H.R. 1368: DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

This bill, titled the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, aims to enhance cooperation between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in research and development (R&D) activities. Below are the main components of what the bill intends to accomplish:

Research and Development Collaboration

The Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of NASA will work together on collaborative research projects that align with their respective mission requirements. This collaboration includes the possibility of making competitive awards to support such initiatives.

Memoranda of Understanding

The coordination of activities will be formalized through memoranda of understanding or similar interagency agreements.

Types of Collaborative Activities

The bill specifies areas where DOE and NASA may conduct joint research and development, which could involve:

• Propulsion systems, focusing on nuclear thermal and electric propulsion and advanced nuclear fuels.
• Modeling and simulation techniques, including machine learning and data analysis aimed at mission optimization.
• Studies in high energy physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, especially around dark energy and dark matter.
• Research in fundamental earth and environmental sciences.
• Quantum information sciences, encompassing quantum computing and network infrastructure.
• Investigating radiation health effects.
• Technologies for solar energy transmission from space to Earth.
• Other relevant areas deemed important for achieving the missions of both agencies.

Data Management and Information Sharing

Efforts will be made to develop methods for handling large voluntary data sets, particularly those related to space and aeronautics. This includes promoting collaboration and ensuring secure data and information sharing between the DOE, NASA, National Laboratories, and other relevant bodies.

Agreements and Collaborations

The bill allows the Secretary and Administrator to enter into agreements to facilitate their collaborative activities, including arrangements that may involve reimbursement or cooperation with other federal agencies.

Merit Review Process

Any competitive awards for R&D projects initiated under this legislation will be based on merit. This process considers applications from various institutions and organizations, including federal agencies, National Laboratories, and educational institutions.

Reporting Requirements

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary and Administrator must report to certain congressional committees on:

• The interagency coordination activities undertaken.
• How these activities enhance the technical capabilities of the DOE and NASA.
• Achievements resulting from collaborative research efforts.
• Future areas for mutual collaboration, including the potential for advancing clean energy technologies.
• Ongoing coordination initiatives between the two agencies.

Research Security

The activities authorized by this bill will adhere to guidelines established under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act concerning research security.

Relevant Companies

None found