieving the schedule and milestones for planned domestic production of radioisotope power system material2 7#d7 describe the process for meeting any additional ,,nasa requirements for the material2 7#e7 provide an estimate of the incremental costs required to increase the amount of material produced each year1 if such an increase is needed to support additional ,,nasa requirements for the material2 7#f7 provide details on-- 7,a7 what costs ,,nasa will incur that are associated with the radioisotope power systems used by ,,nasa and other ,government entities2 and 7,b7 how ,,nasa will ensure that its reimbursements to ,,doe are equitable and justified2 7#g7 identify what steps1 if any1 ,,nasa will take with ,,doe to preserve the infrastructure and workforce necessary for production of radioisotope power systems2 and 7#h7 identify the extent to which ,,nasa's strategy is responsive to the recommendations and findings from the ,national ,research ,council's #bjji report titled ,radioisotope ,power ,systems3 ,an ,imperative for ,maintaining ,u4,s4 ,leadership in ,space ,exploration4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the analysis to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #cjg4 ,university class science missions 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that principal investigator-led small orbital science missions1 including ,cube,sat class1 ,university ,explorer 7,,unex7 class1 ,small ,explorer 7,,smex7 class1 and ,venture class1 offer valuable opportunities to advance science at low cost1 train the next generation of scientists and engineers1 and enable participants in the program to acquire skills in systems engineering and systems integration that are critical to maintaining the ,nation's leadership in space and to enhancing the ,united ,states' innovation and competitiveness agendas4 7b7 ,review of principal investigator-,led small orbital science missions ,the ,administrator shall conduct a review of the science missions described in subsection 7a74 ,the review shall include-- 7#a7 the status1 capability1 and availability of existing small orbital science mission programs and the extent to which each program enables the participation of university scientists and students2 7#b7 the opportunities such mission programs provide for scientific research2 7#c7 the opportunities such mission programs provide for training and education1 including scientific and engineering workforce development1 including for the ,,nasa scientific and engineering workforce2 and 7#d7 the extent to which commercial applications such as hosted payloads1 free flyers1 and data buys could provide measurable benefits for such mission programs1 while preserving the principle of independent peer review as the basis for mission selection4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report on the review required under subsection 7b7 and on recommendations to enhance principal investigator-led small orbital science missions conducted by ,,nasa in accordance with the results of the review under subsection 7b74 ,b ,earth ,science #caa4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 as recognized in the ,national ,academy of ,sciences' report1 ,america's ,future in ,space1 the ,united ,states1 as a global leader1 bears a special responsibility to share its expertise and the knowledge and understanding it develops on how best to care for the planet4 ,it is the further sense of ,congress that the ,earth's climate and systems create vulnerabilities against which the ,united ,states1 in cooperation with other countries1 must develop resilience4 ,a commitment to a comprehensive space-based ,earth observing system is necessary to provide the data to understand ,earth's changing climate and to predict the impacts at the regional level4 ,it also the sense of ,congress that ,,nasa's capabilities and skills play a critical role in carrying out ,earth science observations and conducting basic and applied research in coordination with other relevant ,federal agencies4 ,it is the further sense of ,congress that ,,nasa is being asked to undertake important ,earth science activities in an environment of increasingly constrained fiscal resources1 and that any transfer of additional responsibilities to ,,nasa1 such as climate instrument development and measurements that are currently part of the ,,noaa portfolio1 should be accompanied by the provision of additional resources to allow ,,nasa to carry out the increased responsibilities without adversely impacting its implementation of its existing ,earth science programs and priorities4 #cab4 ,comprehensive ,earth observation systems and research program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to carry out a balanced ,earth science program that includes ,earth science research1 ,earth systematic missions1 competitive ,venture class missions1 other missions and data analysis1 mission operations1 technology development1 and applied sciences1 consistent with the recommendations and priorities established in the ,national ,academies' ,earth ,science ,decadal ,survey4 7b7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator shall collaborate with other ,federal agencies1 including ,,noaa1 non-,government entities1 and international partners1 as appropriate1 in carrying out ,,nasa's ,earth science program4 #cac4 ,study on