(3) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall transmit the strategy and plan to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate. 
(b) SPACE RADIATION RESEARCH FACILITIES.—The 
Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other ap-
propriate Federal agencies, shall assess the national capa-
bilities for carrying out critical ground-based research on 
space radiation biology and shall identify any issues that 
could affect the ability to carry out that research. 
SEC. 206. PARTICIPATORY EXPLORATION. 
The Administrator shall identify opportunities to— 
(1) leverage technologies in NASA’s Explo-
ration program to deliver a rich, multimedia experi-
ence to the public; and 
(2) facilitate participation by the public, the 
private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and 
international partners in outreach efforts related to 
the Exploration program. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 207. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SCIENCE AND EXPLO-
RATION. 
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator 
should strive to make use of the synergies between science 
and human exploration in ways that maximize the benefits 
to both sets of activities. 
SEC. 208. PLANETARY PROTECTION FOR HUMAN EXPLO-
RATION MISSIONS. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator shall enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academies for a study to 
explore the planetary protection ramifications of future 
missions by astronauts to the lunar polar regions, near- 
Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of 
Mars. 
(b) SCOPE.—The study shall— 
(1) collate and summarize what has been done 
to date with respect to planetary protection meas-
ures to be applied to human missions to the lunar 
polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of 
Mars, and the surface of Mars; 
(2) identify and document planetary protection 
concerns associated with human missions to the 
lunar polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons 
of Mars, and the surface of Mars; 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(3) develop a methodology, if possible, for defin-
ing and classifying the degree of concern associated 
with each likely destination; 
(4) assess likely methodologies for addressing 
planetary protection concerns; and 
(5) identify areas for future research to reduce 
current uncertainties. 
(c) COMPLETION DATE.—Not later than 2 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall provide the results of the study to the Committee 
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate. 
Subtitle B—International Space 
Station 
SEC. 211. OBJECTIVES AND POLICY. 
The United States ISS program shall have two pri-
mary objectives: supporting achievement of the goal estab-
lished in section 201 and pursuing a research program 
that advances knowledge and provides benefits to society. 
It shall continue to be the policy of the United States to, 
in consultation with its international partners in the ISS 
program, support full and complete utilization of the ISS 
through at least 2020. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 212. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING OPERATION 
AND UTILIZATION OF THE ISS BEYOND 2020. 
It is the sense of Congress that the operation and 
utilization of the ISS beyond 2020 should be considered 
if the Administrator determines that the ISS is func-
tioning as a productive research facility in the years prior 
to 2020 or that operation and utilization of the ISS past 
2020 is essential for the achievement of the goal estab-
lished in section 201, and the Administrator’s determina-
tion is validated by an independent external review. 
SEC. 213. PROHIBITION ON PRECLUDING ISS OPERATIONS 
BEYOND 2020. 
The Administrator shall take no steps that would pre-
clude continued United States operation and utilization of 
the ISS after 2020. 
SEC. 214. CRITERIA FOR EXTENDING ISS OPERATIONS BE-
YOND 2020. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall— 
(1) establish specific criteria for determining 
how long the ISS can and should continue oper-
ations; and 
(2) identify the actions needed to deorbit the 
ISS once a decision is made to deorbit the labora-
tory. 
(b) REPORT.—The Administrator shall transmit a re-
port to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate doc-
umenting such criteria and deorbit actions not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 215. ISS CARGO RESUPPLY SERVICES LESSONS 
LEARNED. 
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a report to 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that— 
(1) identifies the lessons learned to date from 
the Commercial Resupply Services contract; 
(2) indicates whether changes are needed to the 
manner in which NASA procures and manages simi-
lar services upon the expiration of the existing Com-
mercial Resupply Services contract; and 
(3) identifies any lessons learned from the Com-
mercial Resupply Services contract that should be 
applied to the procurement and management of com-
mercially provided crew transfer services to and 
from the ISS. 
SEC. 216. CREW TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE ISS. 
