launch vehicles. This study shall determine specific dif-
ferences in the design, manufacture, processing, and overall
management and infrastructure of current United States
and foreign expendable space launch vehicles. The study
shall also determine the approximate effect of these dif-
ferences on the relative cost, reliability, and operational effi-
ciency of such space launch systems. This study shall be
conducted in consultation with the Department of Defense
and, as appropriate, other Federal agencies, United States
industries, and institutions of higher education. The results
of this study shall be submitted to the Congress no later
than October 1, 1995.
SEC. 209. UNIVERSITY INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
STUDY.
(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that—
(1) institutions of higher education offer a sig-
nificant resource for the conduct of innovative sci-
entific and technological research to advance the Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration’s mis-
sion;
(2) the National Aeronautics and Space Admin-
istration should act to broaden the foundation of its
research base by increasing the direct involvement of
research laboratories of institutions of higher edu-
cation in the development of technology for space
science;
(3) the National Aeronautics and Space Admin-
istration should commit to strengthening research
programs in technology of institutions of higher edu-
cation beyond contracting with institutions of higher
education for services in support of specific programs;
and
(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Admin-
istration should develop mechanisms to foster innova-
tive technological research at institutions of higher
education that do not participate in the University
Space Engineering Research Centers.
(b) STUDY.—The Administrator shall undertake a
study of the feasibility and potential implementation of a
University Innovative Research Program which—
(1) promotes technological innovation in the
United States by using the Nation’s institutions of
higher education to help meet the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration’s research and de-
velopment needs, by stimulating technology transfer
between institutions of higher education and industry,
and by encouraging participation by minority and
disadvantaged persons in technological innovation;
(2) is modeled on the Small Business Innovation
Research Program;
(3) avoids duplication of existing National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration programs with the
institutions of higher education; and
(4) derives funding from the Space Research and
Technology program.
(c) COMPLETION.—The study required by subsection
(b) shall be completed and its results submitted to the Con-
gress within one year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(d) ADVICE.—In carrying out the study required by
subsection (b), the Administrator shall seek the advice of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Advi-
sory Council, the National Research Council’s Aeronautics
and Space Engineering Board and Space Studies Board,
and other organizations as appropriate.
SEC. 210. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
shall give consideration to geographical distribution of its
research and development funds whenever feasible.
SEC. 
211. 
ADDITIONAL 
NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS 
AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION FACILITIES.
(a) SELECTION IN DEPRESSED COMMUNITIES.—When
consistent with the goals of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration and cost-effective, the Administrator
shall select sites in depressed communities for new programs
or functions of the National Aeronautics and Space Admin-
istration, unless those new programs or functions are so
closely related to programs or functions carried out at an
existing facility as to require being carried out at that exist-
ing facility.
(b) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the
term ‘‘depressed communities’’ means rural and urban com-
munities that are relatively depressed, in terms of age of
housing, extent of poverty, growth of per capita income, ex-
tent of unemployment, job lag, or surplus labor.
SEC. 212. RECIPROCITY.
(a) GENERAL RULE.—Except as provided in sub-
section (b), no contract or subcontract may be made with
funds authorized under this Act to a company organized
under the laws of a foreign country unless the Adminis-
trator finds that such country affords comparable opportu-
nities to companies organized under the laws of the United
States.
(b) EXCEPTION.—(1) The Administrator may waive
the rule stated under subsection (a) if the products or serv-
ices required are not reasonably available from—
(A) companies organized under the laws of the
United States; or
(B) companies organized under the laws of a for-
eign country which the Administrator finds affords
comparable opportunities to companies organized
under the laws of the United States.
Any such waiver shall be reported to the Congress.
(2) Subsection (a) shall not apply to the extent that
to do so would violate the General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade or any other international agreement to which
the United States is a party.
SEC. 213. STUDY ON TDRSS AND COMMERCIAL SATELLITE
SYSTEM CONVERGENCE.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—The Administrator shall conduct
a study on the convergence of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
System (TDRSS) with commercial communications sat-
ellite systems. The study shall assess whether a converged
system, from which the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration would buy tracking and data relay services,
could—
(1) satisfy the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration’s tracking and data relay require-
ments;
(2) reduce the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration’s expenses in satisfying tracking and
data relay requirements through maintenance and op-
erations of the TDRSS;
(3) be financed, developed, and operated by the
private sector;
(4) serve commercial communication needs;
(5) be established to satisfy the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration’s requirements in
time to obviate the need to procure TDRSS spacecraft
beyond the tenth flight; and
(6) encourage the growth of the commercial sat-
ellite communications market.
(b) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study, the Ad-
ministrator shall consult with commercial satellite opera-
tors, including the International Telecommunications Sat-
ellite Organization, other international satellite operators,
and United States satellite operators, as appropriate, and
shall also consult with the Department of Defense concern-
ing its requirements for tracking and data relay services.
(c) REPORT.—The Administrator shall report on the
study’s findings and recommendations on feasibility of con-
vergence 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
by February 15, 1995.