[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9376 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9376
To provide for a coordinated Federal initiative to accelerate unmanned
aircraft systems civilian and advanced air mobility research and
development for economic and national security, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 1, 2022
Mr. Lucas (for himself, Mrs. Bice of Oklahoma, Mr. Babin, Mrs. Kim of
California, and Mr. Ellzey) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in
addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, Transportation and
Infrastructure, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for a coordinated Federal initiative to accelerate unmanned
aircraft systems civilian and advanced air mobility research and
development for economic and national security, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Drone and
Advanced Air Mobility Initiative Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Purposes.
TITLE I--NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INITIATIVE
Sec. 101. National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative.
Sec. 102. National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative Office.
Sec. 103. Coordination by Interagency Committee.
Sec. 104. National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative Advisory
Committee.
Sec. 105. GAO study on foreign drones.
TITLE II--NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH INSTITUTES
Sec. 201. National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research Institutes.
TITLE III--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES
Sec. 301. National Institute of Standards and Technology activities.
Sec. 302. National Institute of Standards and Technology manufacturing
activities.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
Sec. 401. National Science Foundation activities.
TITLE V--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
Sec. 501. National Aeronautics and Space Administration activities.
Sec. 502. National student unmanned aircraft systems competition
program.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES
Sec. 601. Department of Energy research program.
TITLE VII--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACTIVITIES
Sec. 701. Department of Homeland Security activities.
TITLE VIII--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
Sec. 801. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research and
development.
TITLE IX--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
Sec. 901. Federal Aviation Administration research and development.
Sec. 902. University unmanned aircraft systems centers.
Sec. 903. Allowance for the purposes of research and development.
Sec. 904. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 905. Definitions.
TITLE X--LIMITATION
Sec. 1001. Limitation.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Unmanned aircraft systems have the potential to change
and transform sectors of the United States economy.
(2) Current uses and applications of unmanned aircraft
systems include agriculture, law enforcement, public safety,
disaster evaluation and response, fire detection, border
security, weather forecasting, construction, utility
monitoring, and many other uses and applications.
(3) Research, development, demonstration, testing, and
evaluation of counter-UAS systems activities are critical to
fully understand the capabilities of and threats posed by
unmanned aircraft systems.
(4) Unmanned aircraft systems are subject to safety,
privacy, cybersecurity, and supply chain risks, particularly as
most unmanned aircraft systems in the United States are
manufactured or assembled from parts manufactured in foreign
countries.
(5) National and homeland security threats posed by
unmanned aircraft systems include criminal and terrorist use
for espionage, surveillance, and intelligence gathering,
smuggling drugs and contraband, and platforms to deliver
explosives or chemicals, biological, radiological or nuclear
weapons, and other firearms.
(6) The Federal Government has an important role in
advancing research, development, voluntary consensus standards,
and education activities in unmanned aircraft systems and
counter-UAS systems technologies through coordination and
collaboration between State, local, Federal, and Tribal
governments, academia, and the private sector.
(7) There is a lack of voluntary consensus standards for
unmanned aircraft systems for academia and the public and
private sectors.
(8) The United States needs to invest in domestic
manufacturing and secure supply chains of unmanned aircraft
systems to meet the demand by the Government and the commercial
sectors, to reduce reliance on foreign-made systems.
(9) Advanced air mobility aims to transform the way people
and goods are transported through new capabilities and
applications.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air
mobility'' means air transportation systems that transport
individuals and property between points in the United States
using aircraft, such as remotely piloted, autonomous, or
vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including those powered
by electric or hybrid driven propulsions, in both controlled
and uncontrolled airspace.
(2) Advisory committee.--The term ``Advisory Committee''
means the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative
Advisory Committee established under section 104(a).
(3) Counter-UAS system.--The term ``counter-UAS system''
has the meaning given such term in section 44801(5) of title
49, United States Code.
(4) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative'' means the National
Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative established under
section 101(a).
(5) Initiative office.--The term ``Initiative Office''
means the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative
Office established under section 102(a).
(6) Institute.--The term ``Institute'' means a Drone and
Advanced Air Mobility Research Institute described in section
201(b).
(7) Interagency committee.--The terms ``Interagency
Committee'' means the interagency committee established under
section 103(a).
