Radiation Measurement user facility in order to in-
corporate unmanned aircraft systems and resulting 
data into the development of combined observational 
and modeling elements; and 
(5) support and conduct leading-edge research 
and development of innovative unmanned aircraft 
and maritime technologies and concepts to advance 
research areas in subsection (c). 
(c) RESEARCH AREAS.—In carrying out the program 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall award finan-
cial assistance to eligible entities to carry out projects on 
the use of unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned mar-
itime systems to collect environmental data and monitor 
climate impacts, including— 
(1) severe weather forecasts and damage assess-
ments; 
(2) rapid flood mapping; 
(3) real-time hurricane data, including close-to- 
surface and low altitude meteorological measure-
ments; 
(4) enhanced atmospheric monitoring and sam-
pling, including physical and chemical measurements 
in the atmospheric boundary layer; 
(5) marine mammal detection and monitoring; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00074
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(6) near-real time harmful algal bloom meas-
urements for rapid response efforts; 
(7) coastal restoration and habitation moni-
toring, including detection and monitoring of marine 
debris, oil spill, and hazardous materials; 
(8) mapping, charting, and geodesy applications 
to support safety of navigation; 
(9) wildfire observations and data to improve 
fire weather modeling; 
(10) other areas related to science and steward-
ship of the climate, weather, oceans, coasts, and 
Great Lakes; and 
(11) any other areas the Administrator deems 
necessary and appropriate. 
(d) PRIORITY.—In carrying out the research areas in 
subsection (c), the Administrator shall, to the maximum 
extent practicable, prioritize activities that increase the 
Administration’s operational use of unmanned aircraft 
systems and unmanned maritime systems by extending the 
range of times, location, and conditions in which observa-
tions can be made at lower cost. As part of these activities, 
the Administrator may— 
(1) enter into contracts with one or more enti-
ties in the commercial data sector to acquire data 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00075
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
collected by unmanned aircraft systems and un-
manned maritime systems; and 
(2) leverage existing facilities, instruments, and 
tools, including the Administration’s satellites, fleet 
of ships, and crewed aircraft. 
(e) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.—In carrying out the 
program under subsection (a), and in coordination with 
the Small Business Innovation Research program, the Ad-
ministrator shall support technology transfer of unmanned 
aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems re-
search by partnering with Federal agencies and industry. 
(f) COORDINATION.—The Administrator shall coordi-
nate the activities authorized in this section with the ac-
tivities authorized in section 3 of the Commercial Engage-
ment Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 
4102) and engage with other Federal departments and 
agencies, research communities, nongovernmental organi-
zations, and industry stakeholders through the inter-
agency committee established by section 103. 
(g) SUPPORT OF INSTITUTES.—For the purposes of 
the program in subsection (a), the Administrator may sup-
port relevant activities at one or more Institutes as de-
scribed in section 201(a) of this Act for the purpose of 
advancing the field of unmanned aircraft systems or un-
manned maritime systems. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00076
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(h) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration 
to carry out this section— 
(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; 
(2) $15,750,000 for fiscal year 2024; 
(3) $16,537,500 for fiscal year 2025; 
(4) $17,364,375 for fiscal year 2026; and 
(5) $18,232,593 for fiscal year 2027. 
(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this title: 
(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The term ‘‘Administra-
tion’’ means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration. 
(2) ELIGIBLE
ENTITIES.—The term ‘‘eligible 
entities’’ means— 
(A) an institution of higher education; 
(B) a National Laboratory; 
(C) a NOAA Cooperative Institute; 
(D) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal 
government agency; 
(E) a nonprofit organization; 
(F) a private sector entity; or 
(G) a consortium of 2 or more entities de-
scribed in subparagraphs (A) through (F). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00077
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(3) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis-
trator’’ means the Administrator of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
(4) UNMANNED MARITIME SYSTEMS.—The term 
‘‘unmanned maritime systems’’ has the meaning 
given in section 2 of the Commercial Engagement 
Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 
4101). 
TITLE IX—FEDERAL AVIATION 
ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES 
SEC. 901. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH 
AND DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—As part of the Initiative, the Ad-
ministrator, in coordination with the Administrator of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other 
Federal agencies, shall carry out and support research, de-
velopment, testing, and demonstration activities to ad-
vance unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe 
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system. 
(b) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS-MANNED AIR-
CRAFT SAFETY RESEARCH.—As part of the activities 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall conduct 
comprehensive research and testing for unmanned aircraft 
systems safety, including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00078
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(1) collisions between unmanned aircraft sys-
tems of various sizes, traveling at various speeds, 
and commercial jet airliners of various sizes, trav-
eling at various speeds; 
(2) collisions between unmanned aircraft sys-
tems of various sizes, traveling at various speeds, 
and propeller planes of various sizes, traveling at 
various speeds; 
(3) collisions between unmanned aircraft sys-
tems of various sizes, traveling at various speeds, 
and blimps of various sizes, traveling at various 
speeds; 
(4) collisions between unmanned aircraft sys-
tems of various sizes, traveling at various speeds, 
and rotorcraft of various sizes, traveling at various 
speeds; and 
(5) collisions between unmanned aircraft sys-
tems and various parts of the aforementioned air-
craft, including— 
(A) windshields; 
(B) noses; 
(C) engines; 
(D) radomes; 
(E) propellers; and 
(F) wings. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00079
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
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 
summarizing the costs and results of research under sub-
section (b). 
(d) STUDY.—Not later than 30 days after the enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall commission an 
independent study to— 
(1) develop parameters to conduct research and 
development for probabilistic metrics to enable the 
identification of hazards and the assessment of risks 
as necessary to make determinations under chapter 
44807 of title 51, United States Code, that certain 
unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 
national airspace system; and 
(2) identify additional research needed to more 
effectively develop and use such metrics and make 
such determinations. 
In developing parameters for probabilistic metrics, the 
study conducted pursuant to this subsection shall take 
into account the utility of performance standards to make 
determinations under section 333(a) of the FAA Mod-
ernization and Reform Act of 2012. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00080
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(e) CONSIDERATION
OF RESULTS.—The Adminis-
trator shall consider the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (d) when making a determination de-
scribed in subsection (d)(1). 
(f) STUDY REPORT.—Not later than 9 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
the results of the study conducted under subsection (d). 
(g) PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT
OF RISKS.—The 
Administrator shall conduct research and development to 
enable a probabilistic assessment of risks to inform re-
quirements for standards for operational certification of 
public unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace. 
(h) SUPPORT FOR INSTITUTES.—The Administrator 
may support 1 or more institutes described in section 
201(a) for the purpose of advancing the field of unmanned 
aircraft systems and supporting the mission of the Admin-
istration. 
SEC. 902. UNIVERSITY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 
CENTERS. 
(a) GRANTS
FOR
ESTABLISHMENT
AND
OPER-
ATION.—The Administrator shall make grants to 1 or 
more institutions of higher education to establish and op-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00081
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
erate 1 regional university unmanned aircraft system cen-
ter in each of the 10 Federal regions which compromise 
the Standards Federal Regional Boundary System. 
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The responsibilities of each 
unmanned aircraft systems center established under this 
section shall include the conduct of advanced air mobility 
research and research concerning safely integrating un-
manned aircraft systems into the national airspace system 
and the interpretation, publication, and dissemination of 
the results of such research. The responsibility of one such 
center may include research on detect and avoid capabili-
ties. 
(c) APPLICATION.—Any institution of higher edu-
cation interested in receiving a grant under this section 
shall submit to the Administrator an application in such 
form and containing such information as the Adminis-
trator may require. 
(d) SELECTION CRITERIA.—The Administrator shall 
select recipients of grants under this section on the basis 
of the following criteria: 
(1) The regional unmanned aircraft system cen-
ter shall be located in a State which is representative 
of the needs of the Federal region for improved un-
manned aircraft systems test facilities. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00082
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
(2) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated 
research and extension resources available for car-
rying out this subsection. 
(3) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated 
its capability to provide leadership in making na-
tional and regional contributions for addressing 
long-range and immediate unmanned aircraft sys-
tems issues. 
(4) The grant recipient should have an estab-
lished unmanned aircraft systems or related research 
program. 
(5) The grant recipient shall have a dem-
onstrated commitment to supporting ongoing un-
manned aircraft systems research programs. 
(6) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated 
ability to disseminate results of unmanned aircraft 
systems research and educational programs through 
a statewide or regionwide continuing education pro-
gram. 
(7) The Administrator shall consider the 
projects which the grant recipient proposes to carry 
out under the grant. 
(e) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of a grant 
under this section shall be 50 percent of the costs of estab-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00083
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
lishing and operating the regional center and related re-
search activities carried out by the grant recipient. 
(f) NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT; FUNCTIONS.—The Ad-
ministrator shall establish in the Administration a 
national advisory council to coordinate the research 
and training to be carried out by the grant recipi-
ents, to disseminate the results of such research, to 
act as a clearing house between such centers and the 
unmanned aircraft systems industry, and to review 
and evaluate programs carried out by such centers. 
(2) MEMBERS.—The national advisory council 
established under this subsection shall be composed 
of the directors of the unmanned aircraft systems 
centers and 19 other members appointed by the Ad-
ministrator as follows: 
(A) 6 officers of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration, one of whom represents the Office 
of the Administrator, one of whom represents 
the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration 
Office, one of whom represents the Office of 
NextGen, one of whom represents the Office of 
Aviation Safety, one of whom represents the Of-
fice of Air Traffic Organization, and one of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
21:53 Dec 23, 2022
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H9376.IH
H9376
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB