National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2013 - Title I : Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2014-FY2016 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) exploration, (2) space operations, (3) science, (4) aeronautics, (5) space technology, (6) education, (7) cross-agency support programs, (8) construction and environmental compliance and restoration, and (9) the Inspector General.
Title II: Human Space Flight Exploration and Operations - Subtitle A: Exploration - (Sec. 201) Reaffirms that the long-term goal of the human space flight and exploration efforts of NASA shall be to expand permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and to do so, where practical, in a manner involving international partners.
Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to make it a key objective of the United States to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the establishment of a capability for human habitation on the surface of Mars. Directs NASA to submit to Congress a strategy to achieve such objective through a series of successive, free-standing, but complementary missions making robust use of cis-lunar space and employing the Space Launch System, Orion (multi-purpose vehicle), and other capabilities under titles III, IV, V, and IX of such Act.
Requires NASA, in developing the strategy, to include
Requires the Administrator of NASA, in identifying opportunities for collaboration with other federal agencies, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence, to include a discussion of the work, cost, and schedule required to enable and utilize a cargo variant of the Space Launch System, including the 70-, 105-, and 130-metric ton configurations, with both a 5-meter or 8-meter faring.
Requires the strategy to include: (1) technical information as needed to identify interest from the scientific and national security communities, and (2) an assessment of the Space Launch System to enable and sustain near-Earth object surveillance of potentially Earth-threatening objects for the purpose of planetary protection.
(Sec. 202) Declares that it is U.S. policy that the exploration ground systems to process and launch the Space Launch System, Orion, and related exploration elements, and the 21st Century Space Launch Complex to enable and facilitate civil, defense, and private launches are complimentary efforts to modernize infrastructure, reduce costs, and maintain capabilities for current and future missions.
Specifies that NASA, in executing such programs: (1) may not exclude the ability of exploration ground systems to support efforts with respect to the elements to be included in the NASA launch support and infrastructure modernization program; (2) shall allow for cost-sharing opportunities by providing multi-use systems and capabilities to current and future users of the 21st Century Space Launch Complex through modernization, refurbishment, or development of infrastructure; and (3) shall pursue, in collaboration with specified entities, capabilities and investments that support multiple entities to advance NASA's current and future missions and benefit NASA by creating new partnerships.
Instructs NASA to continue to improve launch infrastructure at U.S. facilities launching vehicles to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) in order to ensure continuous, timely, redundant, and efficient access to the ISS. Requires the budget materials for NASA in each budget submitted by the President for a fiscal year to specify the amount required for NASA for that fiscal year for such purposes.
(Sec. 203) Directs NASA to submit to Congress a plan to engage the public, including science students in elementary and secondary education programs, throughout the United States in naming: (1) NASA's overall deep space human exploration program, and (2) the Space Launch System.
(Sec. 204) Requires NASA to submit a report that updates Congress on the Constellation Space Suit System. Requires such report to include justification as to whether another competition to award contracts for the design, development, certification, production, and sustaining engineering of such space suit system is required to meet the needs of NASA's human exploration program.
Subtitle B: Maximizing ISS Utilization - (Sec. 221) Reaffirms the policy that it shall be the policy of the United States, in consultation with its international partners in the ISS program, to support full and complete utilization of the ISS through at least 2020.
Instructs NASA to ensure that the ISS as a designated national laboratory: (1) remains viable as an element of overall exploration and partnership strategies and approaches; (2) is considered for use by all NASA mission directorates, as appropriate, for technically appropriate scientific data gathering or technology risk reduction demonstrations; and (3) remains an effective, functional vehicle that provides research and test bed capabilities for the United States through 2020, up to 2028, and possibly beyond.
Directs NASA, to determine through analyses and discussions with ISS partners, the feasible and preferred service life of the ISS as a unique scientific, commercial, and exploration-related facility. Requires NASA to submit a report and subsequent reports triennially thereafter, to Congress that include: (1) an assessment of whether ISS operations can be extended to at least 2028; (2) an evaluation of the potential for expanding the use of ISS facilities to accommodate the needs of researchers and other users; and (3) such other information as may be necessary to fully describe the justification for, and feasibility of, extending the service life of the ISS.
(Sec. 222) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to instruct the Administrator to ensure that the liaison function with regard to the management of the ISS national laboratory is implemented in a manner that precludes any conflict of interest between the objectives and activities of the organization with which the Administrator has entered into a cooperative agreement for the management of the laboratory (the ISS management entity) and the NASA organizational entity responsible for the management of the NASA research plan onboard the ISS. Considers such entities to be separate and equal partners.
Requires NASA to report to Congress on: (1) options for expanding NASA's collaboration with its ISS partners, including providing U.S. personnel expanded access to international partner research facilities and coordinating research efforts to minimize the duplication of effort; (2) the potential for increasing ISS crew size to maximize use and applications; and (3) efforts undertaken by NASA and the ISS management entity to enhance collaborative research between NASA and other federal science agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and to expand the use of ISS national laboratory capabilities by federal science agencies.
(Sec. 223) Allows NASA to waive the license reserved by NASA with respect to any invention made by a person in the performance of any non-NASA scientific utilization of the ISS national laboratory, if reservation of the license would substantially inhibit the commercialization of the invention
(Sec. 224) Expresses the sense of Congress that NASA: (1) should continue the development of safe, reliable, and cost effective commercial launch capabilities for the primary purpose of securing domestic access to the ISS as quickly and safely as possible; and (2) should encourage a viable commercial market for those capabilities.
Declares that it is U.S. policy that, to foster the competitive development, operation, and improvement of private space transportation services, service for federal government access to and return from the ISS, whenever feasible, shall be procured via fair and open competition for well-defined, milestone-based, Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts under section 201 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010.
Requires NASA, in evaluating commercial space transportation service providers: (1) to aim to minimize the life-cycle costs of obtaining transportation services; (2) to assure compliance with all safety and mission assurance requirements; (3) to consider contractor financial investment into the development of transportation capabilities; and (4) for commercial crew transport services, to consider flexibility in design, including sample return capabilities, and to provide a written notification and justification to Congress if the price per seat exceeds the cost negotiated by NASA for crew transport in April 2013.
Requires NASA, in implementing the the U.S. policy stated in this section, to submit to Congress a strategy for transitioning from Space Act Agreements to Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts for the procurement of crew transportation services to and from the ISS.
Subtitle C: Other Matters - (Sec. 232) Extends through December 31, 2016, the application deadline for licenses with respect to which the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) is required to pay third-party claims in excess of a commercial space launcher's required insurance coverage.
Allows any contract between NASA and a provider to provide that the United States will indemnify a provider against claims (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) by third parties for death, bodily injury, or loss or damage to property resulting from activities that the contract defines as unusually hazardous or nuclear in nature, but only to the extent that: (1) such claims are not compensated by the provider's liability insurance; and (2) they arise out of the direct performance of the contract.
Require such a contract that provides indemnification to also provide for: (1) notice to the United States of any claim or suit against the provider for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property; and (2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United States, at its election, of that suit or claim.
Requires each provider that is a party to a contract made under this section to have and maintain liability insurance in such amounts as NASA shall require to cover liability to third parties and loss of or damage to property.
Bars the Administrator from indemnifying a provider unless there is a cross-waiver between NASA and the provider as described in the following.
Allows the Administrator, on behalf of the United States, and its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, to reciprocally waive claims with a provider under which each party to the waiver agrees to be responsible, and agrees to ensure that its own related entities are responsible, for damage or loss to its property for which it is responsible, or for losses resulting from any injury or death sustained by its own employees or agents, as a result of activities arising out of the performance of the contract.
Prohibits any payment from being made under this section until the Administrator or the Administrator's designee certifies that the amount is just and reasonable.
Allows, upon approval by the Administrator, payments to be made, at the Administrator's election, from: (1) funds obligated for the performance of the contract concerned; (2) funds available for research and development not otherwise obligated; or (3) funds appropriated for such payments.
Prohibits NASA from providing indemnification under this section for an activity that requires a license or permit under title 51 U.S. Code Chapter 509 (relating to commercial space launch activities).
(Sec. 233) Requires NASA to deliver to Congress a review of its current termination liability practices and the benefits of potential alternatives. Requires such report to include: (1) an accounting of the total budget currently held in reserve, by either NASA or a contractor, to cover termination liability for the Space Launch System and Orion programs; and (2) an accounting of the current cost risk of termination liability for such programs. Requires: (1) NASA to submit such report for review by Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and (2) GAO to deliver to Congress an assessment of the potential for continued improvement by NASA relative to the previous GAO review of NASA termination liability conducted in 2011.