(8) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(9) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft
system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801(12)
of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 4. PURPOSES.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure United States leadership in
unmanned aircraft systems by--
(1) supporting research, development, demonstration, and
testing of unmanned aircraft systems in order to--
(A) lead in secure and next generation unmanned
aircraft systems, including counter-UAS systems;
(B) promote further development of facilities and
centers available for unmanned aircraft systems
research, testing, and education;
(C) stimulate research on and promote more rapid
development of unmanned aircraft systems;
(D) promote domestic manufacturing of unmanned
aircraft systems;
(E) mitigate supply chain risks;
(F) mitigate risks to public safety and national
and homeland security;
(G) prepare the present and future United States
workforce for the integration of unmanned aircraft
systems across sectors of the economy;
(H) promote the development and adoption of
curriculum and research opportunities for unmanned
aircraft systems;
(I) enable the advanced air mobility systems
ecosystem;
(J) enhance and accelerate the integration of
unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace
System;
(K) improve safety and sustainability of ground
transportation;
(L) address basic research knowledge gaps;
(M) maximize the benefits of unmanned aircraft
systems;
(N) increase and improve environmental observations
and monitoring; and
(O) establish a robust data management strategy for
scientific data collected by unmanned systems;
(2) improving the interagency planning and coordination of
Federal research and development of unmanned aircraft systems
and maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Government's
unmanned aircraft systems research and development programs;
(3) promoting research and development collaboration among
State, local, Tribal, and Federal Governments, National
Laboratories, industry, and universities;
(4) promoting the development of voluntary consensus
standards for unmanned aircraft systems; and
(5) supporting development of an advanced air mobility
ecosystem in the United States.
TITLE I--NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INITIATIVE
SEC. 101. NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INITIATIVE.
(a) Establishment.--The President shall establish and implement an
initiative to be known as the ``National Drone and Advanced Air
Mobility Initiative''.
(b) Initiative Activities.--In carrying out the Initiative, the
President shall, acting through the Initiative Office, the Interagency
Committee, and agency heads as the President considers appropriate,
carry out activities that include the following:
(1) Sustained, consistent, and coordinated support for next
generation unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS systems
research and development through grants, cooperative
agreements, and testbeds.
(2) Support to enable advanced air mobility.
(3) Support for the development of voluntary consensus
standards and best practices for the development and use of
unmanned aircraft systems.
(4) Support for education and training activities at all
levels to prepare the United States workforce to use and
interact with unmanned aircraft systems.
(5) Support partnerships to leverage knowledge and
resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal
Governments, National Laboratories, Federal Aviation
Administration-designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Sites,
academic institutions, and others education to advance
activities under the Initiative.
(6) Interagency planning and coordination of Federal
unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration,
standards engagement, and other activities under the
Initiative.
(7) Leverage of existing Federal investments to advance the
objectives of the Initiative.
(8) Promote hardware inoperability, open-source systems,
and standards-driven hardware.
SEC. 102. NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INITIATIVE OFFICE.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish or designate, and appoint a director
of, an office to be known as the ``National Drone and Advanced Air
Mobility Initiative Office'' to carry out the responsibilities
described in subsection (b) with respect to the Initiative. The
Initiative Office shall have sufficient staff to carry out such
responsibilities, including staff detailed from the Federal departments
and agencies described in section 103(c).
(b) Responsibilities.--The Director of the Initiative Office
shall--
(1) provide technical and administrative support to--
(A) the Interagency Committee; and
(B) the Advisory Committee;
(2) serve as the point of contact on Federal civilian
unmanned aircraft systems activities for Government
organizations, academia, industry, professional societies,
State, local, Tribal, and Federal Governments, and other
stakeholders to exchange technical and programmatic
information;
(3) conduct public outreach, including dissemination of
findings and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, as
appropriate;
(4) promote access to and early application of
technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from
Initiative activities to agency missions and systems across the
Federal Government, and to United States industry; and
(5) establish a robust data management strategy that
ensures digital access and machine-readability; that promotes
findability, interoperability, analysis- and decision-readiness
and reusability; and ensures applicable scientific data are
managed for wide use by Federal, State, Tribal, and local
governments, academia, and the public.
(c) Funding.--The Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall develop an estimate of the funds necessary to carry out
the activities of the Initiative, and submit such estimate to Congress
not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act. The Director
shall update this estimate each fiscal year.
