1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Space Research Innovation Act”.
Space Research Innovation Act
A BILL
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.
2. Research Center for Deep-Space and Interplanetary Research
In general— The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, using the authority under section 2304(c)(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.
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.
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 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; and
a nonprofit or not-for-profit research institution.