,,ii ,calendar ,no4 #ebe #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bhjj ,report ,no4 #aaf-bfb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,november #f1 #bjai,mr4 ,cruz 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,sinema1 ,mr4 ,wicker1 and ,ms4 ,cantwell7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,september #h1 #bjbj,reported by ,mr4 ,wicker1 with an amendment,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,a ,,bill ,to authorize programs of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 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 #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,authorization of appropriations,sec4 #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations4,,title ,,ii--,human spaceflight and exploration,sec4 #bja4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities4,sec4 #bjb4 ,space launch system configurations4,sec4 #bjc4 ,advanced spacesuits4,sec4 #bjd4 ,life science and physical science research4,sec4 #bje4 ,acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics resupply services4,sec4 #bjf4 ,rocket engine test infrastructure4,sec4 #bjg4 ,indian ,river ,bridge4,sec4 #bjh4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit4,sec4 #bji4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station4,sec4 #baj4 ,department of ,defense activities on ,international ,space ,station4,sec4 #baa4 ,low-,earth orbit commercialization4,sec4 #bab4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space4,sec4 #bac4 ,international ,space ,station national laboratory2 property rights in inventions4,sec4 #bad4 ,data first produced during non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory4,sec4 #bae4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities4,sec4 #baf4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration4,sec4 #bag4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions4,,title ,,iii--,science,sec4 #cja4 ,science priorities4,sec4 #cjb4 ,lunar discovery program4,sec4 #cjc4 ,search for life4,sec4 #cjd4 ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4,sec4 #cje4 ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope4,sec4 #cjf4 ,satellite servicing for science missions4,sec4 #cjg4 ,earth science missions and programs4,sec4 #cjh4 ,science missions to ,mars4,sec4 #cji4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office4,sec4 #caj4 ,suborbital science flights4,sec4 #caa4 ,sense of ,congress on small satellite science4,,title ,,iv--,aeronautics,sec4 #dja4 ,short title4,sec4 #djb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #djc4 ,experimental aircraft projects4,sec4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems4,sec4 #dje4 #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative4,sec4 #djf4 ,sense of ,congress on on-demand air transportation4,sec4 #djg4 ,sense of ,congress on hypersonic technology research4,,title ,v--,space technology,sec4 #eja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate4,sec4 #ejb4 ,flight opportunities program4,sec4 #ejc4 ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program4,sec4 #ejd4 ,nuclear propulsion technology4,sec4 #eje4 ,mars-forward technologies4,,title ,,vi--,,stem engagement,sec4 #fja4 ,sense of ,congress4,sec4 #fjb4 ,,stem education engagement activities4,sec4 #fjc4 ,skilled technical education outreach program4,,title ,,vii--,workforce and industrial base,sec4 #gja4 ,appointment and compensation pilot program4,sec4 #gjb4 ,establishment of multi-institution consortia and university-affiliated research centers4,sec4 #gjc4 ,expedited access to technical talent and expertise4,sec4 #gjd4 ,report on industrial base for civil space missions and operations4,sec4 #gje4 ,separations and retirement incentives4,sec4 #gjf4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records4,,title ,,viii--,miscellaneous provisions,sec4 #hja4 ,contracting authority4,sec4 #hjb4 ,authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on production contracts4,sec4 #hjc4 ,protection of data and information from public disclosure4,sec4 #hjd4 ,physical security modernization4,sec4 #hje4 ,lease of non-excess property4,sec4 #hjf4 ,cybersecurity4,sec4 #hjg4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china4,sec4 #hjh4 ,small satellite launch services program4,sec4 #hji4 #bast century space launch infrastructure4,sec4 #haj4 ,missions of national need4,sec4 #haa4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act4,sec4 #hab4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia4,sec4 #hac4 ,passenger carrier use4,sec4 #had4 ,,sbir phase flexibility for the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term ,administration means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#d7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 7#e7 ,deep space ,the term deep space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit1 including cislunar space4 7#f7 ,development cost ,the term development cost has the meaning given the term in section #cjajd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#g7 ,,iss ,the term ,,iss means the ,international ,space ,station4 7#h7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity means the organization with which the ,administrator has entered into a cooperative agreement under section #ejd7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;a774 7#i7 ,,nasa ,the term ,,nasa means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#aj7 ,orion ,the term ,orion means the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section #cjc of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbc74 7#aa7 ,,ostp ,the term ,,ostp means the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy4 7#ab7 ,space ,launch ,system ,the term ,space ,launch ,system means the ,space ,launch ,system authorized under section #cjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb74 ,i ,authorization of appropriations #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,administration for fiscal year #bjbj #bb1gej1jjj1jjj as follows3 7#a7 ,for ,exploration1 #f1bbb1fjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,for ,space ,operations1 #d1aej1bjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,for ,science1 #f1ije1gjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,for ,aeronautics1 #ghc1ijj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for ,space ,technology1 #a1jgf1djj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for ,science1 ,technology1 ,engineering1 and ,mathematics ,engagement1 #aab1jjj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,mission ,services1 #b1icd1hjj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #ebd1djj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #dj1jjj1jjj4 ,,ii ,human spaceflight and exploration #bja4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 commercial entities in the ,united ,states have made significant investment and progress toward the development of human-class lunar landers2 7#b7 ,,nasa developed the ,artemis program-- 7,a7 to fulfil the goal of landing ,united ,states astronauts1 include the first woman and the next man1 on the ,moon2 and 7,b7 to collaborate with commercial and international partners to establish sustainable lunar exploration by #bjbh2 and 7#c7 in carrying out the ,artemis program1 the ,administration should ensure that the entire ,artemis program is inclusive and representative of all people of the ,united ,states1 including women and minorities4 7b7 ,lander program ,the ,administrator shall foster the development of not more than #b human-class lunar lander designs through public-private partnerships4 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 enter into industry-led partnerships using a fixed-price1 milestone-based approach2 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 encourage reusability and sustainability of systems developed2 7#c7 ensure availability of #a or more lunar polar science payloads for a demonstration mission2 and 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 offer existing capabilities and assets of ,,nasa centers to support these partnerships4 #bjb4 ,space launch system configurations 7a7 ,mobile launch platform ,the ,administrator is authorized to maintain #b operational mobile launch platforms to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7b7 ,exploration upper stage ,to meet the capability requirements under section #cjb7;c77#b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb7;c77#b771 the ,administrator shall continue development of the ,exploration ,upper ,stage for the ,space ,launch ,system with a scheduled availability sufficient for use on the third launch of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the development and scheduled availability of the ,exploration ,upper ,stage for the third launch of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7d7 ,main propulsion test article ,to meet the requirements under section #cjb7;c77#c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb7;c77#c771 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 immediately on completion of the first full-duration integrated core stage test of the ,space ,launch ,system1 initiate development of a main propulsion test article for the integrated core stage propulsion elements of the ,space ,launch ,system2 7#b7 not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a detailed plan for the development and operation of such main propulsion test article2 and 7#c7 use existing capabilities of ,,nasa centers for the design1 manufacture1 and operation of the main propulsion test article4 #bjc4 ,advanced spacesuits 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that next-generation advanced spacesuits are a critical technology for human space exploration and use of low-,earth orbit1 cislunar space1 the surface of the ,moon1 and ,mars4 7b7 ,development plan ,the ,administrator shall establish a detailed plan for the development and manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 consistent with the deep space exploration goals and timetables of ,,nasa4 7c7 ,diverse astronaut corps ,the ,administrator shall ensure that spacesuits developed and manufactured after the date of the enactment of this ,act are capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes of astronauts so as to meet the needs of the diverse ,,nasa astronaut corps4 7d7 ,,iss use ,throughout the operational life of the ,,iss1 the ,administrator should fully use the ,,iss for testing advanced spacesuits4 7e7 ,prior investments 7#a7 ,in general ,in developing an advanced spacesuit1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 leverage prior and existing investments in advanced spacesuit technologies to maximize the benefits of such investments and technologies4 7#b7 ,agreements with private entities ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,administrator may enter into #a or more agreements with #a or more private entities for the manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7f7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and semiannually thereafter until ,,nasa procures advanced spacesuits under this section1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the development plan in subsection 7b74 #bjd4 ,life science and physical science research 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the #bjaa decadal survey on biological and physical sciences in space identifies-- 7,a7 many areas in which fundamental scientific research is needed to efficiently advance the range of human activities in space1 from the first stages of exploration to eventual economic development2 and 7,b7 many areas of basic and applied scientific research that could use the microgravity1 radiation1 and other aspects of the spaceflight environment to answer fundamental scientific questions2 and 7#b7 given the central role of life science and physical science research in developing the future of space exploration1 ,,nasa should continue to invest strategically in such research to maintain ,united ,states leadership in space exploration2 and 7#c7 such research remains important to the objectives of ,,nasa with respect to long-duration deep space human exploration to the ,moon and ,mars4 7b7 ,program continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,in support of the goals described in section #bjcjb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative1 multidisciplinary life science and physical science fundamental research program-- 7,a7 to build a scientific foundation for the exploration and development of space2 7,b7 to investigate the mechanisms of changes to biological systems and physical systems1 and the environments of those systems in space1 including the effects of long-duration exposure to deep space-related environmental factors on those systems2 7,c7 to understand the effects of combined deep space radiation and altered gravity levels on biological systems so as to inform the development and testing of potential countermeasures2 7,d7 to understand physical phenomena in reduced gravity that affect design and performance of enabling technologies necessary for the space exploration program2 7,e7 to provide scientific opportunities to educate1 train1 and develop the next generation of researchers and engineers2 and 7,f7 to provide state-of-the-art data repositories and curation of large multi-data sets to enable comparative research analyses4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 include fundamental research relating to life science1 space bioscience1 and physical science2 and 7,b7 maximize intra-agency and interagency partnerships to advance space exploration1 scientific knowledge1 and benefits to ,earth4 7#c7 ,use of facilities ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may use ground-based1 air-based1 and space-based facilities in low-,earth orbit and beyond low-,earth orbit4 #bje4 ,acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics resupply services 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall not enter into any contract with a person or entity that proposes to use1 or will use1 a foreign launch provider for a commercial service to provide space transportation or logistics resupply for-- 7#a7 the ,,iss2 or 7#b7 any ,government-owned or ,government-funded platform in ,earth orbit or cislunar space1 on the lunar surface1 or elsewhere in space4 7b7 ,exception ,the ,administrator may enter into a contract with a person or entity that proposes to use1 or will use1 a foreign launch provider for a commercial service to carry out an activity described in subsection 7a7 if a domestic vehicle or service is unavailable4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the ,administrator from entering into #a or more no-exchange-of-funds collaborative agreements with an international partner in support of the deep space exploration plan of ,,nasa4 #bjf4 ,rocket engine test infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall carry out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at ,,nasa facilities-- 7#a7 to increase capabilities2 7#b7 to enhance safety2 7#c7 to support propulsion development and testing2 and 7#d7 to foster the improvement of ,government and commercial space transportation and exploration4 7b7 ,projects ,projects funded under the program under subsection 7a7 may include-- 7#a7 infrastructure and other facilities and systems relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket propulsion testing2 7#b7 enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility2 and 7#c7 such other projects as the ,administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 prioritize investments in projects that enhance test and flight certification capabilities for large thrust-level atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems1 and multi-engine integrated test capabilities2 and 7#b7 ensure that no project carried out under this program shall adversely impact1 delay1 or defer testing or other activities associated with facilities used for ,government programs1 including-- 7,a7 the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,exploration ,upper ,stage of the ,space ,launch ,system2 7,b7 in-space propulsion to support exploration missions2 or 7,c7 nuclear propulsion testing4 7d7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall preclude a ,,nasa program1 including the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,exploration ,upper ,stage of the ,space ,launch ,system1 from using the modernized test infrastructure developed under this section4 #bjg4 ,indian ,river ,bridge ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies that use the ,indian ,river ,bridge on the ,,nasa ,causeway1 shall develop a plan to ensure that a bridge over the ,indian ,river at such location provides access to the ,eastern ,range for national security1 civil1 and commercial space operations4 #bjh4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 it is in the national and economic security interests of the ,united ,states to maintain a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 low-,earth orbit should be used as a test bed to advance human space exploration and scientific discoveries2 and 7#c7 the ,,iss is a critical component of economic1 commercial1 and industrial development in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,human presence requirement ,the ,united ,states shall continuously maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ,,iss4 #bji4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,policy ,section #eja7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcea7;a77 is amended by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj4 7b7 ,maintenance of ,united ,states segment and assurance of continued operations ,section #ejc7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcec7;a77 is amended by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7c7 ,research capacity allocation and integration of research payloads ,section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 in the first sentence-- 7,a7 by striking ,as soon as practicable and all that follows through #bjaa1 and inserting ,the2 and 7,b7 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 in the third sentence1 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7d7 ,maintenance of use 7#a7 ,in general ,section #gjijg of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7,c7 in subsection 7b77#c71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7e7 ,transition plan reports ,section #ejaaa7;c77#b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #bjbc and inserting #bjbh2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,j71 by striking #bjbh and inserting #bjcj4 7f7 ,elimination of ,international ,space ,station ,national ,laboratory ,advisory ,committee ,section #gjijf of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7g7 ,conforming amendments ,chapter #gji of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #gjijg as section #gjijf2 and 7#b7 in the table of sections for the chapter1 by striking the items relating to sections #gjijf and #gjijg and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #gjijf4 ,maintaining use through at least #bjcj4 4 #baj4 ,department of ,defense activities on ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjbj1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall-- 7#a7 identify and review each activity1 program1 and project of the ,department of ,defense completed1 being carried out1 or planned to be carried out on the ,,iss as of the date of the review2 and 7#b7 provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress a briefing that describes the results of the review4 7b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 #baa4 ,low-,earth orbit commercialization 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to encourage the development of a thriving and robust ,united ,states commercial sector in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,preference for ,united ,states commercial products and services ,the ,administrator shall continue to increase the use of assets1 products1 and services of private entities in the ,united ,states to fulfill the low-,earth orbit requirements of the ,administration4 7c7 ,noncompetition 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,administrator may not offer to a foreign person or a foreign government a spaceflight product or service relating to the ,,iss1 if a comparable spaceflight product or service1 as applicable1 is offered by a private entity in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,exception ,the ,administrator may offer a space-flight product or service relating to the ,,iss to the government of a country that is a signatory to the ,agreement ,among the ,government of ,canada1 ,governments of ,member ,states of the ,european ,space ,agency1 the ,government of ,japan1 the ,government of the ,russian ,federation1 and the ,government of the ,united ,states of ,america ,concerning ,cooperation on the ,civil ,international ,space ,station1 signed at ,washington ,january #bi1 #aiih1 and entered into force on ,march #bg1 #bjja 7,,tias #abibg74 7d7 ,short-,duration commercial missions ,to provide opportunities for additional transport of astronauts to the ,,iss and help establish a commercial market in low-,earth orbit1 the ,administrator may permit short-duration missions to the ,,iss for commercial passengers4 7e7 ,program authorization 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a low-,earth orbit commercialization program to encourage the fullest commercial use and development of space by private entities in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 include activities-- 7,a7 to stimulate demand for-- 7i7 space-based commercial research1 development1 and manufacturing2 7ii7 spaceflight products and services2 and 7iii7 human spaceflight products and services in low-,earth orbit2 7,b7 to improve the capability of the ,,iss to accommodate commercial users2 and 7,c7 subject to paragraph 7#c71 to foster the development of commercial space stations and habitats4 7#c7 ,commercial space stations and habitats 7,a7 ,priority ,with respect to an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall give priority to an activity for which a private entity provides a share of the cost to develop and operate the activity4 7,b7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not provide funding for the development of a commercial space station or habitat until after the date on which the ,administrator awards a contract for the use of a docking port on the ,,iss4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #cj days after the date that an award or agreement is made to carry out an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the development of the commercial space station or habitat1 as applicable1 that includes-- 7i7 a business plan that describes the manner in which the project will-- 7,i7 meet the future requirements of ,,nasa for low-,earth orbit human space-flight services2 and 7,,ii7 fulfill the cost-share funding prioritization under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 a review of the viability of the operational business case1 including-- 7,i7 the level of expected ,government participation2 7,,ii7 a list of anticipated nongovernmental an international customers and associated contributions2 and 7,,iii7 an assessment of long-term sustainability for the nongovernmental customers1 including an independent assessment of the viability of the market for such commercial services or products4 #bab4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states segment of the ,international ,space ,station 7as defined in section #gjije of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code71 which is designated as a national laboratory under section #gjije7;b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code-- 7,a7 benefits the scientific community and promotes commerce in space2 7,b7 fosters stronger relationships among ,,nasa and other ,federal agencies1 the private sector1 and research groups and universities2 7,c7 advances science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics education through use of the unique microgravity environment2 and 7,d7 advances human knowledge and international cooperation2 7#b7 after the ,,iss is decommissioned1 the ,united ,states should maintain a national microgravity laboratory in space2 7#c7 in maintaining a national microgravity laboratory in space1 the ,united ,states should make appropriate accommodations for different types of ownership and operation arrangements for the ,,iss and future space stations2 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 a national microgravity laboratory in space should be maintained in cooperation with international space partners2 and 7#e7 ,,nasa should continue to support fundamental science research on future platforms in low-,earth orbit and cislunar space1 orbital and suborbital flights1 drop towers1 and other microgravity testing environments4 7b7 ,report ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,national ,space ,council and other ,federal agencies as the ,administrator considers appropriate1 shall issue a report detailing the feasibility of establishing a microgravity national laboratory federally funded research and development center to carry out activities relating to the study and use of in-space conditions4 #bac4 ,international ,space ,station national laboratory2 property rights in inventions 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaej4 ,property rights in designated inventions 7a7 ,exclusive property rights ,notwithstanding section #cgaj;a of title #ae1 chapter #ah of title #ce1 section #bjace1 or any other provision of law1 a designated invention shall be the exclusive property of a user1 and shall not be subject to a ,government-purpose license1 if-- 7#a7 the ,administration is reimbursed under the terms of the contract for the full cost of a contribution by the ,federal ,government of the use of ,federal facilities1 equipment1 materials1 proprietary information of the ,federal ,government1 or services of a ,federal employee during working hours1 including the cost for the ,administration to carry out its responsibilities under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#d7 of section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d772 7#b7 ,federal funds are not transferred to the user under the contract2 and 7#c7 the invention was made 7as defined in section #bjace7;a77-- 7,a7 solely by the user2 or 7,b7 7i7 by the user with the services of a ,federal employee under the terms of the contract2 and 7ii7 the ,administration is reimbursed for such services under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the rights of the ,federal ,government1 including property rights in inventions1 under any contract1 except in the case of a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of a designated activity4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 ,contract ,the term contract has the meaning giving the term in section #bjace7;a74 7#b7 ,designated activity ,the term designated activity means any non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory as described in section #ejd of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced74 7#c7 ,designated invention ,the term designated invention means any invention conceived or first reduced to practice by any person in the performance of a designated activity under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity4 7#d7 ,government-purpose license ,the term ,government-purpose license means the reservation by the ,federal ,government of an irrevocable1 nonexclusive1 nontransferable1 royalty-free license for the use of an invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the ,united ,states or any foreign government pursuant to a treaty or agreement with the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity means the organization with which the ,administrator enters into a cooperative agreement under section #ejd7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;a774 7#f7 ,user ,the term user means a person1 including a nonprofit organization or small business firm 7as such terms are defined in section #bja of title #ce71 or class of persons that enters into a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of designated activities4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjadi the following3 #bjaej4 ,property rights in designated inventions4 4 #bad4 ,data first produced during non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory 7a7 ,data rights ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bac1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaea4 ,data rights 7a7 ,non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory ,the ,federal ,government may not use or reproduce1 or disclose outside of the ,government1 any data first produced in the performance of a designated activity under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity1 unless-- 7#a7 otherwise agreed under the terms of the contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity1 as applicable2 7#b7 the designated activity is carried out with ,federal funds2 7#c7 disclosure is required by law2 7#d7 the ,federal ,government has rights in the data under another ,federal contract1 grant1 cooperative agreement1 or other transaction2 or 7#e7 the data is-- 7,a7 otherwise lawfully acquired or independently developed by the ,federal ,government2 7,b7 related to the health and safety of personnel on the ,,iss2 or 7,c7 essential to the performance of work by the ,,iss management entity or ,,nasa personnel4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,contract ,the term contract has the meaning given the term under section #bjace7;a74 7#b7 ,data 7,a7 ,in general ,the term data means recorded information1 regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term data includes technical data and computer software4 7,c7 ,exclusions ,the term data does not include information incidental to contract administration1 such as financial1 administrative1 cost or pricing1 or management information4 7#c7 ,designated activity ,the term designated activity has the meaning given the term in section #bjaej4 7#d7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity has the meaning given the term in section #bjaej4 4 7b7 ,special handling of trade secrets or confidential information ,section #bjaca7;b77#b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,information described 7,a7 ,activities under agreement ,information referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is information that-- 7i7 results from activities conducted under an agreement entered into under subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #bjaac2 and 7ii7 would be a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential within the meaning of section #eeb7;b77#d7 of title #e if the information had been obtained from a non-,federal party participating in such an agreement4 7,b7 ,certain data ,information referred to in paragraph 7#a7 includes data 7as defined in section #bjaea7 that-- 7i7 was first produced by the ,administration in the performance of any designated activity 7as defined in section #bjaej72 and 7ii7 would be a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential within the meaning of section #eeb7;b77#d7 of title #e if the data had been