Summary:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2016

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

(Sec. 101) This bill authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2017 for:

 exploration; space operations; science; aeronautics; space technology; education; safety, security, and mission services; construction and environmental compliance and restoration; and the NASA Inspector General. TITLE II--SUSTAINING NATIONAL SPACE COMMITMENTS

(Sec. 201) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should be a multi-mission space agency and should have a balanced and robust set of core missions in space science, space technology, aeronautics, human space flight and exploration, and education.

TITLE III--MAXIMIZING UTILIZATION OF THE ISS AND LOW-EARTH ORBIT

(Sec. 301) The bill states that the primary objectives of the International Space Station (ISS) program shall be to:

 achieve the long-term goal and objectives for human space flight and exploration as specified in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, and pursue a research program that advances knowledge and provides other benefits to the nation. The bill restates that it shall be U.S. policy, in consultation with its international partners in the ISS program, to support full and complete utilization of the ISS through at least 2024.

In furthering such policy, NASA shall:

 pursue international, commercial, and intragovernmental means to maximize ISS logistics supply, maintenance, and operational capabilities, reduce risks to ISS systems sustainability, and offset and minimize U.S. operations costs relating to the ISS; utilize the ISS for the development of capabilities and technologies needed for the future of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; and utilize the ISS for Science Mission Directorate missions in low-Earth orbit. (Sec. 302) It is the sense of Congress that:

 NASA should build upon the success of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services and Commercial Resupply Services programs that have allowed private sector companies to partner with NASA to deliver cargo and scientific experiments to the ISS since 2012, and the 21st Century Launch Complex Program should be continued so as to leverage state and private investments to achieve such program's goals. Congress reaffirms:

 its commitment to the use of a commercially developed, private sector launch and delivery system to the ISS for crew missions; and the requirement that NASA shall make use of U.S. commercially provided ISS crew transfer and crew rescue services. The federal government may not acquire human space flight transportation services from a foreign entity unless:

 there is no U.S. government-operated human space flight capability available, there is no U.S. commercial provider available, and it is a qualified foreign entity. The bill declares that nothing in this section shall prevent NASA from negotiating or entering into human space flight transportation arrangements with foreign entities to ensure safety of flight and continued ISS operations.

NASA shall protect the safety of government astronauts by ensuring that each commercially provided transportation system under the Commercial Crew Program meets all applicable human rating requirements under specified federal law.

Consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, NASA shall ensure that safety and the minimization of the probability of loss of crew are the critical priorities of such program.

NASA shall strive through the competitive selection process to minimize the life cycle cost to NASA through the planned period of commercially provided crew transportation services.

The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program is renamed the Commercial Resupply Services Program.

The bill declares that it is U.S. policy that, in order to foster the competitive development, operation, improvement, and commercial availability of space transportation services, and to minimize the life cycle cost to NASA, NASA shall procure services for federal government access to and return from the ISS by fair and open competition for well-defined, milestone-based, Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts.

NASA shall, in a manner that does not add costs or schedule delays to the Commercial Crew and Commercial Resupply Services programs, ensure that all providers of such programs furnish evidence-based support for their costs and schedules.

NASA shall submit to Congress a report:

 identifying the lessons learned to date from previous and existing Commercial Resupply Services contracts, indicating whether changes are needed as to the manner in which NASA procures and manages similar services prior to the issuance of future Commercial Resupply Services procurement opportunities, and identifying any lessons learned from the Commercial Resupply Services contracts that should be applied to the procurement and management of commercially provided crew transfer services to and from the ISS or to other future procurements. (Sec. 303) NASA shall develop a plan for transitioning the ISS from the current regime that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship to a regime where NASA could be one of many customers of a low-Earth orbit non-governmental human space flight enterprise.

NASA shall submit biennial reports until 2023 which include:

 a description of the progress NASA is making in achieving its deep space human exploration objectives on the ISS and prospects for accomplishing future mission requirements, space exploration objectives, and other research objectives on future commercially supplied low-Earth orbit platforms or migration of those objectives to cis-lunar space; steps NASA is taking and will take, including demonstrations that could be conducted on the ISS, to stimulate and facilitate commercial demand and supply of products and services in low-Earth orbit; identification of barriers preventing the commercialization of low-Earth orbit; the cost estimates for extending operations of the ISS to 2024, 2028, and 2030; evaluation of the feasible and preferred service life of the ISS beyond September 30, 2024, through at least 2028, as a unique scientific, commercial, and exploration-related facility; and the impact on deep space exploration capabilities, including a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s, if the preferred service life of the ISS is extended beyond 2024 and NASA maintains a flat budget profile. The bill defines "cis-lunar space" as the region of space from the Earth out to and including the region around the surface of the Moon.

If additional government crew, power, and transportation resources are available after meeting NASA's requirements for ISS activities as defined in the Human Exploration Roadmap to be developed pursuant to section 432 of this bill and related research, demonstrations identified in the biennial reports may:

 test the capabilities needed to meet future mission requirements, space exploration objectives, and other research objectives described in such reports; and demonstrate or test capabilities, including those for commercial modules or deep space habitats, Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, orbital satellite assembly, and exploration space suits. (Sec. 304) NASA shall develop a plan for meeting NASA's projected space communication and navigation needs for low-Earth orbit and deep space operations in the 20-year period following enactment of this bill.

Such plan shall include:

 the lifecycle cost estimates and a 5-year funding profile, the performance capabilities required to meet NASA's projected space communication and navigation needs, an identification of the projected space communications and navigation network and infrastructure needs, an identification of the projected Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System needs in the 20-year period following this bill's enactment, and the measures NASA is taking to mitigate threats to electromagnetic spectrum use. (Sec. 305) Any contract between NASA and a provider (a person that provides domestic launch or domestic reentry services to the federal government) may provide that the United States will indemnify that provider against successful claims (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) by third parties for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from launch services and reentry services carried out under the contract that are defined in it as unusually hazardous or nuclear in nature, but only to the extent the total amount of successful claims related to the activities under that contract:

 is more than the amount of insurance or demonstration of financial responsibility, and is not more than $1.5 billion (plus additional amounts necessary to reflect inflation occurring after January 1, 1989) above such insurance or financial responsibility amount. A contract made under this section that provides indemnification shall provide for:

 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 control of or assistance in the defense by the United States, at its election, of such claim or suit and approval of any settlement. A provider that has a contract with NASA under this section shall obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility in amounts to compensate for the maximum probable loss from claims by:

 a third party for death, bodily injury, or property damage or loss resulting from a launch service or reentry service carried out under the contract; and the federal government for damage or loss to government property resulting from a launch service or reentry service carried out under such contract. NASA shall determine maximum probable losses within 90 days of the provider requesting such a determination and submitting all of the information that NASA requires. NASA may revise such a determination based on new information.

For the total claims related to one launch or reentry, a provider shall not be required to obtain insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility of more than:

 $500 million with respect to a third party, or $100 million with respect to the federal government; or the maximum liability insurance available on the world market at reasonable cost. An insurance policy or demonstration of financial responsibility regarding this section shall protect to the extent of their potential liability for involvement in launch services or reentry services the federal government, its personnel and related entities, related entities of the provider, and government astronauts.

NASA may not indemnify a provider under this section until there is a cross-waiver between NASA and the provider.

The bill states that NASA shall reciprocally waive claims with a provider under which each party agrees to be responsible and agrees to ensure that its related entities are responsible for damage or loss to its property, or for losses resulting from any injury or death sustained by its employees or agents. Such a waiver shall apply only to the extent that the claims are more than the amount of insurance or demonstration of financial responsibility.

Indemnification under this section may exclude claims that result from the willfull misconduct of the provider or its related entities.

No payment may be made under this section unless NASA or its designee certifies that the amount is just and reasonable.

NASA may not provide indemnification under this section for an activity requiring a license or permit under provisions relating to commercial space launch activities.

TITLE IV--ADVANCING HUMAN DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION

Subtitle A--Human Space Flight and Exploration Goals and Objectives

(Sec. 411) The bill states that the long-terms goals for 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, with the involvement of international, academic, and industry partners , crewed missions and progress toward achieving the expansion of human presence beyond low-Earth orbit to enable the potential for subsequent human exploration and the extension of human presence throughout the solar system, and to enable a capability to extend human presence, including potential human habitation on another celestial body and a thriving space economy in the 21st Century. (Sec. 412) The key U.S. objectives for human expansion into space shall include achieving human exploration of Mars and beyond through the prioritization of those technologies and capabilities best suited for such a mission in accordance with the stepping stone approach to exploration specified in federal law.

 (Sec. 413) NASA shall manage human space flight programs, including the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle, to enable humans to explore Mars and other space destinations.

(Sec. 414) NASA may conduct missions to intermediate destinations, including the surface of Mars, cis-lunar space, near-Earth asteroids, Lagrangian points, and Martian moons, in order to achieve the objective of human exploration of Mars.

 The bill declares that in order to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the long-term exploration and utilization activities of the United States, NASA shall take all necessary steps, including engaging international, academic, and industry partners, to ensure that activities in NASA's human exploration program balance how those activities might also help meet the requirements of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of Mars.

Within budgetary considerations, once an exploration-related project enters its development phase, NASA shall seek to complete such project without any undue delays.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the goal of successfully conducting a crewed mission to the surface of Mars, the President may invite U.S. partners in the ISS program and other nations, as appropriate, to participate in an international initiative under the leadership of the United States.

(Sec. 415) NASA shall implement an exploration research and technology development program for enabling human and robotic operations.

(Sec. 417) The bill declares that in order to ensure continuous U.S. participation and leadership in the exploration and use of space and as an essential instrument of national security, it is U.S. policy to maintain uninterrupted capability for human space flight and operations:

 in low-Earth orbit; and beyond low-Earth orbit once the capabilities described in section 421 of this bill become available. NASA shall submit annual reports to Congress which describe the progress being made toward the development of the SLS and Orion.

Subtitle B--Assuring Core Capabilities for Exploration

(Sec. 421) Congress reaffirms the policy and minimum capability requirements for the SLS.

NASA should budget for and undertake a ground test and uncrewed and crewed flight test and demonstration program for the SLS and Orion in order to promote safety and reduce programmatic risk.

NASA shall continue the development of the fully integrated SLS, including an upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, in order to safely enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond over the course of the next century.

NASA shall also continue the development of:

 an uncrewed exploration mission to demonstrate the capability of the SLS and Orion as an integrated system by 2018; a crewed exploration mission to demonstrate the SLS, including the core stage and exploration upper stages by 2021; subsequent missions beginning with the EM-3 at operational flight rate sufficient to maintain safety and operational readiness using the SLS and Orion to extend into cis-lunar space and eventually to Mars; and a deep space habitat as a key element in a deep space exploration architecture along with the SLS and Orion. NASA shall assess the utility of the SLS for use by the science community and for other federal government launch needs, including considering the overall cost and schedule savings from reduced transit times and increased science returns enabled by the capabilities of the SLS.

NASA, in consultation with the Department of Defense and the Office of National Intelligence, shall prepare a report that addresses the effort and budget required to enable and utilize a cargo variant of the 130-ton SLS configuration specified in federal law.

In preparing such report NASA shall:

 consider the technical requirements of the scientific and national security communities related to a cargo variant of the SLS; and assess the utility and estimated cost savings obtained by using such a cargo variant for national security and space science missions. Subtitle C--Journey to Mars

(Sec. 432) NASA shall develop a human exploration roadmap, including a critical decision plan, for expanding human presence beyond low-Earth orbit to the surface of Mars and beyond, considering potential interim destinations such as cis-lunar space and the moons of Mars.

The human exploration roadmap shall include:

 an integrated set of exploration, science, and other goals and objectives of a U.S. human space exploration program with the long-term goal of human missions near or on thesurface of Mars in the 2030s; sets and sequences of precursor missions in cis-lunar space and other missions or activities necessary to demonstrate the proficiency of the specific capabilities and technologies identified in the roadmap and to meet the goals and objectives developed under the human space exploration program, including anticipated timelines and missions for the SLS and Orion; an identification of the specific capabilities and technologies, including the SLS, Orion, a deep space habitat, and other capabilities, that facilitate the goals and objectives developed under such program; and a description of how cis-lunar elements, objectives, and activities advance the human exploration of Mars. As part of the human exploration roadmap, NASA shall include a critical decision plan that:

 identifies and defines key decisions to guide human space exploration priorities and plans that need to be made by June 30, 2020; define decisions needed to maximize efficiencies and resources for reaching the near, intermediate, and long-term goals and objectives of space exploration; and identifies and defines timelines and milestones for a sustainable cadence of missions beginning with EM-3 for the SLS and Orion to extend human exploration from cis-lunar space to the surface of Mars. NASA shall submit an initial human exploration roadmap, including a critical decision plan, by December 1, 2017, and updated roadmaps at least biennially.

 (Sec. 433) NASA shall submit a plan for achieving an advanced space suit capability that aligns with crew needs for exploration enabled by the SLS and Orion, including an evaluation of the merit of delivering the planned suit system for use on the ISS.

 (Sec. 434) NASA shall evaluate:

 those alternative approaches to the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission that demonstrate the technologies and capabilities needed for a human mission to Mars; the scientific and technical benefits of those approaches; and the commercial benefits of those approaches, including their impact on the development of domestic solar electric propulsion technology to bolster U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. (Sec. 435) NASA shall contract with an independent, non-governmental systems engineering and technical assistance organization to study the feasibility of the launch of a human space flight mission to Mars in 2033.

Such study shall include:

 a technical development, test, fielding, and operations plan using the SLS, Orion, and other systems to successfully launch such a mission to Mars by 2033; and an annual budget profile, including cost estimates, for the technical development, test, fielding, and operations plan to carry out such a mission. NASA shall submit an assessment by the NASA Advisory Council as to whether the proposal for the launch of a human space flight mission to Mars in 2033 is in the strategic interests of the United States in space exploration.

Subtitle D--TREAT Astronauts Act

To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronautct or the TREAT Astronauts Act

(Sec. 443) NASA may provide for:

 the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a former U.S. government astronaut or former payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers potentially associated with human space flight; and the treatment of such an astronaut or payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions. The bill states that such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment shall be provided without any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing obligation.

Such medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment may be provided by a local health care provider if it is unadvisable due to the health of a former astronaut or former payload specialist for such astronaut or payload specialist to travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Payment or reimbursement for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment shall be secondary to any obligation of the federal government or any third party to pay for or provide that monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment.

Costs for items and services that may be provided by NASA for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment that are not paid for or provided because of the application of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, other cost sharing, are reimbursable by NASA on behalf of the former U.S. government astronaut or former payload specialist to the extent that those items or services are authorized to be provided by NASA for such monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment.