sustained1 long-term measurements 7a7 ,study ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for a study to develop a framework for-- 7#a7 analyzing the needs for continuity of environmental and climate measurements of the ,earth from space2 7#b7 establishing methodologies and metrics for determining whether measurements should be collected for extended periods and for prioritizing those measurements2 7#c7 determining a prioritized list of measurements if appropriate2 7#d7 assessing the feasibility of achieving continuity or near-continuity of measurements2 and 7#e7 considering issues related to the balance among cost1 risk1 and performance regarding the sustainment of measurements4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #bj months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the study to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #cad4 ,assessment ,the ,administrator shall carry out a scientific assessment of ,,nasa's ,earth science global datasets for the purpose of identifying those datasets that are useful for understanding regional changes and variability1 and for informing the societal benefit areas identified in the ,national ,global ,change ,research ,plan #bjab-bjba4 ,the ,administrator shall complete and transmit the assessment to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cae4 ,continuity of moderate resolution land imaging remote sensing data 7a7 ,policy ,congress reaffirms the finding in section #b7a7 of the ,land ,remote ,sensing ,policy ,act of #aiib 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #efja7a77 which stated that ,the continuous collection and utilization of land remote sensing data from space are of major benefit in studying and understanding human impacts on the global environment1 in managing the ,earth's natural resources1 in carrying out national security functions1 and in planning and conducting many other activities of scientific1 economic1 and social importance44 7b7 ,continuous land remote sensing data collection ,the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall take steps in consultation with other relevant ,federal agencies to ensure1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the continuous collection of space-based1 medium-resolution observations of the ,earth's land cover and to ensure that the data are made available in such ways as to facilitate the widest possible use4 #caf4 ,venture class missions ,it is the sense of ,congress that ,,nasa's ,venture class missions provide opportunities for innovation in the ,earth sciences program1 offer low-cost approaches for high-quality competitive science investigations1 enable frequent flight opportunities to engage the ,earth science and applications community1 and serve as a training ground for students and young scientists4 ,it is further the sense of ,congress that ,,nasa should seek to increase the number of ,venture class projects to the extent practicable as part of a balanced ,earth science program4 ,,iv ,aeronautics #dja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 aeronautics research continues to be an important core element of ,,nasa's mission and should be supported2 7#b7 technologies developed by ,,nasa help to secure the leadership role of the ,united ,states in global aviation1 enhance the competitiveness of the ,united ,states in the world economy1 and improve the quality of life of all our citizens2 7#c7 ,,nasa's aeronautics research should be guided by1 and consistent with1 the ,national ,aeronautics ,research and ,development ,policy2 7#d7 strategic planning conducted with stakeholder input enhances both the focus and relevancy of ,,nasa's aeronautics research2 and 7#e7 carrying aeronautics research to a level of maturity that allows ,,nasa's research results to be transitioned to the users1 whether private or public sector1 is critical to their eventual adoption4 #djb4 ,aeronautics research goals ,the ,administrator shall ensure that ,,nasa maintains a strong aeronautics research portfolio ranging from fundamental research through integrated systems research with specific research goals1 including the following3 7#a7 ,airspace ,capacity ,,nasa's ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate shall-- 7,a7 address research needs of the ,next ,generation ,air ,transportation ,system 7,next,gen71 including the ability of the ,national ,airspace ,system to handle up to #c times the current travel demand by #bjbe and safely integrate the operations of autonomous vehicles2 and 7,b7 identify critical gaps in technology which must be bridged to enable the ,federal ,aviation ,administration to implement ,next,gen so that safety and productivity improvements can be achieved as soon as possible4 7#b7 ,environmental ,sustainability ,such ,directorate shall consider and pursue concepts to reduce noise1 emissions1 and fuel consumption while maintaining high safety standards1 and conduct research related to the impact of alternative fuels on the safety1 reliability1 and maintainability of current and new air vehicles4 7#c7 ,aviation ,safety ,such ,directorate shall proactively address safety challenges associated with current and new air vehicles and with operations in the ,nation's current and future air transportation system4 7#d7 ,integrated ,systems ,research ,such ,directorate shall mature the most