obtained from a non-,federal party4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bac1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjaej the following3 #bjaea4 ,data rights4 4 #bae4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should determine a threshold for which it may be appropriate for ,,nasa to recoup the costs of supporting the creation of invention aboard the ,,iss1 through the negotiation of royalties1 similar to agreements made by other ,federal agencies that support private sector innovation4 7b7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by sections #bac and #bad1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaeb4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities 7a7 ,designated inventions made with ,federal assistance ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 if the ,administration1 under the terms of a written contract for the performance of a designated activity1 agrees to provide1 unreimbursed1 the total cost of a contribution by the ,federal ,government of the use of ,federal facilities1 equipment1 materials1 proprietary information of the ,federal ,government1 or services of a ,federal employee during working hours1 including the cost for the ,administration to carry out its responsibilities under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#d7 of section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d771 the ,administrator shall negotiate an agreement on the terms and rates of royalty payments with respect to an invention or class of inventions conceived or first reduced to practice by any person or class of persons in the performance of such designated activities4 7b7 ,licensing and assignment of inventions ,notwithstanding sections #cgaj;a and #cgaj;c of title #ae and any other provision of law1 after payment in accordance with subsection 7,a77i7 of such section #cgaj;c7a77#a77;,a77i7 to the inventors who have directly assigned to the ,federal ,government their interests in an invention under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of a designated activity1 the balance of any royalty or other payment received by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity from licensing and assignment of such invention shall be paid by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity1 as applicable1 to the ,space ,exploration ,fund4 7c7 ,space ,exploration ,fund 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a fund1 to be known as the ,space ,exploration ,fund 7referred to in this subsection as the ,fund71 to be administered by the ,administrator4 7#b7 ,use of ,fund ,the ,fund shall be available without fiscal year limitation and without further appropriation to carry out space exploration activities under section #bjcjb4 7#c7 ,deposits ,there shall be deposited in the ,fund-- 7,a7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund2 7,b7 fees and royalties collected by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity under subsections 7a7 and 7b72 and 7,c7 donations or contributions designated to support authorized activities4 7#d7 ,rule of construction ,amounts available to the ,administrator under this subsection shall be in addition to amounts otherwise made available for the purpose described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,definitions ,the terms used in this section have the meanings given the terms in section #bjaej4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by sections #bac and #bad1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjaea the following3 #bjaeb4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities4 4 #baf4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,section #gjejd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #gjejd4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in sustainable steps1 may conduct missions to intermediate destinations1 such as the ,moon1 in accordance with section #bjcjb7;b71 and on a timetable determined by the availability of funding1 in order to achieve the objective of human exploration of ,mars specified in section #bjb7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcab7;b77#e771 if the ,administrator-- 7#a7 determines that each such mission demonstrates or advances a technology or operational concept that will enable human missions to ,mars2 and 7#b7 incorporates each such mission into the human exploration roadmap under section #dcb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note74 7b7 ,cislunar space exploration activities ,in conducting a mission under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 use a combination of launches of the ,space ,launch ,system and space transportation services from ,united ,states commercial providers1 as appropriate1 for the mission2 7#b7 plan for not fewer than #a ,space ,launch ,system launch annually beginning after the first successful crewed launch of ,orion on the ,space ,launch ,system2 and 7#c7 establish an outpost in orbit around the ,moon that-- 7,a7 demonstrates technologies1 systems1 and operational concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will be used to transport humans to ,mars2 7,b7 has the capability for periodic human habitation2 and 7,c7 can function as a point of departure1 return1 or staging for ,administration or nongovernmental or international partner missions to multiple locations on the lunar surface or other destinations4 7c7 ,cost-,effectiveness ,to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and utilization activities of the ,united ,states1 the ,administrator shall take all necessary steps1 including engaging nongovernmental and international partners1 to ensure that activities in the ,administration's human space exploration program are balanced in order to help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of ,mars4 7d7 ,completion ,within budgetary considerations1 once an exploration-related project enters its development phase1 the ,administrator shall seek1 to the maximum extent practicable1 to complete that project without undue delay4 7e7 ,international participation ,to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of ,mars1 the ,administrator shall invite the partners in the ,,iss program and other nations1 as appropriate1 to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,definition of cislunar space ,section #ajaja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #c of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcjb7 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 #bag4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions 7#a7 ,section #dba of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7c77#c7-- 7i7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis #a2 7ii7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis #b2 and 7iii7 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7f77#c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c4 7#b7 ,section #dcb7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note7 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,d7-- 7i7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis #a2 and 7ii7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis #b2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c4 ,,iii ,science #cja4 ,science priorities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress on science portfolio ,congress reaffirms the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 a balanced and adequately funded set of activities1 consisting of research and analysis grant programs1 technology development1 suborbital research activities1 and small1 medium1 and large space missions1 contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal surveys of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7b7 ,national ,academies decadal surveys ,section #bjcje7;c7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,administrator shall and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,reexamination of priorities by ,national ,academies ,the ,administrator shall 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,reexamination of priorities by ,administrator ,if the ,administrator decides to reexamine the applicability of the priorities of the decadal surveys to the missions and activities of the ,administration due to scientific discoveries or external factors1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 consult with the relevant committees of the ,national ,academies4 4 #cjb4 ,lunar discovery program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may carry out a program to conduct lunar science research1 including missions to the surface of the ,moon1 that materially contributes to the objective described in section #bjajb7;d77#a7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,commercial landers ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall procure the services of commercial landers developed primarily by ,united ,states industry to land science payloads of all classes on the lunar surface4 7c7 ,lunar science research ,the ,administrator shall ensure that lunar science research carried out under subsection 7a7 is consistent with recommendations made by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7d7 ,lunar polar volatiles ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall1 at the earliest opportunity1 consider mission proposals to evaluate the potential of lunar polar volatiles to contribute to sustainable lunar exploration4 #cjc4 ,search for life 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the report entitled ,an ,astrobiology ,strategy for the ,search for ,life in the ,universe published by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine outlines the key scientific questions and methods for fulfilling the objective of ,,nasa to search for the origin1 evolution1 distribution1 and future of life in the universe2 and 7#b7 the interaction of lifeforms with their environment1 a central focus of astrobiology research1 is a topic of broad significance to life sciences research in space and on ,earth4 7b7 ,program continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative1 multidisciplinary science and technology development program to search for proof of the existence or historical existence of life beyond ,earth in support of the objective described in section #bjajb7;d77#aj7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,element ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 shall include activities relating to astronomy1 biology1 geology1 and planetary science4 7#c7 ,coordination with life sciences program ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall coordinate efforts with the life sciences program of the ,administration4 7#d7 ,technosignatures ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall support activities to search for and analyze technosignatures4 7#e7 ,instrumentation and sensor technology ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may strategically invest in the development of new instrumentation and sensor technology4 #cjd4 ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope will be the next premier observatory in space and has great potential to further scientific study and assist scientists in making new discoveries in the field of astronomy2 7#b7 the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope was developed as an ambitious project with a scope that was not fully defined at inception and with risk that was not fully known or understood2 7#c7 despite the major technology development and innovation that was needed to construct the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope1 major negative impacts to the cost and schedule of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope resulted from poor program management and poor contractor performance2 7#d7 the ,administrator should take into account the lessons learned from the cost and schedule issues relating to the development of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope in making decisions regarding the scope of and the technologies needed for future scientific missions2 7#e7 in selecting future scientific missions1 the ,administrator should take into account the impact that large programs that overrun cost and schedule estimates may have on other ,,nasa programs in earlier phases of development2 and 7#f7 the ,administrator should continue to develop the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope with a development cost of not more than #i1jjj1jjj1jjj1 as estimated by the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope ,independent ,review ,board ,report released in ,may #bjah4 7b7 ,project continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue-- 7,a7 to closely track the cost and schedule performance of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope project2 and 7,b7 to improve the reliability of cost estimates and contractor performance data throughout the remaining development of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4 7#b7 ,key program objective ,the ,administrator shall continue to develop the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope on a schedule to meet the objective of safely launching the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope not later than ,march #ca1 #bjba4 #cje4 ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 major growth in the cost of astrophysics flagship-class missions has impacted the overall portfolio balance of the ,science ,mission ,directorate2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should continue to develop the ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope with a development cost of not more than #c1bjj1jjj1jjj4 7b7 ,project continuation ,the ,administrator shall continue to develop the ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope to meet the objectives outlined in the #bjaj decadal survey on astronomy and astrophysics of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine in a manner that maximizes scientific productivity based on the resources invested4 #cjf4 ,satellite servicing for science missions 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct a study on the feasibility of using in-space robotic refueling1 repair1 or refurbishment capabilities to extend the useful life of telescopes and other science missions that are operational or in development as of the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,elements ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification of the technologies and in-space testing required to demonstrate the in-space robotic refueling1 repair1 or refurbishment capabilities described in paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,the projected cost of using such capabilities1 including the cost of extended operations for science missions described in that paragraph4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress and the ,space ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine a briefing on the results of the study conducted under subsection 7a77#a74 #cjg4 ,earth science missions and programs 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,earth ,science ,division of ,,nasa plays an important role in national efforts-- 7#a7 to collect and use ,earth observations in service to society2 and 7#b7 to understand global change4 7b7 ,earth science missions and programs ,with respect to the missions and programs of the ,earth ,science ,division1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal survey for ,earth science and applications from space of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine1 including-- 7#a7 the science priorities described in such survey2 7#b7 the execution of the series of existing or previously planned observations 7commonly known as the program of record72 and 7#c7 the development of a range of missions of all classes1 including opportunities for principal investigator-led1 competitively selected missions4 #cjh4 ,science missions to ,mars 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct #a or more science missions to ,mars to enable the selection of #a or more sites for human landing4 7b7 ,sample program ,the ,administrator may carry out a program-- 7#a7 to collect samples from the surface of ,mars2 and 7#b7 to return such samples to ,earth for scientific analysis4 7c7 ,use of existing capabilities and assets ,in carrying out this section1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 use existing capabilities and assets of ,,nasa centers4 #cji4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,near-,earth objects remain a threat to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec47 established a requirement that the ,administrator plan1 develop1 and implement a ,near-,earth ,object ,survey program to detect1 track1 catalogue1 and characterize the physical characteristics of near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-,earth objects to the ,earth1 with the goal of #ij-percent completion of the catalogue of such near-,earth objects by ,december #cj1 #bjbj4 7#c7 ,the current planetary defense strategy of ,,nasa acknowledges that such goal will not be met4 7#d7 ,the report of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine entitled ,finding ,hazardous ,asteroids ,using ,infrared and ,visible ,wavelength ,telescopes issued in #bjai states that-- 7,a7 ,,nasa cannot accomplish such goal with currently available assets2 7,b7 ,,nasa should develop and launch a dedicated space-based infrared survey telescope to meet the requirements of section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec472 and 7,c7 the early detection of potentially hazardous near-,earth objects enabled by a space-based infrared survey telescope is important to enable deflection of a dangerous asteroid4 7b7 ,establishment of ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish an office within the ,planetary ,science ,division of the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 to be known as the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office1 to plan1 develop1 and implement a program to survey threats posed by near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter1 as required by section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec474 7#b7 ,activities ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 develop and1 not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbe1 launch a space-based infrared survey telescope that is capable of detecting near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter1 with preference given to planetary missions selected by the ,administrator as of the date of the enactment of this ,act to pursue concept design studies relating to the development of a space-based infrared survey telescope2 7,b7 identify1 track1 and characterize potentially hazardous near-,earth objects and issue warnings of the effects of potential impacts of such objects2 and 7,c7 assist in coordinating ,government planning for response to a potential impact of a near-,earth object4 7c7 ,annual report ,section #cba7;f7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec47 is amended to read as follows3 7f7 ,annual report ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbj1 and annually thereafter through #ij-percent completion of the catalogue required by subsection 7d77#a71 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following3 7#a7 ,a summary of all activities carried out by the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office established under section #cji7;b77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai since the date of enactment of that ,act4 7#b7 ,a description of the progress with respect to the design1 development1 and launch of the space-based infrared survey telescope required by section #cji7;b77#b77;,a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the progress toward meeting the requirements of subsection 7d77#a74 7#d7 ,a description of the status of efforts to coordinate planetary defense activities in response to a threat posed by a near-,earth object with other ,federal agencies since the date of enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7#e7 ,a description of the status of efforts to coordinate and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous asteroids and comets1 plan a mitigation strategy1 and implement that strategy in the event of the discovery of an object on a likely collision course with ,earth4 7#f7 ,a summary of expenditures for all activities carried out by the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office since the date of enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 4 7d7 ,limitation on use of funds ,of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this ,act1 not more than #hj percent of amounts authorized to be appropriated for the ,office of the ,administrator for a fiscal year may be obligated or expended until the date on which the ,administrator submits the report for such fiscal year required by section #cba7;f7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec474 7e7 ,near-,earth object defined ,in this section1 the term near-,earth object means an asteroid or comet with a perihelion distance of less than #a4c ,astronomical ,units from the ,sun4 #caj4 ,suborbital science flights 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that commercially available suborbital flight platforms enable low-cost access to a microgravity environment to advance science and train scientists and engineers under the ,suborbital ,research ,program established under section #hjb7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahchb7;c774 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report evaluating the manner in which suborbital flight platforms can contribute to meeting the science objectives of ,,nasa for the ,science ,mission ,directorate and the ,human ,exploration and ,operations ,mission ,directorate4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an assessment of the advantages of suborbital flight platforms to meet science objectives4 7,b7 ,an evaluation of the challenges to greater use of commercial suborbital flight platforms for science purposes4 7,c7 ,an analysis of whether commercial suborbital flight platforms can provide low-cost flight opportunities to test lunar and ,mars science payloads4 #caa4 ,sense of ,congress on small satellite science ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 small satellites-- 7,a7 are increasingly robust1 effective1 and affordable platforms for carrying out space science missions2 7,b7 can work in tandem with or augment larger ,,nasa spacecraft to support high-priority science missions of ,,nasa2 and 7,c7 are cost effective solutions that may allow ,,nasa to continue collecting legacy observations while developing next generation science missions2 and 7#b7 ,,nasa should continue to support small satellite research1 development1 technologies1 and programs1 including technologies for compact and lightweight instrumentation for small satellites4 ,,iv ,aeronautics #dja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,aeronautics ,innovation ,act4 #djb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan ,the term ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan means the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan issued by the ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate4 7#b7 ,unmanned aircraft2 unmanned aircraft system ,the terms unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,x-,plane ,the term ,x-plane means an experimental aircraft that is-- 7,a7 used to test and evaluate a new technology or aerodynamic concept2 and 7,b7 operated by ,,nasa or the ,department of ,defense4 #djc4 ,experimental aircraft projects 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 developing high-risk1 precompetitive aerospace technologies for which there is not yet a profit rationale is a fundamental role of ,,nasa2 7#b7 large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and validation are necessary for-- 7,a7 transitioning new technologies and materials1 including associated manufacturing processes1 for general aviation1 commercial aviation1 and military aeronautics use2 and 7,b7 capturing the full extent of benefits from investments made by the ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate in priority programs called for in-- 7i7 the ,national ,aeronautics ,research and ,development ,plan issued by the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council in ,february #bjaj2 7ii7 the ,,nasa #bjad ,strategic ,plan2 7iii7 the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan2 and 7iv7 any updates to the programs called for in the plans described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii72 and 7#c7 a level of funding that adequately supports large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and validation1 including related infrastructure1 should be ensured over a sustained period of time to restore the capacity of ,,nasa-- 7,a7 to see legacy priority programs through to completion2 and 7,b7 to achieve national economic and security objectives4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to maintain world leadership in-- 7,a7 military and civilian aeronautical science and technology2 7,b7 global air power projection2 and 7,c7 industrialization2 and 7#b7 to maintain as a fundamental objective of ,,nasa aeronautics research the steady progression and expansion of flight research and capabilities1 including the science and technology of critical underlying disciplines and competencies1 such as-- 7,a7 computational-based analytical and predictive tools and methodologies2 7,b7 aerothermodynamics2 7,c7 propulsion2 7,d7 advanced materials and manufacturing processes2 7,e7 high-temperature structures and materials2 and 7,f7 guidance1 navigation1 and flight controls4 7c7 ,establishment and continuation of ,x-,plane projects 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish or continue to implement1 in a manner that is consistent with the roadmap for supersonic aeronautics research and development required by section #fjd7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #aca ,stat4 #ee71 the following projects3 7,a7 ,a low-boom supersonic aircraft project to demonstrate supersonic aircraft designs and technologies that-- 7i7 reduce sonic boom noise2 and 7ii7 assist the ,administrator of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration in enabling-- 7,i7 the safe commercial deployment of civil supersonic aircraft technology2 and 7,,ii7 the safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic aircraft4 7,b7 ,a subsonic flight demonstrator aircraft project to advance aircraft designs and technologies that enable significant increases in energy efficiency and reduced life-cycle emissions in the aviation system while reducing noise and emissions4 7,c7 ,a series of large-scale ,x-plane demonstrators that are-- 7i7 developed sequentially or in parallel2 and 7ii7 each based on a set of new configuration concepts or technologies determined by the ,administrator to demonstrate-- 7,i7 aircraft and propulsion concepts and technologies and related advances in alternative propulsion and energy2 and 7,,ii7 flight propulsion concepts and technologies4 7#b7 ,elements ,for each project under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 include the development of ,x-planes and all necessary supporting flight test assets2 7,b7 pursue a robust technology maturation and flight test validation effort2 7,c7 improve necessary facilities1 flight testing capabilities1 and computational tools to support the project2 7,d7 award any primary contracts for design1 procurement1 and manufacturing to ,united ,states persons1 consistent with international obligations and commitments2 7,e7 coordinate research and flight test demonstration activities with other ,federal agencies and the ,united ,states aviation community1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate2 and 7,f7 ensure that the project is aligned with the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan and any updates to the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan4 7#c7 ,united ,states person defined ,in this subsection1 the term ,united ,states person means-- 7,a7 a ,united ,states citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 an entity organized under the laws of the ,united ,states or of any jurisdiction within the ,united ,states1 including a foreign branch of such an entity4 7d7 ,advanced materials and manufacturing technology program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may establish an advanced materials and manufacturing technology program-- 7,a7 to develop-- 7i7 new materials1 including composite and high-temperature materials1 from base material formulation through full-scale structural validation and manufacture2 7ii7 advanced materials and manufacturing processes1 including additive manufacturing1 to reduce the cost of manufacturing scale-up and certification for use in general aviation1 commercial aviation1 and military aeronautics2 and 7iii7 noninvasive or nondestructive techniques for testing or evaluating aviation and aeronautics structures1 including for materials and manufacturing processes2 7,b7 to reduce the time it takes to design1 industrialize1 and certify advanced materials and manufacturing processes2 7,c7 to provide education and training opportunities for the aerospace workforce2 and 7,d7 to address global cost and human capital competitiveness for ,united ,states aeronautical industries and technological leadership in advanced materials and manufacturing technology4 7#b7 ,elements ,in carrying out a program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 build on work that was carried out by the ,advanced ,composites ,project of ,,nasa2 7,b7 partner with the private and academic sectors1 such as members of the ,advanced ,composites ,consortium of ,,nasa1 the ,joint ,advanced ,materials and ,structures ,center of ,excellence of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration1 and national laboratories1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate2 7,c7 provide a structure for managing intellectual property generated by the program based on or consistent with the structure established for the ,advanced ,composites ,consortium of ,,nasa2 7,d7 ensure adequate ,federal cost share for applicable research2 and 7,e7 coordinate with advanced manufacturing and composites initiatives in other mission directorates of ,,nasa1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7e7 ,research partnerships ,in carrying out the projects under subsection 7c7 and a program under subsection 7d71 the ,administrator may engage in cooperative research programs with-- 7#a7 academia2 and 7#b7 commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturers4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems 7a7 ,unmanned aircraft systems operation program ,the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 research and test capabilities and concepts1 including unmanned aircraft systems communications and spectrum-related resources1 for integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system2 7#b7 leverage the partnership ,,nasa has with industry focused on the advancement of technologies for future air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7#c7 continue to align the research and testing portfolio of ,,nasa to inform