S. 1388 — Introduced in Senate

II 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1388 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 1, 2023Mr. Hoeven (for himself and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To authorize the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to enter into contracts to demonstrate or validate technology related to the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the UAS Integration Research Act of 2023. 2. UAS integration research contracts (a) In general The Administrator shall enter into contracts to demonstrate or validate technology related to the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system. (b) Topics of interest The Administrator shall identify topics of interest related to the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Detect and avoid capabilities. (2) Beyond visual line of sight operations. (3) Operation of multiple unmanned aircraft systems. (4) Unmanned aircraft systems traffic management. (5) Command and control. (6) Safety standards for unmanned aircraft systems and associated element ground and air systems. (c) Solicitation The Administrator shall solicit proposals from applicants who— (1) describe a project that relates to a topic of interest described in subsection (b); (2) demonstrate technical merit; and (3) involve a contract with a test range. (d) Awards The Administrator shall make contract awards based on the following: (1) An evaluation of a proposal, including its— (A) relevance to a topic of interest described in subsection (b); (B) degree of technical merit; and (C) cost and price information. (2) Availability of funds. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. (2) Unmanned aircraft system The term unmanned aircraft system has the meaning given that term in section 44801(12) of title 49, United States Code. (3) Test range The term test range has the meaning given that term in section 44801(10) of title 49, United States Code. 3. Extension of authority for unmanned aircraft test ranges Section 44803(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking September 30, 2023 and inserting September 30, 2028.