promising technologies to the point at which they can be demonstrated in a relevant environment and shall integrate individual components and technologies as appropriate to ensure that they perform in an integrated manner as well as they do when operated individually4 #djc4 ,strategic planning for aeronautics research ,in pursuing the research and development initiatives described in section #djb1 the ,administrator shall ensure that recommendations from reviews by the ,national ,academies on ,,nasa's aeronautics research-related activities are fully considered as ,,nasa performs a top-down planning process supported by analyses1 expert opinion1 and community input1 including input from other ,federal ,government agencies1 industry1 and academia4 ,the ,administrator shall continue to solicit input from the community on high priority research and development needs through periodic meetings of the ,national ,research ,council-enabled ,aeronautics ,research and ,technology ,roundtable4 #djd4 ,research program to determine perceived impact of sonic booms 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 the ability to fly commercial aircraft over land at supersonic speeds without adverse impacts on the environment or on local communities would open new global markets and enable new transportation capabilities2 and 7#b7 a research program is needed to assess the impact in a relevant environment of commercial supersonic flight operations and provide the basis for establishing appropriate sonic boom standards for such flight operations4 7b7 ,flight demonstrations ,the ,administrator shall continue ,,nasa's cooperative research program with industry and work with industry partners to design1 build1 and fly a demonstrator to collect data on the perceived impact of sonic booms that could enable the promulgation of appropriate standards for overland commercial supersonic flight operations4 7c7 ,coordination ,the ,administrator shall ensure that sonic boom research is coordinated as appropriate with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration4 #dje4 ,research program to facilitate greater use of composite materials in aircraft ,the ,administrator shall continue ,,nasa's cooperative research program with industry to identify and demonstrate more effective and safe ways of developing1 manufacturing1 and maintaining composite materials for use in airframes1 subsystems1 and propulsion components4 #djf4 ,transformative aeronautics research ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator1 in looking strategically into the future and ensuring that ,,nasa's ,center personnel are at the leading edge of aeronautics research1 should continue building on ,,nasa's ,innovative ,concepts for ,aviation project that supports the early-stage advancement of new processes1 novel concepts1 and innovative technologies that have the potential to meet national aeronautics needs4 ,the ,administrator shall continue to ensure that awards for the investigation of these concepts and technologies are open for competition among ,,nasa civil servants at its ,centers1 separate from other awards open only to non-,,nasa sources1 including the ,jet ,propulsion ,laboratory4 #djg4 ,united ,states leadership in aeronautics research 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 it is critical that the ,united ,states maintain its leadership in civil aeronautics research2 7#b7 other countries are making concerted efforts to reach and then surpass the ,united ,states in civil aeronautics research2 and 7#c7 it is critical that this challenge be met4 7b7 ,study ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for a study to benchmark the position of the ,united ,states in civil aeronautics research compared to the rest of the world4 ,the study shall-- 7#a7 seek to define metrics by which relative leadership in civil aeronautics research can be determined2 7#b7 ascertain whether other countries are catching up or have surpassed the ,united ,states in civil aeronautics research2 7#c7 identify in what areas the ,united ,states is losing ground2 and 7#d7 provide recommendations on what can be done to regain or retain global leadership1 including-- 7,a7 defining the role ,,nasa needs to play2 7,b7 identifying public-private partnerships that could be formed2 and 7,c7 estimating the impact on ,,nasa's budget should such recommendations be implemented4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the results of the study to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 ,v ,space ,technology ,program #eja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that space technology is critical to-- 7#a7 enabling a new class of ,,nasa missions beyond low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 developing technologies and capabilities that will make ,,nasa's missions more affordable and more reliable2 and 7#c7 improving technological capabilities and promoting innovation for ,,nasa and the ,nation4 #ejb4 ,space technology program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a space technology program to enable research and development on advanced space technologies and systems that are independent of specific space mission flight projects4 ,the program shall support-- 7#a7 early-stage concepts and innovation2 7#b7 development of innovative technologies in areas such as in-space chemical and electrical propulsion1 power generation and storage1 liquid rocket propulsion1 avionics1 structures1 and materials that may enable new approaches to human and robotic space missions2 7#c7 flight demonstrations of technologies1 including those that have the potential to benefit multiple ,,nasa mission directorates1 other ,federal ,government agencies1 and the commercial space industry2 7#d7 ,,nasa commitments to ,small ,business ,innovation ,research 7,,sbir7 and ,small ,business ,technology ,transfer 7,,sttr7 programs and activities2 and 7#e7 research1 development1 and demonstration of enabling technologies in support of future exploration missions4 7b7 ,research and development program ,in conducting the space technology program established under this section1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 to the maximum extent practicable1 use a competitive process to select projects to be supported as part of the program2 7#b7 make use of small satellites and ,,nasa suborbital platforms1 to the extent practicable1 to demonstrate space technology concepts and developments2 and 7#c7 undertake partnerships with other ,federal agencies1 universities1 private industry1 and other spacefaring nations1 as appropriate4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report comparing ,,nasa's space technology investments with the #af high-priority technology areas identified by the ,national ,academies in the ,national ,research ,council's report on ,,nasa's ,space ,technology ,roadmaps4 ,the ,administrator shall identify how ,,nasa will address any gaps between the agency's investments and the recommended technology areas1 including a projection of funding requirements4 ,,vi ,acquisition ,management #fja4 ,project and program reserves 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the judicious use of program and project reserves provides ,,nasa project and program managers with the flexibility needed to manage projects and programs to ensure that the impacts of contingencies can be mitigated4 7b7 ,financial discipline ,to ensure that the establishment1 maintenance1 and allotment of project and program reserves contribute to prudent management1 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report describing-- 7#a7 ,,nasa's criteria for establishing the amount of reserves held at the project and program levels2 7#b7 how such criteria relate to the agency's policy of budgeting at a #gj-percent confidence level2 and 7#c7 ,,nasa's criteria for waiving the policy of budgeting at a #gj-percent confidence level4 #fjb4 ,cost estimation 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that realistic cost estimating is critically important to the ultimate success of major space development projects4 ,,nasa has devoted significant efforts over the past five years to improving its cost estimating capabilities1 but it is important that ,,nasa continue its efforts to develop and implement guidance in establishing realistic cost estimates4 7b7 ,guidance and criteria ,the ,administrator shall provide to programs and projects-- 7#a7 guidance on whether and when an ,independent ,cost ,estimate and ,independent ,cost ,assessment should be used2 and 7#b7 the criteria to be used to make such a determination4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report-- 7#a7 describing efforts to enhance internal cost estimation and assessment expertise2 7#b7 identifying criteria used by programs and projects in determining whether and when to conduct an ,independent ,cost ,estimate or ,independent ,cost ,assessment2 and 7#c7 listing the costs of each individual ,independent ,cost ,estimate or ,independent ,cost ,assessment activity conducted in fiscal year #bjaa1 fiscal year #bjab1 and fiscal year #bjac1 the purpose of the activity1 and key findings and recommendations4 #fjc4 ,independent reviews ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report describing-- 7#a7 the internal entities independent of project and program management that conduct reviews of projects and programs at life cycle milestones2 and 7#b7 how ,,nasa ensures the independence of such entities and their members4 #fjd4 ,avoiding organizational conflicts of interest in major ,,nasa acquisition programs 7a7 ,revised regulations required ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall revise the ,,nasa ,supplement to the ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation to provide uniform guidance and tighten existing requirements for organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in major acquisition programs4 7b7 ,elements ,the revised regulations required by subsection 7a7 shall1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 address organizational conflicts of interest that could potentially arise as a result of-- 7,a7 lead system integrator contracts on major acquisition programs and contracts that follow lead system integrator contracts on such programs1 particularly contracts for production2 7,b7 the ownership of business units performing systems engineering and technical assistance functions1 professional services1 or management support services in relation to major acquisition programs by contractors who simultaneously own business units competing to perform as either the prime contractor or the supplier of a major subsystem or component for such