the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system1 consistent with public safety and national security objectives4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress on coordination with ,federal ,aviation ,administration ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa should continue-- 7,a7 to coordinate with the ,federal ,aviation ,administration on research on air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7,b7 to assist the ,federal ,aviation ,administration in the integration of air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system2 and 7#b7 the test ranges 7as defined in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code7 should continue to be leveraged for research on-- 7,a7 air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7,b7 the integration of such systems into the national airspace system4 #dje4 #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may establish an initiative1 to be known as the #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative1 within the ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration ,account1 to ensure that ,,nasa possesses the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to conduct proposed flight demonstration projects across the range of ,,nasa aeronautics interests4 7b7 ,activities ,in carrying out the #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative1 the ,administrator may carry out the following activities3 7#a7 ,any investments the ,administrator considers necessary to upgrade and create facilities for civil and national security aeronautics research to support advancements in-- 7,a7 long-term foundational science and technology2 7,b7 advanced aircraft systems2 7,c7 air traffic management systems2 7,d7 fuel efficiency2 7,e7 electric propulsion technologies2 7,f7 system-wide safety assurance2 7,g7 autonomous aviation2 and 7,h7 supersonic and hypersonic aircraft design and development4 7#b7 ,any measures the ,administrator considers necessary to support flight testing activities1 including-- 7,a7 continuous refinement and development of free-flight test techniques and methodologies2 7,b7 upgrades and improvements to real-time tracking and data acquisition2 and 7,c7 such other measures relating to aeronautics research support and modernization as the ,administrator considers appropriate to carry out the scientific study of the problems of flight1 with a view to practical solutions for such problems4 #djf4 ,sense of ,congress on on-demand air transportation ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 greater use of high-speed air transportation1 small airports1 helipads1 vertical flight infrastructure1 and other aviation-related infrastructure can alleviate surface transportation congestion and support economic growth within cities2 7#b7 with respect to urban air mobility and related concepts1 ,,nasa should continue-- 7,a7 to conduct research focused on concepts1 technologies1 and design tools2 and 7,b7 to support the evaluation of advanced technologies and operational concepts that can be leveraged by-- 7i7 industry to develop future vehicles and systems2 and 7ii7 the ,federal ,aviation ,administration to support vehicle safety and operational certification2 and 7#c7 ,,nasa should leverage ongoing efforts to develop advanced technologies to actively support the research needed for on-demand air transportation4 #djg4 ,sense of ,congress on hypersonic technology research ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 hypersonic technology is critical to the development of advanced high-speed aerospace vehicles for both civilian and national security purposes2 7#b7 for hypersonic vehicles to be realized1 research is needed to overcome technical challenges1 including in propulsion1 advanced materials1 and flight performance in a severe environment2 7#c7 ,,nasa plays a critical role in supporting fundamental hypersonic research focused on system design1 analysis and validation1 and propulsion technologies2 7#d7 ,,nasa research efforts in hypersonic technology should complement research supported by the ,department of ,defense to the maximum extent practicable1 since contributions from both agencies working in partnership with universities and industry are necessary to overcome key technical challenges2 7#e7 previous coordinated research programs between ,,nasa and the ,department of ,defense enabled important progress on hypersonic technology2 7#f7 the commercial sector could provide flight platforms and other capabilities that are able to host and support ,,nasa hypersonic technology research projects2 and 7#g7 in carrying out hypersonic technology research projects1 the ,administrator should-- 7,a7 focus research and development efforts on high-speed propulsion systems1 reusable vehicle technologies1 high-temperature materials1 and systems analysis2 7,b7 coordinate with the ,department of ,defense to prevent duplication of efforts and of investments2 7,c7 include partnerships with universities and industry to accomplish research goals2 and 7,d7 maximize public-private use of commercially available platforms for hosting research and development flight projects4 ,v ,space technology #eja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that an independent ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate is critical to ensuring continued investments in the development of technologies for missions across the portfolio of ,,nasa1 including science1 aeronautics1 and human exploration4 7b7 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate consistent with section #gjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7#ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note74 #ejb4 ,flight opportunities program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should provide flight opportunities for payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as required by section #ijg7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;c771 as amended by subsection 7b74 7b7 ,establishment ,section #ijg7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program within the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate to fund-- 7,a7 the development of payloads for scientific research1 technology development1 and education2 7,b7 flight opportunities for those payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes2 and 7,c7 transition of those payloads to orbital opportunities4 7#b7 ,commercial reusable vehicle flights ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator may fund engineering and integration demonstrations1 proofs of concept1 and educational experiments for flights of commercial reusable vehicles4 7#c7 ,commercial suborbital launch vehicles ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator may not fund the development of commercial suborbital launch vehicles4 7#d7 ,working with mission directorates ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator shall work with the mission directorates of ,,nasa to achieve the research1 technology1 and education goals of ,,nasa4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ijg7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;b77 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program in and inserting ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program established under subsection 7c77#a7 within4 #ejc4 ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program is important for conducting science and technology validation for-- 7#a7 short- and long-duration missions in low-,earth orbit2 and 7#b7 deep space missions4 7b7 ,accommodation of certain payloads ,in carrying out the ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program1 the ,administrator shall1 as the mission risk posture and technology development objectives allow1 accommodate science payloads that further the goal of long-term human exploration to the ,moon and ,mars4 #ejd4 ,nuclear propulsion technology 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that nuclear propulsion is critical to the development of advanced spacecraft for civilian and national defense purposes4 7b7 ,development2 studies ,the ,administrator shall1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,energy and the ,secretary of ,defense-- 7#a7 continue to develop the fuel element design for ,,nasa nuclear propulsion technology2 7#b7 finalize the systems feasibility studies for such technology2 and 7#c7 partner with members of commercial industry to conduct mission concept studies on such technology4 7c7 ,nuclear propulsion technology demonstration 7#a7 ,determination2 report ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjba1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 determine the correct approach for conducting a flight demonstration of nuclear propulsion technology2 and 7,b7 submit to ,congress a report on a plan for such a demonstration4 7#b7 ,demonstration ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbd1 the ,administrator shall conduct the flight demonstration described in paragraph 7#a74 #eje4 ,mars-forward technologies 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should pursue multiple technical paths for entry1 descent1 and landing for ,mars1 including competitively selected technology demonstration missions4 7b7 ,prioritization of long-,lead technologies and systems ,the ,administrator shall prioritize1 within the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate1 research1 testing1 and development of long-lead technologies and systems for ,mars1 including technologies and systems relating to-- 7#a7 entry1 descent1 and landing2 and 7#b7 in-space propulsion1 including nuclear propulsion1 cryogenic fluid management1 and electric propulsion options4 ,,vi ,,stem engagement #fja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa serves as a source of inspiration to the people of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 ,,nasa is uniquely positioned to help increase student interest in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math2 7#c7 engaging students1 and providing hands-on experience at an early age1 in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math are important aspects of ensuring and promoting ,united ,states leadership in innovation2 and 7#d7 ,,nasa should strive to leverage its unique position-- 7,a7 to increase kindergarten through grade #ab involvement in ,,nasa projects2 7,b7 to enhance higher education in ,,stem fields in the ,united ,states2 7,c7 to support individuals who are underrepresented in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math fields1 such as women1 minorities1 and individuals in rural areas2 and 7,d7 to provide flight opportunities for student experiments and investigations4 #fjb4 ,,stem education engagement activities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to provide opportunities for formal and informal ,,stem education engagement activities within the ,office of ,,nasa ,,stem ,engagement and other ,,nasa directorates1 including-- 7#a7 the ,established ,program to ,stimulate ,competitive ,research2 7#b7 the ,minority ,university ,research and ,education ,project2 and 7#c7 the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program4 7b7 ,leveraging ,,nasa national programs ,to promote ,,stem education ,the ,administrator1 in partnership with museums1 nonprofit organizations1 and commercial entities1 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 leverage human spaceflight missions1 ,deep ,space ,exploration ,systems 7including the ,space ,launch ,system1 ,orion1 and ,exploration ,ground ,systems71 and ,,nasa science programs to engage students at the kindergarten through grade #ab and higher education levels to pursue learning and career opportunities in ,,stem fields4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on-- 7#a7 the status of the programs described in subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 the manner by which each ,,nasa ,,stem education engagement activity is organized and funded4 7d7 ,,stem education defined ,in this section1 the term ,,stem education has the meaning given the term in section #b of the ,,stem ,education ,act of #bjae 7,public ,law #aad-ei2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #ffba note74 #fjc4 ,skilled technical education outreach program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a program to conduct outreach to secondary school students-- 7#a7 to expose students to careers that require career and technical education2 and 7#b7 to encourage students to pursue careers that require career and technical education4 7b7 ,outreach plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the outreach program under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 an implementation plan2 7#b7 a description of the resources needed to carry out the program2 and 7#c7 any recommendations on expanding outreach to secondary school students interested in skilled technical occupations4 7c7 ,systems observation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall develop a program and associated policies to allow students from accredited educational institutions to view the manufacturing1 assembly1 and testing of ,,nasa-funded space and aeronautical systems1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in developing the program and policies under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall take into consideration factors such as workplace safety1 mission needs1 and the protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies4 ,,vii ,workforce and industrial base #gja4 ,appointment and compensation pilot program 7a7 ,definition of covered provisions ,in this section the term covered provisions means the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 other than-- 7#a7 section #bcja of that title2 7#b7 section #bcjb of that title2 7#c7 chapter #ga of that title2 7#d7 section #gbjd of that title2 and 7#e7 chapter #gc of that title4 7b7 ,establishment ,there is established a #c-year pilot program under which1 notwithstanding section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator may1 with respect to not more than #e1jjj designated personnel-- 7#a7 appoint and manage such designated personnel of the ,administration1 without regard to the covered provisions2 and 7#b7 fix the compensation of such designated personnel of the ,administration1 without regard to chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 at a rate that does not exceed the per annum rate of salary of the ,vice ,president of the ,united ,states under section #ajd of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,administrator responsibilities ,in carrying out the pilot program established under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall ensure that the pilot program-- 7#a7 uses-- 7,a7 state-of-the-art recruitment techniques2 7,b7 simplified classification methods with respect to personnel of the ,administration2 and 7,c7 broad banding2 and 7#b7 offers-- 7,a7 competitive compensation2 and 7,b7 the opportunity for career mobility4 #gjb4 ,establishment of multi-institution consortia and university-affiliated research centers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 pursuant to section #bcjd7;c77#c77;,b7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 may-- 7#a7 establish one or more multi-institution consortia or university-affiliated research centers to facilitate access to essential engineering1 research1 and development capabilities in support of ,,nasa missions2 7#b7 use such a consortium or research center to fund technical analyses and other engineering support to address the acquisition1 technical1 and operational needs of ,,nasa centers2 and 7#c7 ensure such a consortium or research center-- 7,a7 is held accountable for the technical quality of the work product developed under this section2 and 7,b7 convenes disparate groups to facilitate public-private partnerships4 7b7 ,policies and procedures ,the ,administrator shall develop and implement policies and procedures to govern1 with respect to the establishment of a consortium or research center under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 the selection of participants2 7#b7 the award of cooperative agreements or other contracts2 7#c7 the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole source awards2 and 7#d7 technical capabilities required4 7c7 ,eligibility ,the following entities shall be eligible to participate in a consortium or research center established under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb772 7#b7 an operator of a federally funded research and development center2 7#c7 a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution2 and 7#d7 a consortium composed of-- 7,a7 an entity described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c72 and 7,b7 one or more for-profit entities4 #gjc4 ,expedited access to technical talent and expertise 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may-- 7#a7 establish one or more multi-institution task order contracts1 consortia1 cooperative agreements1 or other arrangements to facilitate expedited access to eligible entities in support of ,,nasa missions2 and 7#b7 use such a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or other arrangement to fund technical analyses and other engineering support to address the acquisition1 technical1 and operational needs of ,,nasa centers4 7b7 ,consultation with other ,,nasa-,affiliated entities ,to ensure access to technical expertise and reduce costs and duplicative efforts1 a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or any other arrangement established under subsection 7a77#a7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 be carried out in consultation with other ,,nasa-affiliated entities1 including federally funded research and development centers1 university-affiliated research centers1 and ,,nasa laboratories and test centers4 7c7 ,policies and procedures ,the ,administrator shall develop and implement policies and procedures to govern1 with respect to the establishment of a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or any other arrangement under subsection 7a77#a7-- 7#a7 the selection of participants2 7#b7 the award of task orders2 7#c7 the maximum award size for a task2 7#d7 the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole source awards2 and 7#e7 technical capabilities required4 7d7 ,eligible entity defined ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb772 7#b7 an operator of a federally funded research and development center2 7#c7 a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution2 and 7#d7 a consortium composed of-- 7,a7 an entity described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c72 and 7,b7 one or more for-profit entities4 #gjd4 ,report on industrial base for civil space missions and operations 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a comprehensive description of the current status of the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7#b7 ,a description and assessment of the weaknesses in the supply chain1 skills1 manufacturing capacity1 raw materials1 key components1 and other areas of the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations that could adversely impact such missions and operations if unavailable4 7#c7 ,a description and assessment of various mechanisms to address and mitigate the weaknesses described pursuant to paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,such other matters relating to the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 #gje4 ,separations and retirement incentives ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7o7 ,provisions related to separation and retirement incentives 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term employee-- 7,a7 means an employee of the ,administration serving under an appointment without time limitation2 and 7,b7 does not include-- 7i7 a reemployed annuitant under subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or chapter #hd of title #e or any other retirement system for employees of the ,federal ,government2 7ii7 an employee having a disability on the basis of which such employee is or would be eligible for disability retirement under any of the retirement systems referred to in clause 7i72 or 7iii7 for purposes of eligibility for separation incentives under this subsection1 an employee who is in receipt of a decision notice of involuntary separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance4 7#b7 ,authority ,the ,administrator may establish a program under which employees may be eligible for early retirement1 offered separation incentive pay to separate from service voluntarily1 or both4 ,this authority may be used to reduce the number of personnel employed or to restructure the workforce to meet mission objectives without reducing the overall number of personnel4 ,this authority is in addition to1 and notwithstanding1 any other authorities established by law or regulation for such programs4 7#c7 ,early retirement ,an employee who is at least #ej years of age and has completed #bj years of service1 or has at least #be years of service1 may1 pursuant to regulations promulgated under this subsection1 apply and be retired from the ,administration and receive benefits in accordance with subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or #hd of title #e if the employee has been employed continuously within the ,administration for more than #cj days before the date on which the determination to conduct a reduction or restructuring within #a or more ,administration centers is approved4 7#d7 ,separation pay 7,a7 ,in general ,separation pay shall be paid in a lump sum or in installments and shall be equal to the lesser of-- 7i7 an amount equal to the amount the employee would be entitled to receive under section #eeie7;c7 of title #e1 if the employee were entitled to payment under such section2 or 7ii7 #dj1jjj4 7,b7 ,limitations ,separation pay shall not be a basis for payment1 and shall not be included in the computation1 of any other type of ,government benefit4 ,separation pay shall not be taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount of any severance pay to which an individual may be entitled under section #eeie of title #e1 based on any other separation4 7,c7 ,installments ,separation pay1 if paid in installments1 shall cease to be paid upon the recipient's acceptance of employment by the ,federal ,government1 or commencement of work under a personal services contract as described in paragraph 7#e74 7#e7 ,limitations on reemployment 7,a7 ,an employee who receives separation pay under such program may not be reemployed by the ,administration for a #ab-month period beginning on the effective date of the employee's separation1 unless this prohibition is waived by the ,administrator on a case-by-case basis4 7,b7 ,an employee who receives separation pay under this section on the basis of a separation and accepts employment with the ,government of the ,united ,states1 or who commences work through a personal services contract with the ,united ,states within #e years after the date of the separation on which payment of the separation pay is based1 shall be required to repay the entire amount of the separation pay to the ,administration4 ,if the employment is with an ,executive agency 7as defined by section #aje of title #e7 other than the ,administration1 the ,administrator may1 at the request of the head of that agency1 waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is within the ,administration1 the ,administrator may waive the repayment if the individual involved is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is with an entity in the legislative branch1 the head of the entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is with the judicial branch1 the ,director of the ,administrative ,office of the ,united ,states ,courts may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 7#f7 ,regulations ,under the program established under paragraph 7#b71 early retirement and separation pay may be offered only pursuant to regulations established by the ,administrator1 subject to such limitations or conditions as the ,administrator may require4 7#g7 ,use of existing funds ,the ,administrator shall carry out this subsection using amounts otherwise made available to the ,administrator and no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection4 4 #gjf4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #cac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cacjc4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b77#a7-- 7#a7 a medical quality assurance record1 or any part of a medical quality assurance record1 may not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding2 and 7#b7 an individual who reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record for the ,administration1 or participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record1 may not testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to-- 7,a7 the medical quality assurance record2 or 7,b7 any finding1 recommendation1 evaluation1 opinion1 or action taken by such individual or in accordance with such proceeding with respect to the medical quality assurance record4 7b7 ,disclosure of records 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a medical quality assurance record may be disclosed to-- 7,a7 a ,federal agency or private entity1 if the medical quality assurance record is necessary for the ,federal agency or private entity to carry out-- 7i7 licensing or accreditation functions relating to ,administration healthcare facilities2 or 7ii7 monitoring of ,administration healthcare facilities required by law2 7,b7 a ,federal agency or healthcare provider1 if the medical quality assurance record is required by the ,federal agency or healthcare provider to enable ,administration participation in a healthcare program of the ,federal agency or healthcare provider2 7,c7 a criminal or civil law enforcement agency1 or an instrumentality authorized by law to protect the public health or safety1 on written request by a qualified representative of such agency or instrumentality submitted to the ,administrator that includes a description of the lawful purpose for which the medical quality assurance record is requested2 7,d7 an officer1 an employee1 or a contractor of the ,administration who requires the medical quality assurance record to carry out an official duty associated with healthcare2 7,e7 healthcare personnel1 to the extent necessary to address a medical emergency affecting the health or safety of an individual2 and 7,f7 any committee1 panel1 or board convened by the ,administration to review the healthcare-related policies and practices of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,subsequent disclosure prohibited ,an individual or entity to whom a medical quality assurance record has been disclosed under paragraph 7#a7 may not make a subsequent disclosure of the medical quality assurance record4 7c7 ,personally identifiable information 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the personally identifiable information contained in a medical quality assurance record of a patient or an employee of the ,administration1 or any other individual associated with the ,administration for purposes of a medical quality assurance program1 shall be removed before the disclosure of the medical quality assurance record to an entity other than the ,administration4 7#b7 ,exception ,personally identifiable information described in paragraph 7#a7 may be released to an entity other than the ,administration if the ,administrator makes a determination that the release of such personally identifiable information-- 7,a7 is in the best interests of the ,administration2 and 7,b7 does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy4 7d7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,a medical quality assurance record may not be made available to any person under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act71 and this section shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of such section #ebb4 7e7 ,regulations ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,administrator shall promulgate regulations to implement this section4 7f7 ,rules of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed-- 7#a7 to withhold a medical quality assurance record from a committee of the ,senate or ,house of ,representatives or a joint committee of ,congress if the medical quality assurance record relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of such committee or joint committee2 or 7#b7 to limit the use of a medical quality assurance record within the ,administration1 including the use by a contractor or consultant of the ,administration4 7g7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,medical quality assurance record ,the term medical quality assurance record means any proceeding1 discussion1 record1 finding1 recommendation1 evaluation1 opinion1 minutes1 report1 or other document or action that results from a quality assurance committee1 quality assurance program1 or quality assurance program activity4 7#b7 ,quality assurance program 7,a7 ,in general ,the term quality assurance program means a comprehensive program of the ,administration-- 7i7 to systematically review and improve the quality of medical and behavioral health services provided by the ,administration to ensure the safety and security of individuals receiving such health services2 and 7ii7 to evaluate and improve the efficiency1 effectiveness1 and use of staff and resources in the delivery of such health services4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term quality assurance program includes any activity carried out by or for the ,administration to assess the quality of medical care provided by the ,administration4 4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cacjc4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records44 ,,viii ,miscellaneous provisions #hja4 ,contracting authority ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7o7 ,contracting authority ,the ,administration-- 7#a7 may enter into an agreement with a private1 commercial1 or ,state government entity to provide the entity with supplies1 support1 and services related to private1 commercial1 or ,state government space activities carried out at a property owned or operated by the ,administration2 and 7#b7 upon the request of such an entity1 may include such supplies1 support1 and services in the requirements of the ,administration if-- 7,a7 the ,administrator determines that the inclusion of such supplies1 support1 or services in such requirements-- 7i7 is in the best interest of the ,federal ,government2 7ii7 does not interfere with the requirements of the ,administration2 and 7iii7 does not compete with the commercial space activities of other such entities2 and 7,b7 the ,administration has full reimbursable funding from the entity that requested supplies1 support1 and services prior to making any obligation for the delivery of such supplies1 support1 or services under an ,administration procurement contract or any other agreement4 4 #hjb4 ,authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on production contracts ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #hja1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7p7 ,transaction prototype projects and follow-,on production