This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator to establish a pilot program for public and private investment in infrastructure projects at NASA Centers. The primary goal is to facilitate the repair, maintenance, and improvement of common use infrastructure , defined as facilities benefiting multiple users at a NASA Center, such as roadways and pipelines. Under this program, NASA may enter into agreements to collect voluntary infrastructure contributions from commercial entities, as well as federal, state, and local authorities. These contributions will fund specific capital projects, with provisions for transparency including cost and schedule baselines, and a breakdown of final project costs. Importantly, NASA cannot condition other commercial agreements on a company's willingness to contribute to these infrastructure projects. Funds collected will be used for a broad range of activities, including renovation, construction, and modernization of NASA-owned infrastructure that supports commercial and public activities. The bill mandates consultation with other public entities to avoid duplication and maximize capability. Any unexpended contributions from commercial entities must be refunded or redesignated to another eligible project at the contributor's election. The authority to collect these voluntary contributions is set to terminate on December 31, 2031, and NASA is required to submit annual reports and biennial updates to Congress on the program's progress and expenditures.
This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator to establish a pilot program for public and private investment in infrastructure projects at NASA Centers. The primary goal is to facilitate the repair, maintenance, and improvement of common use infrastructure , defined as facilities benefiting multiple users at a NASA Center, such as roadways and pipelines. Under this program, NASA may enter into agreements to collect voluntary infrastructure contributions from commercial entities, as well as federal, state, and local authorities. These contributions will fund specific capital projects, with provisions for transparency including cost and schedule baselines, and a breakdown of final project costs. Importantly, NASA cannot condition other commercial agreements on a company's willingness to contribute to these infrastructure projects. Funds collected will be used for a broad range of activities, including renovation, construction, and modernization of NASA-owned infrastructure that supports commercial and public activities. The bill mandates consultation with other public entities to avoid duplication and maximize capability. Any unexpended contributions from commercial entities must be refunded or redesignated to another eligible project at the contributor's election. The authority to collect these voluntary contributions is set to terminate on December 31, 2031, and NASA is required to submit annual reports and biennial updates to Congress on the program's progress and expenditures.