NASA may provide for conditional payments for or provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment if:

 payment for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment services has not been made or cannot reasonably be expected to be made promptly; and such payment by NASA is conditioned on reimbursement by the United States or such third party for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. NASA may not:

 provide for medical monitoring, or diagnosis of a former U.S. astronaut or former payload specialist for any psychological or medical condition that is not potentially associated with human space flight; provide for treatment of such an astronaut or payload specialist for any psychological or medical condition that is not associated with human space flight; or require such an astronaut or payload specialist to participate in the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized by this section. NASA shall protect the privacy of all medical records generated with respect to such medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment and accessible to NASA.

The term "government astronaut" does not include individuals who are international partner astronauts.

NASA may use or disclose data acquired in the course of medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of a former U.S. government astronaut or former payload specialist. Participation by such an astronaut or payload specialist in medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under this section shall constitute consent for NASA to use or disclose such data.

NASA shall publish annual reports on its activities, including a cost accounting of those activities and a five-year budget estimate.

NASA shall arrange with an independent external organization to undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to NASA and the federal government in the implementation and administration of such activities.

NASA shall study any potential privacy or legal issues related to the possible sharing beyond the federal government of data acquired under the activities of NASA under this section.

The NASA Inspector General shall periodically audit or review NASA's activities under this section to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

TITLE V--ADVANCING SPACE SCIENCE

(Sec. 501) The bill states that it is U.S. policy to ensure a steady cadence of large, medium, and small science missions.

(Sec. 502) In accordance with the priorities established in the most recent decadal survey for planetary science, NASA shall ensure the completion of a balanced set of Discovery, New Frontiers, and Flagship missions at the cadence recommended by such survey.

Consistent with such set of missions and while maintaining the continuity of scientific data and steady development of capabilities and technologies, NASA may seek, if necessary, adjustments to mission priorities, schedule, and scope as a result of changing budget projections.

(Sec. 503) NASA should continue robust surveillance of the performance of the James Webb Space Telescope project and continue to improve the reliability of cost estimates and contractor performance data and other major spaceflight projects so as to enhance its ability to deliver the telescope on-time and within budget.

NASA should ensure that integrated testing is appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive to enable potential issues to be identified and addressed early enough to be handled within the telescope's development schedule and prior to its launch.

(Sec. 504) NASA should make progress on the technologies and capabilities needed to position it to meet the objectives of the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), as outlined in the 2010 National Academies' Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific productivity of meeting those objectives for the resources invested.

NASA shall ensure that the concept definition and pre-formulation activities of the WFIRST mission continue while the James Webb Space Telescope is being completed.

(Sec. 505) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Mars 2020 mission, to develop a Mars rover and to enable the return of samples to Earth, should remain a priority for NASA.

Such mission should also:

 significantly increase our understanding of Mars, help determine whether life previously existed on that planet, and provide opportunities for gathering knowledge and demonstrating technologies that address the challenges of future human expeditions to Mars. (Sec. 506) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that a scientific, robotic exploration mission to Europa (a moon orbiting Jupiter), as prioritized in the previous and current Planetary Science Decadal Surveys, should be supported.

(Sec. 507) The bill includes the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe as an objective of U.S. aeronautical and space activities.

(Sec. 508) NASA shall arrange with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for the study and exploration of extrasolar planets, including the use of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the James Webb Space Telescope, a potential Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope mission, or any other telescopes, spacecraft, or instruments, as appropriate.

The strategy shall:

 outline key scientific questions; identify the most promising research in the field; indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the key extrasolar planet research and exploration goals; identify opportunities for coordination with international, commercial, and not-for-profit partners; and make recommendations regarding these activities, as appropriate. NASA shall use this strategy to:

 inform its roadmaps, strategic plans, and other activities as they relate to extrasolar planet research and exploration; and provide a foundation for future activities and initiatives related to such research and exploration. The National Academies shall submit a report to NASA and Congress containing the strategy.

(Sec. 509) NASA shall arrange with the National Academies to develop a science strategy for astrobiology that would outline key scientific questions, identify the most promising research in the field, and indicate the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe.

This strategy shall include recommendations for coordinating with international partners.

NASA shall use such strategy in planning and funding research and other activities and initiatives in the field of astrobiology.

The National Academies shall submit a report to NASA and Congress containing the strategy.

(Sec. 510) NASA shall submit a report that describes how it can expand collaborative partnerships to study life's origins, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe.

(Sec. 511) The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and NASA shall submit an initial report that provides:

 recommendations for carrying out the Near-Earth Object Survey program and an associated proposed budget; an analysis of possible options that NASA could employ to divert an object on a likely collision course with Earth; and a description of the status of efforts to coordinate and cooperate with other countries to discover hazardous asteroids and comets, plan a mitigation strategy, and implement it in the event of the discovery of such an object. NASA shall submit annual reports that include:

 a summary of all activities carried out under the Survey program since this bill's enactment, including the progress toward achieving 90% completion of the Near-Earth Object Survey to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of near-Earth objects that are equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter in order to assess their threat to the Earth; and a summary of the expenditures for all activities carried out under the survey program since this bill's enactment. NASA shall carry out a technical and scientific assessment of the capabilities and resources to:

 accelerate the survey; and expand such program to include the detection, tracking, cataloguing, and characterization of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects that are less than 140 meters in diameter. (Sec. 512) NASA shall report on how it can expand collaborative partnerships for the detection, tracking, cataloguing, and categorizing of near-Earth objects.

(Sec. 513) NASA shall carry out triennial (under current law, biennial) reviews within each of its Science divisions to assess the costs and benefits of extending the date of the termination of data collection for those missions that exceed their planned missions' lifetime.

In conducting such an assessment, NASA shall consider whether and how extending missions impacts the start of future missions.

When deciding whether to extend a mission that has an operational component, NASA shall:

 consult with any affected federal agency; and take into account the potential benefits of instruments on such missions that are beyond their planned mission lifetime. NASA shall report on any such assessment that was carried out during the previous year.

(Sec. 514) NASA may not terminate science operations of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy before December 31, 2017.

(Sec. 515) OSTP and NASA shall analyze:

 NASA requirements for radioisotope power system material that is needed to carry out planned, high priority robotic missions in the solar system and other surface exploration activities beyond low-Earth orbit; and the risks to NASA missions in meeting those requirements, or any additional requirements, resulting from a lack of adequate radioisotope power system material. (Sec. 516) NASA shall arrange with National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to assess:

 NASA's Mars exploration architecture and its responsiveness to the strategies, priorities, and guidelines put forward by the National Academies' planetary decadal surveys and other relevant National Academies Mars-related reports; the long-term goals of NASA's Mars Exploration Program and that program's ability to optimize the science return, given its current fiscal posture; the Mars exploration architecture's relationship to Mars-related activities to be undertaken by foreign agencies and organizations; and the extent to which such architecture represents a reasonably balanced mission portfolio. (Sec. 517) NASA shall continue to develop first-of-a-kind instruments that, once proved, can be transitioned to other agencies for operations. Whenever responsibilities for the development of sensors or for measurements are transferred to NASA from another agency, NASA shall seek to be reimbursed for assuming those responsibilities.

TITLE VI--AERONAUTICS

(Sec. 602) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should look strategically into the future and ensure that its Center personnel are at the leading edge of aeronautics research by encouraging investigations into the early-stage advancement of new processes, novel concepts, and innovative technologies that have the potential to meet the nation's aeronautics needs.

(Sec. 603) NASA shall submit to Congress a research and development roadmap for hypersonic aircraft research, the objective of which is the exploration of hypersonic science and technology using air-breathing propulsion concepts.

Such roadmap shall recommend appropriate federal agency contributions, coordination efforts, and technology milestones.

(Sec. 604) NASA shall submit to Congress a roadmap that allows for flexible funding profiles for supersonic aeronautics research and development, the objective of which is the development and demonstration of airframe and propulsion technologies to minimize the environmental impact, including noise, of supersonic overland flight.

(Sec. 605) NASA shall submit a roadmap for research relating to rotocraft and other runway-independent air vehicles, the objective of which is the development and demonstration of improved safety, noise, and environmental impact of such vehicles.

TITLE VII--SPACE TECHNOLOGY

(Sec. 701) The bill states it is U.S. policy that NASA shall develop propulsion technologies to support:

 its core missions in science, aeronautics, and human space flight and exploration; and sustained investments in early stage innovation, fundamental research, and technologies to expand the boundaries of the nation's aerospace enterprise. Furthermore, a goal of such technologies shall be to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for human travel to Mars.

(Sec. 702) NASA shall conduct a space technology program to research and develop advanced space technologies that could deliver innovative solutions across NASA's space exploration and science missions.

In conducting the program, NASA shall consider:

 the recommendations of the National Academies' review of NASA's Space Technology roadmaps and priorities; and the applicable enabling aspects of the stepping stone approach to space exploration. In conducting the program, NASA shall:

 use a competitive process to select research and development projects; use small satellites and NASA's suborbital and ground-based platforms to demonstrate space technology concepts and developments; and partner with other federal agencies, universities, private industry, and foreign countries, as appropriate. NASA shall organize and and manage its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs within the program.

NASA shall submit a budget for each fiscal year, as transmitted to Congress for the President's annual budget submission, which avoids duplication of projects, programs, or missions conducted under the program with others conducted by another office or directorate of NASA.

NASA shall ensure that:

 its projects, programs, and activities in support of technology research and development of advanced space technologies are fully coordinated and aligned; the results of such projects, programs, and activities are shared and leveraged within NASA; and the organizational responsibility for research and development activities in support of human space exploration not initiated as of this bill's enactment is established based on sound rationale. It is the sense of Congress that projects, programs, and missions being conducted by the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate in support of research and development of advanced space technologies and systems focusing on human space exploration should continue in such directorate.

NASA shall provide a report to Congress that:

 compares NASA's space technology investments with the high-priority technology areas identified by the National Academies in the National Research Council's report on NASA's Space Technology Roadmaps; and identifies how NASA will address any gaps between its investments and the recommended technology areas (including a projection of funding requirements), and identifies the sound rationale upon which the organizational responsibility for research and development activities in support of human space exploration not yet initiated shall be based. NASA shall include in its annual budget request for each fiscal year the rationale for assigning organizational responsibility for, in the year prior to the budget fiscal year, each initiated project, program, and mission focused on research and development of advanced technologies for human space exploration.

TITLE VIII--MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY

Subtitle A--Agency Information Technology and Cybersecurity

 (Sec. 811) NASA shall take specified actions governing its information technology operations and investments, including those that:

 ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer, Mission Directorates, and Centers have appropriate roles in the management, governance, and oversight processes related to information technology operations and investments and information security programs for the protection of NASA systems; ensure the NASA Chief Information Officer has the appropriate resources and insight to oversee NASA information technology and information security operations and investments; provide an information technology program management framework; and improve the operational linkage between the NASA Chief Information Officer and each NASA mission directorate, center, and mission support office. The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of NASA's Information Technology Governance to ensure that its information technology resources are aligned with its missions and are cost effective and secure.

 (Sec. 812) NASA shall develop a specified information technology strategic plan to guide NASA information technology management and strategic objectives.

The plan shall include:

 near and long-term goals and objectives for leveraging information technology, a plan on how NASA will submit a list of information technology projects to Congress, an implementation overview for an agency-wide approach to information technology investments and operations, a plan to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of information technology investments, a plan for improving the information security of NASA information and NASA information systems, and submission by NASA to Congress of information regarding high risk projects and cybersecurity risks. NASA shall submit such plan and any plan updates to Congress.

 (Sec. 813) NASA shall implement a specified agency-wide information security plan to enhance information security for NASA information and information infrastructure.

The plan shall include:

 an overview of the requirements for the information security system; an agency-wide risk management framework for information security; an identification and assignment of the roles, responsibilities, and management commitment for information security at NASA; and the need to protect the information security of mission-critical systems and activities and high-impact and moderate-impact information systems. (Sec. 814) NASA shall notify Congress when it has implemented the information security recommendations from the National Academy of Public Administration on foreign national access management, based on reports from January 2014 and March 2016.

 (Sec. 815) NASA shall:

 develop a plan to fully remediate security vulnerabilities in NASA web applications, and provide an update on it plan to implement the recommendations from the NASA Inspector General in a specified audit report to remove from the Internet or otherwise secure all of NASA's web applications in development or testing mode. Subtitle B--Collaboration Among Mission Directorates and Other Matters

 (Sec. 821) NASA shall encourage an interdisciplinary approach among all NASA mission directorates and divisions for projects or missions to:

 improve coordination, and encourage collaboration and early planning on scope; determine areas of overlap or alignment; leverage across divisional perspectives to maximize outcomes; and be more efficient with resources and funds. (Sec. 822) NASA shall pursue a strategy for acquiring crewed transportation services and non-crewed launch services that continues to enhance communication, collaboration, and coordination between the Launch Services and Commercial Crew programs.

 (Sec. 823) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the presence of counterfeit electronic parts in NASA's supply chain poses a danger to astronauts, crew, and other NASA personnel and a risk to NASA overall.

NASA shall revise specified regulations to improve the detection and avoidance of counterfeit electronic parts in its supply chain and impose requirements on contractors for detecting and avoiding the use of counterfeit parts.

 (Sec. 824) NASA shall continue engagement with the public and education opportunities for students using all NASA mission directorates.

NASA shall report on its near-term outreach plans for advancing space law education.

 (Sec. 825) NASA shall identify orbital assets in specified mission directorates that could benefit from satellite servicing-related technologies and shall work across all NASA mission directorates to evaluate opportunities for the private sector to perform these services or advance technical capabilities by leveraging the technologies and techniques developed by NASA programs and other industry programs.

 (Sec. 826) In order to conduct necessary research, NASA shall continue, and as appropriate, consider expanding the development of technology payloads for scientific research and the investigation of new or improved capabilities.

To carry out such purpose, NASA shall make funds available for flight testing, payload development, and hardware related to such research and investigation.

Congress reaffirms that NASA should provide flight opportunities for payloads to microgravity environments and suborbital altitudes.

 (Sec. 827) The bill expresses the sense of Congress on specified small class launch missions.

(Sec. 828) The bill updates the number and date of the procedural requirements which are used to define the term "development" in assessing baseline and cost controls for major programs.

(Sec. 829) NASA's commercial technology transfer program shall be maintained in a manner that provides clear benefits for NASA, the domestic economy, and the research community (as under current law), while protecting national security.

(Sec. 830) NASA shall revise NASA's Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide uniform guidance and recommend revised requirements for organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in major acquisition programs in order to address the elements described in this section.

(Sec. 831) The OSTP shall assess the issues relating to the protection and preservation of historically important Apollo Program landing sites and artifacts that reside on the surface of the Moon, including those pertaining to Apollo 11 and Apollo 17.

In conducting such assessment, OSTP shall include:

 a determination of what risks to the protection and preservation of such lunar landing sites and artifacts exist or may exist in the future; a determination of what measures are required to ensure their protection and preservation; a determination of the extent to which additional domestic legislation or international treaties or agreements will be required, and recommendations for protecting and preserving them. (Sec. 832) The bill extends the authority that allows NASA to lease to any person or entity (as specified in federal law) non-excess real property or related personal property under its jurisdiction until December 31, 2018.

