H.R. 108

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To allow the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish a research center for deep space and interplanetary research, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · January 3, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Biggs of Arizona · Committee: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

Table of contents

• H.R. 108
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Research Center for Deep-Space and Interplanetary Research

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Space Research Innovation Act.

SEC. 2. Research Center for Deep-Space and Interplanetary Research

• (a) In general
  • The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, using the authority under section 3204(a)(3)(B) of title 10, United States Code, shall—
    • establish a university-affiliated research center to facilitate capabilities in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
    • use such a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research; and
    • ensure such a university-affiliated research center—
      • is held accountable for the technical quality of the work product developed under this section; and
      • has established expertise in convening academic and private sector groups to facilitate research and private-public partnerships.
• (b) Policies and procedures
  • The Administrator shall develop and implement policies and procedures to govern, with respect to the establishment of the university-affiliated research center under subsection (a)—
    • the selection of participants;
    • the award of cooperative agreements or other contracts;
    • the appropriate use of competitive awards and sole source awards; and
    • the technical capabilities required.
• (c) Eligibility
  • The following entities shall be eligible to participate in a university-affiliated research center established under subsection (a):
    • An institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ()). 20 U.S.C. 1002
    • An operator of a federally funded research and development center.
    • A nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution.