This bill aims to significantly bolster the athletic programs at the United States Merchant Marine Academy by authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to establish a new, federally-owned nonprofit corporation in New York. This corporation will operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes to support USMMA athletics, organized as a 501(c)(3) entity with a board of directors that may include Department of Transportation employees in an oversight role. The legislation grants the Secretary broad authority to engage with this corporation, including entering into contracts and cooperative agreements , and even allowing for sole-source contracts to acquire property or services directly for the Academy. It also permits the leasing of USMMA real property to the corporation for up to five years, provided the property is not immediately needed, with all proceeds dedicated to athletic support. Additionally, the Secretary can provide essential support services and transfer assets from existing nonappropriated fund instrumentalities to the new corporation. A crucial aspect of the bill is the ability for the Secretary to accept funds, supplies, and services from the corporation, as well as directly from other sources like the National Collegiate Athletic Association, specifically for USMMA athletics. These funds can be retained and expended until used. The bill further amends existing law to allow the Secretary to license USMMA trademarks and service marks , with the resulting fees used to cover licensing program costs and support Academy recruiting activities, ensuring all such activities maintain the integrity of the Department of Transportation.