programs2 7,c7 the award of major subsystem contracts by a prime contractor for a major acquisition program to business units or other affiliates of the same parent corporate entity1 and particularly the award of subcontracts for software integration or the development of a proprietary software system architecture2 or 7,d7 the performance by1 or assistance of1 contractors in technical evaluations on major acquisition programs2 7#b7 ensure that ,,nasa receives advice on systems architecture and systems engineering matters with respect to major acquisition programs from objective sources independent of the prime contractor2 7#c7 require that a contract for the performance of systems engineering and technical assistance functions for a major acquisition program contains a provision prohibiting the contractor or any affiliate of the contractor from participating as a prime contractor or a major subcontractor in the development of a system under the program2 and 7#d7 establish such limited exceptions to the requirement in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 as may be necessary to ensure that ,,nasa has continued access to advice on systems architecture and systems engineering matters from highly qualified contractors with domain experience and expertise1 while ensuring that such advice comes from sources that are objective and unbiased4 #fje4 ,managing termination liability 7a7 ,reservation of funds ,the ,administrator may not reserve funds or require the reservation of funds for potential termination liability with respect to a covered program4 ,funds that have been reserved before the date of enactment of this ,act for potential termination liability shall be promptly used to make maximum progress in meeting the established goals and milestones of the covered program4 7b7 ,termination for convenience ,the ,administrator may not initiate the termination for the convenience of the ,government of a contract on a covered program unless-- 7#a7 the termination of such contract or program is explicitly provided for by a law enacted after the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7#b7 either-- 7,a7 the ,administrator has provided a supplemental appropriation request under subsection 7c7 with respect to associated termination liability costs2 or 7,b7 sufficient funds are available to cover such termination liability costs in the appropriations account that is funding the prime contract being terminated4 7c7 ,supplemental appropriation request ,if sufficient appropriations are not available to cover termination liability costs in the appropriations account that is funding the prime contract being terminated1 the ,administrator shall provide to ,congress a supplemental appropriation request to cover such termination liability costs4 ,such request shall be provided not later than #abj days in advance of the contract termination settlement for the covered program4 7d7 ,intent of congress ,it is the intent of ,congress to provide such additional appropriations as may be necessary to provide for termination liability payments on contracts for covered programs4 7e7 ,reporting ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #f months thereafter for the duration of the prime contracts for the covered programs1 the ,administrator shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report that-- 7#a7 estimates termination liability costs for each of the prime contracts on covered programs2 and 7#b7 explains the basis on which the estimates were determined4 ,,vii ,other ,provisions #gja4 ,facilities and infrastructure 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa must reverse the deteriorating condition of its facilities and infrastructure1 as this condition is hampering the effectiveness and efficiency of research performed by both ,,nasa and industry participants making use of ,,nasa facilities1 thus reducing the competitiveness of the ,united ,states aerospace industry2 7#b7 ,,nasa has a role in providing laboratory capabilities that are not economically viable as commercial entities and thus are not available elsewhere2 7#c7 to ensure continued access to reliable and efficient world-class facilities by researchers1 ,,nasa should seek to establish strategic partnerships with other ,federal agencies1 academic institutions1 and industry1 as appropriate2 and 7#d7 decisions on whether to dispose of1 maintain1 or modernize existing facilities must be made in the context of meeting future ,,nasa and other ,federal agencies' laboratory needs4 7b7 ,plan ,the ,administrator shall develop a plan that has the goal of positioning ,,nasa to have the facilities1 laboratories1 tools1 and approaches necessary to address future ,,nasa requirements4 ,such plan shall identify-- 7#a7 future ,,nasa testing needs2 7#b7 a strategy for identifying facilities that are candidates for disposal1 that is consistent with the national strategic direction set forth in-- 7,a7 the ,national ,space ,policy2 7,b7 the ,national ,aeronautics ,research1 ,development1 ,test and ,evaluation 7,,rdt,e7 ,infrastructure ,plan2 and 7,c7 ,,nasa ,authorization ,acts2 7#c7 a strategy for the maintenance1 repair1 upgrading1 and modernization of ,,nasa's laboratories1 facilities1 and equipment2 7#d7 criteria for prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks and also for upgrading or modernizing laboratories1 facilities1 and equipment2 7#e7 an assessment of modifications needed to maximize usage of facilities that offer unique and highly specialized benefits to the aerospace industry and the ,american public2 and 7#f7 implementation steps1 including a timeline1 milestones1 and an estimate of resources required for carrying out the plan4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the plan to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 7d7 ,establishment of capital funds ,the ,administrator shall establish a capital fund at each of ,,nasa's field centers for the modernization of facilities and laboratories4 ,the ,administrator shall ensure to the maximum extent practicable that all financial savings achieved by closing outdated or surplus facilities at a ,,nasa field center shall be made available to that center's capital fund for the purpose of modernizing the field center's facilities and laboratories and for upgrading the infrastructure at the field center4 #gjb4 ,,nasa education program 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa's missions are an inspiration for ,americans and in particular for the next generation and that this inspiration has a powerful effect in stimulating interest in science1 technology1 education and mathematics 7,,stem7 education and careers2 7#b7 ,,nasa's ,office of ,education and mission directorates have been effective in delivering ,,nasa educational content because of the strong engagement of ,,nasa scientists and engineers in ,,nasa's education and outreach activities2 and 7#c7 ,,nasa should be a central partner in contributing to the goals of the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council's ,federal ,science1 ,technology1 ,engineering1 and ,mathematics 7,,stem7 ,education #e-,year ,strategic ,plan4 7b7 ,continuation of education and outreach activities and programs ,the ,administrator shall continue to carry out education and outreach programs and activities through the ,office of ,education and the ,,nasa mission directorates and shall continue to engage1 to the maximum extent practicable1 ,,nasa and ,,nasa-supported researchers and engineers in carrying out those programs and activities4 #gjc4 ,independent review of the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program1 which was established in the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #aihh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdhf et seq471 has been an important program by which the ,federal ,government has partnered with ,state and local governments1 universities1 private industry1 and other organizations to enhance the understanding and use of space and aeronautics activities and their benefits through education1 fostering of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary space research and training1 and supporting ,federal funding for graduate fellowships in space-related fields1 among other purposes4 7b7 ,review ,the ,administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the ,national ,academies for-- 7#a7 a review of the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program1 including its structure and capabilities for supporting science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics education and training consistent with the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council's ,federal ,science1 ,technology1 ,engineering1 and ,mathematics 7,,stem7 ,education #e-,year ,strategic ,plan2 and 7#b7 recommendations on measures1 if needed1 to enhance the ,program's effectiveness and mechanisms by which any increases in funding appropriated by ,congress can be applied4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the review to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gjd4 ,review of practices to detect and prevent the use of counterfeit parts ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall transmit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a review of ,,nasa's processes and controls to detect and prevent the use of counterfeit parts in ,,nasa mission projects1 instruments1 and other mission-related assets4 ,the review shall examine-- 7#a7 the trends in known and identified counterfeit parts in ,,nasa's supply chain2 7#b7 ,,nasa's processes and controls to detect counterfeit parts and prevent their incorporation into ,,nasa mission projects1 instruments1 and other mission-related assets2 7#c7 key differences between how the ,department of ,defense and ,,nasa detect and prevent the use of counterfeit parts1 and lessons learned by the ,department of ,defense that could be valuable to ,,nasa2 and 7#d7 any gaps in ,,nasa's controls and processes for detecting counterfeit parts and preventing their incorporation into ,,nasa mission projects1 instruments1 and other mission-related assets4 #gje4 ,remote satellite servicing demonstrations 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa plays a key role in demonstrating the feasibility of using robotic technologies for a spacecraft that could access1 repair1 and refuel satellites in geosynchronous ,earth orbit2 7#b7 demonstrating this feasibility would both assist ,,nasa in its future missions and provide the emerging commercial satellite-servicing industry the confidence to robotically refuel1 repair1 and maintain satellites in both near and distant orbits2 and 7#c7 the capability