(a) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of NASA’s Commer-
cial Crew Program shall be to assist the development of 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
at least one crew transportation system to carry NASA 
astronauts safely, reliably, and affordably to and from the 
ISS and to serve as an emergency crew rescue vehicle as 
soon as practicable within the funding levels authorized 
in this Act. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that once developed and certified to meet NASA’s 
safety and reliability requirements, United States commer-
cially provided crew transportation systems offer the po-
tential of serving as the primary means of transporting 
American astronauts and international partner astronauts 
to and from the ISS and serving as ISS emergency crew 
rescue vehicles. At the same time, the budgetary assump-
tions used by NASA in its planning for the Commercial 
Crew Program have consistently assumed significantly 
higher funding levels than have historically been author-
ized and appropriated by Congress. It is the sense of Con-
gress that credibility in the Administration’s budgetary es-
timates for the Commercial Crew Program can be en-
hanced by an independently developed cost estimate. It is 
further the sense of Congress that this lack of budgetary 
realism in the planning process creates unnecessary ineffi-
ciencies and increased programmatic risk, and NASA 
should thus adjust its planning process to realistically re-
flect the levels of funding authorized in this Act. NASA’s 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
plans indicate that it will not be able to begin contracted- 
for crew transportation resupply operational flights until 
fiscal year 2018 even under its optimistic funding assump-
tions, which means that NASA is not likely to have a re-
quirement for more than a total of 8 commercially pro-
vided crew rotation flights prior to the expiration of the 
current Congressional commitment to continued operation 
of the ISS in 2020. Thus, it is also the sense of Congress 
that the highest priority of the Commercial Crew Program 
should be assisting the development of a safe, reliable, and 
affordable crew transportation system for transporting 
NASA astronauts to and from the ISS as soon as prac-
ticable within the funding levels authorized in this Act 
rather than making a specific date for the initiation of 
operational service drive the program planning. 
(c) INDEPENDENT COST ESTIMATE.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 30 days 
after the Federal Acquisition Regulation-based con-
tract described in subsection (d)(2) is awarded, the 
Administrator shall arrange for the initiation of an 
Independent Cost Estimate for— 
(A) all activities associated with the devel-
opment, test, demonstration, and certification 
of commercial crew transportation systems; and 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(B) transportation and rescue services re-
quired by NASA for ISS operations through 
calendar year 2020 or later if NASA require-
ments so dictate. 
(2) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than one year 
after initiation of the Independent Cost Estimate 
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall trans-
mit the results of the Independent Cost Estimate to 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate. 
(d) ACQUISITION APPROACH.— 
(1) RESTRICTION.—The Administrator shall 
not exercise any optional milestones beyond the base 
period of the Space Act Agreements established 
under the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability 
initiative. 
(2) SOURCE SELECTION.—To cover all develop-
ment, test, demonstration, and certification activities 
not included in the base period of the Commercial 
Crew Integrated Capability Space Act Agreements, 
the Administrator shall conduct a Federal Acquisi-
tion Regulation-based competitive source selection 
for a cost plus incentive fee contract for all activities 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
related to the development, test, demonstration, and 
certification of one or more commercially provided 
crew transportation systems to transport NASA as-
tronauts to and from the ISS and serve as an emer-
gency crew rescue vehicle as soon as practicable 
under the authorized funding and while ensuring 
that all safety requirements are met. The number of 
systems selected shall be consistent with the funding 
levels authorized in this Act. The Administrator 
shall identify a methodology by which NASA will en-
sure that the Government is not charged for con-
tractor costs incurred during development, testing, 
demonstration, and certification activities by an 
awardee of the Federal Acquisition Regulation-based 
contract for operational commercial crew transpor-
tation services. 
(3) COST
MINIMIZATION.—The Administrator 
shall strive through the competitive selection process 
to minimize the life cycle cost to NASA through the 
planned period of commercially provided crew trans-
portation services. 
(e) SAFETY.—Consistent with the findings and rec-
ommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation 
Board, the Administrator shall seek to ensure that mini-
mization of the probability of loss of crew shall be an im-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
portant selection criterion in the competitive selection de-
scribed in subsection (d). 
(f) DETERMINATION OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF 
SERVICES.—NASA, prior to contracting for commercial 
crew transportation services, shall identify the manner by 
which it will establish whether such transportation services 
provide an equally or more cost-effective alternative to 
current services. 
(g) OPERATIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may not 
enter into a contract for commercially provided crew 
transportation services developed and certified as de-
scribed in subsection (b) in which the price per seat 
or total amount charged per year shall be greater 
than the amount charged per seat or on an annual 
basis for Soyuz crew transfer services agreed to on 
April 22, 2013. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days before 
entering into a contract for commercial crew trans-
portation services, the Administrator shall provide a 
report to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate identifying the methodology and 
criteria by which the Administrator determined that 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
the price per seat or total annual amount charged 
per year of procured commercial transportation serv-
ices is not greater than the amount charged per seat 
for Soyuz crew transfer services agreed to on April 
22, 2013. The Administrator shall also certify, using 
the methodology identified pursuant to subsection 
(d)(2), that the service transportation costs con-
tracted for do not include contractor costs incurred 
during development, testing, demonstration, and cer-
tification activities. If the Administrator determines 
that NASA is unable to enter into a contract under 
the terms specified in paragraph (1), the Adminis-
trator shall report that determination to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate, and shall also report what alternative contract 
arrangement the Administrator will seek to enter 
into at least 60 days before entering into such an al-
ternative contract. 
SEC. 217. COMMERCIAL CREW TRANSPORTATION DEVELOP-
MENT INDEPENDENT REVIEW. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The congressionally established 
Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) shall conduct a 
review to determine whether NASA has— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) adequate assurance that the requirements, 
standards, and processes for commercial transpor-
tation systems developed with NASA funding are 
held to the same safety standards as Government 
human spaceflight missions; and 
(2) developed a procedure to provide inde-
pendent assurance of flight safety and flight readi-
ness before the authorization of United States Gov-
ernment personnel to participate as crew onboard 
any commercial space transportation system. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Aerospace Safety Advisory 
Panel shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate a report describing— 
(1) the Panel’s assessment of NASA’s certifi-
cation strategy, specifications, and guidance; 
(2) the Panel’s view of the mandatory safety re-
quirements that must be met; and 
(3) the steps NASA and the commercial space 
industry need to take to ensure that commercial 
crew transportation and rescue vehicles have require-
ments, standards, and processes equivalent to those 
of NASA. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(c) PROHIBITION AGAINST FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 
PRIOR TO ASAP REPORT.—The Administrator may not 
enter into any financially binding contract with a commer-
cial space transportation services provider for crew trans-
portation services until 30 days after the Committees’ re-
ceipt of the report under subsection (b). 
(d) CERTIFICATION.—The Administrator may not 
enter into any financially binding contract with a commer-
cial space transportation services provider for crew trans-
portation services until— 
(1) the Administrator has transmitted to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate a certification that— 
(A) the provider with which a contract is 
planned has demonstrated the safety and reli-
ability of its systems for crew transportation 
and crew rescue to be equivalent to NASA-pro-
mulgated safety and reliability policies, proce-
dures, and standards for human spaceflight; 
and 
(B) successful flight experience accrued 
has provided NASA with sufficient safety-re-
lated and reliability-related data and informa-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
tion to make an informed assessment about the 
flight readiness; and 
(2) all indemnification and liability issues asso-
ciated with the use of such systems by the United 
States Government have been addressed, and the 
Administrator has transmitted to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
describing the indemnification and liability provi-
sions that are planned to be included in such con-
tracts. 
SEC. 218. INTEGRATED PLAN TO EFFECT MAXIMUM UTILI-
ZATION OF THE ISS. 
(a) PURPOSE.—NASA shall seek to maximize the 
productivity and use of the ISS with respect to scientific 
and technological research and development, advancement 
of space exploration, and international collaboration. 
(b) PLAN.—NASA shall develop an up-to-date, com-
prehensive, and integrated plan to achieve the purpose 
stated in subsection (a) that includes— 
(1) a list of planned activities, including any ac-
tivities in support of the goal established in section 
201, that the Administrator believes require exten-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
sion of the ISS beyond 2020 to carry out, along with 
the rationale for carrying out those activities; 
(2) funding requirements; 
(3) research or technology objectives to be 
achieved, including those established to enable the 
achievement of the goal established in section 201; 
(4) success criteria; and 
(5) the details of— 
(A) the specific objectives for using the 
ISS through 2020; 
(B) priorities attributed to these objectives; 
(C) resources required to achieve these ob-
jectives on an annual basis; 
(D) how NASA will achieve those objec-
tives and how Congress can measure NASA’s 
progress on those objectives; 
(E) key assumptions driving the plan; and 
(F) what NASA will do with the unused 
capacity and capabilities of the ISS if potential 
users of the National Laboratory decide not to 
make significant use of it. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide 
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and 
concurrently to the Office of Management and Budget, the 
plan developed under subsection (b). 
SEC. 219. CENTRIFUGE. 
If a commitment is made to extend ISS operation and 
utilization past 2020, the Administrator shall take all nec-
essary steps to provide for the inclusion on the ISS of a 
variable gravity centrifuge of sufficient size and capability 
to support both plant and animal research, along with nec-
essary support facilities, as soon as practicable. 
SEC. 220. MANAGEMENT OF THE ISS NATIONAL LABORA-
TORY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter 
into an arrangement with the National Academies for an 
independent assessment of the status of and performance 
under the cooperative agreement with the Center for the 
Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) for the man-
agement of the portion of the ISS that operates as a 
United States National Laboratory. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit 
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
containing the independent assessment conducted pursu-
ant to subsection (a). The report shall address— 
(1) the extent to which CASIS is helping to en-
sure that the ISS’s unique capabilities are available 
to the broadest possible cross section of United 
States scientific, technological, and industrial com-
munities; 
(2) the status of CASIS’s development and 
management of a varied research and development 
portfolio based on United States national needs; 
(3) progress in establishing a marketplace to fa-
cilitate matching research pathways with qualified 
funding sources; 
(4) efforts to stimulate interest in using the 
National Laboratory for research and technology 
demonstrations and as a platform for science, tech-
nology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) edu-
cation; and 
(5) the status of NASA’s efforts to transition 
responsibilities to CASIS for managing the National 
Laboratory research portfolio, including planning 
and coordinating ground and on-orbit research ac-
tivities. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 221. BARRIERS IMPEDING ENHANCED UTILIZATION OF 
THE ISS’S NATIONAL LABORATORY BY COM-
MERCIAL COMPANIES. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) enhanced utilization of the ISS’s National 
Laboratory requires a full understanding of the bar-
riers impeding such utilization and actions needed to 
be taken to remove or mitigate them to the max-
imum extent practicable; and 
(2) doing so will allow NASA to encourage com-
mercial companies to invest in microgravity research 
using National Laboratory research facilities. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter 
into an arrangement with the National Academies for an 
assessment to— 
(1) identify barriers impeding enhanced utiliza-
tion of the ISS’s National Laboratory; 
(2) recommend ways to encourage commercial 
companies to make greater use of the ISS’s National 
Laboratory, including corporate investment in micro-
gravity research; and 
(3) identify any legislative changes that may be 
required. 
(c) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than one year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
the results of the assessment described in subsection (b). 
Subtitle C—Other Operations 
SEC. 231. INTEGRATED SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NET-
WORK AND INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) PLAN.—The Administrator shall prepare an up-
dated plan for NASA’s near-Earth, space, and deep space 
communications network and infrastructure. The plan 
shall— 
(1) identify steps to sustain the existing net-
work and infrastructure; 
(2) assess the capabilities, including any up-
grades, needed to support NASA’s programs; 
(3) identify priorities for how resources should 
be used to implement the plan; and 
(4) assess the impact on missions if resources 
are not secured at the level needed. 
(b) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
transmit the plan to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
TITLE III—SCIENCE 
Subtitle A—Space Science 
SEC. 301. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING A BALANCED 
SPACE SCIENCE PROGRAM. 
It is the sense of Congress that a balanced and ade-
quately funded set of activities consistent with the prior-
ities identified in the National Academies’ decadal surveys 
constitutes a robust and productive space science program 
that will advance knowledge and serve as a catalyst for 
innovation, with such activities consisting of— 
(1) research and analysis grants programs; 
(2) technology development; 
(3) small, medium, and large space missions; 
and 
(4) suborbital research activities. 
SEC. 302. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING INTEGRATED 
TESTING OF JAMES WEBB SPACE TELE-
SCOPE. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) 
will revolutionize our understanding of star and 
planet formation and how galaxies evolved, and ad-
vance the search for the origins of our universe; 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(2) the JWST will enable American scientists to 
maintain their leadership in astrophysics and other 
disciplines; 
(3) the JWST program is making steady 
progress towards a launch in 2018; 
(4) the on-time and on-budget delivery of 
JWST is a high congressional priority; and 
(5) maintaining this progress will require the 
Administrator to ensure that integrated testing is 
appropriately timed and sufficiently comprehensive 
to enable potential issues to be identified and ad-
dressed early enough to be handled within JWST’s 
development schedule. 
SEC. 303. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING WFIRST MIS-
SION. 
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator, 
to the extent practicable, should make progress on the 
technologies and capabilities needed to position NASA to 
meet the objectives of the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Tel-
escope (WFIRST) mission, as outlined in the 2010 Na-
tional Academies’ astronomy and astrophysics decadal 
survey, in a way that maximizes the scientific productivity 
of meeting those objectives for the resources invested. It 
is further the sense of Congress that the WFIRST mission 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
has the potential to enable scientific discoveries that will 
transform our understanding of the universe. 
SEC. 304. ASTROBIOLOGY SCIENCE STRATEGY. 
(a) FINDING.—Both the National Academies’ astron-
omy and astrophysics decadal survey of 2010 and the 
planetary science decadal survey of 2011 discuss scientific 
objectives related to astrobiology. However, a comprehen-
sive, independent science strategy for astrobiology has not 
been carried out. 
(b) SCIENCE STRATEGY.—Building on the work of 
the Astrobiology Roadmap process, the Administrator 
shall enter into an arrangement with the National Acad-
emies for a comprehensive assessment of the state of 
science in astrobiology and development of a strategy for 
astrobiology science research and activities. The strategy 
shall take into account the National Academies’ planetary 
science and astronomy and astrophysics decadal surveys 
as well as other relevant National Academies studies on 
NASA’s astrobiology program. 
(c) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 20 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
transmit the results of the study to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 305. ASSESSMENT OF MARS ARCHITECTURE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter 
into an arrangement with the National Academies to as-
sess— 
(1) NASA’s revised post-2016 Mars exploration 
architecture and its responsiveness to the strategies, 
priorities, and guidelines put forward by National 
Academies’ planetary science decadal surveys and 
other relevant National Academies Mars-related re-
ports; 
(2) the long-term goals of NASA’s Mars Explo-
ration Program and such program’s ability to opti-
mize the science return, given the current fiscal pos-
ture of the program; 
(3) the Mars architecture’s relationship to 
Mars-related activities to be undertaken by agencies 
and organizations outside of the United States; and 
(4) the extent to which the Mars architecture 
represents a reasonably balanced mission portfolio. 
(b) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
transmit the results of the assessment to the Committee 
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 306. RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that conducting deep space exploration requires ra-
dioisotope thermoelectric generators, and establishing con-
tinuity in the production of the material needed to power 
these generators is paramount to the success of these fu-
ture deep space missions. It is further the sense of Con-
gress that Federal agencies supporting NASA in the pro-
duction of such material should do so in a cost effective 
manner so as not to impose excessive reimbursement re-
quirements on NASA. 
(b) ANALYSIS OF REQUIREMENTS AND RISKS.—The 
Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agen-
cies, shall conduct an analysis of NASA requirements for 
radioisotope power system material. The analysis shall— 
(1) detail NASA’s current projected mission re-
quirements, and associated timeframes, for radioiso-
tope power system material; 
(2) identify the assumptions used to determine 
NASA’s requirements for the material, including— 
(A) the planned use of Advanced Stirling 
Radioisotope Generator technology; 
(B) the status of and timeline for com-
pleting development and demonstration of the 
Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator tech-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
nology, including the development of flight 
readiness requirements; and 
(C) the risks, implications, and contin-
gencies for NASA mission plans of any delays 
or unanticipated technical challenges related to 
the anticipated use of Advanced Stirling Radio-
isotope Generator technology; 
(3) assess the risk to NASA programs of any 
potential delays in achieving the schedule and mile-
stones for planned domestic production of radioiso-
tope power system material; 
(4) describe the process for meeting any addi-
tional NASA requirements for the material; 
(5) provide an estimate of the incremental costs 
required to increase the amount of material pro-
duced each year, if such an increase is needed to 
support additional NASA requirements for the mate-
rial; 
(6) provide details on— 
(A) what costs NASA will incur that are 
associated with the radioisotope power systems 
used by NASA and other Government entities; 
and 
(B) how NASA will ensure that its reim-
bursements to DOE are equitable and justified; 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(7) identify what steps, if any, NASA will take 
with DOE to preserve the infrastructure and work-
force necessary for production of radioisotope power 
systems; and 
(8) identify the extent to which NASA’s strat-
egy is responsive to the recommendations and find-
ings from the National Research Council’s 2009 re-
port titled ‘‘Radioisotope Power Systems: An Imper-
ative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space Ex-
ploration’’. 
(c) TRANSMITTAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
transmit the results of the analysis to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate. 
SEC. 307. UNIVERSITY CLASS SCIENCE MISSIONS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that principal investigator-led small orbital science 
missions, including CubeSat class, University Explorer 
(UNEX) class, Small Explorer (SMEX) class, and Ven-
ture class, offer valuable opportunities to advance science 
at low cost, train the next generation of scientists and en-
gineers, and enable participants in the program to acquire 
skills in systems engineering and systems integration that 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
(c) SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION REQUEST.—If 
sufficient appropriations are not available to cover termi-
nation liability costs in the appropriations account that is 
funding the prime contract being terminated, the Adminis-
trator shall provide to Congress a supplemental appropria-
tion request to cover such termination liability costs. Such 
request shall be provided not later than 120 days in ad-
vance of the contract termination settlement for the cov-
ered program. 
(d) INTENT OF CONGRESS.—It is the intent of Con-
gress to provide such additional appropriations as may be 
necessary to provide for termination liability payments on 
contracts for covered programs. 
(e) REPORTING.—Not later than 6 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months there-
after for the duration of the prime contracts for the cov-
ered programs, the Administrator shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
that— 
(1) estimates termination liability costs for each 
of the prime contracts on covered programs; and 
(2) explains the basis on which the estimates 
were determined. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00063
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS
transmit the results of the review to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate. 
SEC. 704. REVIEW OF PRACTICES TO DETECT AND PRE-
VENT THE USE OF COUNTERFEIT PARTS. 
Not later than one year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a review 
of NASA’s processes and controls to detect and prevent 
the use of counterfeit parts in NASA mission projects, in-
struments, and other mission-related assets. The review 
shall examine— 
(1) the trends in known and identified counter-
feit parts in NASA’s supply chain; 
(2) NASA’s processes and controls to detect 
counterfeit parts and prevent their incorporation 
into NASA mission projects, instruments, and other 
mission-related assets; 
(3) key differences between how the Depart-
ment of Defense and NASA detect and prevent the 
use of counterfeit parts, and lessons learned by the 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
22:41 Jul 09, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00069
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2616.IH
H2616
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with BILLS