II Calendar No. 259 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 171 [Report No. 115–181] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 17, 2017 Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Thune , Mr. Nelson , Ms. Murkowski , Mr. Schatz , Ms. Cantwell , and Mr. Wicker ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation November 7, 2017 Reported by Mr. Thune , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments and Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2017 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. References to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002. TITLE I—General provisions Sec. 101. Strength and distribution in grade. Sec. 102. Recalled officers. Sec. 103. Obligated service requirement. Sec. 104. Training and physical fitness. Sec. 105. Recruiting materials. Sec. 106. Technical correction. TITLE II—Parity and recruitment Sec. 201. Education loans. Sec. 202. Interest payments. Sec. 203. Student pre-commissioning program. Sec. 204. Limitation on educational assistance. Sec. 205. Applicability of certain provisions of title 10, United States Code, and extension of certain authorities applicable to members of the Armed Forces to commissioned officer corps. Sec. 206. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code. Sec. 207. Legion of Merit award. Sec. 208. Prohibition on retaliatory personnel actions. Sec. 209. Penalties for wearing uniform without authority. Sec. 210. Application of certain provisions of competitive service law. Sec. 211. Employment and reemployment rights. Sec. 212. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps for purposes of certain hiring decisions. Sec. 213. Direct hire authority. TITLE III—Appointments and promotion of officers Sec. 301. Appointments. Sec. 302. Personnel boards. Sec. 303. Delegation of authority. Sec. 304. Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. Sec. 305. Temporary appointments. Sec. 306. Officer candidates. Sec. 307. Procurement of personnel. TITLE IV—Separation and retirement of officers Sec. 401. Involuntary retirement or separation. Sec. 402. Separation pay. TITLE V—Hydrographic services and other matters Sec. 501. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998. Sec. 502. Waivers of bond requirements for certain contracts. 2. References to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). I General provisions 101. Strength and distribution in grade Section 214 ( 33 U.S.C. 3004 ) is amended to read as follows: 214. Strength and distribution in grade (a) Grades The commissioned grades in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration are the following, in relative rank with officers of the Navy: (1) Vice admiral. (2) Rear admiral. (3) Rear admiral (lower half). (4) Captain. (5) Commander. (6) Lieutenant commander. (7) Lieutenant. (8) Lieutenant (junior grade). (9) Ensign. (b) Grade distribution The Secretary shall prescribe, with respect to the distribution on the lineal list in grade, the percentages applicable to the grades set forth in subsection (a). (c) Annual computation of number in grade (1) In general Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall make a computation to determine the number of officers on the lineal list authorized to be serving in each grade. (2) Method of computation The number in each grade shall be computed by applying the applicable percentage to the total number of such officers serving on active duty on the date the computation is made. (3) Fractions If a final fraction occurs in computing the authorized number of officers in a grade, the nearest whole number shall be taken. If the fraction is ½ , the next higher whole number shall be taken. (d) Temporary increase in numbers The total number of officers authorized by law to be on the lineal list during a fiscal year may be temporarily exceeded if the average number on that list during that fiscal year does not exceed the authorized number. (e) Positions of importance and responsibility Officers serving in positions designated under section 228(a) and officers recalled from retired status shall not be counted when computing authorized strengths under subsection (c) and shall not count against those strengths. (f) Preservation of grade and pay No officer may be reduced in grade or pay or separated from the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as the result of a computation made to determine the authorized number of officers in the various grades. . 102. Recalled officers Section 215 ( 33 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking Effective and inserting the following: (a) In general Effective ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Positions of importance and responsibility Officers serving in positions designated under section 228 and officers recalled from retired status or detailed to an agency other than the Administration— (1) may not be counted in determining the total number of authorized officers on the lineal list under this section; and (2) may not count against such number. . 103. Obligated service requirement (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 216. Obligated service requirement (a) In general (1) Rulemaking The Secretary shall prescribe the obligated service requirements for appointments, training, promotions, separations, continuations, and retirement of officers not otherwise covered by law. (2) Written agreements The Secretary and officers shall enter into written agreements that describe the officers’ obligated service requirements prescribed under paragraph (1) in return for such appointments, training, promotions, separations, and retirements as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Repayment for failure To satisfy requirements (1) In general The Secretary may require an officer who fails to meet the service requirements prescribed under subsection (a)(1) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the training provided to that officer by the Secretary as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve. (2) Obligation as debt to United States An obligation to reimburse the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be considered for all purposes as a debt owed to the United States. (3) Discharge in bankruptcy A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (a)(2) does not discharge the individual signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement. (c) Waiver or suspension of compliance The Secretary may waive the service obligation of an officer who— (1) becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that officer; or (2) is— (A) not physically qualified for appointment; and (B) determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the officer's own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 215 the following: Sec. 216. Obligated service requirement. . 104. Training and physical fitness (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as amended by section 103(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 217. Training and physical fitness (a) Training The Secretary may take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that officers are prepared to carry out their duties in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration and proficient in the skills necessary to carry out such duties. Such measures may include the following: (1) Carrying out training programs and correspondence courses, including establishing and operating a basic officer training program to provide initial indoctrination and maritime vocational training for officer candidates as well as refresher training, mid-career training, aviation training, and such other training as the Secretary considers necessary for officer development and proficiency. (2) Providing officers and officer candidates with books and school supplies. (3) Acquiring such equipment as may be necessary for training and instructional purposes. (b) Physical fitness The Secretary shall ensure that officers maintain a high physical state of readiness by establishing standards of physical fitness for officers that are substantially equivalent to those prescribed for officers in the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 103(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 216 the following: Sec. 217. Training and physical fitness. . 105. Recruiting materials (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as amended by section 104(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 218. Use of recruiting materials for public relations The Secretary may use for public relations purposes of the Department of Commerce any advertising materials developed for use for recruitment and retention of personnel for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Any such use shall be under such conditions and subject to such restrictions as the Secretary shall prescribe. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 104(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 217 the following: Sec. 218. Use of recruiting materials for public relations. . 106. Technical correction Section 101(21)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting in the commissioned officer corps before of the National . II Parity and recruitment 201. Education loans (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 267. Education loan repayment program (a) Authority To repay education loans For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty who have skills required by the commissioned officer corps, the Secretary may repay, in the case of a person described in subsection (b), a loan that— (1) was used by the person to finance education; and (2) was obtained from a governmental entity, private financial institution, educational institution, or other authorized entity. (b) Eligible persons To be eligible to obtain a loan repayment under this section, a person must— (1) satisfy one of the requirements specified in subsection (c); (2) be fully qualified for, or hold, an appointment as a commissioned officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and (3) sign a written agreement to serve on active duty, or, if on active duty, to remain on active duty for a period in addition to any other incurred active duty obligation. (c) Academic and professional requirements One of the following academic requirements must be satisfied for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual for a loan repayment under this section: (1) The person is fully qualified in a profession that the Secretary has determined to be necessary to meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps. (2) The person is enrolled as a full-time student in the final year of a course of study at an accredited educational institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) leading to a degree in a profession that will meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps. (d) Loan repayments (1) In general Subject to the limits established under paragraph (2), a loan repayment under this section may consist of the payment of the principal, interest, and related expenses of a loan obtained by a person described in subsection (b). (2) Limitation on amount For each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may pay not more than the amount specified in section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code. (e) Active duty service obligation (1) In general A person entering into an agreement described in subsection (b)(3) incurs an active duty service obligation. (2) Length of obligation determined under regulations (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the length of the obligation under paragraph (1) shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. (B) Minimum obligation The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) may not provide for a period of obligation of less than 1 year for each maximum annual amount, or portion thereof, paid on behalf of the person for qualified loans. (3) Persons on active duty before entering into agreement The active duty service obligation of persons on active duty before entering into the agreement shall be served after the conclusion of any other obligation incurred under the agreement. (f) Effect of failure To complete obligation (1) Alternative obligations An officer who is relieved of the officer's active duty obligation under this section before the completion of that obligation may be given any alternative obligation, at the discretion of the Secretary. (2) Repayment An officer who does not complete the period of active duty specified in the agreement entered into under subsection (b)(3), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (1), shall be subject to the repayment provisions under section 216. (g) Rulemaking The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section, including— (1) standards for qualified loans and authorized payees; and (2) other terms and conditions for the making of loan repayments. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 266 the following: Sec. 267. Education loan repayment program. . 202. Interest payments (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by section 201(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 268. Interest payment program (a) Authority The Secretary may pay the interest and any special allowances that accrue on one or more student loans of an eligible officer, in accordance with this section. (b) Eligible officers An officer is eligible for the benefit described in subsection (a) while the officer— (1) is serving on active duty; (2) has not completed more than 3 years of service on active duty; (3) is the debtor on one or more unpaid loans described in subsection (c); and (4) is not in default on any such loan. (c) Student loans The authority to make payments under subsection (a) may be exercised with respect to the following loans: (1) A loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.). (2) A loan made under part D of such title ( 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.). (3) A loan made under part E of such title ( 20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.). (d) Maximum benefit Interest and any special allowance may be paid on behalf of an officer under this section for any of the 36 consecutive months during which the officer is eligible under subsection (b). (e) Funds for payments The Secretary may use amounts appropriated for the pay and allowances of personnel of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for payments under this section. (f) Coordination with Secretary of Education (1) In general The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Education regarding the administration of this section. (2) Transfer of funds The Secretary shall transfer to the Secretary of Education the funds necessary— (A) to pay interest and special allowances on student loans under this section (in accordance with sections 428(o), 455(l), and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(o) , 1087e(l), and 1087dd(j))); and (B) to reimburse the Secretary of Education for any reasonable administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in coordinating the program under this section with the administration of the student loan programs under parts B, D, and E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq., 1087a et seq., 1087aa et seq.). (g) Special allowance defined In this section, the term special allowance means a special allowance that is payable under section 438 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087–1 ). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 428(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(o) ) is amended— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs ; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or section 268 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 after Code, ; and (ii) by inserting or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively, after Armed Forces . (2) Sections 455(l) and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087e(l) and 1087dd(j)) are each amended— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs ; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or section 264 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 after Code, ; and (ii) by inserting or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively after Armed Forces . (c) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 201(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 267 the following: Sec. 268. Interest payment program. . 203. Student pre-commissioning program (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by section 202(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 269. Student pre-commissioning education assistance program (a) Authority To provide financial assistance For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty, the Secretary may provide financial assistance to a person described in subsection (b) for expenses of the person while the person is pursuing on a full-time basis at an accredited educational institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) a program of education approved by the Secretary that leads to— (1) a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or (2) a postbaccalaureate degree. (b) Eligible persons (1) In general A person is eligible to obtain financial assistance under subsection (a) if the person— (A) is enrolled on a full-time basis in a program of education referred to in subsection (a) at any educational institution described in such subsection; (B) meets all of the requirements for acceptance into the commissioned officer corps of the Administration except for the completion of a baccalaureate degree; and (C) enters into a written agreement with the Secretary described in paragraph (2). (2) Agreement A written agreement referred to in paragraph (1)(C) is an agreement between the person and the Secretary in which the person— (A) agrees to accept an appointment as an officer, if tendered; and (B) upon completion of the person's educational program, agrees to serve on active duty, immediately after appointment, for— (i) up to 3 years if the person received less than 3 years of assistance; and (ii) up to 5 years if the person received at least 3 years of assistance. (c) Qualifying expenses Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under subsection (a) are the following: (1) Tuition and fees charged by the educational institution involved. (2) The cost of books. (3) In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses. (4) Such other expenses as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Limitation on amount The Secretary shall prescribe the amount of financial assistance provided to a person under subsection (a), which may not exceed the amount specified in section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code, for each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(2). (e) Duration of assistance Financial assistance may be provided to a person under subsection (a) for not more than 5 consecutive academic years. (f) Subsistence allowance (1) In general A person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) shall be entitled to a monthly subsistence allowance at a rate prescribed under paragraph (2) for the duration of the period for which the person receives such financial assistance. (2) Determination of amount The Secretary shall prescribe monthly rates for subsistence allowance provided under paragraph (1), which shall be equal to the amount specified in section 2144(a) of title 10, United States Code. (g) Initial clothing allowance (1) Training The Secretary may prescribe a sum which shall be credited to each person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) to cover the cost of the person's initial clothing and equipment issue. (2) Appointment Upon completion of the program of education for which a person receives financial assistance under subsection (a) and acceptance of appointment in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, the person may be issued a subsequent clothing allowance equivalent to that normally provided to a newly appointed officer. (h) Termination of financial assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall terminate the assistance provided to a person under this section if— (A) the Secretary accepts a request by the person to be released from an agreement described in subsection (b)(2); (B) the misconduct of the person results in a failure to complete the period of active duty required under the agreement; or (C) the person fails to fulfill any term or condition of the agreement. (2) Reimbursement The Secretary may require a person who receives assistance described in subsection (c), (f), or (g) under an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the assistance provided to that person as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve under the agreement. (3) Waiver The Secretary may waive the service obligation of a person through an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) if the person— (A) becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that person; or (B) is— (i) not physically qualified for appointment; and (ii) determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the person's own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct. (4) Obligation as debt to United States An obligation to reimburse the Secretary imposed under paragraph (2) is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States. (5) Discharge in bankruptcy A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11, United States Code, that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) does not discharge the person signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement or under paragraph (2). (i) Regulations The Secretary may promulgate such regulations and orders as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 202(c), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 268 the following: Sec. 269. Student pre-commissioning education assistance program. . 204. Limitation on educational assistance (a) In general Each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted, the Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that the total amount expended by the Secretary under section 267 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (as added by section 201(a)), section 268 of such Act (as added by section 202(a)), and section 269 of such Act (as added by section 203(a)) does not exceed the amount by which— (1) the total amount the Secretary would pay in that fiscal year to officer candidates under section 203(f)(1) of title 37, United States Code (as added by section 306(d)), if such section entitled officers candidates to pay at monthly rates equal to the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay grade O–1 with less than 2 years of service, exceeds (2) the total amount the Secretary actually pays in that fiscal year to officer candidates under section 203(f)(1) of such title (as so added). (b) Officer candidate defined In this section, the term officer candidate has the meaning given the term in section 212 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3002 ), as added by section 306(c). 205. Applicability of certain provisions of title 10, United States Code, and extension of certain authorities applicable to members of the Armed Forces to commissioned officer corps (a) Applicability of certain provisions of title 10 Section 261(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 3071(a) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (13) through (16) as paragraphs (22) through (25), respectively; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (12) as paragraphs (14) through (19), respectively; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively; (4) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Section 771, relating to unauthorized wearing of uniforms. (5) Section 774, relating to wearing religious apparel while in uniform. (6) Section 982, relating to service on State and local juries. (7) Section 1031, relating to administration of oaths. ; (5) by inserting after paragraph (10), as redesignated, the following: (11) Section 1074n, relating to annual mental health assessments. (12) Section 1090a, relating to referrals for mental health evaluations. (13) Chapter 58, relating to the Benefits and Services for members being separated or recently separated. ; and (6) by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated, the following: (20) Subchapter I of chapter 88, relating to Military Family Programs. (21) Section 2005, relating to advanced education assistance, active duty agreements, and reimbursement requirements. . (b) Extension of certain authorities (1) Notarial services Section 1044a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services ; and (B) in subsection (b)(4), by striking armed forces both places it appears and inserting uniformed services . (2) Acceptance of voluntary services for programs serving members and their families Section 1588 of such title is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(3), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Secretary concerned for acceptance of services for programs serving members of NOAA corps and their families For purposes of the acceptance of services described in subsection (a)(3), the term Secretary concerned in subsection (a) shall include the Secretary of Commerce with respect to members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. . (3) Capstone course for newly selected flag officers Section 2153 of such title is amended— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) by inserting or the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration after in the case of the Navy ; and (ii) by striking other armed forces and inserting other uniformed services ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by inserting or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, after the Secretary of Defense . 206. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 261 the following: 261A. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code (a) Provisions made applicable to commissioned officer corps The provisions of law applicable to the Armed Forces under the following provisions of title 37, United States Code, shall apply to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration: (1) Section 324, relating to accession bonuses for new officers in critical skills. (2) Section 403(f)(3), relating to prescribing regulations defining the terms field duty and sea duty . (3) Section 403(l), relating to temporary continuation of housing allowance for dependents of members dying on active duty. (4) Section 488, relating to allowances for recruiting expenses. (5) Section 495, relating to allowances for funeral honors duty. (b) References The authority vested by title 37, United States Code, in the military departments , the Secretary concerned , or the Secretary of Defense with respect to the provisions of law referred to in subsection (a) shall be exercised, with respect to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, by the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary's designee. . (b) Personal money allowance Section 414 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting or the director of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration after Health Service . (c) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 261 the following: Sec. 261A. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code. . 207. Legion of Merit award Section 1121 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services . 208. Prohibition on retaliatory personnel actions (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 261 ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 ), as amended by section 205(a), is further amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (25) as paragraphs (9) through (26), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8) Section 1034, relating to protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions. . (b) Conforming amendment Subsection (b) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following: For purposes of paragraph (8) of subsection (a), the term Inspector General in section 1034 of such title 10 shall mean the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. . (c) Regulations Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Regulations regarding protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions The Secretary may promulgate regulations to carry out the application of section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including by promulgating such administrative procedures for investigation and appeal within the commissioned officer corps as the Secretary considers appropriate. . 209. Penalties for wearing uniform without authority Section 702 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking Service or any and inserting Service, the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any . 210. Application of certain provisions of competitive service law Section 3304(f) of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting and members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey) separated from such uniformed service after separated from the armed forces ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking or veteran and inserting , veteran, or member ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by inserting and members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey) separated from such uniformed service after separated from the armed forces . 211. Employment and reemployment rights Section 4303(16) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, after Public Health Service, . 212. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps for purposes of certain hiring decisions (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by this title, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 269A. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps as employment in Administration for purposes of certain hiring decisions (a) In general In any case in which the Secretary accepts an application for a position of employment with the Administration and limits consideration of applications for such position to applications submitted by individuals serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration, the Secretary shall deem an officer who has served as an officer in the commissioned officer corps for at least 3 years to be serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration for purposes of such limitation. (b) Career appointments If the Secretary selects an application submitted by an officer described in subsection (a) for a position described in such subsection, the Secretary shall give such officer a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, as appropriate. (c) Competitive service defined In this section, the term competitive service has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 269, as added by section 203, the following new item: Sec. 269A. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps as employment in Administration for purposes of certain hiring decisions. . 213. Direct hire authority (a) In general The head of a Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position in the agency for which the candidate meets qualification standards of the Office of Personnel Management. (b) Candidates described A candidate described in this subsection is a current or former member of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who— (1) fulfilled his or her obligated service requirement under section 216 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, as added by section 103; (2) if no longer a member of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, was not discharged or released therefrom as part of a disciplinary action; and (3) has been separated or released from service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for a period of not more than 5 years. (c) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to appointments made in fiscal year 2017 and in each fiscal year thereafter. III Appointments and promotion of officers 301. Appointments (a) Original appointments Section 221 ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 ) is amended to read as follows: 221. Original appointments and reappointments (a) Original appointments (1) Grades (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an original appointment of an officer may be made in such grades as may be appropriate for— (i) the qualification, experience, and length of service of the appointee; and (ii) the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (B) Appointment of officer candidates (i) Limitation on grade An original appointment of an officer candidate, upon graduation from the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, may not be made in any other grade than ensign. (ii) Rank Officer candidates receiving appointments as ensigns upon graduation from basic officer training program shall take rank according to their proficiency as shown by the order of their merit at date of graduation. (2) Source of appointments An original appointment may be made from among the following: (A) Graduates of the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (B) Graduates of the military service academies of the United States who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A). (C) Graduates of the maritime academies of the States who— (i) otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A); (ii) completed at least 3 years of regimented training while at a maritime academy of a State; and (iii) obtained an unlimited tonnage or unlimited horsepower Merchant Mariner Credential from the United States Coast Guard. (D) Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served 2 or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer, who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A). (3) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Maritime academies of the States The term maritime academies of the States means the following: (i) California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, California. (ii) Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Traverse City, Michigan. (iii) Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine. (iv) Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. (v) State University of New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, New York. (vi) Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Galveston, Texas. (B) Military service academies of the United States The term military service academies of the United States means the following: (i) The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. (ii) The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. (iii) The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (iv) The United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. (v) The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York. (b) Reappointment (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), an individual who previously served in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration may be appointed by the Secretary to the grade the individual held prior to separation. (2) Reappointments to higher grades An appointment under paragraph (1) to a position of importance and responsibility designated under section 228 may only be made by the President. (c) Qualifications An appointment under subsection (a) or (b) may not be given to an individual until the individual's mental, moral, physical, and professional fitness to perform the duties of an officer has been established under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe. (d) Precedence of appointees Appointees under this section shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their commissions as commissioned officers in such grade. Appointees whose dates of commission are the same shall take precedence with each other as the Secretary shall determine. (e) Inter-Service transfers For inter-service transfers (as described in the Department of Defense Directive 1300.4 (dated December 27, 2006)) the Secretary shall— (1) coordinate with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promote and streamline inter-service transfers; (2) give preference to such inter-service transfers for recruitment purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and (3) reappoint such inter-service transfers to the equivalent grade in the commissioned officer corps. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 221 and inserting the following: Sec. 221. Original appointments and reappointments. . 