HR 250 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 5, 2007

Mr. EHLERS (for himself and Mr. GILCHREST) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To provide for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The term `Administration' means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Commerce.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

(a) In General- There shall be in the Department of Commerce an agency known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Mission- The mission of the Administration is to understand the systems of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere and predict changes in the Earth's oceans and atmosphere and the effects of such changes on the land environment, to conserve and manage coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes ecosystems to meet national economic, social, and environmental needs, and to educate the public about these topics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Functions- The functions of the Administration shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) collecting, through observation and other means, communicating, analyzing, processing, and disseminating comprehensive scientific data and information about weather and climate, solar and geophysical events on the Sun and in the space environment, and about the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes, upper reaches of estuaries, and hydrologic systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) operating and maintaining a system for the storage, retrieval, and dissemination of data relating to weather and climate, solar and geophysical events on the Sun and in the space environment, and about the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes, upper reaches of estuaries, and hydrologic systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) using observational data and technologies developed by other Federal agencies to improve the Administration's operations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) conducting and supporting basic and applied research, development, and technology transfer as may be necessary to carry out the mission described in subsection (b);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) issuing weather, water, climate, space weather, tsunami, and other forecasts and warnings related to Earth's oceans and atmosphere;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) coordinating efforts of Federal agencies with respect to meteorological services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) understanding the science of Earth's climate and related systems, and undertaking research and development to enhance society's ability to plan for and respond to climate variability and change;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) protecting, restoring, and managing the use of, the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes through ecosystem-based research, development, demonstration, and management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) administering public outreach and education programs and services to increase scientific and environmental literacy about weather and climate, solar and geophysical events on the Sun and in the space environment, and the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes, upper reaches of estuaries, and hydrologic systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) providing, as appropriate and in cooperation with the Secretary of State, representation at all international meetings and conferences relating to the mission of the Administration, including meteorological, climate, and Earth and ocean observing issues;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) any other function assigned to the Administration by law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) such other functions as are necessary to accomplish the mission described in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION LEADERSHIP.

(a) Administrator-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be, as the Administrator of the Administration, an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator shall be paid at the rate of basic pay for level III of the Executive Schedule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FUNCTIONS- The Administrator shall be responsible for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) general management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) policy development and guidance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) budget formulation, guidance, and execution;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) serving as the Department of Commerce official for all ocean and atmosphere issues with other elements of the Department of Commerce and with other Federal agencies, State, tribal, and local governments, and the public; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) such other duties with respect to the Administration as the Secretary may prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY- The Administrator may, except as otherwise prohibited by law--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) delegate any functions, powers, or duties of the Administrator to such officers and employees of the Administration as the Administrator may designate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) authorize such successive redelegations of such functions, powers, or duties within the Administration as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) AUTHORITIES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- As may be necessary or proper to carry out the Administration's functions under this Act or as otherwise provided by law, the Administrator may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) promulgate rules and regulations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) enter into and perform contracts, leases, grants, and cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, international organizations, foreign governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) use, with their consent, and with or without reimbursement, the services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) conduct education and outreach in direct support of the mission described in section 3(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) EXCEPTION- The authorities conferred on the Administrator by this paragraph do not include the authority to contract for services that are an inherently governmental function as defined in section 5 of the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998 (31 U.S.C. 501 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be, as Deputy Administrator of the Administration, an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Assistant Secretary shall be the Administrator's first assistant for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code. The Assistant Secretary shall be paid at the rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FUNCTIONS- The Assistant Secretary shall perform such functions and exercise such powers as the Administrator may prescribe and shall act as Administrator during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There shall, be as the Chief Operating Officer of the Administration, a Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The Deputy Under Secretary shall be appointed by the Secretary. The position of Deputy Under Secretary shall be a Senior Executive Service position authorized under section 3133 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FUNCTIONS- The Deputy Under Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) shall ensure the timely and effective implementation of Administration policies and objectives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) shall be responsible for all aspects of the Administration's operations and management, including budget, financial operations, information services, facilities, human resources, procurements, and associated services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in the absence or disability of the Assistant Secretary, or in the event of a vacancy in such position, shall act in that position; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) shall perform such other duties as the Administrator shall prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Education-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be in the Administration a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Education who shall coordinate and oversee the science and education activities of the Administration and their application to Administration decisions and operations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Education shall be appointed by the Secretary. The position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Education shall be a Senior Executive Service career reserved position as defined in section 3132(a)(8) of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FUNCTIONS- The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science and Education shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) coordinate research and development activities across the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) review the Administration's annual budget to ensure that funding for research and development is adequate, properly focused, and carried out by the appropriate entities across the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) advise the Administrator on how research results can be applied to operational use;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) advise the Administrator regarding science issues and their relationship to Administration policies, procedures, and decisions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) participate in developing the Administration's strategic plans and policies and review the science and education aspects of those plans and policies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) serve as liaison to the nongovernmental science community;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) develop and oversee guidelines for peer review of research sponsored or conducted by the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(H) oversee implementation of the strategic plan for research and development required under section 9(b);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) oversee management of laboratories in the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(J) oversee the research and education programs of the Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(K) perform such other duties as the Administrator shall prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) QUALIFICATIONS- An individual appointed under paragraph (1) shall be a person who has an outstanding science and education background, including research accomplishments, scientific reputation, and public policy experience.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) CONSULTATION- Before appointing an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with the National Academy of Sciences, the Science Advisory Board of the Administration, and other appropriate scientific organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Deputy Assistant Secretaries- There may be in the Administration no more than two additional Deputy Assistant Secretaries whose duties may be designated by the Administrator. The Deputy Assistant Secretaries shall be appointed by the Secretary. The positions of Deputy Assistant Secretaries shall be Senior Executive Service positions authorized under section 3133 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) General Counsel-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be in the Administration a General Counsel. The General Counsel shall be appointed by the Secretary. The General Counsel shall be paid at the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FUNCTIONS- The General Counsel--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) shall serve as the chief legal officer of the Administration for all legal matters that arise in connection with the conduct of the functions of the Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) shall perform such other functions and exercise such powers as the Administrator may prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Continuation of Service- Any individual serving on the effective date of this Act in a position provided for in this Act may continue to serve in that position until a successor is appointed under this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the appointment of a successor under this Act sooner than would have been required under law as in effect before the effective date of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

(a) In General- The Secretary shall maintain within the Administration the National Weather Service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Mission- The mission of the National Weather Service is to provide weather, water, climate, tsunami, and space weather forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. In carrying out the mission of the National Weather Service, the Administrator shall ensure that the National Weather Service--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provides timely and accurate weather, water, climate, tsunami, and space weather forecasts; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) provides timely and accurate warnings of natural hazards related to weather, water, climate, and tsunamis, and of space weather hazards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Functions- The functions of the National Weather Service shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) maintaining a network of local weather forecast offices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) maintaining a network of observation systems to collect weather and climate data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) operating national centers to deliver guidance, forecasts, warnings, and analysis about weather, water, climate, tsunami, and space weather phenomena for the Administration and the public;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) providing information to Federal agencies and other organizations responsible for emergency preparedness and response as required by law;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) conducting and supporting applied research to facilitate the rapid incorporation of weather and climate science advances into operational tools; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) other functions to serve the mission of the National Weather Service described in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. OPERATIONS AND SERVICES.

(a) In General- The Secretary shall maintain within the Administration programs to support efforts, on a continuing basis, to collect data and provide information and products regarding satellites, observations, and coastal, ocean and Great Lakes information.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Functions- To accomplish the mission described in section 3(b), and in addition to the functions described in section 3(c), the operations and service aspects of the Administration shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) acquiring, managing, and operating coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes observing systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) contributing to the operation of a global Earth-observing system;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) integrating Administration remote sensing and in situ assets that provide critical data needed to support the mission of the Administration, and providing that data to decisionmakers and the public;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) developing, acquiring, and managing operational environmental satellite programs and associated ground control and data acquisition and delivery facilities to support the mission of the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) managing and distributing atmospheric, geophysical, and marine data and data products for the Administration through national environmental data centers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) providing for long-term stewardship of environmental data, products, and information via data processing, storage, reanalysis, reprocessing, and archive facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) issuing licenses for private remote sensing space systems under the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) administering a national water level observation network, which shall include monitoring of the Great Lakes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) providing charts and other information for safe navigation of the oceans and inland waters, as provided by law;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) maintaining a fleet of ships and aircraft to support the mission of the Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) such other operations and services functions to serve the mission of the Administration as the Administrator may prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.

(a) In General- The Secretary shall maintain within the Administration programs to conduct and support research and education and the development of technologies relating to weather, climate, and the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Functions- To accomplish the mission described in section 3(b), and in addition to the functions described in section 3(c), the research and education aspects of the Administration shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) conducting and supporting research and development to improve the Administration's capabilities to collect, through observation and otherwise, communicate, analyze, process, and disseminate comprehensive scientific data and information about weather, climate, and the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) improving ecological prediction and management capabilities through ecosystem-based research and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) contributing information on the Earth's climate and related systems, obtained through research and observation, that addresses questions confronting policymakers, resources managers, and other users;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) reducing uncertainty in projections of how the Earth's climate and related systems may change in the future;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) fostering the public's ability to understand and integrate scientific information into considerations of national environmental issues through education and public outreach activities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) administering the National Sea Grant College Program Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) conducting and supporting research and development of technology for exploration of the oceans;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) maintaining a system of laboratories to perform the functions described in this subsection;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) supporting extramural peer-reviewed competitive grant programs to assist the Administration in performing the functions described in this subsection; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) such other research, development, education, and outreach functions to serve the mission of the Administration as the Administrator may prescribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD.

(a) In General- There shall be within the Administration a Science Advisory Board, which shall provide such scientific advice as may be requested by the Administrator, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or the Committee on Science or on Resources of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purpose- The purpose of the Science Advisory Board is to advise the Administrator and Congress on long-range and short-range strategies for research, education, and the application of science to resource management and environmental assessment and prediction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Members-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Science Advisory Board shall be composed of at least 15 members appointed by the Administrator. Each member of the Board shall be qualified by education, training, and experience to evaluate scientific and technical information on matters referred to the Board under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TERMS OF SERVICE- Members shall be appointed for 3-year terms, renewable once, and shall serve at the discretion of the Administrator. An individual serving a term as a member of the Science Advisory Board on the date of enactment of this Act may complete that term, and may be reappointed once for another term of 3 years unless the term being served on such date of enactment is the second term served by that individual. Vacancy appointments shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy, and an individual so appointed may subsequently be appointed for 2 full 3-year terms if the remainder of the unexpired term is less than one year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) CHAIRPERSON- The Administrator shall designate a chairperson from among the members of the Board.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) APPOINTMENT- Members of the Science Advisory Board shall be appointed as special Government employees, within the meaning given such term in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Administrative Provisions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REPORTING- The Science Advisory Board shall report to the Administrator and the appropriate requesting party.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT- The Administrator shall provide administrative support to the Science Advisory Board.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) MEETINGS- The Science Advisory Board shall meet at least twice each year, and at other times at the call of the Administrator or the Chairperson.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES- A member of the Science Advisory Board shall not be compensated for service on such board, but may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) SUBCOMMITTEES- The Science Advisory Board may establish such subcommittees of its members as may be necessary. The Science Advisory Board may establish task forces and working groups consisting of Board members and outside experts as may be necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Expiration- Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Science Advisory Board.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. REPORTS.

(a) Report on Data Management, Archival, and Distribution-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CONTENTS- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and once every 5 years thereafter, the Administrator shall do the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to review the environmental data and information systems of the Administration and to provide recommendations to address any inadequacies identified by the review. The review shall assess the adequacy of the environmental data and information systems of the Administration to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) provide adequate capacity to manage, archive and disseminate environmental information collected and processed, or expected to be collected and processed, by the Administration, including data gathered by other agencies that is processed or stored by the Administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) establish, develop, and maintain information bases, including necessary management systems, which will provide for consistent, efficient, and compatible transfer and use of data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) develop effective interfaces among the environmental data and information systems of the Administration and other appropriate departments and agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) develop and use nationally accepted formats and standards for data collected by various national and international sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) integrate and interpret data from different sources to produce information that can be used by decisionmakers in developing policies that effectively respond to national and global environmental concerns; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) reanalyze and reprocess the archived data as better science is developed to integrate diverse data sources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Develop a strategic plan, with respect to the environmental data and information systems of the Administration, to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) respond to each of the recommendations in the review conducted under subparagraph (A);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) set forth modernization and improvement objectives for an integrated national environmental data access and archive system for the 10-year period beginning with the year in which the plan is transmitted, including facility requirements and critical new technology components that would be necessary to meet the objectives set forth;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) propose specific Administration programs and activities for implementing the plan;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) identify the data and information management, reanalysis, reprocessing, archival, and distribution responsibilities of the Administration with respect to other Federal departments and agencies and international organizations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) provide an implementation schedule and estimate funding levels necessary to achieve modernization and improvement objectives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TRANSMITTAL TO CONGRESS- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives the initial review and strategic plan developed under paragraph (1). Subsequent reviews and strategic plans developed under paragraph (1) shall also be transmitted to those committees upon completion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Strategic Plan for Research and Development-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) CONTENTS- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and once every 5 years thereafter, the Administrator shall develop a strategic plan for research and development at the Administration. The plan shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an assessment of the science and technology needs of the Administration based on the Administration's operational requirements and on input provided by external stakeholders at the national, regional, State, and local levels; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a strategic plan that assigns specific programs within the administration the responsibility to meet each need identified under subparagraph (A) and that describes the extent to which each need identified in subparagraph (A) will be addressed through--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) intramural research;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) extramural, peer-reviewed, competitive grant programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) work done in cooperation with other Federal agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REVIEW- The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of the plan developed under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) TRANSMITTAL TO CONGRESS- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives the initial strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) and the review prepared pursuant to paragraph (2). Subsequent strategic plans developed under paragraph (1) shall also be transmitted to those committees upon completion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.

Not less than once every 5 years, the Secretary shall develop and submit to Congress a policy that defines processes for making decisions about the roles of the Administration, the private sector, and the academic community in providing environmental information, products, technologies, and services. The first such submission shall be completed not less than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act. At least 90 days before each submission of the policy to Congress, the Secretary shall publish the policy in the Federal Register for a public comment period of not less than 60 days. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require changes in the policy in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 11. EFFECT OF REORGANIZATION PLAN.

Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 shall have no further force and effect.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 12. SAVINGS PROVISION.

All rules and regulations, determinations, standards, contracts, including collective bargaining agreements, certifications, authorizations, appointments, delegations, results and findings of investigations, and other actions duly issued, made, or taken by or pursuant to or under the authority of any statute or executive order which resulted in the assignment of functions or activities to the Secretary, the Department of Commerce, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, the Administrator, or any other officer of the Administration, that is in effect immediately before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue in full force and effect after the effective date of this Act until modified or rescinded. All suits, appeals, judgments, and proceedings pending on such effective date relating to responsibilities or functions transferred pursuant to this Act shall continue without regard to such transfers, except for the transfer of responsibilities or functions. Any reference in law to a responsibility, function, or office transferred pursuant to this Act shall be deemed to refer to the responsibility, function, or office as so transferred. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the ability of an Administration employee to discuss scientific research performed by that employee. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter the responsibilities or authorities of any other Federal agency. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize or prohibit the transfer of any program, function, or project from other Federal agencies to the Administration. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to expand, modify, or supersede the authority that the Administration has immediately before the date of enactment of this Act, nor to provide the Administration with any new regulatory authority. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to grant the Administrator any authority to construct, alter, repair, or acquire by any means a public building, as defined at section 3301 of title 40, United States Code, or to grant any authority to lease general purpose office or storage space in any building; and nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish any authority the Administrator has immediately before the date of enactment of this Act to construct, alter, repair, or acquire by any means a public building, as defined at section 3301 of title 40, United States Code, or to diminish any authority the Administrator has immediately before the date of enactment of this Act to lease general purpose office or storage space in any building (regardless of whether those authorities are derived from laws, executive orders, rules, regulations, or delegations of authority from the Secretary of Commerce).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 13. REORGANIZATION PLAN.

(a) Schedule- (1) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a reorganization plan for the Administration in accordance with this section and shall publish the plan in the Federal Register. The Federal Register notice shall solicit comments for a period of 60 days.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Not later than 90 days after the expiration date of the comment period described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a revised version of the plan that takes into account the comments received. The Administrator shall also publish the revised plan in the Federal Register. The Administrator shall transmit and publish, along with the plan, an explanation of how the Administrator dealt with each issue raised by the comments received.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Administrator shall implement the plan 60 days after the plan has been transmitted to the Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Content- The plan, to the greatest extent practicable, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) consistent with section 5 and the other provisions of this Act, maximize the efficiency with which the Administration carries out the functions of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) operations and services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) research and education; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) resource management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) improve the sharing of research and other information that is of use across programmatic themes; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) eliminate duplication of effort or overlapping efforts among offices.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Consultation- In developing the plan, the Administrator shall consult with interested parties, including the States, academia, industry, conservation organizations, and Administration employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 14. FACILITY EVALUATION PROCESS.

(a) Public Notification and Assessment Process-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Administrator shall not close, consolidate, relocate, subdivide, or establish a facility of the Administration, unless and until the Administrator has followed the procedures required by this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REVIEW PROCESS- The Administrator shall not close, consolidate, relocate, subdivide, or establish a facility of the Administration with an annual operating budget of $5,000,000 or greater, or a National Weather Service field office, unless and until--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Administrator has published in the Federal Register the proposed action and a description of the offices, personnel, and activities of the Administration that would be affected by the proposed change, and has provided for a minimum of 60 days for public comment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) if the proposed change involves a science facility of the Administration, the Science Advisory Board has reviewed the proposed change and provided to the Administrator written findings regarding the proposed change;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) if the proposed change involves a National Weather Service field office, the Administrator has prepared a report including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) a description of local weather characteristics and weather-related concerns which affect the weather services provided within the service area;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) a detailed comparison of the services provided within the service area and the services to be provided after the proposed change;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) a description of any recent or expected modernization of National Weather Service operations which will enhance services in the service area;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) an identification of any area within any State which would not receive coverage (at an elevation of 10,000 feet) due to the proposed change; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) evidence, based on operational demonstration of National Weather Service operations, which was considered in reaching the conclusion that no degradation in service will result from the proposed change;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the Administrator has prepared an analysis of the anticipated costs and savings associated with the proposed facility change, including both costs and savings in the first fiscal year following the change, and changes in operations and maintenance costs and savings over a ten-year period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) the Administrator has prepared an analysis of the effects of the facility change on operations and research of the Administration, and the potential impacts on cooperative institutes, other external Administration partnerships, partnerships with other Federal agencies, and any State and local partnerships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) NOTICE TO CONGRESS- (A) The Administrator shall provide to Congress, at least 90 days before any closure, consolidation, relocation, subdivision, or establishment of a facility of the Administration with an annual budget of $5,000,000 or greater, or any National Weather Service field office, a summary of the public comments received pursuant to paragraph (2)(A), any written findings prepared under paragraph (2)(B), any report prepared under paragraph (2)(C), and the analyses prepared under paragraph (2)(D) and (E).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The Administrator shall provide to Congress, at least 90 days before any closure, consolidation, relocation, subdivision, or establishment of a facility of the Administration not described in subparagraph (A), written notification of the planned closure, consolidation, relocation, subdivision, or establishment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Weather Service Modernization- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter the Weather Service Modernization Act (15 U.S.C. 313 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Definition- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the term `facility' means a laboratory, operations office, administrative service center, or other establishment of the Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the term `field office' has the same meaning given that term in section 702 of the Weather Service Modernization Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 15. BUDGET REPROGRAMMING.

Whenever the Administrator transmits a budget reprogramming request to the Appropriations Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Administrator shall simultaneously submit a copy of the request to the Committee on Science and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 16. BASELINES AND COST CONTROLS.

