((a)) ** Backup capability** The Under Secretary shall acquire backup for the capabilities of the WP–3D Orion and G–IV hurricane aircraft of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is sufficient to prevent a single point of failure.

((b)) ** Authority to enter agreements** In order to carry out subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall negotiate and enter into 1 or more agreements or contracts, to the extent practicable and necessary, with governmental and non-governmental entities.

((c)) ** Future technology** The Under Secretary shall continue the development of Airborne Phased Array Radar under the United States Weather Research Program.

((d)) ** Authorization of appropriations** For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2020, support for implementing subsections (a) and (b) is authorized out of funds appropriated to the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.