302. Personnel boards Section 222 ( 33 U.S.C. 3022 ) is amended to read as follows: 222. Personnel boards (a) Convening Not less frequently than once each year and at such other times as the Secretary determines necessary, the Secretary shall convene a personnel board. (b) Membership (1) In general A board convened under subsection (a) shall consist of 5 or more officers who are serving in or above the permanent grade of the officers under consideration by the board. (2) Retired officers Officers on the retired list may be recalled to serve on such personnel boards as the Secretary considers necessary. (3) No membership on 2 successive boards No officer may be a member of 2 successive personnel boards convened to consider officers of the same grade for promotion or separation. (c) Duties Each personnel board shall— (1) recommend to the Secretary such changes as may be necessary to correct any erroneous position on the lineal list that was caused by administrative error; and (2) make selections and recommendations to the Secretary and the President for the appointment, promotion, involuntary separation, continuation, and involuntary retirement of officers in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as prescribed in this title. (d) Action on recommendations not acceptable If any recommendation by a board convened under subsection (a) is not accepted by the Secretary or the President, the board shall make such further recommendations as the Secretary or the President considers appropriate. . 303. Delegation of authority Section 226 ( 33 U.S.C. 3026 ) is amended— (1) by striking Appointments and inserting the following: (a) In general Appointments ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Delegation of appointment authority If the President delegates authority to the Secretary to make appointments under this section, the President shall, during a period in which the position of the Secretary is vacant, delegate such authority to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce or the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere during such period. . 304. Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Section 228(c) ( 33 U.S.C. 3028(c) ) is amended— (1) in the fourth sentence, by striking Director and inserting Assistant Administrator ; and (2) in the heading, by inserting Assistant Administrator of the before Office . 305. Temporary appointments (a) In general Section 229 ( 33 U.S.C. 3029 ) is amended to read as follows: 229. Temporary appointments (a) Appointments by President Temporary appointments in the grade of ensign, lieutenant junior grade, or lieutenant may be made by the President. (b) Termination A temporary appointment to a position under subsection (a) shall terminate upon approval of a permanent appointment for such position made by the President. (c) Order of precedence Appointees under subsection (a) shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their appointments as officers in such grade. The order of precedence of appointees who are appointed on the same date shall be determined by the Secretary. (d) Any one grade When determined by the Secretary to be in the best interest of the commissioned officer corps, officers in any permanent grade may be temporarily promoted one grade by the President. Any such temporary promotion terminates upon the transfer of the officer to a new assignment. (e) Delegation of appointment authority If the President delegates authority to the Secretary to make appointments under this section, the President shall, during a period in which the position of the Secretary is vacant, delegate such authority to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce or the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere during such period. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 229 and inserting the following: Sec. 229. Temporary appointments. . 306. Officer candidates (a) In general Subtitle B ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 234. Officer candidates (a) Determination of number The Secretary shall determine the number of appointments of officer candidates. (b) Appointment Appointment of officer candidates shall be made under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, including regulations with respect to determining age limits, methods of selection of officer candidates, term of service as an officer candidate before graduation from the program, and all other matters affecting such appointment. (c) Dismissal The Secretary may dismiss from the basic officer training program of the Administration any officer candidate who, during the officer candidate's term as an officer candidate, the Secretary considers unsatisfactory in either academics or conduct, or not adapted for a career in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Officer candidates shall be subject to rules governing discipline prescribed by the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. (d) Agreement (1) In general Each officer candidate shall sign an agreement with the Secretary in accordance with section 216(a)(2) regarding the officer candidate's term of service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (2) Elements An agreement signed by an officer candidate under paragraph (1) shall provide that the officer candidate agrees to the following: (A) That the officer candidate will complete the course of instruction at the basic officer training program of the Administration. (B) That upon graduation from the such program, the officer candidate— (i) will accept an appointment, if tendered, as an officer; and (ii) will serve on active duty for at least 4 years immediately after such appointment. (e) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include— (1) standards for determining what constitutes a breach of an agreement signed under such subsection (d)(1); and (2) procedures for determining whether such a breach has occurred. (f) Repayment An officer candidate or former officer candidate who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under subsection (d) shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 216(b). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 233 the following: Sec. 234. Officer candidates. . (c) Officer candidate defined Section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 3002(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Officer candidate The term officer candidate means an individual who is enrolled in the basic officer training program of the Administration and is under consideration for appointment as an officer under section 221(a)(2)(A). . (d) Pay for officer candidates Section 203 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) (1) An officer candidate enrolled in the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is entitled, while participating in such program, to monthly officer candidate pay at monthly rate equal to the basic pay of an enlisted member in the pay grade E–5 with less than 2 years service. (2) An individual who graduates from such program shall receive credit for the time spent participating in such program as if such time were time served while on active duty as a commissioned officer. If the individual does not graduate from such program, such time shall not be considered creditable for active duty or pay. . 307. Procurement of personnel (a) In general Subtitle B ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.), as amended by section 306(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 235. Procurement of personnel The Secretary may make such expenditures as the Secretary considers necessary in order to obtain recruits for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including advertising. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 306(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 234 the following: 235. Procurement of personnel. . IV Separation and retirement of officers 401. Involuntary retirement or separation Section 241 ( 33 U.S.C. 3041 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons (1) In general If the Secretary determines that the evaluation of the medical condition of an officer requires hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed with confidence in a manner consistent with the officer's well being before the date on which the officer would otherwise be required to retire or be separated under this section, the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of the officer. (2) Consent required A deferment may only be made with the written consent of the officer involved. If the officer does not provide written consent to the deferment, the officer shall be retired or separated as scheduled. (3) Limitation A deferral of retirement or separation under this subsection may not extend for more than 30 days after completion of the evaluation requiring hospitalization or medical observation. . 402. Separation pay Section 242 ( 33 U.S.C. 3042 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Exception An officer discharged for twice failing selection for promotion to the next higher grade is not entitled to separation pay under this section if the officer— (1) expresses a desire not to be selected for promotion; or (2) requests removal from the list of selectees. . V Hydrographic services and other matters 501. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (a) Reauthorizations Section 306 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 ( 33 U.S.C. 892d ) is amended— (1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking There are and inserting the following: (a) In general There are ; (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1))— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking surveys— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting surveys, $70,814,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking vessels— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting vessels, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (C) in paragraph (3), by striking Administration— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting Administration, $29,932,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (D) in paragraph (4), by striking title— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting title, $26,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; and (E) in paragraph (5), by striking title— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting title, $30,564,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (b) Arctic programs Of the amount authorized by this section for each fiscal year— (1) $10,000,000 is authorized for use— (A) to acquire hydrographic data; (B) to provide hydrographic services; (C) to conduct coastal change analyses necessary to ensure safe navigation; (D) to improve the management of coastal change in the Arctic; and (E) to reduce risks of harm to Alaska Native subsistence and coastal communities associated with increased international maritime traffic; and (2) $2,000,000 is authorized for use to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services in the Arctic necessary to delineate the United States extended Continental Shelf. . (b) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Section 306 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892d ) is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Of amounts authorized by this section for each fiscal year for contract hydrographic surveys, not more than 5 percent is authorized for administrative costs associated with contract management. . 502. Waivers of bond requirements for certain contracts Section 3134 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Secretary of Commerce may waive this subchapter with respect to contracts for the construction, alteration, or repair of vessels, regardless of the terms of the contracts as to payment or title, when the contract is made under the Act entitled An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes , approved August 6, 1947 ( 33 U.S.C. 883a et seq.). .