to refuel1 repair1 and maintain geosynchronous satellites robotically could add years of functional life to satellites4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit a report to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate describing-- 7#a7 ,,nasa's activities1 tools1 and techniques associated with the ultimate goal of servicing satellites using robotic spacecraft2 7#b7 accomplishments to date in demonstrating various servicing technologies2 7#c7 major challenges encountered and mitigation measures taken2 and 7#d7 demonstrations still needed for ,,nasa and industry acceptance of the technologies for operational missions1 and the timeframe for these demonstrations4 #gjf4 ,astronaut occupational healthcare 7a7 ,workshop ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall convene a workshop attended by both current and former members of the astronaut corps1 as well as other appropriate experts1 to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of granting ,,nasa the specific authority to monitor and treat current and former members of the astronaut corps for medical conditions which are deemed by ,,nasa to be associated with human space flight conducted in furtherance of ,,nasa requirements4 ,the workshop shall also address the implications of allowing ,,nasa to retain access to astronaut medical records4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ij days after completion of the workshop1 the ,administrator shall provide a report summarizing the results of the workshop to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gjg4 ,use of operational commercial suborbital vehicles for research1 development1 and education 7a7 ,report ,the ,administrator shall prepare a report with respect to the use of operational commercial reusable suborbital flight vehicles for carrying out scientific and engineering investigations and educational activities4 ,the report shall-- 7#a7 describe the purposes for which ,,nasa intends to use such vehicles2 7#b7 describe the processes required to support such use2 7#c7 describe ,,nasa1 space flight operator1 and supporting contractor responsibilities for developing standard payload interfaces and conducting payload safety analyses1 payload integration and processing1 payload operations1 and safety assurance for ,,nasa-sponsored space flight participants1 among other functions required to fly ,,nasa-sponsored payloads and space flight participants on operational commercial orbital vehicles2 7#d7 identify ,,nasa-provided hardware1 software1 or services that may be provided to space flight operators on a cost-reimbursable basis1 through agreements or contracts entered into under section #bjaac7;e7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#e7 describe the ,united ,states ,government and space flight operator responsibilities for liability and indemnification with respect to commercial suborbital vehicle flights that involve ,,nasa-sponsored payloads or activities1 ,,nasa-supported space flight participants1 or other ,,nasa-related contributions4 7b7 ,capabilities and risks ,the ,administrator shall assess and characterize the potential capabilities and performance of commercial reusable suborbital vehicles for addressing scientific research1 including research requiring access to low-gravity and microgravity environments1 for carrying out technology demonstrations related to science1 exploration1 or space operations requirements1 and for providing opportunities for educating and training space scientists and engineers1 once those vehicles become operational4 ,the assessment shall also characterize the risks of using potential commercial reusable suborbital flights to ,,nasa-sponsored researchers and scientific investigations and flight hardware4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the plan and assessment described in subsections 7a7 and 7b7 to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,annual progress reports ,the ,administrator shall transmit a report annually to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate describing progress in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 including the number and type of suborbital missions planned in each fiscal year4 7#b7 ,indemnification and liability ,the ,administrator shall not proceed with a request for proposals1 award any contract1 commit any ,united ,states ,government funds1 or enter into any other agreement for the provision of a commercial reusable suborbital vehicle launch service for a ,,nasa-sponsored spaceflight participant until indemnification and liability issues associated with the use of such systems by the ,united ,states ,government have been addressed and the ,administrator has provided to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a report describing the indemnification and liability provisions that are planned to be included in such contracts and agreements4 #gjh4 ,fundamental space life and physical sciences research 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it the sense of ,congress that fundamental1 discovery-based space life and physical sciences research is critical for enabling space exploration1 protecting humans in space1 and providing societal benefits1 and that the space environment facilitates the advancement of understanding of the life sciences and physical sciences4 ,space life and physical science research contributes to advancing science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics research1 and provides careers and training opportunities in academia1 ,federal laboratories1 and commercial industry4 ,congress encourages the ,administrator to augment discovery-based fundamental research and to request funding reflecting the importance of such research in keeping with the priorities established in the ,national ,academies' decadal survey entitled ,recapturing a ,future for ,space ,exploration3 ,life and ,physical ,sciences ,research for a ,new ,era4 7b7 ,budget request ,the ,administrator shall include as part of the annual ,,nasa fiscal year budget request a budget line for fundamental space life and physical sciences research1 devoted to competitive1 peer-reviewed grants1 that is separate from the ,international ,space ,station ,operations account4 7c7 ,strategic plan 7#a7 ,development ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with academia1 other ,federal agencies1 and other potential stakeholders1 shall develop a strategic plan for carrying out competitive1 peer-reviewed fundamental space life science and physical sciences and related technology research1 among other activities1 consistent with the priorities in the ,national ,academies' decadal survey described in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,transmittal ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the strategic plan developed under paragraph 7#a7 to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gji4 ,restoring ,,nasa's commitment to engineering research 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that engineering excellence has long been a hallmark of ,,nasa's ability to make significant advances in aeronautics and space exploration4 ,however1 as has been noted in recent ,national ,academies reports1 increasingly constrained funding and competing priorities have led to an erosion of ,,nasa's commitment to basic engineering research1 the research that provides the basis for the technology development that enables ,,nasa's many challenging missions to succeed4 ,if current trends continue1 ,,nasa's ability to attract and maintain the best and brightest engineering workforce at the ,,nasa ,centers as well as its ability to remain on the cutting edge of aeronautical and space technology will continue to erode and will threaten ,,nasa's ability to be a world leader in aeronautics research and development and space exploration4 7b7 ,plan ,the ,administrator shall develop a plan for restoring a meaningful basic engineering research program at the ,,nasa ,centers1 including1 as appropriate1 collaborations with industry1 universities1 and other relevant organizations4 ,the plan shall identify the organizational approach to be followed1 an initial set of basic research priorities1 and a proposed budget4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the plan to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gaj4 ,near-,earth objects detection 7a7 ,study ,the ,administrator1 in collaboration with other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall carry out a technical and scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources required to expand ,,nasa's ,near-,earth ,object ,program1 to include the detection1 tracking1 cataloguing1 and characterizing of potentially hazardous near-,earth objects #cj-ej meters in diameter4 7b7 ,transmittal ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the results of the assessment to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gaa4 ,research on near-,earth object tsunami effects 7a7 ,report on potential tsunami effects from near-,earth object impact ,the ,administrator1 in collaboration with the ,administrator of ,,noaa and other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall prepare a report identifying and describing existing research activities and further research objectives that would increase our understanding of the nature of the effects of potential tsunamis that could occur if a near-,earth object were to impact an ocean of ,earth4 7b7 ,transmittal ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall transmit the report required prepared under subsection 7a7 to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate4 #gab4 ,review of orbital debris removal concepts 7a7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the amount of orbital debris in low-,earth orbit poses risks for human activities and robotic spacecraft and that this debris may increase due to collisions between existing debris objects4 ,understanding options to address and remove orbital debris is important for ensuring safe and effective spacecraft operations in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,review ,the ,administrator1 in collaboration with other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall solicit and review concepts and technological options for removing orbital debris from low-,earth orbit4 ,the solicitation and review shall also address the requirements for and feasibility of developing and implementing each of the options4 7c7 ,transmittal ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide a report to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate on the solicitation and review required under subsection 7b74