(d) Coordination.--In carrying out the Initiative Office, the
Director shall coordinate with the National Artificial Intelligence
Initiative Office and the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group to avoid
duplication of research and other activities to ensure that the
activities carried out by the Initiative Office are complementary to
those being undertaken by other interagency efforts.
SEC. 103. COORDINATION BY INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, acting through the National Science and Technology
Council, shall establish or designate an Interagency Committee to
coordinate Federal programs and activities in support of the
Initiative.
(b) Co-Chairs.--The Interagency Committee shall be co-chaired by
the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and, on a
rotating basis, a representative from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, the Federal
Aviation Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
as selected by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy.
(c) Agency Participation.--The Committee shall include--
(1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(2) the National Science Foundation;
(3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(4) the Department of Homeland Security;
(5) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(6) the Department of Energy;
(7) the Federal Aviation Administration;
(8) the Department of Defense;
(9) the Office of Management and Budget;
(10) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;
(11) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(12) the General Services Administration;
(13) the Department of Justice;
(14) the Department of Agriculture;
(15) the Department of the Interior;
(16) the Federal Communications Commission; and
(17) any other Federal agency considered appropriate by the
President.
(d) Coordination.--The Interagency Committee shall coordinate with
the National Security Council and other authorized agency coordinating
bodies on the assessment of risks posed by the existing Federal
unmanned aircraft systems fleet and outlining potential steps to
mitigate these risks.
(e) Responsibilities.--The Interagency Committee shall--
(1) provide for interagency coordination of Federal
unmanned aircraft systems research, development, and
demonstration activities, development of voluntary consensus
standards and guidelines for research, development, testing,
and adoption of unmanned aircraft systems, scientific data
management and education and training activities and programs
of Federal departments and agencies undertaken pursuant to the
Initiative;
(2) not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, develop a strategic plan for unmanned aircraft
systems (to be updated not less than every 3 years thereafter)
that--
(A) establishes goals, priorities, and metrics for
guiding and evaluating the Initiative's activities; and
(B) describes how the agencies carrying out the
Initiative will--
(i) determine and prioritize areas of
unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS
systems research, development, and
demonstration requiring Federal Government
leadership and investment;
(ii) support long-term funding for unmanned
aircraft systems research, development,
demonstration, education and public outreach
activities, and existing Federal Aviation
Administration-designated Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Test Site facilities;
(iii) support research and other activities
on national security, safety, societal,
economic, legal, workforce, and other
appropriate societal issues related unmanned
aircraft systems;
(iv) provide or facilitate access to the
necessary facilities, including existing
Federal Aviation Administration-designated
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Sites, for
unmanned aircraft systems research,
development, testing, and demonstration;
(v) reduce barriers to transferring
unmanned aircraft systems from the laboratory
into application for the benefit of society and
United States competitiveness;
(vi) support the development of an advanced
air mobility ecosystem; and
(vii) in consultation with the Council of
Economic Advisers, measure and track the
contributions of unmanned aircraft systems to
United States economic growth and other
societal indicators;
(3) propose an annually coordinated interagency budget for
the Initiative to the Office of Management and Budget that is
intended to ensure that the balance of funding across the
Initiative is sufficient to meet the goals and priorities
established for the Initiative; and
(4) in carrying out this section, take into consideration
the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, existing reports
on related topics, and the views of academic, State, industry,
and other appropriate groups.
(f) Report.--For each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2023,
not later than 90 days after submission of the President's annual
budget request for such fiscal year, the Interagency Committee shall
prepare and submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes--
(1) a summarized budget in support of the Initiative for
such fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year, including a
disaggregation of spending for each Federal agency
participating in the Initiative; and
(2) an assessment of how Federal agencies are implementing
the plan described in subsection (e)(2), and a description of
those efforts.
SEC. 104. NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INITIATIVE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The President shall establish or designate a
National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Initiative Advisory Committee.
(b) Qualifications.--The Advisory Committee established by the
President under subsection (a) shall consist of members from industry,
academic institutions, State and local governmental organizations, and
Federal laboratories, including representatives from underserved
communities. The President shall appoint members to the Advisory
Committee who are qualified to provide advice and information on
unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstrations,
education, technology transfer, commercial application, or national
security and economic concerns.
(c) Membership Consideration.--In selecting Advisory Committee
members, the President may seek and give consideration to
recommendations from the Congress, industry, the scientific community
(including the National Academies, scientific professional societies,
and academia), the defense community, and other appropriate
organizations.