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments and Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2017 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. References to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002. TITLE I—General provisions Sec. 101. Strength and distribution in grade. Sec. 102. Recalled officers. Sec. 103. Obligated service requirement. Sec. 104. Training and physical fitness. Sec. 105. Recruiting materials. Sec. 106. Technical correction. TITLE II—Parity and recruitment Sec. 201. Education loans. Sec. 202. Interest payments. Sec. 203. Student pre-commissioning program. Sec. 204. Limitation on educational assistance. Sec. 205. Applicability of certain provisions of title 10, United States Code, and extension of certain authorities applicable to members of the Armed Forces to commissioned officer corps. Sec. 206. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code. Sec. 207. Legion of Merit award. Sec. 208. Prohibition on retaliatory personnel actions. Sec. 209. Penalties for wearing uniform without authority. Sec. 210. Application of certain provisions of competitive service law. Sec. 211. Employment and reemployment rights. Sec. 212. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps for purposes of certain hiring decisions. Sec. 213. Direct hire authority. TITLE III—Appointments and promotion of officers Sec. 301. Appointments. Sec. 302. Personnel boards. Sec. 303. Delegation of authority. Sec. 304. Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. Sec. 305. Temporary appointments. Sec. 306. Officer candidates. Sec. 307. Procurement of personnel. TITLE IV—Separation and retirement of officers Sec. 401. Involuntary retirement or separation. Sec. 402. Separation pay. TITLE V—Hydrographic services and other matters Sec. 501. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998. Sec. 502. System for tracking and reporting all-inclusive cost of hydrographic surveys. Sec. 503. Plans for construction of new port facility for homeporting of R/V FAIRWEATHER. Sec. 504. Waivers of bond requirements for certain contracts. 2. References to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). I General provisions 101. Strength and distribution in grade Section 214 ( 33 U.S.C. 3004 ) is amended to read as follows: 214. Strength and distribution in grade (a) Grades The commissioned grades in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration are the following, in relative rank with officers of the Navy: (1) Vice admiral. (2) Rear admiral. (3) Rear admiral (lower half). (4) Captain. (5) Commander. (6) Lieutenant commander. (7) Lieutenant. (8) Lieutenant (junior grade). (9) Ensign. (b) Grade distribution The Secretary shall prescribe, with respect to the distribution on the lineal list in grade, the percentages applicable to the grades set forth in subsection (a). (c) Annual computation of number in grade (1) In general Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall make a computation to determine the number of officers on the lineal list authorized to be serving in each grade. (2) Method of computation The number in each grade shall be computed by applying the applicable percentage to the total number of such officers serving on active duty on the date the computation is made. (3) Fractions If a final fraction occurs in computing the authorized number of officers in a grade, the nearest whole number shall be taken. If the fraction is ½ , the next higher whole number shall be taken. (d) Temporary increase in numbers The total number of officers authorized by law to be on the lineal list during a fiscal year may be temporarily exceeded if the average number on that list during that fiscal year does not exceed the authorized number. (e) Positions of importance and responsibility Officers serving in positions designated under section 228(a) and officers recalled from retired status shall not be counted when computing authorized strengths under subsection (c) and shall not count against those strengths. (f) Preservation of grade and pay No officer may be reduced in grade or pay or separated from the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as the result of a computation made to determine the authorized number of officers in the various grades. . 102. Recalled officers Section 215 ( 33 U.S.C. 3005 ) is amended— (1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking Effective and inserting the following: (a) In general Effective ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Positions of importance and responsibility Officers serving in positions designated under section 228 and officers recalled from retired status or detailed to an agency other than the Administration— (1) may not be counted in determining the total number of authorized officers on the lineal list under this section; and (2) may not count against such number. . 103. Obligated service requirement (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 216. Obligated service requirement (a) In general (1) Rulemaking The Secretary shall prescribe the obligated service requirements for appointments, training, promotions, separations, continuations, and retirement of officers not otherwise covered by law. (2) Written agreements The Secretary and officers shall enter into written agreements that describe the officers’ obligated service requirements prescribed under paragraph (1) in return for such appointments, training, promotions, separations, and retirements as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Repayment for failure to satisfy requirements (1) In general The Secretary may require an officer who fails to meet the service requirements prescribed under subsection (a)(1) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the training provided to that officer by the Secretary as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve. (2) Obligation as debt to United States An obligation to reimburse the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be considered for all purposes as a debt owed to the United States. (3) Discharge in bankruptcy A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (a)(2) does not discharge the individual signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement. (c) Waiver or suspension of compliance The Secretary may waive the service obligation of an officer who— (1) becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that officer; or (2) is— (A) not physically qualified for appointment; and (B) determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the officer's own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 215 the following: Sec. 216. Obligated service requirement. . 104. Training and physical fitness (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as amended by section 103(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 217. Training and physical fitness (a) Training The Secretary may take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that officers are prepared to carry out their duties in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration and proficient in the skills necessary to carry out such duties. Such measures may include the following: (1) Carrying out training programs and correspondence courses, including establishing and operating a basic officer training program to provide initial indoctrination and maritime vocational training for officer candidates as well as refresher training, mid-career training, aviation training, and such other training as the Secretary considers necessary for officer development and proficiency. (2) Providing officers and officer candidates with books and school supplies. (3) Acquiring such equipment as may be necessary for training and instructional purposes. (b) Physical fitness The Secretary shall ensure that officers maintain a high physical state of readiness by establishing standards of physical fitness for officers that are substantially equivalent to those prescribed for officers in the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 103(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 216 the following: Sec. 217. Training and physical fitness. . 105. Recruiting materials (a) In general Subtitle A ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as amended by section 104(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 218. Use of recruiting materials for public relations The Secretary may use for public relations purposes of the Department of Commerce any advertising materials developed for use for recruitment and retention of personnel for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Any such use shall be under such conditions and subject to such restrictions as the Secretary shall prescribe. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 104(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 217 the following: Sec. 218. Use of recruiting materials for public relations. . 106. Technical correction Section 101(21)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting in the commissioned officer corps before of the National . II Parity and recruitment 201. Education loans (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 267. Education loan repayment program (a) Authority To repay education loans For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty who have skills required by the commissioned officer corps, the Secretary may repay, in the case of a person described in subsection (b), a loan that— (1) was used by the person to finance education; and (2) was obtained from a governmental entity, private financial institution, educational institution, or other authorized entity. (b) Eligible persons To be eligible to obtain a loan repayment under this section, a person must— (1) satisfy 1 of the requirements specified in subsection (c); (2) be fully qualified for, or hold, an appointment as a commissioned officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and (3) sign a written agreement to serve on active duty, or, if on active duty, to remain on active duty for a period in addition to any other incurred active duty obligation. (c) Academic and professional requirements One of the following academic requirements must be satisfied for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual for a loan repayment under this section: (1) The person is fully qualified in a profession that the Secretary has determined to be necessary to meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps. (2) The person is enrolled as a full-time student in the final year of a course of study at an accredited educational institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) leading to a degree in a profession that will meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps. (d) Loan repayments (1) In general Subject to the limits established under paragraph (2), a loan repayment under this section may consist of the payment of the principal, interest, and related expenses of a loan obtained by a person described in subsection (b). (2) Limitation on amount For each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may pay not more than the amount specified in section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code. (e) Active duty service obligation (1) In general A person entering into an agreement described in subsection (b)(3) incurs an active duty service obligation. (2) Length of obligation determined under regulations (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the length of the obligation under paragraph (1) shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. (B) Minimum obligation The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) may not provide for a period of obligation of less than 1 year for each maximum annual amount, or portion thereof, paid on behalf of the person for qualified loans. (3) Persons on active duty before entering into agreement The active duty service obligation of persons on active duty before entering into the agreement shall be served after the conclusion of any other obligation incurred under the agreement. (f) Effect of failure To complete obligation (1) Alternative obligations An officer who is relieved of the officer's active duty obligation under this section before the completion of that obligation may be given any alternative obligation, at the discretion of the Secretary. (2) Repayment An officer who does not complete the period of active duty specified in the agreement entered into under subsection (b)(3), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (1), shall be subject to the repayment provisions under section 216. (g) Rulemaking The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section, including— (1) standards for qualified loans and authorized payees; and (2) other terms and conditions for the making of loan repayments. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 266 the following: Sec. 267. Education loan repayment program. . 