Title III: Science - Subtitle A: Earth Science - (Sec. 301) Expresses the sense of Congress that, given the importance of Earth science and Earth observation data, NASA Earth science efforts: (1) should be conducted in coordination with other federal agencies and should be cognizant of international efforts and the needs of the scientific and businesses communities; and (2) whenever feasible, NASA and other federal agencies should consider the potential for reducing costs by purchasing commercially available Earth science data and services while maintaining free and open data policies.
Instructs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in implementing its National Strategy for Earth Observation and in developing a National Plan for Civil Earth Observations, to prioritize federal Earth science and observation investments based on: (1) its assessment of Earth science and observation data requirements; (2) the capability requirements as identified by the National Academies decadal surveys; (3) the projected costs of Earth science missions and data gathering activities; and (4) the projected and available budgets.
Instructs NASA, in prioritizing future Earth science and Earth observation missions and technology development, under the National Plan for Civil Earth Observations and title 51 U.S. Code chapter 201 (provisions relating to the National Aeronautics and Space Program), to consider potential cost-reduction opportunities, including: (1) if feasible, co-locating Earth science sensors on other satellites; and (2) purchasing commercially available services, such as launch access to orbital and sub-orbital space, and Earth science data with free and open data policies.
Requires NASA to continue to develop and integrate the National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Radiometer, the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera, and related hardware and software onto the Deep Space Climate Observatory.
(Sec. 302) Reaffirms the finding in the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992, namely, that the continuous collection and utilization of land remote sensing data from space are of major benefit in studying and understanding human impacts on the global environment, in managing the Earth's natural resources, in carrying out national security functions, and in planning and conducting many other activities of scientific, economic, and social importance.
Directs NASA to use existing studies and data to initiate system definition and procurement of the next global land-imaging system consistent with continuing Earth remote sensing data collection over multi-decades.
Instructs the Administrator to seek partnerships with institutions of higher education and other federal agencies to support education of the next generation of remote sensing engineers, scientists, and analysts.
Subtitle B: Space Science - (Sec. 321) Instructs the Administrator to ensure that the Science Mission Directorate and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate coordinate in researching and reducing the risks that space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit pose to astronaut health. Requires NASA to provide a report to Congress detailing the results of previous research in this area and in identifying opportunities for future science missions to contribute to the understanding of these risks.
(Sec. 322) Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to reaffirm that a balanced and adequately funded set of activities, consisting of research and analysis grants programs, technology development, small, medium, and large space missions, and suborbital research activities, contributes to a robust and productive science program and serves as a catalysis for innovation (currently) and discovery. Urges NASA to set science priorities by following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the National Academies' decadal surveys.
(Sec. 323) Requires NASA, in carrying out biennial reviews within each of the Science divisions to assess the cost and benefits of extending the date of the termination of data collection for those missions that have exceeded their planned mission lifetime. the Instructs the Administrator, in conducting such assessments, to consider: (1) the potential continued benefit of instruments on such missions; and (2) the cost and schedule impacts, if any, of mission extension on other NASA activities and science missions.
Requires NASA, when deciding to extend science missions with an operational component, to consult with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and any other affected federal agency (and under current law, the potential benefits of instruments on missions that are beyond their planned mission lifetime taken into account).
(Sec. 324) Instructs NASA, in accordance with the priorities established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary science, to ensure the completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and flagship missions. Authorizes NASA, consistent with this balanced mix of missions and maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies, to seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget projections.
Directs NASA, to support its science mission priorities, to invest in a sustained program to develop or mature scientific instrument capabilities, as delineated in the NASA Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems Roadmap.
(Sec. 325) Requires the OSTP, in coordination with NASA, the NOAA, and other relevant federal agencies, to deliver to Congress a roadmap for developing and deploying space weather forecasting technologies. Requires such roadmap, at a minimum, to: (1) aim to relieve capability gaps identified by the National Space Weather Program Council review of space weather observing systems, as requested by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010; and (2) consider ongoing and future requirements for space weather modeling, monitoring, and prediction.
Instructs NASA to update and further develop its technology roadmaps as required to address mitigating a wide range of space weather effects on both satellites and spacecraft.
Directs OSTP to coordinate with relevant federal agencies to propose protocols for communicating and responding to space weather forecasts. Requires such assessment to consider the needs of both government and private sector entities. Requires OSTP to report to Congress on the proposed protocols.
(Sec. 326) Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the James Webb Space Telescope.
(Sec. 327) Directs the Administrator, in collaboration with the Director of the NSF, to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of suborbital and small orbital science missions, including CubeSat, University Explorer (UNEX), Small Explorer (SMEX), and Venture class missions. Requires NASA and the NSF to report to Congress on such review.
Title IV: Aeronautics - (Sec. 401) Directs NASA to carry out an Advanced Composites Project to accelerate the use of advanced composite materials in aircraft. Requires the Administrator to enter into a public-private partnership between NASA and appropriate private sector entities, to be called the Advanced Composite Consortium, to implement the Project.
Specifies that the partnership to implement the project: (1) may include other federal agencies if the Administrator determines that such agencies' participation will further the purpose of the partnership, and (2) shall coordinate with the Joint Advanced Materials and Structures Center of Excellence of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
States that the purpose of the Project shall be to accelerate the development and certification of advanced composite materials and structures for use in commercial and military aircraft. Requires such partnership to foster collaboration with the private sector and with other federal agencies in order to accomplish the Project's purpose.
Title V: Space Technology - (Sec. 501) Requires NASA, to advance NASA's space exploration and space research goals, to continue a program with responsibility for NASA investments in space technologies and capabilities. Instructs the Administrator to synergize all NASA space technology investments, encourage collaboration in space technology development with academia and industry, and minimize duplication of space technology development efforts across NASA and the private sector unless duplication is required to maintain mission safety, security, or backup capability. Requires NASA to submit to Congress a progress report on the development, testing, and demonstration of the 14 technological areas of the Space Technology Roadmaps.
Directs NASA, in order to do necessary research, to continue and, as appropriate, expand the development of technology payloads that investigate improved capabilities and scientific research. Requires NASA to provide flight opportunities for such payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes as authorized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010.
Prohibits NASA from being required to compile or submit annual reports on the Innovative Partnerships Program.
Title VI: Education - (Sec. 601) Directs NASA to: (1) continue to execute its educational and outreach programs, including providing a wide range of academic research opportunities and engaging the public interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); (2) continue to collaborate with minority institutions to increase student participation in STEM; and (3) seek partnerships with industry, academia, and with other communities to best respond to the nation's aerospace-related educational and workforce needs.
Directs NASA, to enhance the U.S. STEM education and workforce, to continue to operate the National Space Grant College and Fellowship program through a national network consisting of a state-based consortium in each state. Requires such program to provide hands-on research, training, and education programs, use measurable outcomes to gauge success, and allow states flexibility in its execution.
Title VII: Other Matters - (Sec. 702) Directs NASA to prepare an updated plan for NASA's near-Earth, space, and deep space communications network and infrastructure. Requires such plan to: (1) identify steps to sustain the existing network and infrastructure; (2) assess the capabilities, including any upgrades, needed to support NASA's programs; (3) identify priorities for how resources should be used to implement the plan; and (4) assess the impact on missions if resources are not secured at the level needed. Requires such plan to be transmitted to Congress.
(Sec. 703) Authorizes NASA, as the Administrator considers necessary, to provide for the medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of a crewmember for conditions that NASA considers associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions.
Defines "crewmember" as: (1) a former NASA astronaut/payload specialist who has flown on at least one space mission; (2) a management NASA astronaut who has flown at least one space mission and is currently employed by the U.S. government; or (3) an active NASA astronaut/payload specialist assigned, waiting assignment, or training for an assignment to a NASA human space flight.
(Sec. 704) Requires NASA to submit to Congress an agency-wide plan to recover and recycle helium, whenever possible, that NASA uses or will use in current, planned, and future, experimentation, tests, launches, and operations. Instructs NASA to consider how modifications, updates, or new lifecycle designs for engines, balloons, airships, or other future programs can be designed or operated to recover and recycle helium.