(Sec. 833) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that NASA should pursue a policy on termination liability that maximizes the use of its appropriated funds to make progress in meeting established technical goals and schedule milestones on the ISS, SLS, Orion, and James Webb Space Telescope.

(Sec. 834) NASA shall submit a report concerning its procedures for conducting independent reviews of projects and programs at lifecycle milestones.

(Sec. 835) NASA shall arrange with the National Academy of Public Administration to assess the effectiveness of the NASA Advisory Council and to recommend to Congress any changes to the council as specified in this section.

Such national academy shall submit to Congress the results of such assessment, including any recommendations.

 NASA may appoint such advisory committees as may be appropriate for purposes of consultation and advice to Congress, as well as to NASA (under current law).

The bill sunsets such reference to Congress on September 30, 2017.

(Sec. 836) NASA shall provide to its acquisition programs and projects, consistent with its Space Flight Program and Project Management Requirements:

 guidance on when to use an Independent Cost Estimate and Independent Cost Assessment; and criteria to use in making such a determination. (Sec. 837) The bill states it is U.S. policy that NASA maintain reliable and efficient facilities and infrastructure and that decisions on whether to dispose of, maintain, or modernize existing facilities or infrastructure be made in the context of meeting NASA's future needs.

NASA shall develop a facilities and infrastructure plan to position it to have the facilities and infrastructure (including laboratories, tools, and approaches) necessary to meet NASA and other federal agencies' future laboratory needs.

Such plan shall identify:

 current NASA and other federal agencies' laboratory needs; future NASA research and development and testing needs; a strategy for identifying facilities and infrastructure that are candidates for disposal, consistent with the national strategic direction set forth in the National Space Policy, National Aeronautics Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Infrastructure Plan, specified NASA authorization acts, and the Human Exploration Roadmap; a strategy for the maintenance, repair, upgrading, and modernization of NASA facilities and infrastructure; and criteria for prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks. (Sec. 838) The bill modifies requirements for the establishment of independent, nonpartisan commissions to investigate human space flight accidents and/or deaths by requiring the President to establish such a commission to investigate any accident that results in the loss of any orbital or suborbital space vehicle carrying humans that is:

 owned by the federal government; or being used pursuant to a contract or Space Act Agreement with the federal government to carry a government astronaut (as defined in federal law) or a researcher funded by the federal government. (Sec. 839) NASA shall report to Congress on the status of its efforts to coordinate with foreign countries within the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee to mitigate the effects and growth of orbital debris.

The OSTP shall report to Congress on the status of the orbital debris mitigation strategy.

(Sec. 840) NASA shall:

 in collaboration with other relevant federal agencies, solicit and review concepts and options for the removal of orbital debris from low-Earth orbit; and submit a report on such solicitation and review, including recommendations on the best options for decreasing the risks associated with orbital debris.