202. Interest payments (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by section 201(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 268. Interest payment program (a) Authority The Secretary may pay the interest and any special allowances that accrue on 1 or more student loans of an eligible officer, in accordance with this section. (b) Eligible officers An officer is eligible for the benefit described in subsection (a) while the officer— (1) is serving on active duty; (2) has not completed more than 3 years of service on active duty; (3) is the debtor on 1 or more unpaid loans described in subsection (c); and (4) is not in default on any such loan. (c) Student loans The authority to make payments under subsection (a) may be exercised with respect to the following loans: (1) A loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.). (2) A loan made under part D of such title ( 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.). (3) A loan made under part E of such title ( 20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.). (d) Maximum benefit Interest and any special allowance may be paid on behalf of an officer under this section for any of the 36 consecutive months during which the officer is eligible under subsection (b). (e) Funds for payments The Secretary may use amounts appropriated for the pay and allowances of personnel of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for payments under this section. (f) Coordination with Secretary of Education (1) In general The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Education regarding the administration of this section. (2) Transfer of funds The Secretary shall transfer to the Secretary of Education the funds necessary— (A) to pay interest and special allowances on student loans under this section (in accordance with sections 428(o), 455(l), and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(o) , 1087e(l), and 1087dd(j)); and (B) to reimburse the Secretary of Education for any reasonable administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in coordinating the program under this section with the administration of the student loan programs under parts B, D, and E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq., 1087a et seq., 1087aa et seq.). (g) Special allowance defined In this section, the term special allowance means a special allowance that is payable under section 438 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087–1 ). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 428(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1078(o) ) is amended— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs ; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or section 268 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 after Code, ; and (ii) by inserting or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively, after Armed Forces . (2) Sections 455(l) and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087e(l) and 1087dd(j)) are each amended— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs ; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or section 268 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 after Code, ; and (ii) by inserting or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively after Armed Forces . (c) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 201(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 267 the following: Sec. 268. Interest payment program. . 203. Student pre-commissioning program (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by section 202(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 269. Student pre-commissioning education assistance program (a) Authority To provide financial assistance For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty, the Secretary may provide financial assistance to a person described in subsection (b) for expenses of the person while the person is pursuing on a full-time basis at an accredited educational institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) a program of education approved by the Secretary that leads to— (1) a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or (2) a postbaccalaureate degree. (b) Eligible persons (1) In general A person is eligible to obtain financial assistance under subsection (a) if the person— (A) is enrolled on a full-time basis in a program of education referred to in subsection (a) at any educational institution described in such subsection; (B) meets all of the requirements for acceptance into the commissioned officer corps of the Administration except for the completion of a baccalaureate degree; and (C) enters into a written agreement with the Secretary described in paragraph (2). (2) Agreement A written agreement referred to in paragraph (1)(C) is an agreement between the person and the Secretary in which the person— (A) agrees to accept an appointment as an officer, if tendered; and (B) upon completion of the person's educational program, agrees to serve on active duty, immediately after appointment, for— (i) up to 3 years if the person received less than 3 years of assistance; and (ii) up to 5 years if the person received at least 3 years of assistance. (c) Qualifying expenses Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under subsection (a) are the following: (1) Tuition and fees charged by the educational institution involved. (2) The cost of books. (3) In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses. (4) Such other expenses as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Limitation on amount The Secretary shall prescribe the amount of financial assistance provided to a person under subsection (a), which may not exceed the amount specified in section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code, for each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(2). (e) Duration of assistance Financial assistance may be provided to a person under subsection (a) for not more than 5 consecutive academic years. (f) Subsistence allowance (1) In general A person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) shall be entitled to a monthly subsistence allowance at a rate prescribed under paragraph (2) for the duration of the period for which the person receives such financial assistance. (2) Determination of amount The Secretary shall prescribe monthly rates for subsistence allowance provided under paragraph (1), which shall be equal to the amount specified in section 2144(a) of title 10, United States Code. (g) Initial clothing allowance (1) Training The Secretary may prescribe a sum which shall be credited to each person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) to cover the cost of the person's initial clothing and equipment issue. (2) Appointment Upon completion of the program of education for which a person receives financial assistance under subsection (a) and acceptance of appointment in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, the person may be issued a subsequent clothing allowance equivalent to that normally provided to a newly appointed officer. (h) Termination of financial assistance (1) In general The Secretary shall terminate the assistance provided to a person under this section if— (A) the Secretary accepts a request by the person to be released from an agreement described in subsection (b)(2); (B) the misconduct of the person results in a failure to complete the period of active duty required under the agreement; or (C) the person fails to fulfill any term or condition of the agreement. (2) Reimbursement The Secretary may require a person who receives assistance described in subsection (c), (f), or (g) under an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the assistance provided to that person as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve under the agreement. (3) Waiver The Secretary may waive the service obligation of a person through an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) if the person— (A) becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that person; or (B) is— (i) not physically qualified for appointment; and (ii) determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the person's own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct. (4) Obligation as debt to United States An obligation to reimburse the Secretary imposed under paragraph (2) is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States. (5) Discharge in bankruptcy A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11, United States Code, that is entered less than 5 years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) does not discharge the person signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement or under paragraph (2). (i) Regulations The Secretary may promulgate such regulations and orders as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 202(c), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 268 the following: Sec. 269. Student pre-commissioning education assistance program. . 204. Limitation on educational assistance (a) In general Each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted, the Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that the total amount expended by the Secretary under section 267 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (as added by section 201(a)), section 268 of such Act (as added by section 202(a)), and section 269 of such Act (as added by section 203(a)) does not exceed the amount by which— (1) the total amount the Secretary would pay in that fiscal year to officer candidates under section 203(f)(1) of title 37, United States Code (as added by section 306(d)), if such section entitled officers candidates to pay at monthly rates equal to the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay grade O–1 with less than 2 years of service; exceeds (2) the total amount the Secretary actually pays in that fiscal year to officer candidates under section 203(f)(1) of such title (as so added). (b) Officer candidate defined In this section, the term officer candidate has the meaning given the term in section 212 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3002 ), as added by section 306(c). 205. Applicability of certain provisions of title 10, United States Code, and extension of certain authorities applicable to members of the Armed Forces to commissioned officer corps (a) Applicability of certain provisions of title 10 Section 261(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 3071(a) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (13) through (16) as paragraphs (22) through (25), respectively; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (12) as paragraphs (14) through (19), respectively; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively; (4) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Section 771, relating to unauthorized wearing of uniforms. (5) Section 774, relating to wearing religious apparel while in uniform. (6) Section 982, relating to service on State and local juries. (7) Section 1031, relating to administration of oaths. ; (5) by inserting after paragraph (10), as redesignated, the following: (11) Section 1074n, relating to annual mental health assessments. (12) Section 1090a, relating to referrals for mental health evaluations. (13) Chapter 58, relating to the Benefits and Services for members being separated or recently separated. ; and (6) by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated, the following: (20) Subchapter I of chapter 88, relating to Military Family Programs. (21) Section 2005, relating to advanced education assistance, active duty agreements, and reimbursement requirements. . (b) Extension of certain authorities (1) Notarial services Section 1044a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services ; and (B) in subsection (b)(4), by striking armed forces both places it appears and inserting uniformed services . (2) Acceptance of voluntary services for programs serving members and their families Section 1588 of such title is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(3), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Secretary concerned for acceptance of services for programs serving members of NOAA corps and their families For purposes of the acceptance of services described in subsection (a)(3), the term Secretary concerned in subsection (a) shall include the Secretary of Commerce with respect to members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. . (3) Capstone course for newly selected flag officers Section 2153 of such title is amended— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) by inserting or the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration after in the case of the Navy ; and (ii) by striking other armed forces and inserting other uniformed services ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by inserting or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, after the Secretary of Defense . 206. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 261 the following: 261A. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code (a) Provisions made applicable to commissioned officer corps The provisions of law applicable to the Armed Forces under the following provisions of title 37, United States Code, shall apply to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration: (1) Section 324, relating to accession bonuses for new officers in critical skills. (2) Section 403(f)(3), relating to prescribing regulations defining the terms field duty and sea duty . (3) Section 403(l), relating to temporary continuation of housing allowance for dependents of members dying on active duty. (4) Section 488, relating to allowances for recruiting expenses. (5) Section 495, relating to allowances for funeral honors duty. (b) References The authority vested by title 37, United States Code, in the military departments , the Secretary concerned , or the Secretary of Defense with respect to the provisions of law referred to in subsection (a) shall be exercised, with respect to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, by the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary's designee. . (b) Personal money allowance Section 414 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting or the director of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration after Health Service . (c) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 261 the following: Sec. 261A. Applicability of certain provisions of title 37, United States Code. . 207. Legion of Merit award Section 1121 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking armed forces and inserting uniformed services . 208. Prohibition on retaliatory personnel actions (a) In general Subsection (a) of section 261 ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 ), as amended by section 205(a), is further amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (25) as paragraphs (9) through (26), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8) Section 1034, relating to protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions. . (b) Conforming amendment Subsection (b) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following: For purposes of paragraph (8) of subsection (a), the term Inspector General in section 1034 of such title 10 shall mean the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. . (c) Regulations Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Regulations regarding protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions The Secretary may promulgate regulations to carry out the application of section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including by promulgating such administrative procedures for investigation and appeal within the commissioned officer corps as the Secretary considers appropriate. . 209. Penalties for wearing uniform without authority Section 702 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking Service or any and inserting Service, the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any . 210. Application of certain provisions of competitive service law Section 3304(f) of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting and members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey) separated from such uniformed service after separated from the armed forces ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking or veteran and inserting , veteran, or member ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by inserting and members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or its predecessor organization the Coast and Geodetic Survey) separated from such uniformed service after separated from the armed forces . 211. Employment and reemployment rights Section 4303(16) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, after Public Health Service, . 212. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps for purposes of certain hiring decisions (a) In general Subtitle E ( 33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.), as amended by this title, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 269A. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps as employment in Administration for purposes of certain hiring decisions (a) In general In any case in which the Secretary accepts an application for a position of employment with the Administration and limits consideration of applications for such position to applications submitted by individuals serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration, the Secretary shall deem an officer who has served as an officer in the commissioned officer corps for at least 3 years to be serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration for purposes of such limitation. (b) Career appointments If the Secretary selects an application submitted by an officer described in subsection (a) for a position described in such subsection, the Secretary shall give such officer a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, as appropriate. (c) Competitive service defined In this section, the term competitive service has the meaning given the term in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 269, as added by section 203, the following new item: Sec. 269A. Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps as employment in Administration for purposes of certain hiring decisions. . 213. Direct hire authority (a) In general The head of a Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position in the agency for which the candidate meets qualification standards of the Office of Personnel Management. (b) Candidates described A candidate described in this subsection is a current or former member of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who— (1) fulfilled his or her obligated service requirement under section 216 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, as added by section 103; (2) if no longer a member of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, was not discharged or released therefrom as part of a disciplinary action; and (3) has been separated or released from service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for a period of not more than 5 years. (c) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to appointments made in fiscal year 2017 and in each fiscal year thereafter. III Appointments and promotion of officers 301. Appointments (a) Original appointments Section 221 ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 ) is amended to read as follows: 221. Original appointments and reappointments (a) Original appointments (1) Grades (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an original appointment of an officer may be made in such grades as may be appropriate for— (i) the qualification, experience, and length of service of the appointee; and (ii) the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (B) Appointment of officer candidates (i) Limitation on grade An original appointment of an officer candidate, upon graduation from the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, may not be made in any other grade than ensign. (ii) Rank Officer candidates receiving appointments as ensigns upon graduation from basic officer training program shall take rank according to their proficiency as shown by the order of their merit at date of graduation. (2) Source of appointments An original appointment may be made from among the following: (A) Graduates of the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (B) Graduates of the military service academies of the United States who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A). (C) Graduates of the maritime academies of the States who— (i) otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A); (ii) completed at least 3 years of regimented training while at a maritime academy of a State; and (iii) obtained an unlimited tonnage or unlimited horsepower Merchant Mariner Credential from the United States Coast Guard. (D) Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served 2 or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer, who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A). (3) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Maritime academies of the States The term maritime academies of the States means the following: (i) California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, California. (ii) Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Traverse City, Michigan. (iii) Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine. (iv) Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. (v) State University of New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, New York. (vi) Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Galveston, Texas. (B) Military service academies of the United States The term military service academies of the United States means the following: (i) The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. (ii) The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. (iii) The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. (iv) The United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. (v) The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York. (b) Reappointment (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), an individual who previously served in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration may be appointed by the Secretary to the grade the individual held prior to separation. (2) Reappointments to higher grades An appointment under paragraph (1) to a position of importance and responsibility designated under section 228 may only be made by the President. (c) Qualifications An appointment under subsection (a) or (b) may not be given to an individual until the individual's mental, moral, physical, and professional fitness to perform the duties of an officer has been established under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe. (d) Precedence of appointees Appointees under this section shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their commissions as commissioned officers in such grade. Appointees whose dates of commission are the same shall take precedence with each other as the Secretary shall determine. (e) Inter-Service transfers For inter-service transfers (as described in the Department of Defense Directive 1300.4 (dated December 27, 2006)) the Secretary shall— (1) coordinate with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promote and streamline inter-service transfers; (2) give preference to such inter-service transfers for recruitment purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and (3) reappoint such inter-service transfers to the equivalent grade in the commissioned officer corps. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 221 and inserting the following: Sec. 221. Original appointments and reappointments. . 302. Personnel boards Section 222 ( 33 U.S.C. 3022 ) is amended to read as follows: 222. Personnel boards (a) Convening Not less frequently than once each year and at such other times as the Secretary determines necessary, the Secretary shall convene a personnel board. (b) Membership (1) In general A board convened under subsection (a) shall consist of 5 or more officers who are serving in or above the permanent grade of the officers under consideration by the board. (2) Retired officers Officers on the retired list may be recalled to serve on such personnel boards as the Secretary considers necessary. (3) No membership on 2 successive boards No officer may be a member of 2 successive personnel boards convened to consider officers of the same grade for promotion or separation. (c) Duties Each personnel board shall— (1) recommend to the Secretary such changes as may be necessary to correct any erroneous position on the lineal list that was caused by administrative error; and (2) make selections and recommendations to the Secretary and the President for the appointment, promotion, involuntary separation, continuation, and involuntary retirement of officers in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as prescribed in this title. (d) Action on recommendations not acceptable If any recommendation by a board convened under subsection (a) is not accepted by the Secretary or the President, the board shall make such further recommendations as the Secretary or the President considers appropriate. . 303. Delegation of authority Section 226 ( 33 U.S.C. 3026 ) is amended— (1) by striking Appointments and inserting the following: (a) In general Appointments ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Delegation of appointment authority If the President delegates authority to the Secretary to make appointments under this section, the President shall, during a period in which the position of the Secretary is vacant, delegate such authority to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce or the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere during such period. . 304. Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Section 228(c) ( 33 U.S.C. 3028(c) ) is amended— (1) in the fourth sentence, by striking Director and inserting Assistant Administrator ; and (2) in the heading, by inserting Assistant Administrator of the before Office . 305. Temporary appointments (a) In general Section 229 ( 33 U.S.C. 3029 ) is amended to read as follows: 229. Temporary appointments (a) Appointments by President Temporary appointments in the grade of ensign, lieutenant junior grade, or lieutenant may be made by the President. (b) Termination A temporary appointment to a position under subsection (a) shall terminate upon approval of a permanent appointment for such position made by the President. (c) Order of precedence Appointees under subsection (a) shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their appointments as officers in such grade. The order of precedence of appointees who are appointed on the same date shall be determined by the Secretary. (d) Any one grade When determined by the Secretary to be in the best interest of the commissioned officer corps, officers in any permanent grade may be temporarily promoted one grade by the President. Any such temporary promotion terminates upon the transfer of the officer to a new assignment. (e) Delegation of appointment authority If the President delegates authority to the Secretary to make appointments under this section, the President shall, during a period in which the position of the Secretary is vacant, delegate such authority to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce or the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere during such period. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 229 and inserting the following: Sec. 229. Temporary appointments. . 306. Officer candidates (a) In general Subtitle B ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 234. Officer candidates (a) Determination of number The Secretary shall determine the number of appointments of officer candidates. (b) Appointment Appointment of officer candidates shall be made under regulations which the Secretary shall prescribe, including regulations with respect to determining age limits, methods of selection of officer candidates, term of service as an officer candidate before graduation from the program, and all other matters affecting such appointment. (c) Dismissal The Secretary may dismiss from the basic officer training program of the Administration any officer candidate who, during the officer candidate's term as an officer candidate, the Secretary considers unsatisfactory in either academics or conduct, or not adapted for a career in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Officer candidates shall be subject to rules governing discipline prescribed by the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. (d) Agreement (1) In general Each officer candidate shall sign an agreement with the Secretary in accordance with section 216(a)(2) regarding the officer candidate's term of service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. (2) Elements An agreement signed by an officer candidate under paragraph (1) shall provide that the officer candidate agrees to the following: (A) That the officer candidate will complete the course of instruction at the basic officer training program of the Administration. (B) That upon graduation from the such program, the officer candidate— (i) will accept an appointment, if tendered, as an officer; and (ii) will serve on active duty for at least 4 years immediately after such appointment. (e) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include— (1) standards for determining what constitutes a breach of an agreement signed under such subsection (d)(1); and (2) procedures for determining whether such a breach has occurred. (f) Repayment An officer candidate or former officer candidate who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under section (d) shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 216(b). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 233 the following: Sec. 234. Officer candidates. . (c) Officer candidate defined Section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 3002(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Officer candidate The term officer candidate means an individual who is enrolled in the basic officer training program of the Administration and is under consideration for appointment as an officer under section 221(a)(2)(A). . (d) Pay for officer candidates Section 203 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) (1) An officer candidate enrolled in the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is entitled, while participating in such program, to monthly officer candidate pay at monthly rate equal to the basic pay of an enlisted member in the pay grade E–5 with less than 2 years service. (2) An individual who graduates from such program shall receive credit for the time spent participating in such program as if such time were time served while on active duty as a commissioned officer. If the individual does not graduate from such program, such time shall not be considered creditable for active duty or pay. . 307. Procurement of personnel (a) In general Subtitle B ( 33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.), as amended by section 306(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: 235. Procurement of personnel The Secretary may make such expenditures as the Secretary considers necessary in order to obtain recruits for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including advertising. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ), as amended by section 306(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 234 the following: 235. Procurement of personnel. . IV Separation and retirement of officers 401. Involuntary retirement or separation Section 241 ( 33 U.S.C. 3041 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Deferment of retirement or separation for medical reasons (1) In general If the Secretary determines that the evaluation of the medical condition of an officer requires hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed with confidence in a manner consistent with the officer's well being before the date on which the officer would otherwise be required to retire or be separated under this section, the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of the officer. (2) Consent required A deferment may only be made with the written consent of the officer involved. If the officer does not provide written consent to the deferment, the officer shall be retired or separated as scheduled. (3) Limitation A deferral of retirement or separation under this subsection may not extend for more than 30 days after completion of the evaluation requiring hospitalization or medical observation. . 402. Separation pay Section 242 ( 33 U.S.C. 3042 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Exception An officer discharged for twice failing selection for promotion to the next higher grade is not entitled to separation pay under this section if the officer— (1) expresses a desire not to be selected for promotion; or (2) requests removal from the list of selectees. . V Hydrographic services and other matters 501. Reauthorization of Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (a) Reauthorizations Section 306 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 ( 33 U.S.C. 892d ) is amended— (1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking There are and inserting the following: (a) In general There are ; (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1))— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking surveys— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting surveys, $70,814,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking vessels— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting vessels, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (C) in paragraph (3), by striking Administration— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting Administration, $29,932,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; (D) in paragraph (4), by striking title— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting title, $26,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; and (E) in paragraph (5), by striking title— and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting title, $30,564,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (b) Arctic programs Of the amount authorized by this section for each fiscal year— (1) $10,000,000 is authorized for use— (A) to acquire hydrographic data; (B) to provide hydrographic services; (C) to conduct coastal change analyses necessary to ensure safe navigation; (D) to improve the management of coastal change in the Arctic; and (E) to reduce risks of harm to Alaska Native subsistence and coastal communities associated with increased international maritime traffic; and (2) $2,000,000 is authorized for use to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services in the Arctic necessary to delineate the United States extended Continental Shelf. . (b) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Section 306 of such Act ( 33 U.S.C. 892d ) is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Limitation on administrative expenses for surveys Of amounts authorized by this section for each fiscal year for contract hydrographic surveys, not more than 5 percent is authorized for administrative costs associated with contract management. . 502. System for tracking and reporting all-inclusive cost of hydrographic surveys (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall— (1) develop and implement a system to track and report the full cost to the Department of Commerce of hydrographic data collection, including costs relating to vessel acquisition, vessel repair, and administration of contracts to procure data; (2) evaluate additional measures for comparing cost per unit effort beyond square nautical miles; and (3) submit to Congress a report on which additional measures for comparing cost per unit effort the Secretary intends to use and the rationale for such use. (b) Development of strategy for increased contracting with nongovernmental entities for hydrographic data collection Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the activities required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop a strategy for how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will increase contracting with nongovernmental entities for hydrographic data collection in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act ( Public Law 111–11 ; 33 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). 503. Plans for construction of new port facility for homeporting of R/V FAIRWEATHER (a) Acceptance of funds authorized The Secretary of Commerce may accept non-Federal funds for the purpose of obtaining such cost estimates, designs, and permits as may be necessary for construction of a new port facility— (1) to facilitate the homeporting of the R/V FAIRWEATHER in accordance with title II of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 ( Public Law 107–77 ; 115 Stat. 775); and (2) that is under the administrative jurisdiction of the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere. (b) Strategic plan required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for the construction described in subsection (a). 504. Waivers of bond requirements for certain contracts Section 3134 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Secretary of Commerce may waive this subchapter with respect to contracts for the construction, alteration, or repair of vessels, regardless of the terms of the contracts as to payment or title, when the contract is made under the Act entitled An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes , approved August 6, 1947 ( 33 U.S.C. 883a et seq.). .

November 7, 2017 Reported with an amendment