(Sec. 705) Directs NASA to: (1) ensure the Agency Chief Information Officer has the resources and visibility to oversee agency-wide information technology operations and investments, (2) establish a direct line of report between such Officer and the Administrator, (3) establish a minimum monetary threshold for all agency information technology investments over which such Officer shall have final approval, and (4) consider revisions to the charters of information technology boards and councils that inform information technology investment and operation decisions.
(Sec. 706) Requires NASA, when there is a reasonable cause to believe that the development cost for a major program is likely to exceed the estimate provided in the Baseline Report of the program by 15% or more or a milestone of the program is likely to be delayed by 6 months or more from the date provided for it in the Report, to transmit to Congress the written notification of such cause (currently) and a timeline by which NASA intends to make the determination, report, and analysis concerning such cost or delay. Requires the determination, report, and analysis to be made in accordance with such timeline instead of in accordance with their respective deadlines under current law.
Prohibits NASA from expending funds on a program 18 months after submission of an annual budget request showing that the program's development costs exceed 30% of the estimate provided unless Congress specifically authorizes or appropriates funds for the program. Excludes termination costs.
Requires if the development cost of a program will exceed the estimate provided for the program by more than 30%, then beginning 18 months after NASA transmits the report (currently) or an annual budget request that reflects this growth, NASA shall not expend any additional funds on the program, other than termination costs, unless Congress has subsequently authorized continuation of the program by law.
(Sec. 707) Requires NASA to submit to Congress a plan for retaining, acquiring, or disposing, of the facilities, laboratories, equipment, test capabilities, and other infrastructure necessary to meet NASA's mandates and its current and future missions.
Directs NASA to establish a capital fund at each of NASA's field centers for the modernization of facilities, laboratories, equipment, and other infrastructure in accordance with the plan. Instructs the Administrator to ensure that any financial savings achieved by closing an outdated or surplus facility at a NASA field center is made available to such field center's capital fund to modernize its facilities, laboratories, equipment, and other infrastructure.
(Sec. 708) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) enter into an agreement with a covered entity to provide such entity with support and services related to space transportation infrastructure of NASA; and (2) at such entity's request, to include such support and services in the launch and reentry range support requirements of NASA if certain conditions are met.
Authorizes the Administrator to enter into an agreement with a covered entity on a cooperative and voluntary basis to accept contributions of funds, services, and equipment to carry out this section.
Allows any accepted funds, services, or equipment to: (1) be used only for the objectives specified in this section in accordance with the terms of use set forth in the agreement; and (2) requires them to be managed by the Administrator in accordance with NASA regulations.
Requires such an agreement to: (1) address the terms of use, ownership, and disposition of the funds, services, or equipment contributed pursuant to the agreement; and (2) include a provision that the covered entity will not recover the costs of its contribution through any other agreement with the United States.
Requires NASA to submit to Congress annual reports on the funds, services, and equipment accepted and used by NASA under this section.
Defines "covered entity" as a non-federal entity that is organized under U.S. law or of any jurisdiction within the United States and is engaged in commercial space activities.
(Sec. 709) Directs NASA to establish a NASA-wide knowledge management system and to implement industry-standard best practices for capturing, archiving, and retrieving heritage and future information. Makes such information accessible to all NASA employees unless otherwise prohibited because of its classified or sensitive nature.
Requires NASA to submit to Congress a certain knowledge management system report.
Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 to extend, until September 30, 2016, the prohibition on the implementation of any reduction-in-force or other involuntary separations by NASA of permanent, non-Senior-Executive-Service, civil servant employees.
(Sec. 710) Authorizes NASA to withhold from public disclosure any technical data with aeronautical or space application in the possession of, or under the control of, NASA, if the data may not be exported lawfully outside the United States without an approval, authorization, or license under the Export Administration Act of 1979.
Prohibits NASA from being required to compile or submit the annual audit on export controls compliance under section 126 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1317 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1317
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 17, 2013
Mr. Nelson (for himself and Mr. Rockefeller) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2013''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 101. Fiscal year 2014.
Sec. 102. Fiscal year 2015.
Sec. 103. Fiscal year 2016.
TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--Exploration
Sec. 201. Missions and destinations.
Sec. 202. NASA processing and launch infrastructure.
Sec. 203. Naming of the space launch system.
Sec. 204. Report; space suit system.
Subtitle B--Maximizing ISS Utilization
Sec. 221. Operation and utilization of the ISS.
Sec. 222. Research roles and responsibilities.
Sec. 223. ISS national laboratory; property rights in inventions.
Sec. 224. Commercial cargo and crew capabilities.
Subtitle C--Other Matters
Sec. 231. Safety and mission assurance in human space flight.
Sec. 232. Launch liability provisions.
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Subtitle A--Earth Science
Sec. 301. Earth science.
Subtitle B--Space Science
Sec. 321. Human exploration and science collaboration.
Sec. 322. Maintaining a balanced space science portfolio.
Sec. 323. Science mission extensions.
Sec. 324. Planetary science.
Sec. 325. Space weather.
Sec. 326. James Webb space telescope.
Sec. 327. University class science missions.
TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS
Sec. 401. Sense of Congress on NASA aeronautics.
TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 501. Space technology.
TITLE VI--EDUCATION
Sec. 601. Education and outreach activities.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 701. Sense of Congress on NASA's cross agency support.
Sec. 702. Space communications network.
Sec. 703. Astronaut occupational healthcare.
Sec. 704. Helium capture and recovery.
Sec. 705. Information technology governance.
Sec. 706. Improvements to baselines and cost controls breach reporting
process.
Sec. 707. Infrastructure.
Sec. 708. Knowledge management.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) A robust and balanced space program enhances the United
States long-term national and economic security by--
(A) stimulating development of advanced
technologies with widespread applications;
(B) increasing the United States technological
competitiveness;
(C) enhancing global prosperity and security
through cooperation in shared interests, such as
advancement of science, understanding of Earth and the
universe, and protection from space borne threats, such
as asteroids;
(D) opening the solar system to the full range of
peaceful human activity; and
(E) inspiring students to pursue disciplines in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
(2) The Nation's space program should include--
(A) national security and civil space activities;
(B) robotic and human exploration;
(C) advancement of scientific knowledge and
engagement of the general public;
(D) U.S. Government led launch capability
development, including the Space Launch System and the
Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle, and partnerships with
commercial and international entities;
(E) advancement of the space frontier and
stimulation of commerce; and
(F) searching outward to further our understanding
of the universe and observing Earth to expand knowledge
of our home planet.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives.
(4) ISS.--The term ``ISS'' means the International Space
Station.
(5) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
(6) Orion.--The term ``Orion'' means the multi-purpose crew
vehicle described under section 303 of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18323).
(7) Space launch system.--The term ``Space Launch System''
has the meaning given the term under section 3 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18302).
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
SEC. 101. FISCAL YEAR 2014.
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal year
2014, $18,100,000,000, as follows:
(1) For Exploration, $4,275,000,000, of which--
(A) $1,600,000,000 shall be for Space Launch
System;
(B) $1,200,000,000 shall be for the Orion multi-
purpose crew vehicle;
(C) $350,000,000 shall be for Exploration Ground
Systems;
(D) $325,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research
and Development; and
(E) $800,000,000 shall be for Commercial Space
Flight.
(2) For Space Operations, $3,832,000,000, of which--
(A) $3,000,000,000 shall be for the ISS program;
and
(B) $832,000,000 for Space and Flight Support.
(3) For Science, $5,154,000,000, of which--
(A) $1,800,000,000 shall be for Earth Sciences;
(B) $1,400,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science;
(C) $642,000,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
(D) $658,000,000 shall be for the James Webb Space
Telescope; and
(E) $654,000,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
(4) For Aeronautics, $570,000,000.
(5) For Space Technology, $635,000,000.
(6) For Education, $136,000,000.
(7) For Cross-Agency Support Programs, $2,850,000,000.
(8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and
Restoration, $610,000,000.
(9) For Inspector General, $38,000,000.
SEC. 102. FISCAL YEAR 2015.
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal year
2015, $18,462,000,000, as follows
(1) For Exploration, $4,522,000,000, of which--
(A) $1,725,000,000 shall be for Space Launch
System;
(B) $1,225,000,000 shall be for the Orion multi-
purpose crew vehicle;
(C) $425,000,000 shall be for Exploration Ground
Systems;
(D) $332,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research
and Development; and
(E) $815,000,000 shall be for Commercial Space
Flight.
(2) For Space Operations, $3,948,000,000, of which--
(A) $3,103,000,000 shall be for the ISS program;
and
(B) $845,000,000 for Space and Flight Support.
(3) For Science, $5,234,400,000, of which--
(A) $1,836,000,000 shall be for Earth Sciences;
(B) $1,450,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science;
(C) $670,000,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
(D) $645,400,000 shall be for the James Webb Space
Telescope; and
(E) $633,000,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
(4) For Aeronautics, $581,000,000.
(5) For Space Technology, $650,000,000.
(6) For Education, $139,800,000.
(7) For Cross-Agency Support Programs, $2,907,000,000.
(8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and
Restoration, $441,000,000.
(9) For Inspector General, $38,800,000.
SEC. 103. FISCAL YEAR 2016.
There are authorized to be appropriated to NASA for fiscal year
2016, $18,831,000,000, as follows:
(1) For Exploration, $4,660,000,000, of which--
(A) $1,800,000,000 shall be for Space Launch
System;
(B) $1,250,000,000 shall be for the Orion multi-
purpose crew vehicle;
(C) $435,000,000 shall be for Exploration Ground
Systems;
(D) $350,000,000 shall be for Exploration Research
and Development; and
(E) $825,000,000 shall be for Commercial Space
Flight.
(2) For Space Operations, $4,010,000,000, of which--
(A) $3,196,000,000 shall be for the ISS program;
and
(B) $814,000,000 for Space and Flight Support.
(3) For Science, $5,315,800,000, of which--
(A) $1,872,000,000 shall be for Earth Sciences;
(B) $1,500,000,000 shall be for Planetary Science;
(C) $686,800,000 shall be for Astrophysics;
(D) $620,000,000 shall be for the James Webb Space
Telescope; and
(E) $637,000,000 shall be for Heliophysics.
(4) For Aeronautics, $593,000,000.
(5) For Space Technology, $665,000,000.
(6) For Education, $142,000,000.
(7) For Cross-Agency Support Programs, $2,965,000,000.
(8) For Construction and Environmental Compliance and
Restoration, $441,000,000.
(9) For Inspector General, $39,200,000.
TITLE II--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS
Subtitle A--Exploration
SEC. 201. MISSIONS AND DESTINATIONS.
(a) In General.--Congress reaffirms that the long-term goal of the
human space flight and exploration efforts of NASA shall be to expand
permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and to do so, where
practical, in a manner involving international partners, as stated in
section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18312(a)).
(b) Human Exploration of Mars.--Section 202(b) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42
U.S.C. 18312(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) to achieve human exploration of Mars, including the
establishment of a capability for human habitation on the
surface of Mars.''.
(c) Development of Exploration Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a strategy to achieve the objective under section
202(b)(5) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010, as amended (42 U.S.C. 18312(b)(5))
through a series of successive, free-standing, but
complementary missions making robust utilization of cis-lunar
space and employing the Space Launch System, Orion, and other
capabilities provided under titles III, IV, V, and IX of that
Act (42 U.S.C. 18301 et seq.).
(2) Strategy requirements.--In developing the strategy
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall include--
(A) the utility of an expanded human presence in
cis-lunar space toward enabling missions to various
lunar orbits, the lunar surface, asteroids, the Mars
system, and other destinations of interest for future
human exploration and development;
(B) the utility of an expanded human presence in
cis-lunar space for economic, scientific, and
technological advances;
(C) the opportunities for collaboration with--
(i) international partners;
(ii) private industry; and
(iii) other Federal agencies, including
missions relevant to national security or
scientific needs;
(D) the opportunities specifically afforded by the
ISS to support high priority scientific and
technological developments useful in expanding and
sustaining a human presence in cis-lunar space and
beyond;
(E) a range of exploration mission architectures
and approaches for the missions identified under
paragraph (1); and
(F) standards for ensuring crew health and safety,
including limits regarding radiation exposure and
countermeasures necessary to meet those limits, means
and methods for addressing urgent medical conditions or
injuries, and other such safety, health, and medical
issues that can be anticipated in the conduct of the
missions identified under paragraph (1).
(3) Comparison of mission architectures and approaches.--
(A) In general.--The strategy shall include a
comparison of mission architectures and approaches
identified under paragraph (2)(E) with a primary
objective of identifying the architectures and
approaches that--
(i) best support the long-term goal under
section 202(a) of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18312(a)); and
(ii) are enabled by the Space Launch
System, Orion, and other transportation
capabilities and technologies provided under
titles III, IV, V, and IX of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301 et
seq.) and by other capabilities that may be
available commercially or internationally.
(B) Factors.--The comparison of mission
architectures and approaches under subparagraph (A)
shall include options that assess cost, schedule,
safety, sustainability, opportunities for international
collaboration, the enabling of new markets and
opportunities for U.S. private industry, compelling
scientific opportunities or national security
considerations and requirements, the flexibility of the
architecture to adjust to evolving technologies,
leadership, and priorities, and contributions made to
U.S. technological excellence, competitiveness, and
leadership.
(C) National security collaboration.--In
identifying opportunities for collaboration under
paragraph (2)(C)(iii), the Administrator, in
collaboration with the Secretary of Defense and
Director of National Intelligence, shall include a
discussion of the work, cost, and schedule required to
enable and utilize a cargo variant of the Space Launch
System, including the 70-, 105-, and 130-metric ton
configurations, with both a 5-meter or 8-meter faring.
(4) Additional requirements.--The strategy shall include--
(A) technical information as needed to identify
interest from the scientific and national security
communities; and
(B) an assessment of the Space Launch System to
enable and sustain near-Earth object surveillance of
potentially Earth-threatening objects for the purpose
of planetary protection.
SEC. 202. NASA PROCESSING AND LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the
Exploration Ground Systems to process and launch the Space Launch
System, Orion, and related exploration elements, and the 21st Century
Space Launch Complex to enable and facilitate civil, defense, and
private launches are complementary efforts to modernize infrastructure,
reduce costs, and maintain capabilities for current and future
missions.
(b) Development of the Processing and Launch Support
Infrastructure.--In executing the programs described under subsection
(a), the Administrator, to the extent practicable--
(1) may not exclude the ability of Exploration Ground
Systems to support efforts under section 305(b) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18325(b));
(2) shall allow for cost-sharing opportunities by providing
multi-use systems and capabilities to current and future users
of the 21st Century Space Launch Complex through modernization,
refurbishment, or development of infrastructure; and
(3) shall pursue, in collaboration with local, State, or
Federal agencies, or private industry, capabilities and
investments that support multiple entities to advance NASA's
current and future missions and benefit NASA by creating new
partnerships.
SEC. 203. NAMING OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that education and outreach to
encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers to become
involved in science and space exploration is one of the
Administration's most important missions.
(b) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administration shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a plan to engage the public, including science students in
elementary and secondary education programs, throughout the United
States in naming the Space Launch System.
SEC. 204. REPORT; SPACE SUIT SYSTEM.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administration shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report updating Congress on the Constellation Space Suit System. The
report shall include justification as to whether another competition to
award contracts for the design, development, certification, production,
and sustaining engineering of this space suit system is required to
meet the needs of NASA's human exploration program.
Subtitle B--Maximizing ISS Utilization
SEC. 221. OPERATION AND UTILIZATION OF THE ISS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) maximum utilization of partnerships, scientific
research, commercial applications, and exploration test bed
capabilities of the ISS is essential to ensuring the greatest
return on investments made by the United States and its
international partners in the development, assembly, and
operations of that unique facility; and
(2) every effort should be made to ensure that decisions
regarding the service life of the ISS are made on the basis of
its projected capability to continue providing effective and
productive research and exploration test bed capabilities.
(b) Continuation of the International Space Station.--Congress
reaffirms the policy stated in section 501(a) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42
U.S.C. 18351(a)) that it shall be the policy of the United States, in
consultation with its international partners in the ISS program, to
support full and complete utilization of the ISS through at least 2020.
(c) NASA Actions.--In furtherance of the policy under subsection
(b), the Administrator shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that
the ISS, as a designated national laboratory--
(1) remains viable as an element of overall exploration and
partnership strategies and approaches; and
(2) remains an effective, functional vehicle providing
research and test bed capabilities for the United States
through 2020, up to 2028, and possibly beyond.
(d) Report.--The Administrator, in consultation with the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, shall determine, through analyses and
discussions with ISS partners, the feasible and preferred service life
of the ISS as a unique scientific, commercial, and exploration-related
facility. Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, and triennially thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that, at a minimum,
includes--
(1) an assessment of whether ISS operations can be extended
to at least 2028, including--
(A) a description of any activities that would be
required of the international partnership to ensure
that safety requirements are met;
(B) a general discussion of international partner
capabilities and interest in extension, to include the
potential for participation by additional countries;
(C) a review of essential systems or equipment
upgrades that would be necessary for ISS extension and
utilization to at least 2028;
(D) an evaluation of the cost and schedule
requirements associated with the development and
delivery of essential systems or equipment upgrades
identified under subparagraph (C); and
(E) an identification of possible partner
contributions and program transitions to provide the
upgrades identified under subparagraph (C);
(2) an evaluation of the potential for expanding the use of
ISS facilities to accommodate the needs of researchers and
other users, including changes to policies, regulations, and
laws that would stimulate greater private and public
involvement on the ISS; and
(3) such other information as may be necessary to fully
describe the justification for and feasibility of extending the
service life of the ISS, including the potential scientific or
technological benefits to the Federal Government or public, or
to academic or commercial entities that, within the United
States-owned modules of the ISS or in partner-owned facilities
of the ISS allocated for United States utilization by
international agreement, are or may become engaged in research
and testing activities sponsored, conducted, and managed by the
Administration or by the ISS management entity.
(e) Definition of ISS Management Entity.--In this section, the term
``ISS management entity'' means the organization with which the
Administrator enters into a cooperative agreement under section 504(a)
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act
of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
SEC. 222. RESEARCH ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) expansion of the non-NASA utilization of the ISS is
critical to maximizing the research potential of the ISS
national laboratory and to facilitating expanded commercial
activity in low-Earth orbit; and
(2) in order to expand the non-NASA scientific utilization
of ISS research capabilities and facilities, it is essential to
clarify the roles and responsibilities of the entities managing
research within the U.S. Segment of the ISS.
(b) Management of the ISS National Laboratory.--Section 504 of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18354) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Conflicts of interest.--The Administrator shall
ensure that the liaison function under this subsection is
implemented in a manner that precludes any conflict of interest
between the objectives and activities of the entities
identified under subsection (e).'';
(2) in subsection (d)(2)--
(A) by inserting ``(A) In general.--'' before ``If
any NASA research plan'' and adjusting the text
accordingly;
(B) by inserting ``and subject to subparagraph
(B)'' after ``Until September 30, 2020'' in
subparagraph (A), as redesignated; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Mutual agreement.--An exception under
subparagraph (A) may only be granted if there is mutual
agreement between the entities identified under
subsection (e).''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Clarification of Roles.--The organization with which the
Administrator enters into a cooperative agreement under subsection (a)
for management of the ISS national laboratory shall be considered a
separate and equal partner of any NASA organizational entity
responsible for management of the NASA research plan onboard the
ISS.''.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the following:
(A) Options for expanding the Administration's
collaboration with its ISS partners, including--
(i) providing U.S. personnel expanded
access to international partner research
facilities; and
(ii) coordinating research efforts to
minimize the duplication of effort, unless
duplication is a justified element of the
scientific process or essential for backup or
redundant capability.
(B) The potential for increasing ISS crew size to
maximize utilization and applications.
(C) Efforts undertaken by the Administration and
the ISS management entity--
(i) to enhance collaborative research
between the Administration and other Federal
science agencies, such as the National
Institutes of Health and the National Science
Foundation; and
(ii) to expand the use of the ISS national
laboratory capabilities by Federal science
agencies.
(2) Definition of iss management entity.--In this
subsection, the term ``ISS management entity'' means the
organization with which the Administrator enters into a
cooperative agreement under section 504(a) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18354(a)).
SEC. 223. ISS NATIONAL LABORATORY; PROPERTY RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS.
Section 20135 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (g), by striking ``Each such waiver'' and
inserting ``Except as provided under subsection (l), each such
waiver''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Waiver of Rights to Inventions; Commercial Microgravity
Research.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to any invention or class
of inventions made or which may be made by any person or class
of persons in the performance of any non-NASA scientific
utilization of the ISS national laboratory, the Administrator
may waive the license reserved by the Administrator under
subsection (g), in whole or in part and according to negotiated
terms and conditions, including the terms and conditions under
paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (5) of section 202(c) of title
35, if the Administrator finds that the reservation of the
license by the Administrator would substantially inhibit the
commercialization of an invention.
``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to affect the rights of the Federal Government under
any other procurement contract, grant, understanding,
arrangement, agreement, or transaction.''.
SEC. 224. COMMERCIAL CARGO AND CREW CAPABILITIES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services,
Cargo Resupply Services, and Commercial Crew Program
demonstrate the potential for procuring routine, commercially
provided access to the ISS and to low-Earth orbit using
innovative and cost-effective development and procurement
strategies;
(2) Federal investments in the U.S. private space industry
have the ability to provide for lower cost access to space for
researchers and for commercial ventures;
(3) commercially provided space transportation is critical
to maximizing utilization of the ISS;
(4) encouraging competition among launch service providers
and maintaining multiple space transportation options helps to
reduce long-term costs to the Federal Government and to induce
continual improvement in available private-sector services; and
(5) consistent with section 201(b) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18311(b)), maintaining multiple launch service
providers helps ensure uninterrupted access to the space
environment should a particular provider's services become
unavailable.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Administration--
(1) should continue to support the development of safe,
reliable, and cost effective commercial launch capabilities for
the primary purpose of securing domestic access to the ISS as
quickly and safely as possible; and
(2) should encourage a viable commercial market for the
capabilities under paragraph (1).
(c) United States Policy.--It is the policy of the United States
that, to foster the competitive development, operation, and improvement
of private space transportation services, services for Federal
Government access to and return from the ISS, whenever feasible, shall
be procured via fair and open competition for well-defined, milestone-
based, Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts under section
201(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18311(a)).
(d) Selection of Commercial Providers.--In evaluating commercial
space transportation service providers, the Administrator--
(1) shall aim to minimize the life-cycle costs of obtaining
transportation services;
(2) shall assure compliance with all safety and mission
assurance requirements;
(3) shall consider contractor financial investment into the
development of transportation capabilities; and
(4) for commercial crew transport services--
(A) shall consider flexibility in design, including
sample return capabilities; and
(B) shall provide a written notification and
justification to the appropriate committees of Congress
if the price per seat exceeds the cost negotiated by
NASA for crew transport in April 2013.
(5) Strategy for procuring commercial services.--In
implementing the policy under subsection (c), the Administrator
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, not
later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a
strategy for transitioning from Space Act Agreements to Federal
Acquisition Regulation-based contracts for the procurement of
crew transportation services to and from the ISS. The strategy
shall include--
(A) a comparison of potential procurement
strategies based on--
(i) maximizing safety and mission
assurance;
(ii) the total projected costs to the
Federal Government through 2020, given multiple
projections of Government demand for launch
services;
(iii) the feasibility of the procurement
strategy and timeline, given projected funding
availabilities;
(iv) the potential for supporting the
research and exploration test bed needs of the
Federal Government and of the independent
entity responsible for ISS national laboratory
activities for the purposes described under
section 504(d) of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 18354(d)); and
(v) the projected impacts on developing a
viable market for commercial launch services;
(B) an evaluation of the costs and benefits of
ensuring the availability of at least 2 U.S.-based
launch service providers, considering--
(i) the potential need for diversified
cargo and sample return capabilities, including
a soft-landing capability as described under
section 404 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010
(124 Stat. 2822); and
(ii) the ability of multiple cargo or crew
launch service providers to meet private or
non-NASA Government mission requirements and
the subsequent benefit to the United States of
such ability;
(C) justification for the procurement strategy
selected from among those considered; and
(D) for the selected procurement strategy,
identification of additional or modified authorities,
regulations, or guidelines that are necessary for
successful implementation.
Subtitle C--Other Matters
SEC. 231. SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE IN HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In the early part of the space race, the United States
took over 3 years from the launch of the first American
satellite, Explorer I, to the launch of the first American to
space, Alan B. Shepard, Jr.
(2) It was known then, as it is now, that the exploration
of space by humans is an inherently dangerous endeavor.
(3) Access to space requires complex propulsion systems,
such as the now retired Space Shuttle, which generated over
7,000,000 pounds of thrust.