contracts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administration may enter into a transaction 7other than a contract1 cooperative agreement1 or grant7 to carry out a prototype project that is directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,subsequent award of follow-on production contract ,a transaction entered into under this subsection for a prototype project may provide for the subsequent award of a follow-on production contract to participants in the transaction4 7#c7 ,inclusion ,a transaction under this subsection includes a project awarded to an individual participant and to all individual projects awarded to a consortium of ,united ,states industry and academic institutions4 7#d7 ,determination ,the authority of this section may be exercised for a transaction for a prototype project and any follow-on production contract1 upon a determination by the head of the contracting activity1 in accordance with ,administration policies1 that-- 7,a7 circumstances justify use of a transaction to provide an innovative business arrangement that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract2 and 7,b7 the use of the authority of this section is essential to promoting the success of the prototype project4 7#e7 ,competitive procedure 7,a7 ,in general ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,administrator shall use competitive procedures with respect to entering into a transaction to carry out a prototype project4 7,b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding section #bcjd of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 a follow-on production contract may be awarded to the participants in the prototype transaction without the use of competitive procedures1 if-- 7i7 competitive procedures were used for the selection of parties for participation in the prototype transaction2 and 7ii7 the participants in the transaction successfully completed the prototype project provided for in the transaction4 7#f7 ,cost share ,a transaction to carry out a prototype project and a follow-on production contract may require that part of the total cost of the transaction or contract be paid by the participant or contractor from a source other than the ,federal ,government4 7#g7 ,procurement ethics ,a transaction under this authority shall be considered an agency procurement for purposes of chapter #ba of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 with regard to procurement ethics4 4 #hjc4 ,protection of data and information from public disclosure 7a7 ,certain technical data ,section #bjaca of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 7#b7 in subsection 7a77#c71 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting subsection 7b7 or 7c72 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,special handling of certain technical data 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may provide appropriate protections against the public dissemination of certain technical data1 including exemption from subchapter ,,ii of chapter #e of title #e4 7#b7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,certain technical data ,the term certain technical data means technical data that may not be exported lawfully outside the ,united ,states without approval1 authorization1 or license under-- 7i7 the ,export ,control ,reform ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bcb2 #acb ,stat4 #bbjh72 or 7ii7 the ,international ,security ,assistance and ,arms ,export ,control ,act of #aigf 7,public ,law #id-cbi2 #ij ,stat4 #gbi74 7,b7 ,technical data ,the term technical data means any blueprint1 drawing1 photograph1 plan1 instruction1 computer software1 or documentation1 or any other technical information4 2 7#d7 in subsection 7d71 as so redesignated1 by inserting 1 including any data1 after information2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,this section shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of section #eeb of title #e 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act74 4 7b7 ,certain voluntarily provided safety-,related information 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide appropriate safeguards against the public dissemination of safety-related information collected as part of a mishap investigation carried out under the ,,nasa safety reporting system or in conjunction with an organizational safety assessment1 if the ,administrator makes a written determination1 including a justification of the determination1 that-- 7,a7 7i7 disclosure of the information would inhibit individuals from voluntarily providing safety-related information2 and 7ii7 the ability of ,,nasa to collect such information improves the safety of ,,nasa programs and research relating to aeronautics and space2 or 7,b7 withholding such information from public disclosure improves the safety of such ,,nasa programs and research4 7#b7 ,other ,federal agencies ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 if the ,administrator provides to the head of another ,federal agency safety-related information with respect to which the ,administrator has made a determination under paragraph 7#a71 the head of the ,federal agency shall withhold the information from public disclosure4 7#c7 ,public availability ,a determination under paragraph 7#a7 shall be made available to the public on request1 as required under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act74 7#d7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,this subsection shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #hjd4 ,physical security modernization ,chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjacc7b71 by striking property and all that follows through to the ,united ,states1 and inserting ,administration personnel or of property owned or leased by1 or under the control of1 the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 in section #bjacd1 in the second sentence-- 7,a7 by inserting ,administration personnel or any after protecting2 and 7,b7 by striking 1 at facilities owned or contracted to the ,administration4 #hje4 ,lease of non-excess property ,section #bjade of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7b77#a77;,b71 by striking entered into for the purpose of developing renewable energy production facilities2 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7g74 #hjf4 ,cybersecurity 7a7 ,in general ,section #bjcja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,cybersecurity ,the ,administrator shall update and improve the cybersecurity of ,,nasa space assets and supporting infrastructure4 4 7b7 ,security ,operations ,center 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,security ,operations ,center1 to identify and respond to cybersecurity threats to ,,nasa information technology systems1 including institutional systems and mission systems4 7#b7 ,inspector ,general recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 each of the recommendations contained in the report of the ,inspector ,general of ,,nasa entitled ,audit of ,,nasa's ,security ,operations ,center1 issued on ,may #bc1 #bjah4 7c7 ,cyber threat hunt 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 may implement a cyber threat hunt capability to proactively search ,,nasa information systems for advanced cyber threats that otherwise evade existing security tools4 7#b7 ,threat-hunting process ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall develop and document a threat-hunting process1 including the roles and responsibilities of individuals conducting a cyber threat hunt4 7d7 ,,gao priority recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the recommendations for ,,nasa contained in the report of the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states entitled ,information ,security3 ,agencies ,need to ,improve ,controls over ,selected ,high-,impact ,systems1 issued ,may #ah1 #bjaf1 including-- 7#a7 re-evaluating security control assessments2 and 7#b7 specifying metrics for the continuous monitoring strategy of the ,administration4 #hjg4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided by subsection 7b71 the ,administrator1 the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 and the ,chair of the ,national ,space ,council1 shall not-- 7#a7 develop1 design1 plan1 promulgate1 implement1 or execute a bilateral policy1 program1 order1 or contract of any kind to participate1 collaborate1 or coordinate bilaterally in any manner with-- 7,a7 the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 any company-- 7i7 owned by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7ii7 incorporated under the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 and 7#b7 host official visitors from the ,people's ,republic of ,china at a facility belonging to or used by ,,nasa4 7b7 ,waiver 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair may waive the limitation under subsection 7a7 with respect to an activity described in that subsection only if the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 makes a determination that the activity-- 7,a7 does not pose a risk of a transfer of technology1 data1 or other information with national security or economic security implications to an entity described in paragraph 7#a7 of such subsection2 and 7,b7 does not involve knowing interactions with officials who have been determined by the ,united ,states to have direct involvement with violations of human rights4 7#b7 ,certification to ,congress ,not later than #cj days after the date on which a waiver is granted under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a written certification that the activity complies with the requirements in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of that paragraph4 #hjh4 ,small satellite launch services program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to procure dedicated launch services for small satellites1 including ,cube,sats1 for the purpose of conducting science and technology missions that further the goals of ,,nasa4 7b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 engage with the academic community to maximize awareness and use of dedicated small satellite launch opportunities2 and 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 use a secondary payload of procured launch services for ,cube,sats4 #hji4 #bast century space launch infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall carry out a program to modernize launch infrastructure at ,,nasa facilities-- 7#a7 to enhance safety2 and 7#b7 to advance ,government and commercial space transportation and exploration4 7b7 ,projects ,projects funded under the program under subsection 7a7 may include-- 7#a7 infrastructure relating to commodities2 7#b7 standard interfaces to meet customer needs for multiple payload processing and launch vehicle processing2 7#c7 enhancements to range capacity and flexibility2 and 7#d7 such other projects as the ,administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 prioritize investments in projects that can be used by multiple users and launch vehicles1 including non-,,nasa users and launch vehicles2 and 7#b7 limit investments to projects that would not otherwise be funded by a ,,nasa program1 such as an institutional or programmatic infrastructure program4 7d7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall preclude a ,,nasa program1 including the ,space ,launch ,system and ,orion1 from using the launch infrastructure modernized under this section4 #haj4 ,missions of national need 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the ,sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 while certain space missions1 such as asteroid detection or space debris mitigation missions1 may not provide the highest-value science1 as determined by the ,national ,academies of ,science1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine decadal surveys1 such missions provide tremendous value to the ,united ,states and the world2 and 7#b7 the current organizational and funding structure of ,,nasa has not prioritized the funding of missions of national need4 7b7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall conduct a study on the manner in which ,,nasa funds missions of national need4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification and assessment of the types of missions or technology development programs that constitute missions of national need4 7,b7 ,an assessment of the manner in which such missions are currently funded and managed by ,,nasa4 7,c7 ,an analysis of the options for funding missions of national need1 including-- 7i7 structural changes required to allow ,,nasa to fund such missions2 and 7ii7 an assessment of the capacity of other ,federal agencies to make funds available for such missions4 7c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection 7b71 including recommendations for funding missions of national need4 #haa4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act ,section #g7a7 of the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act 7,public ,law #ajf-agh2 #ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is amended1 in the undesignated matter following subparagraph 7,b71 by striking ,december #ca1 #bjbj and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjcj4 #hab4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator may enter into #a or more agreements with the town of ,chincoteague1 ,virginia1 to reimburse the town for costs that are directly associated with-- 7#a7 the removal of drinking water wells located on property administered by the ,administration2 and 7#b7 the relocation of such wells to property under the administrative control1 through lease1 ownership1 or easement1 of the town4 #hac4 ,passenger carrier use ,section #acdd7;a77#b7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking or at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by inserting or after the comma at the end2 and 7#c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 necessary for post-flight transportation of ,united ,states ,government astronauts subject to reimbursable arrangements returning from space for the performance of medical research1 monitoring1 diagnosis1 or treatment1 or other official duties1 prior to receiving post-flight medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle1 4 #had4 ,,sbir phase flexibility for the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,section #i7;cc7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fch7;cc77 is amended by inserting the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 after through #bjbb14 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,authorization of appropriations,sec4 #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations4,,title ,,ii--,human spaceflight and exploration,sec4 #bja4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities4,sec4 #bjb4 ,space launch system configurations4,sec4 #bjc4 ,advanced spacesuits4,sec4 #bjd4 ,life science and physical science research4,sec4 #bje4 ,acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics resupply services4,sec4 #bjf4 ,rocket engine test infrastructure4,sec4 #bjg4 ,indian ,river ,bridge4,sec4 #bjh4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit4,sec4 #bji4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station4,sec4 #baj4 ,department of ,defense activities on ,international ,space ,station4,sec4 #baa4 ,low-,earth orbit commercialization4,sec4 #bab4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space4,sec4 #bac4 ,international ,space ,station national laboratory2 property rights in inventions4,sec4 #bad4 ,data first produced during non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory4,sec4 #bae4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities4,sec4 #baf4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration4,sec4 #bag4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions4,,title ,,iii--,science,sec4 #cja4 ,science priorities4,sec4 #cjb4 ,lunar discovery program4,sec4 #cjc4 ,search for life4,sec4 #cjd4 ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4,sec4 #cje4 ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope4,sec4 #cjf4 ,satellite servicing for science missions4,sec4 #cjg4 ,earth science missions and programs4,sec4 #cjh4 ,science missions to ,mars4,sec4 #cji4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office4,sec4 #caj4 ,suborbital science flights4,sec4 #caa4 ,earth science data and observations4,sec4 #cab4 ,sense of ,congress on small satellite science4,sec4 #cac4 ,sense of ,congress on commercial space services4,sec4 #cad4 ,procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations of scientific integrity policy4,,title ,,iv--,aeronautics,sec4 #dja4 ,short title4,sec4 #djb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #djc4 ,experimental aircraft projects4,sec4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems4,sec4 #dje4 #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative4,sec4 #djf4 ,sense of ,congress on on-demand air transportation4,sec4 #djg4 ,sense of ,congress on hypersonic technology research4,,title ,v--,space technology,sec4 #eja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate4,sec4 #ejb4 ,flight opportunities program4,sec4 #ejc4 ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program4,sec4 #ejd4 ,nuclear propulsion technology4,sec4 #eje4 ,mars-forward technologies4,sec4 #ejf4 ,prioritization of low-enriched uranium technology4,sec4 #ejg4 ,sense of ,congress on next-generation communications technology4,,title ,,vi--,,stem engagement,sec4 #fja4 ,sense of ,congress4,sec4 #fjb4 ,,stem education engagement activities4,sec4 #fjc4 ,skilled technical education outreach program4,sec4 #fjd4 ,national space grant college and fellowship program4,,title ,,vii--,workforce and industrial base,sec4 #gja4 ,appointment and compensation pilot program4,sec4 #gjb4 ,establishment of multi-institution consortia and university-affiliated research centers4,sec4 #gjc4 ,expedited access to technical talent and expertise4,sec4 #gjd4 ,report on industrial base for civil space missions and operations4,sec4 #gje4 ,separations and retirement incentives4,sec4 #gjf4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records4,,title ,,viii--,miscellaneous provisions,sec4 #hja4 ,contracting authority4,sec4 #hjb4 ,authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on production contracts4,sec4 #hjc4 ,protection of data and information from public disclosure4,sec4 #hjd4 ,physical security modernization4,sec4 #hje4 ,lease of non-excess property4,sec4 #hjf4 ,cybersecurity4,sec4 #hjg4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china4,sec4 #hjh4 ,consideration of issues related to contracting with entities receiving assistance from or affiliated with the ,people's ,republic of ,china4,sec4 #hji4 ,small satellite launch services program4,sec4 #haj4 #bast century space launch infrastructure4,sec4 #haa4 ,missions of national need4,sec4 #hab4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act4,sec4 #hac4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia4,sec4 #had4 ,passenger carrier use4,sec4 #hae4 ,use of commercial near-space balloons4,sec4 #haf4 ,president's ,space ,advisory ,board4,sec4 #hag4 ,initiative on technologies for noise and emissions reductions4,sec4 #hah4 ,remediation of sites contaminated with trichloroethylene4,sec4 #hai4 ,report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources4,sec4 #hbj4 ,report on establishing center of excellence for space weather technology4,sec4 #hba4 ,review on preference for domestic suppliers4,sec4 #hbb4 ,report on utilization of commercial space ports licensed by ,federal ,aviation ,administration4,sec4 #hbc4 ,active orbital debris mitigation4,sec4 #hbd4 ,study on commercial communications services4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term ,administration means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#d7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 7#e7 ,deep space ,the term deep space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit1 including cislunar space4 7#f7 ,development cost ,the term development cost has the meaning given the term in section #cjajd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#g7 ,,iss ,the term ,,iss means the ,international ,space ,station4 7#h7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity means the organization with which the ,administrator has entered into a cooperative agreement under section #ejd7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;a774 7#i7 ,,nasa ,the term ,,nasa means the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#aj7 ,orion ,the term ,orion means the multipurpose crew vehicle described in section #cjc of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbc74 7#aa7 ,,ostp ,the term ,,ostp means the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy4 7#ab7 ,space ,launch ,system ,the term ,space ,launch ,system means the ,space ,launch ,system authorized under section #cjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb74 ,i ,authorization of appropriations #aja4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,administration for fiscal year #bjbj #bb1gej1jjj1jjj as follows3 7#a7 ,for ,exploration1 #f1bbb1fjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,for ,space ,operations1 #d1aej1bjj1jjj4 7#c7 ,for ,science1 #f1ije1gjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,for ,aeronautics1 #ghc1ijj1jjj4 7#e7 ,for ,space ,technology1 #a1jgf1djj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for ,science1 ,technology1 ,engineering1 and ,mathematics ,engagement1 #aab1jjj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for ,safety1 ,security1 and ,mission ,services1 #b1icd1hjj1jjj4 7#h7 ,for ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration1 #ebd1djj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for ,inspector ,general1 #dj1jjj1jjj4 ,,ii ,human spaceflight and exploration #bja4 ,advanced cislunar and lunar surface capabilities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 commercial entities in the ,united ,states have made significant investment and progress toward the development of human-class lunar landers2 7#b7 ,,nasa developed the ,artemis program-- 7,a7 to fulfill the goal of landing ,united ,states astronauts1 including the first woman and the next man1 on the ,moon2 and 7,b7 to collaborate with commercial and international partners to establish sustainable lunar exploration by #bjbh2 and 7#c7 in carrying out the ,artemis program1 the ,administration should ensure that the entire ,artemis program is inclusive and representative of all people of the ,united ,states1 including women and minorities4 7b7 ,lander program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall foster the flight demonstration of not more than #b human-class lunar lander designs through public-private partnerships4 7#b7 ,initial development phase ,the ,administrator may support the formulation of more than #b concepts in the initial development phase4 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 enter into industry-led partnerships using a fixed-price1 milestone-based approach2 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 encourage reusability and sustainability of systems developed2 7#c7 ensure availability of #a or more lunar polar science payloads for a demonstration mission2 and 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 offer existing capabilities and assets of ,,nasa centers to support these partnerships4 #bjb4 ,space launch system configurations 7a7 ,mobile launch platform ,the ,administrator is authorized to maintain #b operational mobile launch platforms to enable the launch of multiple configurations of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7b7 ,exploration upper stage ,to meet the capability requirements under section #cjb7;c77#b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb7;c77#b771 the ,administrator shall continue development of the ,exploration ,upper ,stage for the ,space ,launch ,system with a scheduled availability sufficient for use on the third launch of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the development and scheduled availability of the ,exploration ,upper ,stage for the third launch of the ,space ,launch ,system4 7d7 ,main propulsion test article ,to meet the requirements under section #cjb7;c77#c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcbb7;c77#c771 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 immediately on completion of the first full-duration integrated core stage test of the ,space ,launch ,system1 initiate development of a main propulsion test article for the integrated core stage propulsion elements of the ,space ,launch ,system2 7#b7 not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a detailed plan for the development and operation of such main propulsion test article2 and 7#c7 use existing capabilities of ,,nasa centers for the design1 manufacture1 and operation of the main propulsion test article4 #bjc4 ,advanced spacesuits 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that next-generation advanced spacesuits are a critical technology for human space exploration and use of low-,earth orbit1 cislunar space1 the surface of the ,moon1 and ,mars4 7b7 ,development plan ,the ,administrator shall establish a detailed plan for the development and manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 consistent with the deep space exploration goals and timetables of ,,nasa4 7c7 ,diverse astronaut corps ,the ,administrator shall ensure that spacesuits developed and manufactured after the date of the enactment of this ,act are capable of accommodating a wide range of sizes of astronauts so as to meet the needs of the diverse ,,nasa astronaut corps4 7d7 ,,iss use ,throughout the operational life of the ,,iss1 the ,administrator should fully use the ,,iss for testing advanced spacesuits4 7e7 ,prior investments 7#a7 ,in general ,in developing an advanced spacesuit1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 partner with industry-proven spacesuit design1 development1 and manufacturing suppliers and leverage prior and existing investments in advanced spacesuit technologies to maximize the benefits of such investments and technologies4 7#b7 ,agreements with private entities ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,administrator may enter into #a or more agreements with #a or more private entities for the manufacture of advanced spacesuits1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7f7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and semiannually thereafter until ,,nasa procures advanced spacesuits under this section1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on the development plan in subsection 7b74 #bjd4 ,life science and physical science research 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the #bjaa decadal survey on biological and physical sciences in space identifies-- 7,a7 many areas in which fundamental scientific research is needed to efficiently advance the range of human activities in space1 from the first stages of exploration to eventual economic development2 and 7,b7 many areas of basic and applied scientific research that could use the microgravity1 radiation1 and other aspects of the spaceflight environment to answer fundamental scientific questions2 7#b7 given the central role of life science and physical science research in developing the future of space exploration1 ,,nasa should continue to invest strategically in such research to maintain ,united ,states leadership in space exploration2 and 7#c7 such research remains important to the objectives of ,,nasa with respect to long-duration deep space human exploration to the ,moon and ,mars4 7b7 ,program continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,in support of the goals described in section #bjcjb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative1 multidisciplinary life science and physical science fundamental research program-- 7,a7 to build a scientific foundation for the exploration and development of space2 7,b7 to investigate the mechanisms of changes to biological systems and physical systems1 and the environments of those systems in space1 including the effects of long-duration exposure to deep space-related environmental factors on those systems2 7,c7 to understand the effects of combined deep space radiation and altered gravity levels on biological systems so as to inform the development and testing of potential countermeasures2 7,d7 to understand physical phenomena in reduced gravity that affect design and performance of enabling technologies necessary for the space exploration program2 7,e7 to provide scientific opportunities to educate1 train1 and develop the next generation of researchers and engineers2 and 7,f7 to provide state-of-the-art data repositories and curation of large multi-data sets to enable comparative research analyses4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 include fundamental research relating to life science1 space bioscience1 and physical science2 and 7,b7 maximize intra-agency and interagency partnerships to advance space exploration1 scientific knowledge1 and benefits to ,earth4 7#c7 ,use of facilities ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may use ground-based1 air-based1 and space-based facilities in low-,earth orbit and beyond low-,earth orbit4 #bje4 ,acquisition of domestic space transportation and logistics resupply services 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall not enter into any contract with a person or entity that proposes to use1 or will use1 a foreign launch provider for a commercial service to provide space transportation or logistics resupply for-- 7#a7 the ,,iss2 or 7#b7 any ,government-owned or ,government-funded platform in ,earth orbit or cislunar space1 on the lunar surface1 or elsewhere in space4 7b7 ,exception ,the ,administrator may enter into a contract with a person or entity that proposes to use1 or will use1 a foreign launch provider for a commercial service to carry out an activity described in subsection 7a7 if a domestic vehicle or service is unavailable4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the ,administrator from entering into #a or more no-exchange-of-funds collaborative agreements with an international partner in support of the deep space exploration plan of ,,nasa4 #bjf4 ,rocket engine test infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall carry out a program to modernize rocket propulsion test infrastructure at ,,nasa facilities-- 7#a7 to increase capabilities2 7#b7 to enhance safety2 7#c7 to support propulsion development and testing2 and 7#d7 to foster the improvement of ,government and commercial space transportation and exploration4 7b7 ,projects ,projects funded under the program under subsection 7a7 may include-- 7#a7 infrastructure and other facilities and systems relating to rocket propulsion test stands and rocket propulsion testing2 7#b7 enhancements to test facility capacity and flexibility2 and 7#c7 such other projects as the ,administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 prioritize investments in projects that enhance test and flight certification capabilities for large thrust-level atmospheric and altitude engines and engine systems1 and multi-engine integrated test capabilities2 and 7#b7 ensure that no project carried out under this program shall adversely impact1 delay1 or defer testing or other activities associated with facilities used for ,government programs1 including-- 7,a7 the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,exploration ,upper ,stage of the ,space ,launch ,system2 7,b7 in-space propulsion to support exploration missions2 or 7,c7 nuclear propulsion testing4 7d7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall preclude a ,,nasa program1 including the ,space ,launch ,system and the ,exploration ,upper ,stage of the ,space ,launch ,system1 from using the modernized test infrastructure developed under this section4 #bjg4 ,indian ,river ,bridge 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies that use the ,indian ,river ,bridge on the ,,nasa ,causeway1 shall develop a plan to ensure that a bridge over the ,indian ,river at such location provides access to the ,eastern ,range for national security1 civil1 and commercial space operations4 7b7 ,fee or toll discouraged ,the plan shall strongly discourage the imposition of a user fee or toll on a bridge over the ,indian ,river at such location4 #bjh4 ,value of ,international ,space ,station and capabilities in low-,earth orbit 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 it is in the national and economic security interests of the ,united ,states to maintain a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 low-,earth orbit should be used as a test bed to advance human space exploration and scientific discoveries2 and 7#c7 the ,,iss is a critical component of economic1 commercial1 and industrial development in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,human presence requirement ,the ,united ,states shall continuously maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-,earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ,,iss4 #bji4 ,extension and modification relating to ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,policy ,section #eja7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcea7;a77 is amended by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj4 7b7 ,maintenance of ,united ,states segment and assurance of continued operations ,section #ejc7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcec7;a77 is amended by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7c7 ,research capacity allocation and integration of research payloads ,section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 in the first sentence-- 7,a7 by striking ,as soon as practicable and all that follows through #bjaa1 and inserting ,the2 and 7,b7 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 in the third sentence1 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7d7 ,maintenance of use 7#a7 ,in general ,section #gjijg of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking #bjbd and inserting #bjcj2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj2 and 7,c7 in subsection 7b77#c71 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjbd and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 7e7 ,transition plan reports ,section #ejaaa7;c77#b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking #bjbc and inserting #bjbh2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,j71 by striking #bjbh and inserting #bjcj4 7f7 ,elimination of ,international ,space ,station ,national ,laboratory ,advisory ,committee ,section #gjijf of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7g7 ,conforming amendments ,chapter #gji of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #gjijg as section #gjijf2 and 7#b7 in the table of sections for the chapter1 by striking the items relating to sections #gjijf and #gjijg and inserting the following3 #gjijf4 ,maintaining use through at least #bjcj4 4 #baj4 ,department of ,defense activities on ,international ,space ,station 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,march #a1 #bjbj1 the ,secretary of ,defense shall-- 7#a7 identify and review each activity1 program1 and project of the ,department of ,defense completed1 being carried out1 or planned to be carried out on the ,,iss as of the date of the review2 and 7#b7 provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress a briefing that describes the results of the review4 7b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 #baa4 ,low-,earth orbit commercialization 7a7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to encourage the development of a thriving and robust ,united ,states commercial sector in low-,earth orbit4 7b7 ,preference for ,united ,states commercial products and services ,the ,administrator shall continue to increase the use of assets1 products1 and services of private entities in the ,united ,states to fulfill the low-,earth orbit requirements of the ,administration4 7c7 ,noncompetition 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,administrator may not offer to a foreign person or a foreign government a spaceflight product or service relating to the ,,iss1 if a comparable spaceflight product or service1 as applicable1 is offered by a private entity in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,exception ,the ,administrator may offer a spaceflight product or service relating to the ,,iss to the government of a country that is a signatory to the ,agreement ,among the ,government of ,canada1 ,governments of ,member ,states of the ,european ,space ,agency1 the ,government of ,japan1 the ,government of the ,russian ,federation1 and the ,government of the ,united ,states of ,america ,concerning ,cooperation on the ,civil ,international ,space ,station1 signed at ,washington ,january #bi1 #aiih1 and entered into force on ,march #bg1 #bjja 7,,tias #abibg74 7d7 ,short-duration commercial missions ,to provide opportunities for additional transport of astronauts to the ,,iss and help establish a commercial market in low-,earth orbit1 the ,administrator may permit short-duration missions to the ,,iss for commercial passengers4 7e7 ,program authorization 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a low-,earth orbit commercialization program to encourage the fullest commercial use and development of space by private entities in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,elements ,the program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 include activities-- 7,a7 to stimulate demand for-- 7i7 space-based commercial research1 development1 and manufacturing2 7ii7 spaceflight products and services2 and 7iii7 human spaceflight products and services in low-,earth orbit2 7,b7 to improve the capability of the ,,iss to accommodate commercial users2 and 7,c7 subject to paragraph 7#c71 to foster the development of commercial space stations and habitats4 7#c7 ,commercial space stations and habitats 7,a7 ,priority ,with respect to an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall give priority to an activity for which a private entity provides a share of the cost to develop and operate the activity4 7,b7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not provide funding for the development of a commercial space station or habitat until after the date on which the ,administrator awards a contract for the use of a docking port on the ,,iss4 7,c7 ,report ,not later than #cj days after the date that an award or agreement is made to carry out an activity to develop a commercial space station or habitat1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the development of the commercial space station or habitat1 as applicable1 that includes-- 7i7 a business plan that describes the manner in which the project will-- 7,i7 meet the future requirements of ,,nasa for low-,earth orbit human space-flight services2 and 7,,ii7 fulfill the cost-share funding prioritization under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 a review of the viability of the operational business case1 including-- 7,i7 the level of expected ,government participation2 7,,ii7 a list of anticipated nongovernmental an international customers and associated contributions2 and 7,,iii7 an assessment of long-term sustainability for the nongovernmental customers1 including an independent assessment of the viability of the market for such commercial services or products4 #bab4 ,maintaining a national laboratory in space 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states segment of the ,international ,space ,station 7as defined in section #gjije of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code71 which is designated as a national laboratory under section #gjije7;b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code-- 7,a7 benefits the scientific community and promotes commerce in space2 7,b7 fosters stronger relationships among ,,nasa and other ,federal agencies1 the private sector1 and research groups and universities2 7,c7 advances science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics education through use of the unique microgravity environment2 and 7,d7 advances human knowledge and international cooperation2 7#b7 after the ,,iss is decommissioned1 the ,united ,states should maintain a national microgravity laboratory in space2 7#c7 in maintaining a national microgravity laboratory in space1 the ,united ,states should make appropriate accommodations for different types of ownership and operation arrangements for the ,,iss and future space stations2 7#d7 to the maximum extent practicable1 a national microgravity laboratory in space should be maintained in cooperation with international space partners2 and 7#e7 ,,nasa should continue to support fundamental science research on future platforms in low-,earth orbit and cislunar space1 orbital and suborbital flights1 drop towers1 and other microgravity testing environments4 7b7 ,report ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,national ,space ,council and other ,federal agencies as the ,administrator considers appropriate1 shall issue a report detailing the feasibility of establishing a microgravity national laboratory federally funded research and development center to carry out activities relating to the study and use of in-space conditions4 #bac4 ,international ,space ,station national laboratory2 property rights in inventions 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaej4 ,property rights in designated inventions 7a7 ,exclusive property rights ,notwithstanding section #cgaj;a of title #ae1 chapter #ah of title #ce1 section #bjace1 or any other provision of law1 a designated invention shall be the exclusive property of a user1 and shall not be subject to a ,government-purpose license1 if-- 7#a7 the ,administration is reimbursed under the terms of the contract for the full cost of a contribution by the ,federal ,government of the use of ,federal facilities1 equipment1 materials1 proprietary information of the ,federal ,government1 or services of a ,federal employee during working hours1 including the cost for the ,administration to carry out its responsibilities under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#d7 of section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d772 7#b7 ,federal funds are not transferred to the user under the contract2 and 7#c7 the invention was made 7as defined in section #bjace7;a77-- 7,a7 solely by the user2 or 7,b7 7i7 by the user with the services of a ,federal employee under the terms of the contract2 and 7ii7 the ,administration is reimbursed for such services under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the rights of the ,federal ,government1 including property rights in inventions1 under any contract1 except in the case of a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of a designated activity4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 ,contract ,the term contract has the meaning giving the term in section #bjace7;a74 7#b7 ,designated activity ,the term designated activity means any non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory as described in section #ejd of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced74 7#c7 ,designated invention ,the term designated invention means any invention conceived or first reduced to practice by any person in the performance of a designated activity under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity4 7#d7 ,government-purpose license ,the term ,government-purpose license means the reservation by the ,federal ,government of an irrevocable1 nonexclusive1 nontransferable1 royalty-free license for the use of an invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the ,united ,states or any foreign government pursuant to a treaty or agreement with the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity means the organization with which the ,administrator enters into a cooperative agreement under section #ejd7;a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;a774 7#f7 ,user ,the term user means a person1 including a nonprofit organization or small business firm 7as such terms are defined in section #bja of title #ce71 or class of persons that enters into a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of designated activities4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjadi the following3 #bjaej4 ,property rights in designated inventions4 4 #bad4 ,data first produced during non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory 7a7 ,data rights ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bac1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaea4 ,data rights 7a7 ,non-,,nasa scientific use of the ,,iss national laboratory ,the ,federal ,government may not use or reproduce1 or disclose outside of the ,government1 any data first produced in the performance of a designated activity under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity1 unless-- 7#a7 otherwise agreed under the terms of the contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity1 as applicable2 7#b7 the designated activity is carried out with ,federal funds2 7#c7 disclosure is required by law2 7#d7 the ,federal ,government has rights in the data under another ,federal contract1 grant1 cooperative agreement1 or other transaction2 or 7#e7 the data is-- 7,a7 otherwise lawfully acquired or independently developed by the ,federal ,government2 7,b7 related to the health and safety of personnel on the ,,iss2 or 7,c7 essential to the performance of work by the ,,iss management entity or ,,nasa personnel4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,contract ,the term contract has the meaning given the term under section #bjace7;a74 7#b7 ,data 7,a7 ,in general ,the term data means recorded information1 regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term data includes technical data and computer software4 7,c7 ,exclusions ,the term data does not include information incidental to contract administration1 such as financial1 administrative1 cost or pricing1 or management information4 7#c7 ,designated activity ,the term designated activity has the meaning given the term in section #bjaej4 7#d7 ,,iss management entity ,the term ,,iss management entity has the meaning given the term in section #bjaej4 4 7b7 ,special handling of trade secrets or confidential information ,section #bjaca7;b77#b7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,information described 7,a7 ,activities under agreement ,information referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is information that-- 7i7 results from activities conducted under an agreement entered into under subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #bjaac2 and 7ii7 would be a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential within the meaning of section #eeb7;b77#d7 of title #e if the information had been obtained from a non-,federal party participating in such an agreement4 7,b7 ,certain data ,information referred to in paragraph 7#a7 includes data 7as defined in section #bjaea7 that-- 7i7 was first produced by the ,administration in the performance of any designated activity 7as defined in section #bjaej72 and 7ii7 would be a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential within the meaning of section #eeb7;b77#d7 of title #e if the data had been obtained from a non-,federal party4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bac1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjaej the following3 #bjaea4 ,data rights4 4 #bae4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should determine a threshold for which it may be appropriate for ,,nasa to recoup the costs of supporting the creation of invention aboard the ,,iss1 through the negotiation of royalties1 similar to agreements made by other ,federal agencies that support private sector innovation4 7b7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,iii of chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by sections #bac and #bad1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #bjaeb4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities 7a7 ,designated inventions made with ,federal assistance ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 if the ,administration1 under the terms of a written contract for the performance of a designated activity1 agrees to provide1 unreimbursed1 the total cost of a contribution by the ,federal ,government of the use of ,federal facilities1 equipment1 materials1 proprietary information of the ,federal ,government1 or services of a ,federal employee during working hours1 including the cost for the ,administration to carry out its responsibilities under paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#d7 of section #ejd7;d7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahced7;d771 the ,administrator shall negotiate an agreement on the terms and rates of royalty payments with respect to an invention or class of inventions conceived or first reduced to practice by any person or class of persons in the performance of such designated activities4 7b7 ,licensing and assignment of inventions ,notwithstanding sections #cgaj;a and #cgaj;c of title #ae and any other provision of law1 after payment in accordance with subsection 7,a77i7 of such section #cgaj;c7a77#a77;,a77i7 to the inventors who have directly assigned to the ,federal ,government their interests in an invention under a written contract with the ,administration or the ,,iss management entity for the performance of a designated activity1 the balance of any royalty or other payment received by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity from licensing and assignment of such invention shall be paid by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity1 as applicable1 to the ,space ,exploration ,fund4 7c7 ,space ,exploration ,fund 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a fund1 to be known as the ,space ,exploration ,fund 7referred to in this subsection as the ,fund71 to be administered by the ,administrator4 7#b7 ,use of ,fund ,the ,fund shall be available without fiscal year limitation and without further appropriation to carry out space exploration activities under section #bjcjb4 7#c7 ,deposits ,there shall be deposited in the ,fund-- 7,a7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund2 7,b7 fees and royalties collected by the ,administrator or the ,,iss management entity under subsections 7a7 and 7b72 and 7,c7 donations or contributions designated to support authorized activities4 7#d7 ,rule of construction ,amounts available to the ,administrator under this subsection shall be in addition to amounts otherwise made available for the purpose described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,definitions ,the terms used in this section have the meanings given the terms in section #bjaej4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by sections #bac and #bad1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjaea the following3 #bjaeb4 ,royalties and other payments received for designated activities4 4 #baf4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,section #gjejd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #gjejd4 ,steppingstone approach to exploration 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in sustainable steps1 may conduct missions to intermediate destinations1 such as the ,moon1 in accordance with section #bjcjb7;b71 and on a timetable determined by the availability of funding1 in order to achieve the objective of human exploration of ,mars specified in section #bjb7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcab7;b77#e771 if the ,administrator-- 7#a7 determines that each such mission demonstrates or advances a technology or operational concept that will enable human missions to ,mars2 and 7#b7 incorporates each such mission into the human exploration roadmap under section #dcb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note74 7b7 ,cislunar space exploration activities ,in conducting a mission under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 use a combination of launches of the ,space ,launch ,system and space transportation services from ,united ,states commercial providers1 as appropriate1 for the mission2 7#b7 plan for not fewer than #a ,space ,launch ,system launch annually beginning after the first successful crewed launch of ,orion on the ,space ,launch ,system2 and 7#c7 establish an outpost in orbit around the ,moon that-- 7,a7 demonstrates technologies1 systems1 and operational concepts directly applicable to the space vehicle that will be used to transport humans to ,mars2 7,b7 has the capability for periodic human habitation2 and 7,c7 can function as a point of departure1 return1 or staging for ,administration or nongovernmental or international partner missions to multiple locations on the lunar surface or other destinations4 7c7 ,cost-effectiveness ,to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the long-term space exploration and utilization activities of the ,united ,states1 the ,administrator shall take all necessary steps1 including engaging nongovernmental and international partners1 to ensure that activities in the ,administration's human space exploration program are balanced in order to help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of ,mars4 7d7 ,completion ,within budgetary considerations1 once an exploration-related project enters its development phase1 the ,administrator shall seek1 to the maximum extent practicable1 to complete that project without undue delay4 7e7 ,international participation ,to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of ,mars1 the ,administrator shall invite the partners in the ,,iss program and other nations1 as appropriate1 to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,definition of cislunar space ,section #ajaja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 7c7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #c of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahcjb7 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,cislunar space ,the term cislunar space means the region of space beyond low-,earth orbit out to and including the region around the surface of the ,moon4 4 #bag4 ,technical amendments relating to ,artemis missions 7a7 ,section #dba of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c77#c7-- 7,a7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis #a2 7,b7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis #b2 and 7,c7 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7f77#c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c4 7b7 ,section #dcb7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,d7-- 7,a7 by striking ,,em-#a and inserting ,artemis #a2 and 7,b7 by striking ,,em-#b and inserting ,artemis #b2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,c71 by striking ,,em-#c and inserting ,artemis #c4 ,,iii ,science #cja4 ,science priorities 7a7 ,sense of ,congress on science portfolio ,congress reaffirms the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 a balanced and adequately funded set of activities1 consisting of research and analysis grant programs1 technology development1 suborbital research activities1 and small1 medium1 and large space missions1 contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalyst for innovation and discovery2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal surveys of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7b7 ,national ,academies decadal surveys ,section #bjcje7;c7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,administrator shall and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,reexamination of priorities by ,national ,academies ,the ,administrator shall 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,reexamination of priorities by ,administrator ,if the ,administrator decides to reexamine the applicability of the priorities of the decadal surveys to the missions and activities of the ,administration due to scientific discoveries or external factors1 the ,administrator shall consult with the relevant committees of the ,national ,academies4 4 #cjb4 ,lunar discovery program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may carry out a program to conduct lunar science research1 including missions to the surface of the ,moon1 that materially contributes to the objective described in section #bjajb7;d77#a7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,commercial landers ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall procure the services of commercial landers developed primarily by ,united ,states industry to land science payloads of all classes on the lunar surface4 7c7 ,lunar science research ,the ,administrator shall ensure that lunar science research carried out under subsection 7a7 is consistent with recommendations made by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 7d7 ,lunar polar volatiles ,in carrying out a program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall1 at the earliest opportunity1 consider mission proposals to evaluate the potential of lunar polar volatiles to contribute to sustainable lunar exploration4 #cjc4 ,search for life 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the report entitled ,an ,astrobiology ,strategy for the ,search for ,life in the ,universe published by the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine outlines the key scientific questions and methods for fulfilling the objective of ,,nasa to search for the origin1 evolution1 distribution1 and future of life in the universe2 and 7#b7 the interaction of lifeforms with their environment1 a central focus of astrobiology research1 is a topic of broad significance to life sciences research in space and on ,earth4 7b7 ,program continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to implement a collaborative1 multidisciplinary science and technology development program to search for proof of the existence or historical existence of life beyond ,earth in support of the objective described in section #bjajb7;d77#aj7 of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,element ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 shall include activities relating to astronomy1 biology1 geology1 and planetary science4 7#c7 ,coordination with life sciences program ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall coordinate efforts with the life sciences program of the ,administration4 7#d7 ,technosignatures ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall support activities to search for and analyze technosignatures4 7#e7 ,instrumentation and sensor technology ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator may strategically invest in the development of new instrumentation and sensor technology4 #cjd4 ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope will be the next premier observatory in space and has great potential to further scientific study and assist scientists in making new discoveries in the field of astronomy2 7#b7 the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope was developed as an ambitious project with a scope that was not fully defined at inception and with risk that was not fully known or understood2 7#c7 despite the major technology development and innovation that was needed to construct the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope1 major negative impacts to the cost and schedule of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope resulted from poor program management and poor contractor performance2 7#d7 the ,administrator should take into account the lessons learned from the cost and schedule issues relating to the development of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope in making decisions regarding the scope of and the technologies needed for future scientific missions2 7#e7 in selecting future scientific missions1 the ,administrator should take into account the impact that large programs that overrun cost and schedule estimates may have on other ,,nasa programs in earlier phases of development2 and 7#f7 the ,administrator should continue to develop the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope with a development cost of not more than #h1hjb1gjj1jjj1 as estimated by the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope ,independent ,review ,board ,report released in ,may #bjah4 7b7 ,project continuation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue-- 7,a7 to closely track the cost and schedule performance of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope project2 and 7,b7 to improve the reliability of cost estimates and contractor performance data throughout the remaining development of the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope4 7#b7 ,key program objective ,the ,administrator shall continue to develop the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope on a schedule to meet the objective of safely launching the ,james ,webb ,space ,telescope not later than ,march #ca1 #bjba4 #cje4 ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 major growth in the cost of astrophysics flagship-class missions has impacted the overall portfolio balance of the ,science ,mission ,directorate2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator should continue to develop the ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope with a development cost of not more than #c1bjj1jjj1jjj4 7b7 ,project continuation ,the ,administrator shall continue to develop the ,wide-,field ,infrared ,survey ,telescope to meet the objectives outlined in the #bjaj decadal survey on astronomy and astrophysics of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine in a manner that maximizes scientific productivity based on the resources invested4 #cjf4 ,satellite servicing for science missions 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct a study on the feasibility of using in-space robotic refueling1 repair1 or refurbishment capabilities to extend the useful life of telescopes and other science missions that are operational or in development as of the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,elements ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification of the technologies and in-space testing required to demonstrate the in-space robotic refueling1 repair1 or refurbishment capabilities described in paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,the projected cost of using such capabilities1 including the cost of extended operations for science missions described in that paragraph4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of ,congress and the ,space ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine a briefing on the results of the study conducted under subsection 7a77#a74 #cjg4 ,earth science missions and programs 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,earth ,science ,division of ,,nasa plays an important role in national efforts-- 7#a7 to collect and use ,earth observations in service to society2 and 7#b7 to understand global change4 7b7 ,earth science missions and programs ,with respect to the missions and programs of the ,earth ,science ,division1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 follow the recommendations and guidance provided by the scientific community through the decadal survey for ,earth science and applications from space of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine1 including-- 7#a7 the science priorities described in such survey2 7#b7 the execution of the series of existing or previously planned observations 7commonly known as the program of record72 and 7#c7 the development of a range of missions of all classes1 including opportunities for principal investigator-led1 competitively selected missions4 #cjh4 ,science missions to ,mars 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct #a or more science missions to ,mars to enable the selection of #a or more sites for human landing4 7b7 ,sample program ,the ,administrator may carry out a program-- 7#a7 to collect samples from the surface of ,mars2 and 7#b7 to return such samples to ,earth for scientific analysis4 7c7 ,use of existing capabilities and assets ,in carrying out this section1 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 use existing capabilities and assets of ,,nasa centers4 #cji4 ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,near-,earth objects remain a threat to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec47 established a requirement that the ,administrator plan1 develop1 and implement a ,near-,earth ,object ,survey program to detect1 track1 catalogue1 and characterize the physical characteristics of near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter in order to assess the threat of such near-,earth objects to the ,earth1 with the goal of #ij-percent completion of the catalogue of such near-,earth objects by ,december #cj1 #bjbj4 7#c7 ,the current planetary defense strategy of ,,nasa acknowledges that such goal will not be met4 7#d7 ,the report of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine entitled ,finding ,hazardous ,asteroids ,using ,infrared and ,visible ,wavelength ,telescopes issued in #bjai states that-- 7,a7 ,,nasa cannot accomplish such goal with currently available assets2 7,b7 ,,nasa should develop and launch a dedicated space-based infrared survey telescope to meet the requirements of section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec472 and 7,c7 the early detection of potentially hazardous near-,earth objects enabled by a space-based infrared survey telescope is important to enable deflection of a dangerous asteroid4 7#e7 ,a comprehensive survey of near-,earth objects is vital to-- 7,a7 the national security of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 the safety and security of the assets and personnel of the ,united ,states ,armed ,forces throughout the world4 7b7 ,establishment of ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish an office within the ,planetary ,science ,division of the ,science ,mission ,directorate1 to be known as the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office1 to plan1 develop1 and implement a program to survey threats posed by near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter1 as required by section #cba7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec474 7#b7 ,activities ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 develop and1 not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbe1 launch a space-based infrared survey telescope that is capable of detecting near-,earth objects equal to or greater than #adj meters in diameter1 with preference given to planetary missions selected by the ,administrator as of the date of the enactment of this ,act to pursue concept design studies relating to the development of a space-based infrared survey telescope2 7,b7 identify1 track1 and characterize potentially hazardous near-,earth objects and issue warnings of the effects of potential impacts of such objects2 and 7,c7 assist in coordinating ,government planning for response to a potential impact of a near-,earth object4 7#c7 ,department of ,defense support ,the ,secretary of ,defense shall1 as appropriate1 support efforts of the ,administrator in carrying out this section4 7c7 ,annual report ,section #cba7;f7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec47 is amended to read as follows3 7f7 ,annual report ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbj1 and annually thereafter through #ij-percent completion of the catalogue required by subsection 7d77#a71 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following3 7#a7 ,a summary of all activities carried out by the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office established under section #cji7;b77#a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai since the date of enactment of that ,act4 7#b7 ,a description of the progress with respect to the design1 development1 and launch of the space-based infrared survey telescope required by section #cji7;b77#b77;,a7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the progress toward meeting the requirements of subsection 7d77#a74 7#d7 ,a description of the status of efforts to coordinate planetary defense activities in response to a threat posed by a near-,earth object with other ,federal agencies since the date of enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7#e7 ,a description of the status of efforts to coordinate and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous asteroids and comets1 plan a mitigation strategy1 and implement that strategy in the event of the discovery of an object on a likely collision course with ,earth4 7#f7 ,a summary of expenditures for all activities carried out by the ,planetary ,defense ,coordination ,office since the date of enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 4 7d7 ,limitation on use of funds ,of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this ,act1 not more than #hj percent of amounts authorized to be appropriated for the ,office of the ,administrator for a fiscal year may be obligated or expended until the date on which the ,administrator submits the report for such fiscal year required by section #cba7;f7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-aee2 #aai ,stat4 #bibb2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #gaaja note prec474 7e7 ,near-,earth object defined ,in this section1 the term near-,earth object means an asteroid or comet with a perihelion distance of less than #a4c ,astronomical ,units from the ,sun4 #caj4 ,suborbital science flights 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that commercially available suborbital flight platforms enable low-cost access to a microgravity environment to advance science and train scientists and engineers under the ,suborbital ,research ,program established under section #hjb7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahchb7;c774 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report evaluating the manner in which suborbital flight platforms can contribute to meeting the science objectives of ,,nasa for the ,science ,mission ,directorate and the ,human ,exploration and ,operations ,mission ,directorate4 7#b7 ,contents ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an assessment of the advantages of suborbital flight platforms to meet science objectives4 7,b7 ,an evaluation of the challenges to greater use of commercial suborbital flight platforms for science purposes4 7,c7 ,an analysis of whether commercial suborbital flight platforms can provide low-cost flight opportunities to test lunar and ,mars science payloads4 #caa4 ,earth science data and observations 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall make available to the public in an easily accessible electronic database all data 7including metadata1 documentation1 models1 data processing methods1 images1 synchronization frames1 communications headers1 duplicate data1 and research results7 of the missions and programs of the ,earth ,science ,division of the ,administration1 or any successor division4 7b7 ,open data program ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall establish and continue to operate an open data program that-- 7#a7 is consistent with the greatest degree of interactivity1 interoperability1 and accessibility2 and 7#b7 enables outside communities1 including the research and applications community1 private industry1 academia1 and the general public1 to effectively collaborate in areas important to-- 7,a7 studying the ,earth system and improving the prediction of ,earth system change2 and 7,b7 improving model development1 data assimilation techniques1 systems architecture integration1 and computational efficiencies2 and 7#c7 meets basic end-user requirements for running on public computers and networks located outside of secure ,administration information and technology systems4 7c7 ,hosting ,the program under subsection 7b7 shall use1 as appropriate and cost-effective1 innovative strategies and methods for hosting and management of part or all of the program1 including cloud-based computing capabilities4 #cab4 ,sense of ,congress on small satellite science ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 small satellites-- 7,a7 are increasingly robust1 effective1 and affordable platforms for carrying out space science missions2 7,b7 can work in tandem with or augment larger ,,nasa spacecraft to support high-priority science missions of ,,nasa2 and 7,c7 are cost effective solutions that may allow ,,nasa to continue collecting legacy observations while developing next-generation science missions2 and 7#b7 ,,nasa should continue to support small satellite research1 development1 technologies1 and programs1 including technologies for compact and lightweight instrumentation for small satellites4 #cac4 ,sense of ,congress on commercial space services ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,administration should explore partnerships with the commercial space industry for space science missions in and beyond ,earth orbit1 including partnerships relating to payload and instrument hosting and commercially available datasets2 and 7#b7 such partnerships could result in increased mission cadence1 technology advancement1 and cost savings for the ,administration4 #cad4 ,procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations of scientific integrity policy ,not later than ,october #a1 #bjbj1 the ,administrator shall develop and document procedures for identifying and addressing alleged violations of the scientific integrity policy of ,,nasa4 ,,iv ,aeronautics #dja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,aeronautics ,innovation ,act4 #djb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan ,the term ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan means the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan issued by the ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate4 7#b7 ,unmanned aircraft2 unmanned aircraft system ,the terms unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,x-plane ,the term ,x-plane means an experimental aircraft that is-- 7,a7 used to test and evaluate a new technology or aerodynamic concept2 and 7,b7 operated by ,,nasa or the ,department of ,defense4 #djc4 ,experimental aircraft projects 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 developing high-risk1 precompetitive aerospace technologies for which there is not yet a profit rationale is a fundamental role of ,,nasa2 7#b7 large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and validation are necessary for-- 7,a7 transitioning new technologies and materials1 including associated manufacturing processes1 for general aviation1 commercial aviation1 and military aeronautics use2 and 7,b7 capturing the full extent of benefits from investments made by the ,aeronautics ,research ,mission ,directorate in priority programs called for in-- 7i7 the ,national ,aeronautics ,research and ,development ,plan issued by the ,national ,science and ,technology ,council in ,february #bjaj2 7ii7 the ,,nasa #bjad ,strategic ,plan2 7iii7 the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan2 and 7iv7 any updates to the programs called for in the plans described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii72 7#c7 a level of funding that adequately supports large-scale piloted flight test experimentation and validation1 including related infrastructure1 should be ensured over a sustained period of time to restore the capacity of ,,nasa-- 7,a7 to see legacy priority programs through to completion2 and 7,b7 to achieve national economic and security objectives2 and 7#d7 ,,nasa should not be directly involved in the ,type ,certification of aircraft for current and future scheduled commercial air service under part #aba or #ace of title #ad1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 that would result in reductions in crew augmentation or single pilot or autonomously operated aircraft4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to maintain world leadership in-- 7,a7 military and civilian aeronautical science and technology2 7,b7 global air power projection2 and 7,c7 industrialization2 and 7#b7 to maintain as a fundamental objective of ,,nasa aeronautics research the steady progression and expansion of flight research and capabilities1 including the science and technology of critical underlying disciplines and competencies1 such as-- 7,a7 computational-based analytical and predictive tools and methodologies2 7,b7 aerothermodynamics2 7,c7 propulsion2 7,d7 advanced materials and manufacturing processes2 7,e7 high-temperature structures and materials2 and 7,f7 guidance1 navigation1 and flight controls4 7c7 ,establishment and continuation of ,x-plane projects 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish or continue to implement1 in a manner that is consistent with the roadmap for supersonic aeronautics research and development required by section #fjd7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7,public ,law #aae-aj2 #aca ,stat4 #ee71 the following projects3 7,a7 ,a low-boom supersonic aircraft project to demonstrate supersonic aircraft designs and technologies that-- 7i7 reduce sonic boom noise2 and 7ii7 assist the ,administrator of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration in enabling-- 7,i7 the safe commercial deployment of civil supersonic aircraft technology2 and 7,,ii7 the safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic aircraft4 7,b7 ,a subsonic flight demonstrator aircraft project to advance aircraft designs and technologies that enable significant increases in energy efficiency and reduced life-cycle emissions in the aviation system while reducing noise and emissions4 7,c7 ,a series of large-scale ,x-plane demonstrators that are-- 7i7 developed sequentially or in parallel2 and 7ii7 each based on a set of new configuration concepts or technologies determined by the ,administrator to demonstrate-- 7,i7 aircraft and propulsion concepts and technologies and related advances in alternative propulsion and energy2 and 7,,ii7 flight propulsion concepts and technologies4 7#b7 ,elements ,for each project under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 include the development of ,x-planes and all necessary supporting flight test assets2 7,b7 pursue a robust technology maturation and flight test validation effort2 7,c7 improve necessary facilities1 flight testing capabilities1 and computational tools to support the project2 7,d7 award any primary contracts for design1 procurement1 and manufacturing to ,united ,states persons1 consistent with international obligations and commitments2 7,e7 coordinate research and flight test demonstration activities with other ,federal agencies and the ,united ,states aviation community1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate2 and 7,f7 ensure that the project is aligned with the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan and any updates to the ,aeronautics ,strategic ,implementation ,plan4 7#c7 ,united ,states person defined ,in this subsection1 the term ,united ,states person means-- 7,a7 a ,united ,states citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 an entity organized under the laws of the ,united ,states or of any jurisdiction within the ,united ,states1 including a foreign branch of such an entity4 7d7 ,advanced materials and manufacturing technology program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may establish an advanced materials and manufacturing technology program-- 7,a7 to develop-- 7i7 new materials1 including composite and high-temperature materials1 from base material formulation through full-scale structural validation and manufacture2 7ii7 advanced materials and manufacturing processes1 including additive manufacturing1 to reduce the cost of manufacturing scale-up and certification for use in general aviation1 commercial aviation1 and military aeronautics2 and 7iii7 noninvasive or nondestructive techniques for testing or evaluating aviation and aeronautics structures1 including for materials and manufacturing processes2 7,b7 to reduce the time it takes to design1 industrialize1 and certify advanced materials and manufacturing processes2 7,c7 to provide education and training opportunities for the aerospace workforce2 and 7,d7 to address global cost and human capital competitiveness for ,united ,states aeronautical industries and technological leadership in advanced materials and manufacturing technology4 7#b7 ,elements ,in carrying out a program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 build on work that was carried out by the ,advanced ,composites ,project of ,,nasa2 7,b7 partner with the private and academic sectors1 such as members of the ,advanced ,composites ,consortium of ,,nasa1 the ,joint ,advanced ,materials and ,structures ,center of ,excellence of the ,federal ,aviation ,administration1 the ,manufacturing ,,usa institutes of the ,department of ,commerce1 and national laboratories1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate2 7,c7 provide a structure for managing intellectual property generated by the program based on or consistent with the structure established for the ,advanced ,composites ,consortium of ,,nasa2 7,d7 ensure adequate ,federal cost share for applicable research2 and 7,e7 coordinate with advanced manufacturing and composites initiatives in other mission directorates of ,,nasa1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7e7 ,research partnerships ,in carrying out the projects under subsection 7c7 and a program under subsection 7d71 the ,administrator may engage in cooperative research programs with-- 7#a7 academia2 and 7#b7 commercial aviation and aerospace manufacturers4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems 7a7 ,unmanned aircraft systems operation program ,the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 research and test capabilities and concepts1 including unmanned aircraft systems communications1 for integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system2 7#b7 leverage the partnership ,,nasa has with industry focused on the advancement of technologies for future air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7#c7 continue to align the research and testing portfolio of ,,nasa to inform the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system1 consistent with public safety and national security objectives4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress on coordination with ,federal ,aviation ,administration ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa should continue-- 7,a7 to coordinate with the ,federal ,aviation ,administration on research on air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7,b7 to assist the ,federal ,aviation ,administration in the integration of air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system2 and 7#b7 the test ranges 7as defined in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code7 should continue to be leveraged for research on-- 7,a7 air traffic management systems for unmanned aircraft systems2 and 7,b7 the integration of such systems into the national airspace system4 #dje4 #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may establish an initiative1 to be known as the #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative1 within the ,construction and ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration ,account1 to ensure that ,,nasa possesses the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to conduct proposed flight demonstration projects across the range of ,,nasa aeronautics interests4 7b7 ,activities ,in carrying out the #bast ,century ,aeronautics ,capabilities ,initiative1 the ,administrator may carry out the following activities3 7#a7 ,any investments the ,administrator considers necessary to upgrade and create facilities for civil and national security aeronautics research to support advancements in-- 7,a7 long-term foundational science and technology2 7,b7 advanced aircraft systems2 7,c7 air traffic management systems2 7,d7 fuel efficiency2 7,e7 electric propulsion technologies2 7,f7 system-wide safety assurance2 7,g7 autonomous aviation2 and 7,h7 supersonic and hypersonic aircraft design and development4 7#b7 ,any measures the ,administrator considers necessary to support flight testing activities1 including-- 7,a7 continuous refinement and development of free-flight test techniques and methodologies2 7,b7 upgrades and improvements to real-time tracking and data acquisition2 and 7,c7 such other measures relating to aeronautics research support and modernization as the ,administrator considers appropriate to carry out the scientific study of the problems of flight1 with a view to practical solutions for such problems4 #djf4 ,sense of ,congress on on-demand air transportation ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 greater use of high-speed air transportation1 small airports1 helipads1 vertical flight infrastructure1 and other aviation-related infrastructure can alleviate surface transportation congestion and support economic growth within cities2 7#b7 with respect to urban air mobility and related concepts1 ,,nasa should continue-- 7,a7 to conduct research focused on concepts1 technologies1 and design tools2 and 7,b7 to support the evaluation of advanced technologies and operational concepts that can be leveraged by-- 7i7 industry to develop future vehicles and systems2 and 7ii7 the ,federal ,aviation ,administration to support vehicle safety and operational certification2 and 7#c7 ,,nasa should leverage ongoing efforts to develop advanced technologies to actively support the research needed for on-demand air transportation4 #djg4 ,sense of ,congress on hypersonic technology research ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 hypersonic technology is critical to the development of advanced high-speed aerospace vehicles for both civilian and national security purposes2 7#b7 for hypersonic vehicles to be realized1 research is needed to overcome technical challenges1 including in propulsion1 advanced materials1 and flight performance in a severe environment2 7#c7 ,,nasa plays a critical role in supporting fundamental hypersonic research focused on system design1 analysis and validation1 and propulsion technologies2 7#d7 ,,nasa research efforts in hypersonic technology should complement research supported by the ,department of ,defense to the maximum extent practicable1 since contributions from both agencies working in partnership with universities and industry are necessary to overcome key technical challenges2 7#e7 previous coordinated research programs between ,,nasa and the ,department of ,defense enabled important progress on hypersonic technology2 7#f7 the commercial sector could provide flight platforms and other capabilities that are able to host and support ,,nasa hypersonic technology research projects2 and 7#g7 in carrying out hypersonic technology research projects1 the ,administrator should-- 7,a7 focus research and development efforts on high-speed propulsion systems1 reusable vehicle technologies1 high-temperature materials1 and systems analysis2 7,b7 coordinate with the ,department of ,defense to prevent duplication of efforts and of investments2 7,c7 include partnerships with universities and industry to accomplish research goals2 and 7,d7 maximize public-private use of commercially available platforms for hosting research and development flight projects4 ,v ,space technology #eja4 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that an independent ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate is critical to ensuring continued investments in the development of technologies for missions across the portfolio of ,,nasa1 including science1 aeronautics1 and human exploration4 7b7 ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate consistent with section #gjb of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,transition ,authorization ,act of #bjag 7#ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja note74 #ejb4 ,flight opportunities program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should provide flight opportunities for payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as required by section #ijg7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;c771 as amended by subsection 7b74 7b7 ,establishment ,section #ijg7;c7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program within the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate to fund-- 7,a7 the development of payloads for scientific research1 technology development1 and education2 7,b7 flight opportunities for those payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes2 and 7,c7 transition of those payloads to orbital opportunities4 7#b7 ,commercial reusable vehicle flights ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator may fund engineering and integration demonstrations1 proofs of concept1 and educational experiments for flights of commercial reusable vehicles4 7#c7 ,commercial suborbital launch vehicles ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator may not fund the development of commercial suborbital launch vehicles4 7#d7 ,working with mission directorates ,in carrying out the ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program1 the ,administrator shall work with the mission directorates of ,,nasa to achieve the research1 technology1 and education goals of ,,nasa4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ijg7;b7 of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahdje7;b77 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program in and inserting ,commercial ,reusable ,suborbital ,research ,program established under subsection 7c77#a7 within4 #ejc4 ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program is important for conducting science and technology validation for-- 7#a7 short- and long-duration missions in low-,earth orbit2 7#b7 deep space missions2 and 7#c7 deorbiting capabilities designed specifically for smaller spacecraft4 7b7 ,accommodation of certain payloads ,in carrying out the ,small ,spacecraft ,technology ,program1 the ,administrator shall1 as the mission risk posture and technology development objectives allow1 accommodate science payloads that further the goal of long-term human exploration to the ,moon and ,mars4 #ejd4 ,nuclear propulsion technology 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that nuclear propulsion is critical to the development of advanced spacecraft for civilian and national defense purposes4 7b7 ,development2 studies ,the ,administrator shall1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,energy and the ,secretary of ,defense-- 7#a7 continue to develop the fuel element design for ,,nasa nuclear propulsion technology2 7#b7 finalize the systems feasibility studies for such technology2 and 7#c7 partner with members of commercial industry to conduct mission concept studies on such technology4 7c7 ,nuclear propulsion technology demonstration 7#a7 ,determination2 report ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjba1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 determine the correct approach for conducting a flight demonstration of nuclear propulsion technology2 and 7,b7 submit to ,congress a report on a plan for such a demonstration4 7#b7 ,demonstration ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbd1 the ,administrator shall conduct the flight demonstration described in paragraph 7#a74 #eje4 ,mars-forward technologies 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should pursue multiple technical paths for entry1 descent1 and landing for ,mars1 including competitively selected technology demonstration missions4 7b7 ,prioritization of long-lead technologies and systems ,the ,administrator shall prioritize1 within the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate1 research1 testing1 and development of long-lead technologies and systems for ,mars1 including technologies and systems relating to-- 7#a7 entry1 descent1 and landing2 and 7#b7 in-space propulsion1 including nuclear propulsion1 cryogenic fluid management1 in-situ large-scale additive manufacturing1 and electric propulsion 7including solar electric propulsion leveraging lessons learned from the power and propulsion element of the lunar outpost7 options4 #ejf4 ,prioritization of low-enriched uranium technology 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 space technology1 including nuclear propulsion technology and space surface power reactors1 should be developed in a manner consistent with broader ,united ,states foreign policy1 national defense1 and space exploration and commercialization priorities2 7#b7 highly enriched uranium presents security and nuclear nonproliferation concerns2 7#c7 since #aigg1 based on the concerns associated with highly enriched uranium1 the ,united ,states has promoted the use of low-enriched uranium over highly enriched uranium in nonmilitary contexts1 including research and commercial applications2 7#d7 as part of ,united ,states efforts to limit international use of highly enriched uranium1 the ,united ,states has actively pursued-- 7,a7 since #aigh1 the conversion of domestic and foreign research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel to low-enriched uranium fuel and the avoidance of any new research reactors that use highly enriched uranium fuel2 and 7,b7 since #aiid1 the elimination of international commerce in highly enriched uranium for civilian purposes2 and 7#e7 the use of low-enriched uranium in place of highly enriched uranium has security1 nonproliferation1 and economic benefits1 including for the national space program4 7b7 ,prioritization of low-enriched uranium technology ,the ,administrator shall establish and prioritize1 within the ,space ,technology ,mission ,directorate1 a program for the research1 testing1 and development of a space surface power reactor design that uses low-enriched uranium fuel4 7c7 ,report on nuclear technology prioritization ,not later than #abj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 details the actions taken to implement subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 identifies a plan and timeline under which such subsection will be implemented4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,highly enriched uranium ,the term highly enriched uranium means uranium having an assay of #bj percent or greater of the uranium-#bce isotope4 7#b7 ,low-enriched uranium ,the term low-enriched uranium means uranium having an assay greater than the assay for natural uranium but less than #bj percent of the uranium-#bce isotope4 #ejg4 ,sense of ,congress on next-generation communications technology ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 optical communications technologies-- 7,a7 will be critical to the development of next-generation space-based communications networks2 7,b7 have the potential to allow ,,nasa to expand the volume of data transmissions in low-,earth orbit and deep space2 and 7,c7 may provide more secure and cost-effective solutions than current radio frequency communications systems2 7#b7 quantum encryption technology has promising implications for the security of the satellite and terrestrial communications networks of the ,united ,states1 including optical communications networks1 and further research and development by ,,nasa with respect to quantum encryption is essential to maintaining the security of the ,united ,states and ,united ,states leadership in space2 and 7#c7 in order to provide ,,nasa with more secure and reliable space-based communications1 the ,space ,communications and ,navigation program office of ,,nasa should continue-- 7,a7 to support research on and development of optical communications2 and 7,b7 to develop quantum encryption capabilities1 especially as those capabilities apply to optical communications networks4 ,,vi ,,stem engagement #fja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,,nasa serves as a source of inspiration to the people of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 ,,nasa is uniquely positioned to help increase student interest in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math2 7#c7 engaging students1 and providing hands-on experience at an early age1 in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math are important aspects of ensuring and promoting ,united ,states leadership in innovation2 and 7#d7 ,,nasa should strive to leverage its unique position-- 7,a7 to increase kindergarten through grade #ab involvement in ,,nasa projects2 7,b7 to enhance higher education in ,,stem fields in the ,united ,states2 7,c7 to support individuals who are underrepresented in science1 technology1 engineering1 and math fields1 such as women1 minorities1 and individuals in rural areas2 and 7,d7 to provide flight opportunities for student experiments and investigations4 #fjb4 ,,stem education engagement activities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to provide opportunities for formal and informal ,,stem education engagement activities within the ,office of ,,nasa ,,stem ,engagement and other ,,nasa directorates1 including-- 7#a7 the ,established ,program to ,stimulate ,competitive ,research2 7#b7 the ,minority ,university ,research and ,education ,project2 and 7#c7 the ,national ,space ,grant ,college and ,fellowship ,program4 7b7 ,leveraging ,,nasa national programs to promote ,,stem education ,the ,administrator1 in partnership with museums1 nonprofit organizations1 and commercial entities1 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 leverage human spaceflight missions1 ,deep ,space ,exploration ,systems 7including the ,space ,launch ,system1 ,orion1 and ,exploration ,ground ,systems71 and ,,nasa science programs to engage students at the kindergarten through grade #ab and higher education levels to pursue learning and career opportunities in ,,stem fields4 7c7 ,briefing ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of ,congress on-- 7#a7 the status of the programs described in subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 the manner by which each ,,nasa ,,stem education engagement activity is organized and funded4 7d7 ,,stem education defined ,in this section1 the term ,,stem education has the meaning given the term in section #b of the ,,stem ,education ,act of #bjae 7,public ,law #aad-ei2 #db ,u4,s4,c4 #ffba note74 #fjc4 ,skilled technical education outreach program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a program to conduct outreach to secondary school students-- 7#a7 to expose students to careers that require career and technical education2 and 7#b7 to encourage students to pursue careers that require career and technical education4 7b7 ,outreach plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the outreach program under subsection 7a7 that includes-- 7#a7 an implementation plan2 7#b7 a description of the resources needed to carry out the program2 and 7#c7 any recommendations on expanding outreach to secondary school students interested in skilled technical occupations4 7c7 ,systems observation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall develop a program and associated policies to allow students from accredited educational institutions to view the manufacturing1 assembly1 and testing of ,,nasa-funded space and aeronautical systems1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in developing the program and policies under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall take into consideration factors such as workplace safety1 mission needs1 and the protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies4 #fjd4 ,national space grant college and fellowship program 7a7 ,purposes ,section #djcja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by adding and after the semicolon at the end2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 promote equally the ,state and regional ,,stem interests of each space grant consortium2 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking made up of university and industry members1 in order to advance and inserting comprised of members of universities in each ,state and other entities1 such as #b-year colleges1 industries1 science learning centers1 museums1 and government entities1 to advance4 7b7 ,definitions ,section #djcjb of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#c7 ,lead institution ,the term lead institution means an entity in a ,state that-- 7,a7 was designated by the ,administrator under section #djcjf1 as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai2 or 7,b7 is designated by the ,administrator under section #djcjc7;d77#c74 2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking space grant college1 space grant regional consortium1 institution of higher education1 and inserting lead institution1 space grant consortium12 7#d7 by striking paragraphs 7#f71 7#g71 and 7#h72 7#e7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following3 7#f7 ,space grant consortium ,the term space grant consortium means a ,state-wide group1 led by a lead institution1 that has established partnerships with other academic institutions1 industries1 science learning centers1 museums1 and government entities to promote a strong educational base in the space and aeronautical sciences4 2 7#f7 by redesignating paragraph 7#i7 as paragraph 7#g72 7#g7 in paragraph 7#g77;,b71 as so redesignated1 by inserting and aeronautics after space2 7#h7 by striking paragraph 7#aj72 and 7#i7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,,stem ,the term ,,stem means science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics4 4 7c7 ,program objective ,section #djcjc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsections 7d7 and 7e72 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7e72 and 7#c7 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,program objective 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall carry out the national space grant college and fellowship program with the objective of providing hands-on research1 training1 and education programs with measurable outcomes in each ,state1 including programs to provide-- 7,a7 internships1 fellowships1 and scholarships2 7,b7 interdisciplinary hands-on mission programs and design projects2 7,c7 student internships with industry or university researchers or at centers of the ,administration2 7,d7 faculty and curriculum development initiatives2 7,e7 university-based research initiatives relating to the ,administration and the ,,stem workforce needs of each ,state2 or 7,f7 ,,stem engagement programs for kindergarten through grade #ab teachers and students4 7#b7 ,program priorities ,in carrying out the objective described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall ensure that each program carried out by a space grant consortium under the national space grant college and fellowship program balances the following priorities3 7,a7 ,the space and aeronautics research needs of the ,administration1 including the mission directorates4 7,b7 ,the need to develop a national ,,stem workforce4 7,c7 ,the ,,stem workforce needs of the ,state4 7c7 ,program administered through space grant consortia ,the ,administrator shall carry out the national space grant college and fellowship program through the space grant consortia4 7d7 ,suspension2 termination2 new competition 7#a7 ,suspension ,the ,administrator may1 for cause and after an opportunity for hearing1 suspend a lead institution that was designated by the ,administrator under section #djcjf1 as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7#b7 ,termination ,if the issue resulting in a suspension under paragraph 7#a7 is not resolved within a period determined by the ,administrator1 the ,administrator may terminate the designation of the entity as a lead institution4 7#c7 ,new competition ,if the ,administrator terminates the designation of an entity as a lead institution1 the ,administrator may initiate a new competition in the applicable ,state for the designation of a lead institution4 4 7d7 ,grants ,section #djcjd of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #djcjd4 ,grants 7a7 ,eligible space grant consortium defined ,in this section1 the term eligible space grant consortium means a space grant consortium that the ,administrator has determined-- 7#a7 has the capability and objective to carry out not fewer than #c of the #f programs under section #djcjc7;b77#a72 7#b7 will carry out programs that balance the priorities described in section #djcjc7;b77#b72 and 7#c7 is engaged in research1 training1 and education relating to space and aeronautics4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall award grants to the lead institutions of eligible space grant consortia to carry out the programs under section #djcjc7;b77#a74 7#b7 ,request for proposals 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai1 the ,administrator shall issue a request for proposals from space grant consortia for the award of grants under this section4 7,b7 ,applications ,a lead institution of a space grant consortium that seeks a grant under this section shall submit1 on behalf of such space grant consortium1 an application to the ,administrator at such time1 in such manner1 and accompanied by such information as the ,administrator may require4 7#c7 ,grant awards ,the ,administrator shall award #a or more #e-year grants1 disbursed in annual installments1 to the lead institution of the eligible space grant consortium of-- 7,a7 each ,state2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7#d7 ,use of funds ,a grant awarded under this section shall be used by an eligible space grant consortium to carry out not fewer than #c of the #f programs under section #djcjc7;b77#a74 7c7 ,allocation of funding 7#a7 ,program implementation 7,a7 ,in general ,to carry out the objective described in section #djcjc7;b77#a71 of the funds made available each fiscal year for the national space grant college and fellowship program1 the ,administrator shall allocate not less than #he percent as follows3 7i7 ,the #eb eligible space grant consortia shall each receive an equal share4 7ii7 ,the territories of ,guam and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands shall each receive funds equal to approximately #a_/e of the share for each eligible space grant consortia4 7,b7 ,matching requirement ,each eligible space grant consortium shall match the funds allocated under subparagraph 7,a77i7 on a basis of not less than #a non-,federal dollar for every #a ,federal dollar1 except that any program funded under paragraph 7#c7 or any program to carry out #a or more internships or fellowships shall not be subject to that matching requirement4 7#b7 ,program administration 7,a7 ,in general ,of the funds made available each fiscal year for the national space grant college and fellowship program1 the ,administrator shall allocate not more than #aj percent for the administration of the program4 7,b7 ,costs covered ,the funds allocated under subparagraph 7,a7 shall cover all costs of the ,administration associated with the administration of the national space grant college and fellowship program1 including-- 7i7 direct costs of the program1 including costs relating to support services and civil service salaries and benefits2 7ii7 indirect general and administrative costs of centers and facilities of the ,administration2 and 7iii7 indirect general and administrative costs of the ,administration headquarters4 7#c7 ,special programs ,of the funds made available each fiscal year for the national space grant college and fellowship program1 the ,administrator shall allocate not more than #e percent to the lead institutions of space grant consortia established as of the date of the enactment of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act of #bjai for grants to carry out innovative approaches and programs to further science and education relating to the missions of the ,administration and ,,stem disciplines4 7d7 ,terms and conditions 7#a7 ,limitations ,amounts made available through a grant under this section may not be applied to-- 7,a7 the purchase of land2 7,b7 the purchase1 construction1 preservation1 or repair of a building2 or 7,c7 the purchase or construction of a launch facility or launch vehicle4 7#b7 ,leases ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 land1 buildings1 launch facilities1 and launch vehicles may be leased under a grant on written approval by the ,administrator4 7#c7 ,records 7,a7 ,in general ,any person that receives or uses the proceeds of a grant under this section shall keep such records as the ,administrator shall by regulation prescribe as being necessary and appropriate to facilitate effective audit and evaluation1 including records that fully disclose the amount and disposition by a recipient of such proceeds1 the total cost of the program or project in connection with which such proceeds were used1 and the amount1 if any1 of such cost that was provided through other sources4 7,b7 ,maintenance of records ,records under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be maintained for not less than #c years after the date of completion of such a program or project4 7,c7 ,access ,for the purpose of audit and evaluation1 the ,administrator and the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall have access to any books1 documents1 papers1 and records of receipts relating to a grant under this section1 as determined by the ,administrator or ,comptroller ,general4 4 7e7 ,program streamlining ,title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking sections #djcje through #djcjh1 #djcaj1 and #djcaa2 and 7#b7 by redesignating section #djcji as section #djcje4 7f7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #djc of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the items relating to sections #djcjd through #djcaa and inserting the following3 #djcjd4 ,grants4 #djcje4 ,availability of other ,federal personnel and data4 4 ,,vii ,workforce and industrial base #gja4 ,appointment and compensation pilot program 7a7 ,definition of covered provisions ,in this section1 the term covered provisions means the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 other than-- 7#a7 section #bcja of that title2 7#b7 section #bcjb of that title2 7#c7 chapter #ga of that title2 7#d7 section #gbjd of that title2 and 7#e7 chapter #gc of that title4 7b7 ,establishment ,there is established a #c-year pilot program under which1 notwithstanding section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,administrator may1 with respect to not more than #e1jjj designated personnel-- 7#a7 appoint and manage such designated personnel of the ,administration1 without regard to the covered provisions2 and 7#b7 fix the compensation of such designated personnel of the ,administration1 without regard to chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 at a rate that does not exceed the per annum rate of salary of the ,vice ,president of the ,united ,states under section #ajd of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,administrator responsibilities ,in carrying out the pilot program established under subsection 7b71 the ,administrator shall ensure that the pilot program-- 7#a7 uses-- 7,a7 state-of-the-art recruitment techniques2 7,b7 simplified classification methods with respect to personnel of the ,administration2 and 7,c7 broad banding2 and 7#b7 offers-- 7,a7 competitive compensation2 and 7,b7 the opportunity for career mobility4 #gjb4 ,establishment of multi-institution consortia and university-affiliated research centers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 pursuant to section #bcjd7;c77#c77;,b7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 may-- 7#a7 establish one or more multi-institution consortia or university-affiliated research centers to facilitate access to essential engineering1 research1 and development capabilities in support of ,,nasa missions2 7#b7 use such a consortium or research center to fund technical analyses and other engineering support to address the acquisition1 technical1 and operational needs of ,,nasa centers2 and 7#c7 ensure such a consortium or research center-- 7,a7 is held accountable for the technical quality of the work product developed under this section2 and 7,b7 convenes disparate groups to facilitate public-private partnerships4 7b7 ,policies and procedures ,the ,administrator shall develop and implement policies and procedures to govern1 with respect to the establishment of a consortium or research center under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 the selection of participants2 7#b7 the award of cooperative agreements or other contracts2 7#c7 the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole source awards2 and 7#d7 technical capabilities required4 7c7 ,eligibility ,the following entities shall be eligible to participate in a consortium or research center established under subsection 7a73 7#a7 ,an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb774 7#b7 ,an operator of a federally funded research and development center4 7#c7 ,a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution4 7#d7 ,a consortium composed of-- 7,a7 an entity described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c72 and 7,b7 one or more for-profit entities4 #gjc4 ,expedited access to technical talent and expertise 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may-- 7#a7 establish one or more multi-institution task order contracts1 consortia1 cooperative agreements1 or other arrangements to facilitate expedited access to eligible entities in support of ,,nasa missions2 and 7#b7 use such a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or other arrangement to fund technical analyses and other engineering support to address the acquisition1 technical1 and operational needs of ,,nasa centers4 7b7 ,consultation with other ,,nasa-affiliated entities ,to ensure access to technical expertise and reduce costs and duplicative efforts1 a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or any other arrangement established under subsection 7a77#a7 shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 be carried out in consultation with other ,,nasa-affiliated entities1 including federally funded research and development centers1 university-affiliated research centers1 and ,,nasa laboratories and test centers4 7c7 ,policies and procedures ,the ,administrator shall develop and implement policies and procedures to govern1 with respect to the establishment of a multi-institution task order contract1 consortium1 cooperative agreement1 or any other arrangement under subsection 7a77#a7-- 7#a7 the selection of participants2 7#b7 the award of task orders2 7#c7 the maximum award size for a task2 7#d7 the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole source awards2 and 7#e7 technical capabilities required4 7d7 ,eligible entity defined ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb772 7#b7 an operator of a federally funded research and development center2 7#c7 a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution2 and 7#d7 a consortium composed of-- 7,a7 an entity described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c72 and 7,b7 one or more for-profit entities4 #gjd4 ,report on industrial base for civil space missions and operations 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and from time to time thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a comprehensive description of the current status of the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7#b7 ,a description and assessment of the weaknesses in the supply chain1 skills1 manufacturing capacity1 raw materials1 key components1 and other areas of the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations that could adversely impact such missions and operations if unavailable4 7#c7 ,a description and assessment of various mechanisms to address and mitigate the weaknesses described pursuant to paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,a comprehensive list of the collaborative efforts1 including future and proposed collaborative efforts1 between ,,nasa and the ,manufacturing ,,usa institutes of the ,department of ,commerce4 7#e7 ,an assessment of-- 7,a7 the defense and aerospace manufacturing supply chains relevant to ,,nasa in each region of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 the feasibility and benefits of establishing a supply chain center of excellence in a ,state in which ,,nasa does not1 as of the date of the enactment of this ,act1 have a research center or test facility4 7#f7 ,such other matters relating to the ,united ,states industrial base for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 #gje4 ,separations and retirement incentives ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7o7 ,provisions related to separation and retirement incentives 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term employee-- 7,a7 means an employee of the ,administration serving under an appointment without time limitation2 and 7,b7 does not include-- 7i7 a reemployed annuitant under subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or chapter #hd of title #e or any other retirement system for employees of the ,federal ,government2 7ii7 an employee having a disability on the basis of which such employee is or would be eligible for disability retirement under any of the retirement systems referred to in clause 7i72 or 7iii7 for purposes of eligibility for separation incentives under this subsection1 an employee who is in receipt of a decision notice of involuntary separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance4 7#b7 ,authority ,the ,administrator may establish a program under which employees may be eligible for early retirement1 offered separation incentive pay to separate from service voluntarily1 or both4 ,this authority may be used to reduce the number of personnel employed or to restructure the workforce to meet mission objectives without reducing the overall number of personnel4 ,this authority is in addition to1 and notwithstanding1 any other authorities established by law or regulation for such programs4 7#c7 ,early retirement ,an employee who is at least #ej years of age and has completed #bj years of service1 or has at least #be years of service1 may1 pursuant to regulations promulgated under this subsection1 apply and be retired from the ,administration and receive benefits in accordance with subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or #hd of title #e if the employee has been employed continuously within the ,administration for more than #cj days before the date on which the determination to conduct a reduction or restructuring within #a or more ,administration centers is approved4 7#d7 ,separation pay 7,a7 ,in general ,separation pay shall be paid in a lump sum or in installments and shall be equal to the lesser of-- 7i7 an amount equal to the amount the employee would be entitled to receive under section #eeie7;c7 of title #e1 if the employee were entitled to payment under such section2 or 7ii7 #dj1jjj4 7,b7 ,limitations ,separation pay shall not be a basis for payment1 and shall not be included in the computation1 of any other type of ,government benefit4 ,separation pay shall not be taken into account for the purpose of determining the amount of any severance pay to which an individual may be entitled under section #eeie of title #e1 based on any other separation4 7,c7 ,installments ,separation pay1 if paid in installments1 shall cease to be paid upon the recipient's acceptance of employment by the ,federal ,government1 or commencement of work under a personal services contract as described in paragraph 7#e74 7#e7 ,limitations on reemployment 7,a7 ,an employee who receives separation pay under such program may not be reemployed by the ,administration for a #ab-month period beginning on the effective date of the employee's separation1 unless this prohibition is waived by the ,administrator on a case-by-case basis4 7,b7 ,an employee who receives separation pay under this section on the basis of a separation and accepts employment with the ,government of the ,united ,states1 or who commences work through a personal services contract with the ,united ,states within #e years after the date of the separation on which payment of the separation pay is based1 shall be required to repay the entire amount of the separation pay to the ,administration4 ,if the employment is with an ,executive agency 7as defined by section #aje of title #e7 other than the ,administration1 the ,administrator may1 at the request of the head of that agency1 waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is within the ,administration1 the ,administrator may waive the repayment if the individual involved is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is with an entity in the legislative branch1 the head of the entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 ,if the employment is with the judicial branch1 the ,director of the ,administrative ,office of the ,united ,states ,courts may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position4 7#f7 ,regulations ,under the program established under paragraph 7#b71 early retirement and separation pay may be offered only pursuant to regulations established by the ,administrator1 subject to such limitations or conditions as the ,administrator may require4 7#g7 ,use of existing funds ,the ,administrator shall carry out this subsection using amounts otherwise made available to the ,administrator and no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection4 4 #gjf4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #cac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cacjc4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b77#a7-- 7#a7 a medical quality assurance record1 or any part of a medical quality assurance record1 may not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding2 and 7#b7 an individual who reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record for the ,administration1 or participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record1 may not testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to-- 7,a7 the medical quality assurance record2 or 7,b7 any finding1 recommendation1 evaluation1 opinion1 or action taken by such individual or in accordance with such proceeding with respect to the medical quality assurance record4 7b7 ,disclosure of records 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a medical quality assurance record may be disclosed to-- 7,a7 a ,federal agency or private entity1 if the medical quality assurance record is necessary for the ,federal agency or private entity to carry out-- 7i7 licensing or accreditation functions relating to ,administration healthcare facilities2 or 7ii7 monitoring of ,administration healthcare facilities required by law2 7,b7 a ,federal agency or healthcare provider1 if the medical quality assurance record is required by the ,federal agency or healthcare provider to enable ,administration participation in a healthcare program of the ,federal agency or healthcare provider2 7,c7 a criminal or civil law enforcement agency1 or an instrumentality authorized by law to protect the public health or safety1 on written request by a qualified representative of such agency or instrumentality submitted to the ,administrator that includes a description of the lawful purpose for which the medical quality assurance record is requested2 7,d7 an officer1 an employee1 or a contractor of the ,administration who requires the medical quality assurance record to carry out an official duty associated with healthcare2 7,e7 healthcare personnel1 to the extent necessary to address a medical emergency affecting the health or safety of an individual2 and 7,f7 any committee1 panel1 or board convened by the ,administration to review the healthcare-related policies and practices of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,subsequent disclosure prohibited ,an individual or entity to whom a medical quality assurance record has been disclosed under paragraph 7#a7 may not make a subsequent disclosure of the medical quality assurance record4 7c7 ,personally identifiable information 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the personally identifiable information contained in a medical quality assurance record of a patient or an employee of the ,administration1 or any other individual associated with the ,administration for purposes of a medical quality assurance program1 shall be removed before the disclosure of the medical quality assurance record to an entity other than the ,administration4 7#b7 ,exception ,personally identifiable information described in paragraph 7#a7 may be released to an entity other than the ,administration if the ,administrator makes a determination that the release of such personally identifiable information-- 7,a7 is in the best interests of the ,administration2 and 7,b7 does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy4 7d7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,a medical quality assurance record may not be made available to any person under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act71 and this section shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of such section #ebb4 7e7 ,regulations ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,administrator