(d) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall advise the President and
the Initiative Office on matters related to the Initiative, including
recommendations related to--
(1) the current state of United States competitiveness and
leadership in unmanned aircraft systems, including the scope
and scale of United States investments in unmanned aircraft
systems research and development;
(2) trends and developments in unmanned aircraft systems
technology, including barriers to adoption and use of unmanned
aircraft systems;
(3) progress made in implementing the Initiative;
(4) the management, coordination, and activities of the
Initiative;
(5) whether the strategic plan developed or updated by the
Interagency Committee established under section 103(e)(2) is
helping to maintain United States leadership in unmanned
aircraft systems;
(6) data management strategies to ensure wide use of the
scientific data collected while protecting personally
identifiable information; and
(7) whether national security, safety, societal, economic,
legal, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the
Initiative.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and not less frequently than once every 3 years
thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the President, the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, a report on the Advisory Committee's
findings and recommendations under subsection (d).
(f) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult with the
Federal Aviation Administration Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee to
ensure consistency and avoid duplication of effort.
(g) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal members of
the Advisory Committee, while attending meetings of the Advisory
Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the
Advisory Committee away from their homes or regular places of business,
may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States
Code, for individuals in the Government serving without pay. Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the Advisory
Committee who are officers or employees of the United States from being
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with existing law.
(h) Exemption.--The Advisory Committee shall be exempt from section
14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
SEC. 105. GAO STUDY ON FOREIGN DRONES.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the
use of foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems in the Federal Government
unmanned aircraft fleet.
(b) Elements.--The study under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
(1) A review of policies and practices of the Federal
Government for the procurement and operation of unmanned
aircraft systems manufactured, assembled, use components
manufactured in or software developed by a covered foreign
entity on the list maintained pursuant to subsection (d).
(2) An assessment of the following:
(A) The physical safety, privacy, cybersecurity,
and supply chain risks associated with these
technologies.
(B) The operation of these technologies across the
Federal Government.
(C) The trustworthiness and resilience of these
technologies.
(D) The availability of unmanned aircraft systems
from domestic sources for government use.
(c) GAO Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall issue a report to
Congress containing all findings and determinations made in carrying
out the study required under subsection (a).
TITLE II--NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH INSTITUTES
SEC. 201. NATIONAL DRONE AND ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH INSTITUTES.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Administrator of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall establish a
program to award financial assistance for the planning, establishment,
and support of a network of Institutes (as described in subsection
(b)(2)) in accordance with this section.
(b) Financial Assistance To Establish and Support National Drone
and Advanced Air Mobility Research Institutes.--
(1) In general.--Under the Initiative, the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director of
the National Science Foundation, the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and any other
agency head may award financial assistance, including jointly
with other agencies, to an eligible entity, or consortia
thereof, as determined by an agency head, to establish and
support an Institute.
(2) Drone and advanced air mobility institutes.--An
Institute described in this subsection is an unmanned aircraft
systems research institute that--
(A) may focus on--
(i) a particular economic or social sector,
including education, manufacturing,
agriculture, security, energy, environment, and
public safety, and includes a component that
addresses the ethical, societal, safety, and
security implications relevant to the
application of unmanned aircraft systems in
that sector; or
(ii) a cross-cutting challenge for
research, development, testing, or use of
unmanned aircraft systems;
(B) requires partnership among public and private
organizations, including, as appropriate, Federal
agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit research
organizations, Federal laboratories, State, local, and
Tribal governments, industry and others (or consortia
thereof);
(C) has the potential to create an innovation
ecosystem, or enhance existing ecosystems, to translate
Institute research into applications and products, as
appropriate to the topic of each Institute;
(D) supports and coordinates interdisciplinary
research and development across multiple institutions
and organizations involved in unmanned aircraft systems
research and related disciplines, which may include
physics, engineering, mathematical sciences, computer
and information science, robotics, material science,
cybersecurity, and technology ethics;
(E) supports interdisciplinary education activities
at all levels, including curriculum development,
research experiences, and faculty professional
development across two-year, undergraduates, masters,
and doctoral level programs;
(F) establishes a robust data management strategy
that ensures digital access and machine-readability;
that promotes findability, interoperability, analysis-
and decision-readiness and reusability; and ensures
applicable scientific data are managed for wide use by
Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, academia
and the public; and
(G) supports workforce development in unmanned
aircraft systems related disciplines in the United
States, including broadening participation of
underrepresented communities.
