,,ii #aaith ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #eafe ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #bi1 #bjbf,mr4 ,sullivan 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,murkowski1 and ,mr4 ,hickenlooper7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to authorize the ,office of ,polar ,programs of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,promoting ,operational ,leadership in ,arctic and ,antarctic ,research ,act or the ,,polar ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,antarctica ,the term ,antarctica has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,antarctic ,conservation ,act of #aigh 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #bdjb74 7#b7 ,antarctic ,treaty ,the term ,antarctic ,treaty means the ,antarctic ,treaty signed in ,washington1 ,,dc1 on ,december #a1 #aiei 7#ab ,,ust #gid74 7#c7 ,arctic ,the term ,arctic has the meaning given the term in section #aab of the ,arctic ,research and ,policy ,act of #aihd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #daaa74 7#d7 ,assistant ,director ,the term ,assistant ,director means the ,assistant ,director responsible for the management of the ,directorate appointed under section #f7;a74 7#e7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,national ,science ,board4 7#f7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,foundation4 7#g7 ,foundation ,the term ,foundation means the ,national ,science ,foundation4 7#h7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#i7 ,polar regions ,the term polar regions means the ,arctic and ,antarctica4 7#aj7 ,polar research and development ,the term polar research and development means basic and applied research1 science1 engineering1 development1 or experimentation conducted in1 near1 or related to1 the polar regions4 7#aa7 ,workforce development ,the term workforce development means science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics education1 training1 and capacity-building to meet workforce demands in the polar regions4 #c4 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,foundation the ,directorate for ,polar ,programs 7referred to in this ,act as the ,directorate7 to advance polar research and development1 education1 workforce development1 and research infrastructure to-- 7#a7 expand fundamental knowledge of polar systems and processes2 7#b7 advance innovative solutions relating to the polar regions2 7#c7 improve understanding of the interactions between the polar regions and global systems2 and 7#d7 use the unique characteristics of the polar regions as a science-observing platform4 #d4 ,purposes ,the purposes of the ,directorate are to-- 7#a7 promote scientific polar research and development2 7#b7 advance engineering1 education1 and workforce development in and about the polar regions2 7#c7 facilitate access to the polar regions and work with the ,united ,states military and other ,federal agencies to provide the necessary logistical support for research2 7#d7 support research infrastructure1 including permanent year-round research stations1 numerous field camps across the polar regions1 and research vessels operating around the polar regions2 7#e7 7,a7 manage and maintain the ,united ,states ,antarctic ,program at a level providing an active and influential presence in ,antarctica designed to support the range of ,united ,states ,antarctic interests1 as determined by ,presidential ,memorandum #ffdf 7relating to ,united ,states ,antarctic policy and programs71 issued ,february #e1 #aihb2 and 7,b7 support the commitment of the ,united ,states to the ,antarctic ,treaty2 7#f7 coordinate all ,united ,states science in ,antarctica2 7#g7 manage and maintain an active and influential presence in the ,arctic to support the range of ,united ,states ,arctic interests1 as determined by appropriate national and international bodies1 agreements1 and policies2 7#h7 facilitate engagement with local and indigenous peoples in ,arctic research1 education1 and outreach activities2 7#i7 chair1 or designate a representative to chair1 the ,interagency ,arctic ,research ,policy ,committee1 in accordance with section #ajg of the ,arctic ,research and ,policy ,act of #aihd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #dajg72 and 7#aj7 facilitate research and infrastructure development in ,greenland in accordance with the ,agreement between the ,united ,states and ,denmark ,amending and ,supplementing the ,agreement of ,april #bg1 #aiea1 signed at ,igaliku on ,august #f1 #bjjd 7commonly known as the ,igaliku ,agreement71 and the ,agreement on ,enhancing ,international ,arctic ,scientific ,cooperation for work in the ,arctic and ,greenland1 signed at ,fairbanks1 ,alaska on ,may #aa1 #bjag4 #e4 ,activities ,subject to the availability of appropriated funds1 the ,director1 acting through the ,directorate1 shall achieve the purposes described in section #d through the use of awards or authorities described in section #i that-- 7#a7 support creative and innovative polar research and development1 education1 and workforce development in the ,arctic1 including incorporating indigenous knowledge and co-production of knowledge with ,indian ,tribes1 to-- 7,a7 gain a better understanding of the ,arctic's biological1 geophysical1 chemical1 and sociocultural processes and the interactions of ocean1 land1 atmosphere1 biological1 and human systems2 and 7,b7 build capacity in the ,united ,states workforce for polar research and development2 7#b7 7,a7 support infrastructure in the ,arctic through coordination of logistics and facilities1 including at field locations throughout the ,arctic 7including at least #a location in ,alaska7 and an appropriate number of vessels capable of supporting and conducting ,arctic research2 7,b7 promote the development and sustainment of infrastructure1 long-term observational systems1 and research capabilities in the ,arctic to advance polar research and development1 education1 environmental prediction1 national strategic interests1 and workforce development in the ,arctic2 and 7,c7 support long-term ,arctic observing1 monitoring1 and data collection systems1 including atmospheric1 oceanic1 terrestrial1 cryospheric1 and permafrost observing networks1 necessary to improve forecasting1 infrastructure resilience1 navigation safety1 national security awareness1 and the understanding of ,earth system processes2 7#c7 advance cutting-edge polar research and development1 education1 and workforce development that-- 7,a7 improves understanding of interactions among the polar regions and global systems2 7,b7 expands fundamental knowledge of the systems1 biota1 and processes of the polar regions2 7,c7 utilizes the unique characteristics of the polar regions as a science-observing platform2 7,d7 builds capacity in the ,united ,states workforce for polar research and development2 and 7,e7 improves collaborations among research institutions2 7#d7 7,a7 provide the operational and logistical platform for the ,united ,states to conduct world-class science in ,antarctica and maintain an active and influential presence on the continent2 and 7,b7 coordinate with1 and1 as needed and on a cost-reimbursable basis1 draw upon the logistical support capabilities of1 ,federal1 military1 and commercial partners working together to execute a supply chain to provide personnel with everything needed to live1 work1 and conduct science in the polar regions1 including air operations1 maritime support1 and land capabilities2 7#e7 7,a7 advance polar region safety and health through activities such as industrial hygiene and safety activities and oversight of the occupational health and medical system for programs in polar regions to ensure public health and improvement2 and 7,b7 support a streamlining of safety initiatives in polar regions2 and 7#f7 support the interest of the ,united ,states in the ,arctic and ,antarctica through representation1 active engagement1 and performing other duties in accordance with relevant national and international bodies1 treaties1 and agreements4 #f4 ,assistant ,director 7a7 ,in general ,the ,director shall appoint an ,assistant ,director responsible for the management of the ,directorate in the same manner as other assistant directors of the ,foundation are appointed4 7b7 ,qualifications ,the ,assistant ,director shall be an individual who1 by reason of professional background and experience1 is specially qualified to-- 7#a7 advise the ,director on all matters pertaining to polar research and development2 and 7#b7 develop and implement the necessary policies and procedures to promote polar research and development across the ,foundation and carry out the responsibilities under subsection 7c74 7c7 ,responsibilities ,the responsibilities of the ,assistant ,director shall include-- 7#a7 advising the ,director on all matters pertaining to polar research and development2 7#b7 approving all new programs within the ,directorate2 7#c7 coordinating polar research and development1 infrastructure planning1 observational systems1 logistics1 and operational support across ,federal agencies1 including the ,department of ,defense1 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 the ,department of ,energy1 the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 the ,coast ,guard1 and other relevant agencies2 7#d7 coordinating polar research and development with partner countries2 7#e7 developing and implementing merit-review models and mechanisms for selecting and providing awards for polar research and development at different scales1 from individual investigator awards to large multi-institution collaborations2 7#f7 assessing the success of the programs of the ,directorate2 7#g7 administering awards to achieve the purposes described in section #d2 7#h7 providing regular briefings to the ,board on the status of polar regions infrastructure and the alignment of awards under section #i with the focus areas identified under section #h2 and 7#i7 performing other such duties pertaining to such purposes as are required by the ,director4 7d7 ,relationship ,the ,assistant ,director shall report to the ,director4 7e7 ,relationship to other programs ,no other directorate within the ,foundation shall report to the ,assistant ,director4 #g4 ,advisory committee 7a7 ,in general ,in accordance with chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,director shall establish an advisory committee 7referred to in this section as the advisory committee7 to assess1 and make recommendations regarding1 the activities carried out under this ,act4 7b7 ,membership ,the members of the advisory committee shall-- 7#a7 be individuals with relevant experience or expertise1 including educators1 academic subject matter experts1 individuals from industry and national labs1 members of ,indian ,tribes1 representatives of civil society1 and representatives of other nongovernmental organizations2 and 7#b7 consist of not less than #aj members broadly representative of stakeholders4 7c7 ,responsibilities ,the responsibilities of the advisory committee shall include-- 7#a7 reviewing and advising on activities carried out under this ,act2 7#b7 proposing strategies for fulfilling the purposes described in section #d2 7#c7 proposing potential areas of research relevant to polar challenges2 and 7#d7 other relevant duties1 as determined by the ,director4 #h4 ,focus areas 7a7 ,in general ,in consultation with the ,assistant ,director1 the ,board1 and the advisory committee established under section #g1 the ,director shall identify1 and annually review and update as appropriate1 a list of-- 7#a7 polar research and development1 education1 and workforce development investment priorities under this ,act2 and 7#b7 necessary infrastructure and logistical support needed to appropriately carry out polar research and development1 education1 and workforce development under this ,act4 7b7 ,initial focus of polar regions research and infrastructure investments ,the initial focus of polar regions research and infrastructure investments shall be-- 7#a7 research and associated research infrastructure investments that maintain1 strengthen1 and enhance the ability of the ,united ,states to observe1 understand1 and predict the physical1 biological1 geologic1 and socioeconomic processes and interacting systems of the ,arctic to-- 7,a7 protect and advance the interests of the ,united ,states and ensure prosperity of the ,united ,states ,arctic residents2 7,b7 strengthen ,alaska's role as the primary ,arctic research1 logistics1 operations1 and workforce development hub for the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 strengthen existing associated research1 research infrastructure1 and workforce development in other ,states and territories2 7#b7 research and associated research infrastructure investments that maintain1 strengthen1 and enhance the ability of the ,united ,states to observe1 understand1 and predict the physical1 biological1 geologic1 and socioeconomic processes and interacting systems of ,antarctica to protect and advance the interests of the ,united ,states under the ,antarctic ,treaty2 7#c7 polar research and development that ensures the uncontested navigation and strategic utilization by the ,united ,states of the ,arctic2 and 7#d7 polar research and development that ensures the ,united ,states dominance in ,antarctica under the ,antarctic ,treaty4 #i4 ,awards and authorities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,director may carry out the activities described in section #e-- 7#a7 by awarding or entering into grants1 cooperative agreements1 fellowships1 scholarships1 or infrastructure awards under subsection 7b72 or 7#b7 by exercising1 for purposes of this ,act1 any of the authorities provided to the ,foundation under the ,national ,science ,foundation ,act of #aiej 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahfa et seq47 for the purposes of that ,act4 7b7 ,awards 7#a7 ,in general ,from amounts made available for the ,directorate and on a competitive basis1 the ,director shall make awards described in subsection 7a77#a7 for polar research and development1 education and workforce development1 infrastructure1 and logistical support that carry out the activities described in section #e by advancing polar research and development1 education and workforce development1 infrastructure1 and logistical investments that are aligned with the focus areas identified under section #h4 7#b7 ,recipients ,recipients of awards under this subsection may include1 as determined appropriate by the ,director-- 7,a7 institutions of higher education 7as such term is defined in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb772 7,b7 research institutions2 7,c7 nonprofit organizations2 7,d7 private sector entities2 7,e7 ,indian ,tribes2 7,f7 consortia2 and 7,g7 other entities that the ,director determines further the purposes of this ,act4 7#c7 ,metrics ,the ,director may-- 7,a7 set metrics1 including goals and deadlines1 for awards made under this subsection2 and 7,b7 use such metrics to determine whether an award recipient shall be eligible for continued or additional funding4 #aj4 ,reporting 7a7 ,in general ,the ,director1 in consultation with other ,federal agencies1 as appropriate1 shall prepare and submit an annual report to ,congress describing-- 7#a7 7,a7 the focus areas identified under section #h1 for the period covered by the report1 for polar research and development1 education1 workforce development1 infrastructure investments1 and logistical support in the polar regions2 and 7,b7 the rationale for their identification2 7#b7 potential future investments needed to advance polar research and development1 education1 workforce development1 infrastructure1 and logistical support in the polar regions2 and 7#c7 the role of the ,foundation in advancing the interests of the ,united ,states in polar regions4 7b7 ,detailed description ,for each fiscal year1 the ,director1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 shall-- 7#a7 submit1 as part of the annual budget requests to ,congress1 a detailed description of the activities to be funded under this ,act2 and 7#b7 include1 at a minimum1 separate budget lines for-- 7,a7 ,arctic research as described in section #e7a72 7,b7 ,arctic infrastructure as described in section #e7b72 7,c7 ,arctic research as described in section #e7c72 7,d7 ,antarctica research as described in section #e7c72 and 7,e7 ,antarctica infrastructure as described in section #e7d74