shall promulgate regulations to implement this section4 7f7 ,rules of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed-- 7#a7 to withhold a medical quality assurance record from a committee of the ,senate or ,house of ,representatives or a joint committee of ,congress if the medical quality assurance record relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of such committee or joint committee2 or 7#b7 to limit the use of a medical quality assurance record within the ,administration1 including the use by a contractor or consultant of the ,administration4 7g7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,medical quality assurance record ,the term medical quality assurance record means any proceeding1 discussion1 record1 finding1 recommendation1 evaluation1 opinion1 minutes1 report1 or other document or action that results from a quality assurance committee1 quality assurance program1 or quality assurance program activity4 7#b7 ,quality assurance program 7,a7 ,in general ,the term quality assurance program means a comprehensive program of the ,administration-- 7i7 to systematically review and improve the quality of medical and behavioral health services provided by the ,administration to ensure the safety and security of individuals receiving such health services2 and 7ii7 to evaluate and improve the efficiency1 effectiveness1 and use of staff and resources in the delivery of such health services4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term quality assurance program includes any activity carried out by or for the ,administration to assess the quality of medical care provided by the ,administration4 4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cacjc4 ,confidentiality of medical quality assurance records44 ,,viii ,miscellaneous provisions #hja4 ,contracting authority ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #gje1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7p7 ,contracting authority ,the ,administration-- 7#a7 may enter into an agreement with a private1 commercial1 or ,state government entity to provide the entity with supplies1 support1 and services related to private1 commercial1 or ,state government space activities carried out at a property owned or operated by the ,administration2 and 7#b7 upon the request of such an entity1 may include such supplies1 support1 and services in the requirements of the ,administration if-- 7,a7 the ,administrator determines that the inclusion of such supplies1 support1 or services in such requirements-- 7i7 is in the best interest of the ,federal ,government2 7ii7 does not interfere with the requirements of the ,administration2 and 7iii7 does not compete with the commercial space activities of other such entities2 and 7,b7 the ,administration has full reimbursable funding from the entity that requested supplies1 support1 and services prior to making any obligation for the delivery of such supplies1 support1 or services under an ,administration procurement contract or any other agreement4 4 #hjb4 ,authority for transaction prototype projects and follow-on production contracts ,section #bjaac of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #hja1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7q7 ,transaction prototype projects and follow-on production contracts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administration may enter into a transaction 7other than a contract1 cooperative agreement1 or grant7 to carry out a prototype project that is directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,subsequent award of follow-on production contract ,a transaction entered into under this subsection for a prototype project may provide for the subsequent award of a follow-on production contract to participants in the transaction4 7#c7 ,inclusion ,a transaction under this subsection includes a project awarded to an individual participant and to all individual projects awarded to a consortium of ,united ,states industry and academic institutions4 7#d7 ,determination ,the authority of this section may be exercised for a transaction for a prototype project and any follow-on production contract1 upon a determination by the head of the contracting activity1 in accordance with ,administration policies1 that-- 7,a7 circumstances justify use of a transaction to provide an innovative business arrangement that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract2 and 7,b7 the use of the authority of this section is essential to promoting the success of the prototype project4 7#e7 ,competitive procedure 7,a7 ,in general ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,administrator shall use competitive procedures with respect to entering into a transaction to carry out a prototype project4 7,b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding section #bcjd of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 a follow-on production contract may be awarded to the participants in the prototype transaction without the use of competitive procedures1 if-- 7i7 competitive procedures were used for the selection of parties for participation in the prototype transaction2 and 7ii7 the participants in the transaction successfully completed the prototype project provided for in the transaction4 7#f7 ,cost share ,a transaction to carry out a prototype project and a follow-on production contract may require that part of the total cost of the transaction or contract be paid by the participant or contractor from a source other than the ,federal ,government4 7#g7 ,procurement ethics ,a transaction under this authority shall be considered an agency procurement for purposes of chapter #ba of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 with regard to procurement ethics4 4 #hjc4 ,protection of data and information from public disclosure 7a7 ,certain technical data ,section #bjaca of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 7#b7 in subsection 7a77#c71 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting subsection 7b7 or 7c72 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,special handling of certain technical data 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may provide appropriate protections against the public dissemination of certain technical data1 including exemption from subchapter ,,ii of chapter #e of title #e4 7#b7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,certain technical data ,the term certain technical data means technical data that may not be exported lawfully outside the ,united ,states without approval1 authorization1 or license under-- 7i7 the ,export ,control ,reform ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bcb2 #acb ,stat4 #bbjh72 or 7ii7 the ,international ,security ,assistance and ,arms ,export ,control ,act of #aigf 7,public ,law #id-cbi2 #ij ,stat4 #gbi74 7,b7 ,technical data ,the term technical data means any blueprint1 drawing1 photograph1 plan1 instruction1 computer software1 or documentation1 or any other technical information4 2 7#d7 in subsection 7d71 as so redesignated1 by inserting 1 including any data1 after information2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,this section shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of section #eeb of title #e 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act74 4 7b7 ,certain voluntarily provided safety-related information 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide appropriate safeguards against the public dissemination of safety-related information collected as part of a mishap investigation carried out under the ,,nasa safety reporting system or in conjunction with an organizational safety assessment1 if the ,administrator makes a written determination1 including a justification of the determination1 that-- 7,a7 7i7 disclosure of the information would inhibit individuals from voluntarily providing safety-related information2 and 7ii7 the ability of ,,nasa to collect such information improves the safety of ,,nasa programs and research relating to aeronautics and space2 or 7,b7 withholding such information from public disclosure improves the safety of such ,,nasa programs and research4 7#b7 ,other ,federal agencies ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 if the ,administrator provides to the head of another ,federal agency safety-related information with respect to which the ,administrator has made a determination under paragraph 7#a71 the head of the ,federal agency shall withhold the information from public disclosure4 7#c7 ,public availability ,a determination under paragraph 7#a7 shall be made available to the public on request1 as required under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,freedom of ,information ,act74 7#d7 ,exclusion from ,,foia ,this subsection shall be considered a statute described in subsection 7b77#c77;,b7 of section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #hjd4 ,physical security modernization ,chapter #bja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjacc7b71 by striking property and all that follows through to the ,united ,states1 and inserting ,administration personnel or of property owned or leased by1 or under the control of1 the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 in section #bjacd1 in the second sentence-- 7,a7 by inserting ,administration personnel or any after protecting2 and 7,b7 by striking 1 at facilities owned or contracted to the ,administration4 #hje4 ,lease of non-excess property ,section #bjade of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7b77#a77;,b71 by striking entered into for the purpose of developing renewable energy production facilities2 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7g74 #hjf4 ,cybersecurity 7a7 ,in general ,section #bjcja of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,cybersecurity ,the ,administrator shall update and improve the cybersecurity of ,,nasa space assets and supporting infrastructure4 4 7b7 ,security ,operations ,center 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall maintain a ,security ,operations ,center1 to identify and respond to cybersecurity threats to ,,nasa information technology systems1 including institutional systems and mission systems4 7#b7 ,inspector ,general recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 each of the recommendations contained in the report of the ,inspector ,general of ,,nasa entitled ,audit of ,,nasa's ,security ,operations ,center1 issued on ,may #bc1 #bjah4 7c7 ,cyber threat hunt 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 may implement a cyber threat hunt capability to proactively search ,,nasa information systems for advanced cyber threats that otherwise evade existing security tools4 7#b7 ,threat-hunting process ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall develop and document a threat-hunting process1 including the roles and responsibilities of individuals conducting a cyber threat hunt4 7d7 ,,gao priority recommendations ,the ,administrator shall implement1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the recommendations for ,,nasa contained in the report of the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states entitled ,information ,security3 ,agencies ,need to ,improve ,controls over ,selected ,high-,impact ,systems1 issued ,may #ah1 #bjaf1 including-- 7#a7 re-evaluating security control assessments2 and 7#b7 specifying metrics for the continuous monitoring strategy of the ,administration4 #hjg4 ,limitation on cooperation with the ,people's ,republic of ,china 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided by subsection 7b71 the ,administrator1 the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy1 and the ,chair of the ,national ,space ,council1 shall not-- 7#a7 develop1 design1 plan1 promulgate1 implement1 or execute a bilateral policy1 program1 order1 or contract of any kind to participate1 collaborate1 or coordinate bilaterally in any manner with-- 7,a7 the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 any company-- 7i7 owned by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7ii7 incorporated under the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 and 7#b7 host official visitors from the ,people's ,republic of ,china at a facility belonging to or used by ,,nasa4 7b7 ,waiver 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair may waive the limitation under subsection 7a7 with respect to an activity described in that subsection only if the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 makes a determination that the activity-- 7,a7 does not pose a risk of a transfer of technology1 data1 or other information with national security or economic security implications to an entity described in paragraph 7#a7 of such subsection2 and 7,b7 does not involve knowing interactions with officials who have been determined by the ,united ,states to have direct involvement with violations of human rights4 7#b7 ,certification to ,congress ,not later than #cj days after the date on which a waiver is granted under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator1 the ,director1 or the ,chair1 as applicable1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a written certification that the activity complies with the requirements in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of that paragraph4 7c7 ,,gao review 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a review of ,,nasa contracts that may subject the ,administration to unacceptable transfers of intellectual property or technology to any entity-- 7,a7 owned or controlled 7in whole or in part7 by1 or otherwise affiliated with1 the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 organized under1 or otherwise subject to1 the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 7#b7 ,elements ,the review required under paragraph 7#a7 shall assess-- 7,a7 whether the ,administrator is aware-- 7i7 of any ,,nasa contractor that benefits from significant financial assistance from-- 7,i7 the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 7,,ii7 any entity controlled by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,,iii7 any other governmental entity of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 and 7ii7 that the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 or an entity controlled by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 may be-- 7,i7 leveraging ,united ,states companies that share ownership with ,,nasa contractors2 or 7,,ii7 obtaining intellectual property or technology illicitly or by other unacceptable means2 and 7,b7 the steps the ,administrator is taking to ensure that-- 7i7 ,,nasa contractors are not being leveraged 7directly or indirectly7 by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china or by an entity controlled by the ,government of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 7ii7 the intellectual property and technology of ,,nasa contractors are adequately protected2 and 7iii7 ,,nasa flight-critical components are not sourced from the ,people's ,republic of ,china through any entity benefiting from ,chinese investments1 loans1 or other assistance4 7#c7 ,recommendations ,the ,comptroller ,general shall provide to the ,administrator recommendations for future ,,nasa contracting based on the results of the review4 7#d7 ,plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,comptroller ,general completes the review1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 develop a plan to implement the recommendations of the ,comptroller ,general2 and 7,b7 submit the plan to the appropriate committees of ,congress4 #hjh4 ,consideration of issues related to contracting with entities receiving assistance from or affiliated with the ,people's ,republic of ,china ,in considering any response to a request for proposal1 request for information1 broad area announcement1 or any other form of request or solicitation1 and in considering or undertaking any negotiation or conclusion of any contract1 agreement1 or other transaction with any commercial or non-commercial entity1 the ,administrator shall1 in consultation with appropriate ,federal departments and agencies1 take into account the implications of any benefit received by such commercial or non-commercial entity 7or any other commercial or non-commercial entity related through ownership1 control1 or other affiliation to such entity7 as a result of a significant loan or other financial assistance provided by-- 7#a7 any governmental organization of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7#b7 any other entity that is-- 7,a7 owned or controlled by1 or otherwise affiliated with1 any governmental organization of the ,people's ,republic of ,china2 or 7,b7 organized under1 or otherwise subject to1 the laws of the ,people's ,republic of ,china4 #hji4 ,small satellite launch services program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall continue to procure dedicated launch services for small satellites1 including ,cube,sats1 for the purpose of conducting science and technology missions that further the goals of ,,nasa4 7b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 engage with the academic community to maximize awareness and use of dedicated small satellite launch opportunities2 and 7#b7 to the maximum extent practicable1 use a secondary payload of procured launch services for ,cube,sats4 #haj4 #bast century space launch infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall carry out a program to modernize launch infrastructure at ,,nasa facilities-- 7#a7 to enhance safety2 and 7#b7 to advance ,government and commercial space transportation and exploration4 7b7 ,projects ,projects funded under the program under subsection 7a7 may include-- 7#a7 infrastructure relating to commodities2 7#b7 standard interfaces to meet customer needs for multiple payload processing and launch vehicle processing2 7#c7 enhancements to range capacity and flexibility2 and 7#d7 such other projects as the ,administrator considers appropriate to meet the goals described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 prioritize investments in projects that can be used by multiple users and launch vehicles1 including non-,,nasa users and launch vehicles2 and 7#b7 limit investments to projects that would not otherwise be funded by a ,,nasa program1 such as an institutional or programmatic infrastructure program4 7d7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall preclude a ,,nasa program1 including the ,space ,launch ,system and ,orion1 from using the launch infrastructure modernized under this section4 #haa4 ,missions of national need 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the ,sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 while certain space missions1 such as asteroid detection or space debris mitigation or removal missions1 may not provide the highest-value science1 as determined by the ,national ,academies of ,science1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine decadal surveys1 such missions provide tremendous value to the ,united ,states and the world2 and 7#b7 the current organizational and funding structure of ,,nasa has not prioritized the funding of missions of national need4 7b7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall conduct a study on the manner in which ,,nasa funds missions of national need4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an identification and assessment of the types of missions or technology development programs that constitute missions of national need4 7,b7 ,an assessment of the manner in which such missions are currently funded and managed by ,,nasa4 7,c7 ,an analysis of the options for funding missions of national need1 including-- 7i7 structural changes required to allow ,,nasa to fund such missions2 and 7ii7 an assessment of the capacity of other ,federal agencies to make funds available for such missions4 7c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection 7b71 including recommendations for funding missions of national need4 #hab4 ,exemption from the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act ,section #g7a7 of the ,iran1 ,north ,korea1 and ,syria ,nonproliferation ,act 7,public ,law #ajf-agh2 #ej ,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is amended1 in the undesignated matter following subparagraph 7,b71 by striking ,december #ca1 #bjbe and inserting ,december #ca1 #bjcj4 #hac4 ,drinking water well replacement for ,chincoteague1 ,virginia ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator may enter into #a or more agreements with the town of ,chincoteague1 ,virginia1 to reimburse the town for costs that are directly associated with-- 7#a7 the removal of drinking water wells located on property administered by the ,administration2 and 7#b7 the relocation of such wells to property under the administrative control1 through lease1 ownership1 or easement1 of the town4 #had4 ,passenger carrier use ,section #acdd7;a77#b7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking or at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by inserting or after the comma at the end2 and 7#c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 necessary for post-flight transportation of ,united ,states ,government astronauts1 and other astronauts subject to reimbursable arrangements1 returning from space for the performance of medical research1 monitoring1 diagnosis1 or treatment1 or other official duties1 prior to receiving post-flight medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle1 4 #hae4 ,use of commercial near-space balloons 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the use of an array of capabilities1 including the use of commercially available near-space balloon assets1 is in the best interest of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,use of commercial near-space balloons ,the ,administrator shall use commercially available balloon assets operating at near-space altitudes1 to the maximum extent practicable1 as part of a diverse set of capabilities to effectively and efficiently meet the goals of the ,administration4 #haf4 ,president's ,space ,advisory ,board ,section #aba of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration ,authorization ,act1 ,fiscal ,year #aiia 7,public ,law #aja-faa2 #ea ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaaa note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking ,users' ,advisory ,group and inserting ,president's ,space ,advisory ,board2 and 7#b7 by striking ,users' ,advisory ,group each place it appears and inserting ,president's ,space ,advisory ,board4 #hag4 ,initiative on technologies for noise and emissions reductions 7a7 ,initiative required ,section #djaab of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7b7 through 7f7 as subsections 7c7 through 7g71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following new subsection 7b73 7b7 ,technologies for noise and emissions reduction 7#a7 ,initiative required ,the ,administrator shall establish an initiative to build upon and accelerate previous or ongoing work to develop and demonstrate new technologies1 including systems architecture1 components1 or integration of systems and airframe structures1 in electric aircraft propulsion concepts that are capable of substantially reducing both emissions and noise from aircraft4 7#b7 ,approach ,in carrying out the initiative1 the ,administrator shall do the following3 7,a7 ,continue and expand work of the ,administration on research1 development1 and demonstration of electric aircraft concepts1 and the integration of such concepts4 7,b7 ,to the extent practicable1 work with multiple partners1 including small businesses and new entrants1 on research and development activities related to transport category aircraft4 7,c7 ,provide guidance to the ,federal ,aviation ,administration on technologies developed and tested pursuant to the initiative4 4 7b7 ,reports ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter as a part of the ,administration's budget submission1 the ,administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate committee of ,congress on the progress of the work under the initiative required by subsection 7b7 of section #djaab of title #ea1 ,united ,states ,code 7as amended by subsection 7a7 of this section71 including an updated1 anticipated timeframe for aircraft entering into service that produce #ej percent less noise and emissions than the highest performing aircraft in service as of ,december #ca1 #bjai4 #hah4 ,remediation of sites contaminated with trichloroethylene 7a7 ,identification of sites ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall identify sites of the ,administration contaminated with trichloroethylene4 7b7 ,report required ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that includes-- 7#a7 the recommendations of the ,administrator for remediating the sites identified under subsection 7a7 during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the report2 and 7#b7 an estimate of the financial resources necessary to implement those recommendations4 #hai4 ,report on merits and options for establishing an institute relating to space resources 7a7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the merits of1 and options for1 establishing an institute relating to space resources to advance the objectives of ,,nasa in maintaining ,united ,states preeminence in space described in paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,the report required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include an assessment by the ,administrator as to whether-- 7,a7 a virtual or physical institute relating to space resources is most cost effective and appropriate2 and 7,b7 partnering with institutions of higher education and the aerospace industry1 and the extractive industry as appropriate1 would be effective in increasing information available to such an institute with respect to advancing the objectives described in paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,objectives ,the objectives described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,identifying1 developing1 and distributing space resources1 including by encouraging the development of foundational science and technology4 7,b7 ,reducing the technological risks associated with identifying1 developing1 and distributing space resources4 7,c7 ,developing options for using space resources-- 7i7 to support current and future space architectures1 programs1 and missions2 and 7ii7 to enable architectures1 programs1 and missions that would not otherwise be possible4 7#d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7,a7 ,extractive industry ,the term extractive industry means a company or individual involved in the process of extracting 7including mining1 quarrying1 drilling1 and dredging7 space resources4 7,b7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a774 7,c7 ,space resource 7i7 ,in general ,the term space resource means an abiotic resource in situ in outer space4 7ii7 ,inclusions ,the term space resource includes a raw material1 a natural material1 and an energy source4 #hbj4 ,report on establishing center of excellence for space weather technology 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report assessing the potential benefits of establishing a ,,nasa center of excellence for space weather technology4 7b7 ,geographic considerations ,in the report required by subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall consider the benefits of establishing the center of excellence described in that subsection in a geographic area-- 7#a7 in close proximity to-- 7,a7 significant government-funded space weather research activities2 and 7,b7 institutions of higher education2 and 7#b7 where ,,nasa may have been previously underrepresented4 #hba4 ,review on preference for domestic suppliers 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the ,sense of ,congress that the ,administration should1 to the maximum extent practicable and with due consideration of foreign policy goals and obligations under ,federal law-- 7#a7 use domestic suppliers of goods and services2 and 7#b7 ensure compliance with the ,federal acquisition regulations1 including subcontract flow-down provisions4 7b7 ,review 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall undertake a comprehensive review of the domestic supplier preferences of the ,administration and the obligations of the ,administration under the ,federal acquisition regulations to ensure compliance1 particularly with respect to ,federal acquisition regulations provisions that apply to foreign-based subcontractors4 7#b7 ,elements ,the review under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 an assessment as to whether the ,administration has provided funding for infrastructure of a foreign-owned company or ,state-sponsored entity in recent years2 and 7,b7 an analysis of the effects such funding has had on domestic service providers4 7c7 ,report ,the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the results of the review4 #hbb4 ,report on utilization of commercial space ports licensed by ,federal ,aviation ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the benefits of increased utilization of commercial space ports licensed by the ,federal ,aviation ,administration for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a description and assessment of current utilization of commercial space ports licensed by the ,federal ,aviation ,administration for ,,nasa civil space missions and operations4 7#b7 ,a description and assessment of the benefits of increased utilization of such space ports for such missions and operations4 7#c7 ,a description and assessment of the steps necessary to achieve increased utilization of such space ports for such missions and operations4 #hbc4 ,active orbital debris mitigation 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 orbital debris1 particularly in low-,earth orbit1 poses a hazard to ,,nasa missions1 particularly human spaceflight2 and 7#b7 progress has been made on the development of guidelines for long-term space sustainability through the ,united ,nations ,committee on the ,peaceful ,uses of ,outer ,space4 7b7 ,requirements ,the ,administrator should-- 7#a7 ensure the policies and standard practices of ,,nasa meet or exceed international guidelines for spaceflight safety2 and 7#b7 support the development of orbital debris mitigation technologies through continued research and development of concepts4 7c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the status of implementing subsection 7b74 #hbd4 ,study on commercial communications services 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 enhancing the ability of researchers to conduct and interact with experiments while in flight would make huge advancements in the overall profitability of conducting research on suborbit and low-,earth orbit payloads2 and 7#b7 current ,,nasa communications do not allow for real-time data collection1 observation1 or transmission of information4 7b7 ,study ,the ,administrator shall conduct a study on the feasibility1 impact1 and cost of using commercial communications programs services for suborbital flight programs and low-,earth orbit research4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress and make publicly available a report that describes the results of the study conducted under subsection 7b74 ,september #h1 #bjbj,reported with an amendment