(4) Adding humans to the complex systems required to reach
space requires additional safeguards, life support systems, and
other measures to protect from the harsh environment of space
in order to minimize risk to human life.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) meticulousness and attention to detail helps ensure
that all humans are safe and protected to the best of the
abilities of all those involved in helping achieve the reaches
of space;
(2) those who strive to send humans into space should make
every effort to ensure the success of missions and programs
through independent safety and mission assurance analyses;
(3) diligent oversight efforts ensure adherence to safety,
reliability, and quality assurance policies and procedures for
missions and programs; and
(4) lessons learned from mishaps and near misses should be
implemented into designs, decisions, policy, and procedures to
reduce the risk of future incidents that could jeopardize crew
safety or mission success.
SEC. 232. LAUNCH LIABILITY PROVISIONS.
(a) Liability Extension.--Section 50915(f) of title 51, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``December 31, 2013'' and inserting
``December 31, 2016''.
(b) Protection for Launch Activities.--Subchapter III of chapter
201 of title 51, United States Code is amended by inserting after
section 20147 the following:
``Sec. 20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services
``(a) In General.--Under such regulations in conformity with this
section as the Administrator shall prescribe taking into account the
availability, cost, and terms of liability insurance, any contract
between the Administration and a provider may provide that the United
States will indemnify a provider against claims (including reasonable
expenses of litigation or settlement) by third parties for death,
bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from
activities that the contract defines as unusually hazardous or nuclear
in nature, but--
``(1) only to the extent that such claims are not
compensated by liability insurance of the provider; and
``(2) only to the extent that such claims arise out of the
direct performance of the contract.
``(b) Limitation.--Indemnification under subsection (a) may be
limited to claims resulting from other than the actual negligence or
willful misconduct of the provider.
``(c) Terms of Indemnification.--A contract made under subsection
(a) that provides indemnification shall also provide for--
``(1) notice to the United States of any claim or suit
against the provider for death, bodily injury, or loss of or
damage to property; and
``(2) control of or assistance in the defense by the United
States, at its election, of that suit or claim.
``(d) Liability Insurance of the Provider.--Each provider that is a
party to a contract made under subsection (a) shall have and maintain
liability insurance in such amounts as the Administrator shall require
to cover liability to third parties and loss of or damage to property.
``(e) No Indemnification Without Cross-Waiver.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), the Administrator may not indemnify a provider under
this section unless there is a cross-waiver between the Administration
and the provider as described in subsection (f).
``(f) Cross-Waivers.--The Administrator, on behalf of the United
States, and its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, may
reciprocally waive claims with a provider under which each party to the
waiver agrees to be responsible, and agrees to ensure that its own
related entities are responsible, for damage or loss to its property
for which it is responsible, or for losses resulting from any injury or
death sustained by its own employees or agents, as a result of
activities connected to the contract.
``(g) Certification of Just and Reasonable Amount.--No payment may
be made under subsection (a) unless the Administrator or the
Administrator's designee certifies that the amount is just and
reasonable.
``(h) Payments.--Upon the approval by the Administrator, payments
under subsection (a) may be made, at the Administrator's election,
either from--
``(1) funds obligated for the performance of the agreement
concerned;
``(2) funds available for research and development not
otherwise obligated; or
``(3) funds appropriated for such payments.
``(i) Relationship to Other Laws.--The Administrator may not
provide indemnification under this section for an activity that
requires a license or permit under chapter 509.
``(j) Construction.--The authority to indemnify under this section
shall not create any rights in third persons that would not otherwise
exist by law.
``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Launch services.--The term `launch services' has the
meaning given the term in section 50902.
``(2) Provider.--The term `provider' means a person that
provides domestic launch services in support of any space
activity the Government carries out for the Government.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for subchapter III
of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 20147 the following:
``20148. Indemnification; NASA launch services.''.
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Subtitle A--Earth Science
SEC. 301. EARTH SCIENCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) continuous, long-term Earth observation data supports
the preparation for and management of natural and human-induced
disasters, benefits resource management and agricultural
forecasting, improves our understanding of climate, and
encourages environmental and economic sustainability;
(2) due to the scope of activities required, Earth science
research and Earth observation are multi-agency endeavors
requiring significant cooperation and information sharing among
government, international, and scientific community partners;
(3) in developing Earth observation technologies,
conducting Earth science satellite missions, and providing
research products to the scientific community, NASA plays a
crucial role in advancing Earth science; and
(4) the loss of observational capabilities in Earth
science, as predicted by the National Research Council's
midterm update to its Earth Science Decadal Survey, risks
reversing gains in weather forecast accuracy, reducing disaster
response capabilities, and creating an irreversible gap in
Earth science data.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) given the importance of Earth science and Earth
observation data, NASA Earth science efforts--
(A) should be conducted in coordination with other
Federal agencies; and
(B) should be cognizant of international efforts
and the needs of the scientific and businesses
communities; and
(2) whenever feasible, NASA and other Federal agencies
should consider the potential for reducing costs by purchasing
commercially available Earth science data and services.
(c) Mission Prioritization.--
(1) National strategy for earth observation.--The Office of
Science and Technology Policy, in implementing its National
Strategy for Earth Observation and in developing a National
Plan for Civil Earth Observations, shall prioritize Federal
Earth science and observation investments based on--
(A) its assessment of Earth science and observation
data requirements;
(B) the capability requirements as identified by
the National Academies decadal surveys;
(C) the projected costs of Earth science missions
and data gathering activities; and
(D) the projected and available budgets.
(2) National plan for civil earth observations.--The
Administration, in prioritizing future Earth science and Earth
observation missions and technology development under the
National Plan for Civil Earth Observations and chapter 201 of
title 51, United States Code, shall consider potential cost-
reduction opportunities, including--
(A) if feasible, co-locating Earth science sensors
on other satellites; and
(B) purchasing commercially available Earth science
data and services, including launch access to orbital
and sub-orbital space.
Subtitle B--Space Science
SEC. 321. HUMAN EXPLORATION AND SCIENCE COLLABORATION.
The Administrator shall ensure that the Science Mission Directorate
and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate coordinate
in researching and reducing the risks that space exploration beyond
low-Earth orbit pose to astronaut health. Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the results
of previous research in this area and identifying opportunities for
future science missions to contribute to the understanding of these
risks.
SEC. 322. MAINTAINING A BALANCED SPACE SCIENCE PORTFOLIO.
(a) In General.--Section 803 of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2832) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 803. OVERALL SCIENCE PORTFOLIO; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
``Congress reaffirms its sense that a balanced and adequately
funded set of activities, consisting of research and analysis grants
programs, technology development, small, medium, and large space
missions, and suborbital research activities, contributes to a robust
and productive science program and serves as a catalysis for innovation
and discovery. The Administrator should set science priorities by
following the guidance provided by the scientific community through the
National Academies' decadal surveys.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to section 803 in the
table of contents in section 1(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 2806) is amended by
striking ``Overall science portfolio-sense of the Congress'' and
inserting ``Overall science portfolio; sense of Congress''.
SEC. 323. SCIENCE MISSION EXTENSIONS.
Section 30504 of title 51, United States Code is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 30504. Assessment of science mission extensions
``(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall carry out biennial
reviews within each of the Science divisions to assess the cost and
benefits of extending the date of the termination of data collection
for those missions that have exceeded their planned mission lifetime.
In conducting these assessments, the Administrator shall consider--
``(1) the potential continued benefit of instruments on
missions that are beyond their planned mission lifetime; and
``(2) the cost and schedule impacts, if any, of mission
extension on other NASA activities and science missions.
``(b) Consultation Requirement.--When deciding whether to extend
science missions with an operational component, the Administrator shall
consult with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
any other affected Federal agency.''.
SEC. 324. PLANETARY SCIENCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) Administration support for planetary science is
critical to enabling greater understanding of the solar system
and its origin;
(2) the United States leads the world in planetary science
and can augment its success with appropriate international
partnerships;
(3) a mix of small-, medium-, and large-planetary science
missions is required to sustain a steady cadence of planetary
exploration; and
(4) robotic planetary exploration is a key component of
preparing for future human exploration.
(b) Mission Priorities.--In accordance with the priorities
established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary science,
the Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, the
completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and flagship
missions. The Administrator may seek, if necessary, adjustments to
mission priorities, schedule, and scope in light of changing budget
projections.
(c) Instrumentation.--To support its science mission priorities,
the Administration shall invest in a sustained program to develop or
mature scientific instrument capabilities, as delineated in the NASA
Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems Roadmap.
SEC. 325. SPACE WEATHER.
(a) OSTP Roadmap.--In coordination with NASA, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, and other relevant Federal agencies,
the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, not later
than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, shall deliver
to the appropriate committees of Congress a roadmap for developing and
deploying space weather forecasting technologies. The roadmap shall, at
a minimum--
(1) aim to relieve capability gaps identified by the
National Space Weather Program Council review of space weather
observing systems, as requested by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18301
et seq.); and
(2) consider ongoing and future requirements for space
weather modeling, monitoring, and prediction.
(b) NASA Technology Roadmaps.--The Administration shall update and
further develop its technology roadmaps as required to address
mitigating a wide range of space weather effects on both satellites and
spacecraft.
(c) Alert Protocol.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall coordinate relevant Federal agencies to propose
protocols for communicating and responding to space weather forecasts.
Protocol assessment shall consider the needs of both government and
private sector entities. The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall deliver a report on proposed protocols to
Congress not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 326. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the James Webb Space Telescope will significantly
advance our understanding of star and planet formation, improve
our knowledge of the early universe, and support U.S.
leadership in astrophysics;
(2) significant progress has been made with regard to
overcoming the James Webb Space Telescope's technical
challenges and in improving NASA management oversight;
(3) the on-time and on-budget completion of the James Webb
Space Telescope should remain a top NASA priority; and
(4) consistent with annual Government Accountability Office
reviews of the James Webb Space Telescope program, the
Administrator should continue to improve the James Webb Space
Telescope's cost and schedule estimates and oversight
procedures in order to enhance NASA's ability to successfully
deliver the James Webb Space Telescope on time and on budget.
SEC. 327. UNIVERSITY CLASS SCIENCE MISSIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that principal
investigator-led small orbital science missions, including CubeSat,
University Explorer (UNEX), Small Explorer (SMEX), and Venture class
missions, offer valuable, lower-cost opportunities to advance science,
train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and provide
opportunities for program participants to acquire skills in systems
engineering and systems integration that are critical to maintaining
the Nation's leadership in space.
(b) Review of Principal Investigator Led Small Orbital Science
Missions.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a
review of the small orbital science missions described under
subsection (a).
(2) Requirements.--The review under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The status, capability, and availability of
existing small orbital science mission programs in
which the missions are led by principal investigators
and enable significant participation by university
scientists and students.
(B) The opportunities that the small orbital
science missions described under subsection (a) provide
for scientific research, training, and education,
including scientific and engineering workforce
development.
(C) The use of commercial applications, such as
hosted payloads, free flyers, and data buys, as
vehicles to further the goals of small orbital science
missions, while preserving the principle of independent
peer review as the basis for mission selection.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 15 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the review
required by this section.
(2) Contents.--The report shall include--
(A) a summary of the review under subsection (b);
(B) the findings of the Administrator with respect
to that review; and
(C) recommendations regarding principal
investigator led small orbital science missions
conducted by the Administration.
TITLE IV--AERONAUTICS
SEC. 401. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NASA AERONAUTICS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) aviation is vital to the United States economy, with
the industry supporting nearly 1,000,000 jobs, conducting
nearly 10,000,000 commercial flights per year within the United
States alone, and contributing to the aerospace industry's
positive trade balance in 2012;
(2) in helping test and mature new technologies for quiet
and efficient air transportation, NASA's Aeronautics Research
Mission Directorate addresses major aviation trends, such as
the rapid growth in passengers, increasing fuel costs, and the
demand for faster vehicles;
(3) the Directorate works closely with industry and
academia to address long-term challenges to the air
transportation system that require improving aviation safety,
increasing the capacity of the increasingly crowded national
airspace system, and reducing environmental impacts;
(4) through its Aeronautics Test Program, the Directorate
manages the flight operations and test infrastructure at 4 NASA
centers, providing both NASA and its industry partners with
access to critical facilities;
(5) NASA's contribution to aeronautics is evidenced in the
use of its technologies in almost every modern aircraft; and
(6) the Directorate has identified otherwise unknown safety
issues and helped optimize aircraft routes, yielding millions
of dollars in potential savings to airlines and benefitting
passengers.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate builds on
the successful legacy of NASA's predecessor, the National
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which worked closely with
industry partners to advance both military and civil aviation
until its dissolution in 1958;
(2) NASA aeronautics research, development, and test
activities, including investments into composite structures,
new fuels, and innovative aircraft concepts, must continue in
order to support U.S. leadership in aviation;
(3) the Directorate's efforts to collaborate with the
aviation industry to gather and analyze data and to prototype
and test algorithms that optimize flight routes, manage air
traffic, and account for weather impacts are critical to
supporting the safe use of the national airspace; and
(4) continued cooperation between NASA's Aeronautics
Research Mission Directorate and the Federal Aviation
Administration is vital to providing the data and tools
necessary to best regulate the national airspace and to ensure
that new technologies are effectively tested and acquire timely
regulatory approval.
TITLE V--SPACE TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 501. SPACE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) previous investments in space technologies have not
only enabled space exploration and research missions, but also
have improved the quality of life on Earth;
(2) by improving affordability, reliability, and
operational capability, continued space technology developments
will enable NASA missions that otherwise would be unachievable;
(3) investments in space technology engage the talent of
the Administration and of the Nation's academic and business
enterprises; and
(4) space technology roadmaps serve as a useful framework
for NASA, academic, and industry development efforts.
(b) Space Technology Directive.--To advance NASA's space
exploration and space research goals, the Administrator shall continue
a program with responsibility for NASA investments in space
technologies and capabilities. To the greatest extent possible, the
Administrator shall synergize all NASA space technology investments,
encourage collaboration in space technology development with academia
and industry, and minimize duplication of space technology development
efforts across the Administration and the private sector unless
duplication is required to maintain mission safety, security, or backup
capability.
(c) Space Technology Roadmap Report.--In carrying out the policy
under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress, not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, a progress report on the development, testing,
and demonstration of the 14 technological areas of the Space Technology
Roadmaps.
TITLE VI--EDUCATION
SEC. 601. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Administration is uniquely recognized in the
educational and global communities for its aerospace knowledge,
passionate workforce, and unique capabilities and facilities;
(2) U.S. competitiveness in aerospace requires engaging the
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent
in all States and jurisdictions;
(3) the Administration's education and outreach programs,
including the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (EPSCoR) and the Space Grant College and Fellowship
Program, reflect the Administration's successful commitment to
growing and diversifying the national science and engineering
workforce;
(4) the Administration's outreach efforts to
underrepresented and underserved communities, by helping
minorities to pursue higher education in STEM fields and to
attain STEM careers, benefit the overall national workforce;
and
(5) the Administration's efforts to improve the management
and execution of its education portfolio and to evaluate
program success using evidence-based approaches should
continue.
(b) In General.--The Administration shall--
(1) continue to execute its educational and outreach
programs, including providing a wide range of academic research
opportunities and engaging the public interest in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics;
(2) continue to collaborate with minority institutions to
increase student participation in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics; and
(3) seek partnerships with industry, academia, and with
other communities to best respond to the Nation's aerospace-
related educational and workforce needs.
(c) Space Grant.--To enhance the United States STEM education and
workforce, the Administrator shall continue to operate the National
Space Grant College and Fellowship program through a national network
of regional consortia. The program shall provide hands-on research,
training, and education programs, use measurable outcomes to gauge
success, and allow States flexibility in its execution.
TITLE VII--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 701. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NASA'S CROSS AGENCY SUPPORT.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Cross Agency Support operates and maintains the
Administration's centers and facilities, including
headquarters, enabling the accomplishment of the
Administration's missions while protecting human health and the
environment.
(2) Cross Agency Support provides for the unique
facilities, skilled personnel, and administrative support that
NASA programs, research, and development activities require at
the centers.
(3) Cross Agency Support provides the Administration with
the capability to improve mission success by supplying safety
and mission assurance, engineering technical authority, and
health and medical oversight across all of NASA's programs,
research, and operations.
(4) The Orbital Debris Program Office is located in Cross
Agency Support and leads the Administration's effort in
addressing the orbital debris issue, which is an issue
resulting from over 50 years of spaceflight.
(5) Cross Agency Support delivers the information
technology services used throughout the Administration that
allow its workforce to work and communicate efficiently and
effectively, not only internal to the Administration, but with
the citizens of the world which provides them the opportunity
to be included and participate in the Administration's
accomplishments.
(6) The Administration's public affairs, located in Cross
Agency Support, provided worldwide live coverage of the
Curiosity Rover's landing on Mars, the largest rover ever sent
to Mars, in August of 2012.
(7) The authority and execution of the Administration's
offices responsible for finance, budget, acquisition, external
relations, legislative affairs, training, security, and human
capital management are performed under Cross Agency Support.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) Cross Agency Support represents a variety of functions
vital to the strength and success of the Administration and is
essential to the Administration's vision;
(2) the centers and facilities in the Administration are a
vital part of the many advances in science and technology the
Administration has provided and continues to provide to this
Nation and the world since the Administration was created in
1958;
(3) at the Administration's core is safety and mission
success that, through Cross Agency Support, is carried out by
the highly talented and dedicated workforce at the
Administration's centers and facilities;
(4) as the Administration looks to continue international,
interagency, and industry cooperation and partnerships, Cross
Agency Support will continue to provide the overseeing and
execution of these efforts; and
(5) Cross Agency Support be given the necessary resources
to keep the Administration capable of meeting the goals set
forth by Congress and continue to be a global leader in space
and aeronautics.
SEC. 702. SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
(a) Plan.--The Administrator shall prepare an updated plan for
NASA's near-Earth, space, and deep space communications network and
infrastructure. The plan shall--
(1) identify steps to sustain the existing network and
infrastructure;
(2) assess the capabilities, including any upgrades, needed
to support NASA's programs;
(3) identify priorities for how resources should be used to
implement the plan; and
(4) assess the impact on missions if resources are not
secured at the level needed.
(b) Transmittal.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the plan to the
appropriate committees of Congress.
SEC. 703. ASTRONAUT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTHCARE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 313 of title 51, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 31303. Astronaut occupational healthcare
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Administrator, as the Administrator considers necessary, may provide
for the medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of a crewmember
for conditions that the Administrator considers associated with human
space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological
and medical conditions.
``(b) Records.--Consistent with applicable Federal privacy laws,
the Administration shall retain access to all medical records and other
health data from the provision of healthcare under subsection (a).
``(c) Definition of Crewmember.--In this section, the term
`crewmember' means--
``(1) a former NASA astronaut/payload specialist who has
flown on at least 1 space mission;
``(2) a management NASA astronaut who has flown at least 1
space mission and is currently employed by the U.S. Government;
or
``(3) an active NASA astronaut/payload specialist assigned,
waiting assignment, or training for an assignment to a NASA
human space flight.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 313 of
title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
relating to section 31302 the following:
``31303. Astronaut occupational healthcare.''.
SEC. 704. HELIUM CAPTURE AND RECOVERY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress an agency-wide plan to recover and
recycle helium, whenever possible, that the Administration uses or will
use in current, planned, and future experimentation, tests, launches,
and operations.
(b) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall consider how modifications, updates, or new
lifecycle designs for engines, balloons, airships, or other future
programs can be designed or operated to recover and recycle helium.
SEC. 705. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that effective
information technology governance is critical to ensuring information
security, decreased costs, and overall mission assurance. The June 5,
2013, NASA Office of Inspector General audit, ``NASA's Information
Technology Governance,'' found that the NASA Chief Information Officer
has limited oversight and control over a majority of the
Administration's information technology assets and cannot enforce
security measures across the agency's computer networks. For nearly 2
decades, the Administration has operated under a decentralized
information technology governance structure that has resulted in
increased costs and inadequate security. At the same time,
centralization of information technology governance has resulted in
increased security and lower operating costs at other agencies.
(b) Information Technology Governance.--The Administrator shall, in
consultation with Mission Directorate and NASA Center Chief Information
Officers--
(1) ensure the Agency Chief Information Officer has the
appropriate resources and visibility to oversee agency-wide
information technology operations and investments;
(2) establish a direct line of report between the Agency
Chief Information Officer and the Administrator;
(3) establish a minimum monetary threshold for all agency
information technology investments over which the Agency Chief
Information Officer shall have final approval; and
(4) consider appropriate revisions to the charters of
information technology boards and councils that inform
information technology investment and operation decisions.
SEC. 706. IMPROVEMENTS TO BASELINES AND COST CONTROLS BREACH REPORTING
PROCESS.
Section 30104 of title 51, United States Code is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(3)--
(A) by striking ``the notification''; and
(B) by inserting ``the notification and a timeline
by which the Administrator intends to make the
determination, report, and analysis under subsection
(e)'' before the period at the end;
(2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``Not later than 30
days after receiving a written notification under subsection
(d)(2)'' and inserting ``In accordance with the timeline under
subsection (d)(3)'';
(3) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ``not later than
15 days after making the determination'' and inserting ``in
accordance with the timeline under subsection (d)(3)'';
(4) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``not later than 6
months after the Administrator makes a determination under this
subsection'' and inserting ``in accordance with the timeline
under subsection (d)(3)''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by inserting ``or an annual budget
request that reflects this growth'' after ``a report under
subsection (e)(1)(A)''.
SEC. 707. INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Administration has a role in providing access to
unique or specialized laboratory capabilities that are not
economically viable for purchase by commercial entities and
therefore are not available outside of NASA;
(2) the deteriorating condition of the Administration's
facilities and other infrastructure is hampering the research
effectiveness and efficiency performed at those facilities by
both the Administration and industry participants;
(3) the Administration must improve the condition of its
facilities and infrastructure to maintain the competitiveness
of the U.S. aerospace industry;
(4) to ensure continued researcher access to reliable and
efficient world-class facilities, the Administration should
seek to establish strategic partnerships with other Federal
agencies, academic institutions, and industry, as appropriate;
and
(5) decisions regarding whether to dispose of, maintain, or
modernize existing facilities and other infrastructure must be
made in the context of meeting the future laboratory needs of
the Administration and other Federal agencies.
(b) Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a plan for retaining or acquiring the facilities,
laboratories, equipment, test capabilities, and other infrastructure
necessary to meet the Administration's mandates and its current and
future missions. The plan shall--
(1) identify the Administration's future infrastructure
needs, including facilities, laboratories, equipment, and test
capabilities;
(2) include a strategy for identifying and removing
unnecessary or duplicative infrastructure consistent with the
national strategic direction under the National Space Policy,
the National Aeronautics Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation Infrastructure Plan, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, title 51 of the
United States Code, and other Administration-related law;
(3) include a strategy for the maintenance, repair,
upgrading, and modernization of the Administration's
facilities, laboratories, equipment, and other infrastructure;
(4) recommend criteria for prioritizing deferred
maintenance tasks and for upgrading or modernizing facilities,
laboratories, equipment, and other infrastructure;
(5) include an assessment of modifications needed to
maximize the use of facilities, laboratories, equipment, and
other infrastructure that offer unique and highly specialized
benefits to the aerospace industry and the public; and
(6) include recommendations for implementation, including a
timeline, milestones, and an estimate of the resources required
for carrying out the plan.
(c) Establishment of Capital Funds.--The Administrator shall
establish a capital fund at each of NASA's field centers for the
modernization of facilities, laboratories, equipment, and other
infrastructure in accordance with the plan under subsection (b). The
Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that
any financial savings achieved by closing an outdated or surplus
facility at a NASA field center is made available to that field
center's capital fund for the purpose of modernizing that field
center's facilities, laboratories, equipment, and other infrastructure
in accordance with the plan under subsection (b).
SEC. 708. KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the Administration's success relies heavily on the
accumulated technical knowledge of its skilled civil servant
and contractor workforce;
(2) in light of an aging workforce, it is imperative that
the Administration preserve, to the maximum extent possible,
both critical technical skills and all knowledge valuable to
future mission planning and operation; and
(3) exercising best practice knowledge management systems
within the Administration will benefit the future NASA
workforce and help ensure future mission successes.
(b) Knowledge Management System.--The Administrator shall establish
an Administration-wide knowledge management system and implement
industry-standard best practices for capturing, archiving, and
retrieving heritage and future information. The information under this
subsection shall be accessible to all Administration employees unless
otherwise prohibited because of the classified or sensitive nature of
the information.
(c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report that, at a minimum, includes--
(1) a description of any actions necessary to create or
modify an Administration-wide knowledge management system;
(2) a plan for implementing the knowledge management
system, including employee training and the provision of secure
access to information, as required for all personnel working on
Administration programs, projects, and research;
(3) a summary of implementation costs for the knowledge
management system; and
(4) a timeline and progress report for implementation.
(d) Workforce Stabilization and Critical Skills Preservation.--
Section 1105 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 18431) is amended by striking
``2013'' and inserting ``2016''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 628.
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