national_aeronautics_and_space_administration transition authorization act title authorization appropriations sec bill authorizes appropriations national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa fy2017 exploration space operations science aeronautics space technology education safety security mission services construction environmental compliance restoration nasa inspector_general title sustaining national space commitments sec bill expresses sense congress nasa multi mission space agency balanced robust set core missions space science space technology aeronautics human space flight exploration education title iii maximizing utilization low earth sec bill states primary objectives international space station program shall achieve long term goal objectives human space flight exploration specified national_aeronautics_and_space_administration authorization act pursue research program advances knowledge provides benefits nation bill restates shall policy consultation international partners program support complete utilization furthering policy nasa shall pursue international commercial means maximize logistics supply maintenance operational capabilities reduce risks systems sustainability offset minimize operations costs relating utilize development capabilities technologies needed future human space exploration low earth utilize science mission directorate missions low earth sec sense congress nasa build success commercial transportation services commercial services programs allowed private sector companies partner nasa deliver cargo scientific experiments 21st century launch complex program continued leverage state private investments achieve program goals congress reaffirms commitment use commercially developed private sector launch delivery system crew missions requirement nasa shall use commercially provided crew transfer crew rescue services federal_government acquire human space flight transportation services foreign entity government operated human space flight capability available commercial provider available qualified foreign entity bill declares section shall prevent nasa negotiating entering human space flight transportation arrangements foreign entities ensure safety flight continued operations nasa shall protect safety government ensuring commercially provided transportation system commercial crew program meets applicable human rating requirements specified federal law consistent findings recommendations columbia accident investigation board nasa shall ensure safety minimization probability loss crew critical priorities program nasa shall strive competitive selection process minimize life cycle cost nasa planned period commercially provided crew transportation services commercial transportation services program renamed commercial services program bill declares policy order foster competitive development operation improvement commercial availability space transportation services minimize life cycle cost nasa nasa shall procure services federal_government access return fair open competition defined milestone based federal_acquisition_regulation based contracts nasa shall manner add costs schedule delays commercial crew commercial services programs ensure providers programs furnish evidence based support costs schedules nasa shall submit congress report identifying lessons learned date previous existing commercial services contracts indicating changes needed manner nasa manages similar services prior issuance future commercial services procurement opportunities identifying lessons learned commercial services contracts applied procurement management commercially provided crew transfer services future procurements sec nasa shall develop plan transitioning current regime relies heavily nasa sponsorship regime nasa customers low earth non governmental human space flight enterprise nasa shall submit biennial reports include description progress nasa making achieving deep space human exploration objectives prospects accomplishing future mission requirements space exploration objectives research objectives future commercially supplied low earth platforms migration objectives space steps nasa taking including demonstrations conducted stimulate facilitate commercial demand supply products services low earth identification barriers preventing commercialization low earth cost estimates extending operations evaluation feasible preferred service life september unique scientific commercial exploration related facility impact deep space exploration capabilities including mission preferred service life extended nasa maintains flat budget profile bill defines space region space earth including region surface additional government crew power transportation resources available meeting nasa requirements activities defined human exploration roadmap developed pursuant section bill related research demonstrations identified biennial reports test capabilities needed meet future mission requirements space exploration objectives research objectives described reports demonstrate test capabilities including commercial modules deep space habitats environmental control life support systems satellite assembly exploration space suits sec nasa shall develop plan meeting nasa projected space communication navigation needs low earth deep space operations year period following enactment bill plan shall include lifecycle cost estimates year funding profile performance capabilities required meet nasa projected space communication navigation needs identification projected space communications navigation network infrastructure needs identification projected tracking data relay satellite system needs year period following bill enactment measures nasa taking mitigate threats electromagnetic spectrum use sec contract nasa provider person provides domestic launch domestic reentry services federal_government provide united_states indemnify provider successful claims including reasonable expenses litigation settlement parties death bodily injury loss damage property resulting launch services reentry services carried contract defined unusually hazardous nuclear nature extent total successful claims related activities contract insurance demonstration financial responsibility billion plus additional amounts necessary reflect inflation occurring january insurance financial responsibility contract section provides indemnification shall provide notice united_states claim suit provider death bodily injury loss damage property control assistance defense united_states election claim suit approval settlement provider contract nasa section shall obtain liability insurance demonstrate financial responsibility amounts compensate maximum probable loss claims party death bodily injury property damage loss resulting launch service reentry service carried contract federal_government damage loss government property resulting launch service reentry service carried contract nasa shall determine maximum probable losses days provider requesting determination submitting information nasa requires nasa revise determination based new information total claims related launch reentry provider shall required obtain insurance demonstrate financial responsibility million respect party million respect federal_government maximum liability insurance available world market reasonable cost insurance policy demonstration financial responsibility section shall protect extent potential liability involvement launch services reentry services federal_government personnel related entities related entities provider government nasa indemnify provider section cross waiver nasa provider bill states nasa shall waive claims provider party agrees responsible agrees ensure related entities responsible damage loss property losses resulting injury death sustained employees agents waiver shall apply extent claims insurance demonstration financial responsibility indemnification section exclude claims result misconduct provider related entities payment section nasa designee certifies reasonable nasa provide indemnification section activity requiring license permit provisions relating commercial space launch activities title advancing human deep space exploration subtitle human space flight exploration goals objectives sec bill states long terms goals human space flight exploration efforts nasa shall expand permanent human presence low earth practical involvement international academic industry partners missions progress achieving expansion human presence low earth enable potential subsequent human exploration extension human presence solar system enable capability extend human presence including potential human habitation body space economy 21st century sec key objectives human expansion space shall include achieving human exploration prioritization technologies capabilities best suited mission accordance stone approach exploration specified federal law sec nasa shall manage human space flight programs including space launch system multipurpose crew vehicle enable humans explore space destinations sec nasa conduct missions intermediate destinations including surface space near earth points order achieve objective human exploration bill declares order maximize cost effectiveness long term exploration utilization activities united_states nasa shall necessary steps including engaging international academic industry partners ensure activities nasa human exploration program balance activities help meet requirements future exploration utilization activities leading human habitation surface budgetary considerations exploration related project enters development phase nasa shall seek complete project undue delays furthermore order achieve goal successfully conducting mission surface president invite partners program nations appropriate participate international initiative leadership united_states sec nasa shall implement exploration research technology development program enabling human operations sec bill declares order ensure continuous participation leadership exploration use space essential instrument national security policy maintain uninterrupted capability human space flight operations low earth low earth capabilities described section bill available nasa shall submit annual reports congress describe progress development subtitle assuring core capabilities exploration sec congress reaffirms policy minimum capability requirements nasa budget undertake ground test flight test demonstration program order promote safety reduce programmatic risk nasa shall continue development fully integrated including upper stage needed low earth order safely enable human space exploration course century nasa shall continue development exploration mission demonstrate capability integrated system exploration mission demonstrate including core stage exploration upper stages subsequent missions beginning operational flight rate sufficient maintain safety operational readiness extend space eventually deep space habitat key element deep space exploration architecture nasa shall assess utility use science community federal_government launch needs including considering overall cost schedule savings reduced transit times increased science returns enabled capabilities nasa consultation department_of_defense office national_intelligence shall prepare report addresses effort budget required enable utilize cargo ton configuration specified federal law preparing report nasa shall consider technical requirements scientific national security communities related cargo assess utility estimated cost savings obtained cargo national security space science missions subtitle journey sec nasa shall develop human exploration roadmap including critical decision plan expanding human presence low earth surface considering potential interim destinations space human exploration roadmap shall include integrated set exploration science goals objectives human space exploration program long term goal human missions near sets precursor missions space missions activities necessary demonstrate proficiency specific capabilities technologies identified roadmap meet goals objectives developed human space exploration program including anticipated timelines missions identification specific capabilities technologies including deep space habitat capabilities facilitate goals objectives developed program description elements objectives activities advance human exploration human exploration roadmap nasa shall include critical decision plan identifies defines key decisions guide human space exploration priorities plans need june define decisions needed maximize efficiencies resources reaching near intermediate long term goals objectives space exploration identifies defines timelines milestones sustainable missions beginning extend human exploration space surface nasa shall submit initial human exploration roadmap including critical decision plan december updated roadmaps biennially sec nasa shall submit plan achieving advanced space suit capability crew needs exploration enabled including evaluation merit delivering planned suit system use sec nasa shall evaluate alternative approaches redirect mission demonstrate technologies capabilities needed human mission scientific technical benefits approaches commercial benefits approaches including impact development domestic solar electric propulsion technology bolster competitiveness global marketplace sec nasa shall contract independent non governmental systems engineering technical assistance organization study feasibility launch human space flight mission study shall include technical development test fielding operations plan systems successfully launch mission annual budget profile including cost estimates technical development test fielding operations plan carry mission nasa shall submit assessment nasa advisory_council proposal launch human space flight mission strategic interests united_states space exploration subtitle treat act research evaluate assess treat treat act sec nasa provide medical monitoring diagnosis government specialist conditions nasa considers potentially associated human space flight treatment specialist conditions nasa considers associated human space flight including scientific medical tests psychological medical conditions bill states medical monitoring diagnosis treatment shall provided deductible copayment cost sharing obligation medical monitoring diagnosis treatment provided local health_care provider health specialist specialist travel johnson space center payment reimbursement medical monitoring diagnosis treatment shall secondary obligation federal_government party pay provide monitoring diagnosis treatment costs items services provided nasa medical monitoring diagnosis treatment paid provided application deductibles copayments coinsurance cost sharing reimbursable nasa behalf government specialist extent items services authorized provided nasa monitoring diagnosis treatment nasa provide conditional payments provide medical monitoring diagnosis treatment payment medical monitoring diagnosis treatment services reasonably expected promptly payment nasa conditioned reimbursement united_states party medical monitoring diagnosis treatment nasa provide medical monitoring diagnosis specialist psychological medical condition potentially associated human space flight provide treatment specialist psychological medical condition associated human space flight require specialist participate medical monitoring diagnosis treatment authorized section nasa shall protect privacy medical records generated respect medical monitoring diagnosis treatment accessible nasa term government include individuals international partner nasa use disclose data acquired course medical monitoring diagnosis treatment government specialist participation specialist medical monitoring diagnosis treatment section shall constitute consent nasa use disclose data nasa shall publish annual reports activities including cost accounting activities year budget estimate nasa shall arrange independent external organization undertake independent cost estimate cost nasa federal_government implementation administration activities nasa shall study potential privacy legal issues related possible sharing federal_government data acquired activities nasa section nasa inspector_general shall periodically audit review nasa activities section prevent waste fraud abuse title advancing space science sec bill states policy ensure large medium small science missions sec accordance priorities established recent survey science nasa shall ensure completion balanced set discovery new missions recommended survey consistent set missions maintaining