(a) Conditions for Development-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall not enter into a contract for the development of a major program unless the Administrator determines that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the technical, cost, and schedule risks of the program are clearly identified and the program has developed a plan to manage those risks;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the technologies required for the program have been demonstrated in a relevant laboratory or test environment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the program complies with all relevant policies, regulations, and directives of the Administration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT- The Administrator shall transmit a report describing the basis for the determination required under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate at least 30 days before entering into a contract for development under a major program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) NONDELEGATION- The Administrator may not delegate the determination requirement under this subsection, except in cases in which the Administrator has a conflict of interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Major Program Annual Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REQUIREMENT- Annually, at the same time as the President's annual budget submission to the Congress, the Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes the information required by this section for each major program for which the Administration proposes to expend funds in the subsequent fiscal year. Reports under this paragraph shall be known as Major Program Annual Reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) BASELINE REPORT- The first Major Program Annual Report for each major program shall include a Baseline Report that shall, at a minimum, include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the purposes of the program and key technical characteristics necessary to fulfill those purposes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) an estimate of the life-cycle cost for the program, with a detailed breakout of the development cost, program reserves, and an estimate of the annual costs until development is completed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the schedule for development, including key program milestones;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the plan for mitigating technical, cost, and schedule risks identified in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) the name of the person responsible for making notifications under subsection (c), who shall be an individual whose primary responsibility is overseeing the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) INFORMATION UPDATES- For major programs for which a Baseline Report has been submitted, each subsequent Major Program Annual Report shall describe any changes to the information that had been provided in the Baseline Report, and the reasons for those changes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Notification-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REQUIREMENT- The individual identified under subsection (b)(2)(E) shall immediately notify the Administrator any time that individual has reasonable cause to believe that, for the major program for which he or she is responsible--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the development cost of the program is likely to exceed the estimate provided in the Baseline Report of the program by 15 percent or more; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a milestone of the program is likely to be delayed by 6 months or more from the date provided for it in the Baseline Report of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REASONS- Not later than 30 days after the notification required under paragraph (1), the individual identified under subsection (b)(2)(E) shall transmit to the Administrator a written notification explaining the reasons for the change in the cost or milestone of the program for which notification was provided under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) NOTIFICATION OF CONGRESS- Not later than 15 days after the Administrator receives a written notification under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall transmit the notification to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Fifteen Percent Threshold- Not later than 30 days after receiving a written notification under subsection (c)(2), the Administrator shall determine whether the development cost of the program is likely to exceed the estimate provided in the Baseline Report of the program by 15 percent or more, or whether a milestone is likely to be delayed by 6 months or more. If the determination is affirmative, the Administrator shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) transmit to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, not later than 15 days after making the determination, a report that includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a description of the increase in cost or delay in schedule and a detailed explanation for the increase or delay;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a description of actions taken or proposed to be taken in response to the cost increase or delay; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) a description of any impacts the cost increase or schedule delay, or the actions described under subparagraph (B), will have on any other program within the Administration; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) if the Administrator intends to continue with the program, promptly initiate an analysis of the program, which shall include, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the projected cost and schedule for completing the program if current requirements of the program are not modified;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the projected cost and the schedule for completing the program after instituting the actions described under paragraph (1)(B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) a description of, and the projected cost and schedule for, a broad range of alternatives to the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Administration shall complete an analysis initiated under paragraph (2) not later than 6 months after the Administrator makes a determination under this subsection. The Administrator shall transmit the analysis to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 30 days after its completion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Thirty Percent Threshold- If the Administrator determines under subsection (d) that the development cost of a program will exceed the estimate provided in the Baseline Report of the program by more than 30 percent, then, beginning 18 months after the date the Administrator transmits a report under subsection (d)(1), the Administrator shall not expend any additional funds on the program, other than termination costs, unless the Congress has subsequently authorized continuation of the program by law. An appropriation for the specific program enacted subsequent to a report being transmitted shall be considered an authorization for purposes of this subsection. If the program is continued, the Administrator shall submit a new Baseline Report for the program no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act under which Congress has authorized continuation of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Definitions- For the purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the term `development' means the phase of a program following the formulation phase and beginning with the approval to proceed to implementation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the term `development cost' means the total of all costs, including construction of facilities and civil servant costs, from the period beginning with the approval to proceed to implementation through the achievement of operational readiness, without regard to funding source or management control, for the life of the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the term `life-cycle cost' means the total of the direct, indirect, recurring, and nonrecurring costs, including the construction of facilities and civil servant costs, and other related expenses incurred or estimated to be incurred in the design, development, verification, production, operation, maintenance, support, and retirement of a program over its planned lifespan, without regard to funding source or management control; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) the term `major program' means an activity approved to proceed to implementation that has an estimated life-cycle cost of more than $250,000,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 17. LIMITATIONS ON OFF-SHORE PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACTS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES.

(a) Conversions to Contractor Performance of Administration Activities- Except as provided in subsection (c), an activity or function of the Administration that is converted to contractor performance under Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 may not be performed by the contractor or any subcontractor at a location outside the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Contracts for the Procurement of Services- (1) Except as provided in subsection (c), a contract for the procurement of goods or services that is entered into by the Administrator may not be performed outside the United States unless it is to meet a requirement of the Administration for goods or services specifically at a location outside the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The President may waive the prohibition in paragraph (1) in the case of any contract for which the President determines in writing that it is necessary in the national security interests of the United States for goods or services under the contract to be performed outside the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Administrator may waive the prohibition in paragraph (1) in the case of any contract for which the Administrator determines in writing that essential goods or services under the contract are only available from a source outside the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Exception- Subsections (a) and (b)(1) shall not apply to the extent that the activity or function under the contract was previously performed by Federal Government employees outside the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Consistency With International Agreements- The provisions of this section shall not apply to the extent that they are inconsistent with obligations of the United States under international agreements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 18. RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENT.

The Administrator shall transmit to Congress, not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report on the contracts and subcontracts performed overseas and the amount of purchases directly or indirectly by the Administration from foreign entities in that fiscal year. The report shall separately indicate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the contracts and subcontracts and their dollar values for which the Administrator determines that essential goods or services under the contract are available only from a source outside the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the items and their dollar values for which the Buy American Act was waived pursuant to obligations of the United States under international agreements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink