NASA Talent Exchange Program Act

This bill establishes a public-private talent program for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This program permits the temporary assignment of NASA employees to private sector entities and, conversely, private sector employees to NASA. Such assignments, which require the agreement of the private entity and consent of the employee, can last between 90 days and two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years in total if critical mission needs are identified. Agreements for NASA employees assigned to the private sector require a service obligation upon completion and prohibit the improper use of predecisional information for the private entity's benefit. Conversely, private sector employees assigned to NASA continue to receive pay from their original employer and are considered federal employees for specific legal and ethical purposes, though they cannot perform inherently governmental work or access trade secrets. The Administrator must certify that assignments will not negatively impact NASA's mission, ensure normal duties can be performed by others, and implement a system to manage potential conflicts of interest . The bill also mandates an annual report to Congress detailing the program's implementation and talent management benefits.