continuity scientific data development capabilities technologies nasa seek necessary adjustments mission priorities schedule scope result changing budget projections sec nasa continue robust surveillance performance james space project continue improve reliability cost estimates contractor performance data major projects enhance ability deliver time budget nasa ensure integrated testing appropriately sufficiently comprehensive enable potential issues identified addressed early handled development schedule prior launch sec nasa progress technologies capabilities needed position meet objectives wide field infrared survey outlined national academies astronomy survey way maximizes scientific productivity meeting objectives resources invested nasa shall ensure concept definition pre formulation activities mission continue james space completed sec bill expresses sense congress mission develop enable return samples earth remain priority nasa mission significantly increase understanding help determine life previously existed provide opportunities gathering knowledge demonstrating technologies address challenges future human sec bill expresses sense congress scientific exploration mission prioritized previous current science surveys supported sec bill includes search life origin distribution future objective aeronautical space activities sec nasa shall arrange national academies develop science strategy study exploration including use transiting survey satellite james space potential wide field infrared survey mission instruments appropriate strategy shall outline key scientific questions identify promising research field indicate extent mission priorities existing surveys address key research exploration goals identify opportunities coordination international commercial profit partners recommendations activities appropriate nasa shall use strategy inform roadmaps strategic plans activities relate research exploration provide foundation future activities initiatives related research exploration national academies shall submit report nasa congress containing strategy sec nasa shall arrange national academies develop science strategy outline key scientific questions identify promising research field indicate extent mission priorities existing surveys address search life origin distribution future strategy shall include recommendations coordinating international partners nasa shall use strategy planning funding research activities initiatives field national academies shall submit report nasa congress containing strategy sec nasa shall submit report describes expand collaborative partnerships study life distribution future sec office_of_science_and_technology_policy ostp nasa shall submit initial report provides recommendations carrying near earth object survey program associated proposed budget analysis possible options nasa employ divert object likely collision course earth description status efforts coordinate cooperate countries discover hazardous plan mitigation strategy implement event discovery object nasa shall submit annual reports include summary activities carried survey program bill enactment including progress achieving completion near earth object survey detect track catalogue characterize physical characteristics near earth objects equal greater meters diameter order assess threat earth summary expenditures activities carried survey program bill enactment nasa shall carry technical scientific assessment capabilities resources accelerate survey expand program include detection tracking characterization potentially hazardous near earth objects meters diameter sec nasa shall report expand collaborative partnerships detection tracking near earth objects sec nasa shall carry triennial current law biennial reviews science divisions assess costs benefits extending date termination data collection missions exceed planned missions lifetime conducting assessment nasa shall consider extending missions impacts start future missions deciding extend mission operational component nasa shall consult affected federal agency account potential benefits instruments missions planned mission lifetime nasa shall report assessment carried previous year sec nasa terminate science operations stratospheric infrared astronomy december sec ostp nasa shall analyze nasa requirements power system material needed carry planned high priority missions solar system surface exploration activities low earth risks nasa missions meeting requirements additional requirements resulting lack adequate power system material sec nasa shall arrange national academies science engineering medicine assess nasa exploration architecture responsiveness strategies priorities guidelines forward national academies surveys relevant national academies related reports long term goals nasa exploration program program ability optimize science return given current fiscal posture exploration architecture relationship related activities undertaken foreign agencies organizations extent architecture represents reasonably balanced mission portfolio sec nasa shall continue develop kind instruments agencies operations responsibilities development sensors measurements transferred nasa agency nasa shall seek reimbursed assuming responsibilities title aeronautics sec bill expresses sense congress nasa look strategically future ensure center personnel leading edge aeronautics research encouraging investigations early stage advancement new processes novel concepts innovative technologies potential meet nation aeronautics needs sec nasa shall submit congress research development roadmap aircraft research objective exploration science_and_technology air breathing propulsion concepts roadmap shall recommend appropriate federal agency contributions coordination efforts technology milestones sec nasa shall submit congress roadmap allows flexible funding profiles aeronautics research development objective development demonstration propulsion technologies minimize environmental impact including noise flight sec nasa shall submit roadmap research relating runway independent air vehicles objective development demonstration improved safety noise environmental impact vehicles title vii space technology sec bill states policy nasa shall develop propulsion technologies support core missions science aeronautics human space flight exploration sustained investments early stage innovation fundamental research technologies expand boundaries nation aerospace enterprise furthermore goal technologies shall significantly reduce time takes human travel sec nasa shall conduct space technology program research develop advanced space technologies deliver innovative solutions nasa space exploration science missions conducting program nasa shall consider recommendations national academies review nasa space technology roadmaps priorities applicable enabling aspects stone approach space exploration conducting program nasa shall use competitive process select research development projects use small satellites nasa ground based platforms demonstrate space technology concepts developments partner federal agencies universities private industry foreign countries appropriate nasa shall organize manage small_business_innovation_research small_business_technology_transfer programs program nasa shall submit budget fiscal year transmitted congress president annual budget submission avoids duplication projects programs missions conducted program conducted office directorate nasa nasa shall ensure projects programs activities support technology research development advanced space technologies fully coordinated aligned results projects programs activities shared leveraged nasa organizational responsibility research development activities support human space exploration initiated bill enactment established based sound rationale sense congress projects programs missions conducted human exploration operations mission directorate support research development advanced space technologies systems focusing human space exploration continue directorate nasa shall provide report congress compares nasa space technology investments high priority technology areas identified national academies national_research_council report nasa space technology roadmaps identifies nasa address gaps investments recommended technology areas including projection funding requirements identifies sound rationale organizational responsibility research development activities support human space exploration initiated shall based nasa shall include annual budget request fiscal year rationale assigning organizational responsibility year prior budget fiscal year initiated project program mission focused research development advanced technologies human space exploration title viii maximizing efficiency subtitle agency information technology cybersecurity sec nasa shall specified actions governing information technology operations investments including ensure nasa chief information officer mission centers appropriate roles management governance oversight processes related information technology operations investments information security programs protection nasa systems ensure nasa chief information officer appropriate resources oversee nasa information technology information security operations investments provide information technology program management framework improve operational nasa chief information officer nasa mission directorate center mission support office government_accountability_office shall conduct study effectiveness nasa information technology governance ensure information technology resources aligned missions cost effective secure sec nasa shall develop specified information technology strategic plan guide nasa information technology management strategic objectives plan shall include near long term goals objectives leveraging information technology plan nasa submit list information technology projects congress implementation overview agency wide approach information technology investments operations plan increase efficiency effectiveness information technology investments plan improving information security nasa information nasa information systems submission nasa congress information high risk projects cybersecurity risks nasa shall submit plan plan updates congress sec nasa shall implement specified agency wide information security plan enhance information security nasa information information infrastructure plan shall include overview requirements information security system agency wide risk management framework information security identification assignment roles responsibilities management commitment information security nasa need protect information security mission critical systems activities high impact moderate impact information systems sec nasa shall notify congress implemented information security recommendations national_academy_of_public_administration foreign national access management based reports january march sec nasa shall develop plan fully remediate security vulnerabilities nasa web applications provide update plan implement recommendations nasa inspector_general specified audit report remove internet secure nasa web applications development testing mode subtitle collaboration mission matters sec nasa shall encourage interdisciplinary approach nasa mission divisions projects missions improve coordination encourage collaboration early planning scope determine areas overlap alignment leverage perspectives maximize outcomes efficient resources funds sec nasa shall pursue strategy acquiring transportation services non launch services continues enhance communication collaboration coordination launch services commercial crew programs sec bill expresses sense congress presence counterfeit electronic parts nasa supply chain poses danger crew nasa personnel risk nasa overall nasa shall revise specified regulations improve detection avoidance counterfeit electronic parts supply chain impose requirements contractors detecting avoiding use counterfeit parts sec nasa shall continue engagement public education opportunities students nasa mission nasa shall report near term outreach plans advancing space law education sec nasa shall identify assets specified mission benefit satellite servicing related technologies shall work nasa mission evaluate opportunities private sector perform services advance technical capabilities leveraging technologies techniques developed nasa programs industry programs sec order conduct necessary research nasa shall continue appropriate consider expanding development technology scientific research investigation new improved capabilities carry purpose nasa shall funds available flight testing development hardware related research investigation congress reaffirms nasa provide flight opportunities environments sec bill expresses sense congress specified small class launch missions sec bill updates number date procedural requirements define term development assessing baseline cost controls major programs sec nasa commercial technology transfer program shall maintained manner provides clear benefits nasa domestic economy research community current law protecting national security sec nasa shall revise nasa supplement federal_acquisition_regulation provide uniform guidance recommend revised requirements organizational conflicts interest contractors major acquisition programs order address elements described section sec ostp shall assess issues relating protection preservation historically important program landing sites artifacts reside surface including pertaining conducting assessment ostp shall include determination risks protection preservation landing sites artifacts exist exist future determination measures required ensure protection preservation determination extent additional domestic legislation international treaties agreements required recommendations protecting preserving sec bill extends authority allows nasa lease person entity specified federal law non excess real property related personal property jurisdiction december sec bill expresses sense congress nasa pursue policy termination liability maximizes use appropriated funds progress meeting established technical goals schedule milestones james space sec nasa shall submit report concerning procedures conducting independent reviews projects programs lifecycle milestones sec nasa shall arrange national_academy_of_public_administration assess effectiveness nasa advisory_council recommend congress changes council specified section national academy shall submit congress results assessment including recommendations nasa appoint advisory committees appropriate purposes consultation advice congress nasa current law bill sunsets reference congress september sec nasa shall provide acquisition programs projects consistent space flight program project management requirements guidance use independent cost estimate independent cost assessment criteria use making determination sec bill states policy nasa maintain reliable efficient facilities infrastructure decisions dispose maintain modernize existing facilities infrastructure context meeting nasa future needs nasa shall develop facilities infrastructure plan position facilities infrastructure including laboratories tools approaches necessary meet nasa federal agencies future laboratory needs plan shall identify current nasa federal agencies laboratory needs future nasa research development testing needs strategy identifying facilities infrastructure candidates disposal consistent national strategic direction set forth national space policy national aeronautics research development test evaluation infrastructure plan specified nasa authorization acts human exploration roadmap strategy maintenance repair upgrading modernization nasa facilities infrastructure criteria prioritizing deferred maintenance tasks sec bill modifies requirements establishment independent nonpartisan commissions investigate human space flight accidents deaths requiring president establish commission investigate accident results loss space vehicle carrying humans owned federal_government pursuant contract space act agreement federal_government carry government defined federal law funded federal_government sec nasa shall report congress status efforts coordinate foreign countries inter agency space debris coordination committee mitigate effects growth debris ostp shall report congress status debris mitigation strategy sec nasa shall collaboration relevant federal agencies solicit review concepts options removal debris low earth submit report solicitation review including recommendations best options decreasing risks associated debris


Summary: Civil Reserve Air Fleet Missile Defense Pilot Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) carry out a two-year pilot program to determine the feasibility and desirability of equipping at least 20 turbojet aircraft in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet with a shoulder-fired missile defense system; and (2) report program results to the congressional defense and appropriations committees.

civil reserve air fleet missile defense pilot program act directs secretary defense carry year pilot program determine feasibility desirability equipping turbojet aircraft civil reserve air fleet fired missile defense system report program results congressional defense appropriations committees


Summary: Establishes a Rural Policing Institute to be administered by the Office of State and Local Training of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (based in Glynco, Georgia). Requires the Institute to: (1) evaluate the needs of law enforcement agencies of local and tribal governments in rural areas; (2) develop expert training programs to address the needs of such agencies regarding combating methamphetamine addiction and distribution, domestic violence, and response to school shootings; and (3) conduct outreach to ensure that its training programs reach law enforcement officers of such agencies. .

establishes rural policing institute administered office state local training federal_law_enforcement_training_center based georgia requires institute evaluate needs law enforcement agencies local tribal governments rural areas develop expert training programs address needs agencies combating methamphetamine addiction distribution domestic violence response school shootings conduct outreach ensure training programs reach law enforcement officers agencies


Summary: Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages to: (1) add nonretaliation requirements; (2) increase penalties; and (3) authorize the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for negotiation skills training programs for girls and women. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Education to issue regulations or policy guidance to integrate such training into certain programs under their Departments. Directs the Secretary to provide for certain studies, information, national summit, and guidelines, awards, and assistance for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria. Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect certain pay information. Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to collect data on woman workers in the Current Employment Statistics survey; (2) the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to use specified types of methods in investigating compensation discrimination and in enforcing pay equity; and (3) the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public.

paycheck fairness act_-_amends portion fair labor standards act flsa known equal pay act revise remedies enforcement prohibitions sex discrimination payment wages add requirements increase penalties authorize secretary labor secretary seek additional compensatory punitive damages requires equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs train eeoc employees affected individuals entities matters involving wage discrimination authorizes secretary grants eligible entities negotiation skills training programs girls women directs secretaries labor education issue regulations policy guidance integrate training certain programs departments directs secretary provide certain studies information national summit guidelines awards assistance employer evaluations job categories based objective criteria establishes secretary labor national_award_for_pay_equity workplace amends civil rights act require eeoc collect certain pay information directs commissioner labor_statistics collect data woman workers current_employment_statistics survey office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs use specified types methods investigating compensation discrimination enforcing pay equity secretary accurate information compensation discrimination readily available public


Summary: Defense Against Regional Threats Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) provide for deployment as soon as technologically possible of missile defense systems capable of defending Israel and all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations against ballistic missile attack from Iran; and (2) seek continued negotiated burdensharing agreements with such countries to share the costs of development and deployment of ballistic missile defense systems.

defense regional threats act declares policy provide deployment soon technologically possible missile defense systems capable defending israel north_atlantic_treaty_organization nato member nations ballistic missile attack iran seek continued negotiated agreements countries share costs development deployment ballistic missile defense systems


Summary: Prohibits, with a specified exception, the obligation or expenditure of funds for the V-22 or CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft program. Repeals a provision of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 granting multiyear procurement authority for the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft program.

prohibits specified exception obligation expenditure funds aircraft program repeals provision john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year granting multiyear procurement authority aircraft program


Summary: Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Requires, with respect to Department of Defense (DOD) weapon systems acquisition organization: (1) a report on systems engineering capabilities; (2) the establishment of a Director of Developmental Test and Evaluation; (3) an assessment of the technological maturity of critical technologies of major defense acquisition programs (MDAPS); (4) the establishment of a Director of Independent Cost Assessment; and (5) the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to seek and consider input from commanders of combatant commands in identifying joint military requirements. Requires, with respect to DOD weapon systems acquisition policy: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the consideration of tradeoffs between system cost, schedule, and performance; (2) the milestone decision authority for an MDAP to have received a preliminary design review and conducted a formal post-preliminary design review assessment before an MDAP may receive Milestone B or Key Decision Point B approval; (3) the Secretary to ensure that each MDAP acquisition plan includes measures to maximize competition at both the prime contract and subcontract level throughout the MDAP's life cycle; (4) the Secretary to undertake specified actions in the event of MDAP critical cost growth; (5) addressing organizational conflicts of interest by contractors in the acquisition of major weapon systems; (6) the establishment of an Organizational Conflict of Interest Review Board; and (7) the Secretary to award DOD military and civilian personnel for performance excellence in the acquisition of DOD products and services.

weapon systems acquisition reform_act requires respect department_of_defense dod weapon systems acquisition organization report systems engineering capabilities establishment director developmental test evaluation assessment technological maturity critical technologies major defense acquisition programs mdaps establishment director independent cost assessment joint requirements oversight council seek consider input commanders combatant commands identifying joint military requirements requires respect dod weapon systems acquisition policy secretary defense develop implement mechanisms ensure consideration system cost schedule performance milestone_decision_authority mdap received preliminary design review conducted formal post preliminary design review assessment mdap receive milestone key decision point approval secretary ensure mdap acquisition plan includes measures maximize competition prime contract subcontract level mdap life cycle secretary undertake specified actions event mdap critical cost growth addressing organizational conflicts interest contractors acquisition major weapon systems establishment organizational conflict interest review board secretary award dod military civilian personnel performance excellence acquisition dod products services