(3) Use of funds.--Financial assistance awarded under
paragraph (1) may be used by an Institute for--
(A) managing and making available to researchers
accessible, curated, standardized, secure, and privacy
protected data sets from the public and private sectors
for the purposes of training and testing unmanned
aircraft systems and for research and development using
unmanned aircraft systems;
(B) developing and managing testbeds, including
Federal Aviation Administration-designated Unmanned
Aircraft Systems Test Sites, for unmanned aircraft
systems, including sector-specific test beds, designed
to enable users to evaluate unmanned aircraft systems
prior to deployment;
(C) conducting research and education activities
involving unmanned aircraft systems to solve challenges
with economic, scientific, and national security
implications;
(D) conducting research and development on unmanned
aircraft systems platform development and innovation;
(E) providing or brokering access to computing
resources, networking, and data facilities for unmanned
aircraft systems research and development relevant to
the Institute's research goals;
(F) providing technical assistance to users,
including software engineering support, for unmanned
aircraft systems research and development relevant to
the Institute's research goals;
(G) supporting the purchase of unmanned aircraft
systems software;
(H) engaging in outreach and engagement to broaden
participation in unmanned aircraft systems research,
development and workforce;
(I) supporting artificial intelligence and machine
learning research related to unmanned aircraft systems;
and
(J) such other activities that an agency head whose
agency's missions contribute to or are affected by
unmanned aircraft systems determines is appropriate to
fulfill the agency's missions.
(4) Duration.--
(A) Initial periods.--An award of financial
assistance under paragraph (1) shall be for an initial
period of up to 5 years, subject to Office of
Management and Budget uniform guidance for Federal
assistance.
(B) Extension.--An established Institute may apply
for, and the agency head may grant, extended funding
for periods of 5 years on a merit-reviewed basis using
the merit review criteria of the sponsoring agency,
subject to Office of Management and Budget uniform
guidance for Federal assistance.
(5) Application for financial assistance.--
(A) In general.--A person or group of persons
seeking financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall
submit to an agency head an application at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the
agency head may require.
(B) Requirements.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) for an Institute shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
(i) A plan for the Institute to include--
(I) the proposed goals and
activities of the Institute;
(II) a description of how the
Institute will form partnerships with
other research institutions, industry,
nonprofits, academic institutions, and
others to leverage expertise in
unmanned aircraft systems and access to
data;
(III) a description of how the
institute will support long-term and
short-term education and workforce
development in unmanned aircraft
systems, including broadening
participation of underrepresented
communities; and
(IV) a description of how the
Institute will transition from planning
into operations.
(ii) A description of the anticipated
sources and nature of any non-Federal
contributions or other Federal agency funding.
(iii) A data management plan that addresses
the collection, use, retention, protection,
dissemination, and management of data
collected, consistent with the purposes of this
Act.
(iv) A description of the anticipated long-
term impact of such Institute.
(6) Competitive merit review.--In awarding financial
assistance under paragraph (1), the agency shall--
(A) use a competitive merit review process that
includes peer review by a diverse group of individuals
with relevant expertise from both the private and
public sectors; and
(B) ensure the focus areas of the Institute do not
substantially duplicate the efforts of any other
Institute.
(7) Collaboration.--
(A) In general.--In awarding financial assistance
under paragraph (1), an agency head may collaborate
with Federal departments and agencies whose missions
contribute to or are affected by unmanned aircraft
systems, including the agencies outlined in section
103(c).
(B) Coordinating network.--The Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall
establish a network of Institutes receiving financial
assistance under this subsection, to be known as the
``Drone Leadership Network'', to coordinate cross-
cutting research and other activities carried out by
the Institutes.
(C) Funding.--The head of an agency may request,
accept, and provide funds from other Federal
departments and agencies, State, United States
territory, local, or Tribal government agencies,
private sector for-profit entities, and nonprofit
entities, to be available to the extent provided by
appropriations Acts, to support an Institute's
activities. The head of an agency may not give any
special consideration to any agency or entity in return
for a donation.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
$5,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to carry out the
activities authorized in section 201(a).
TITLE III--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES
SEC. 301. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Director shall--
(1) support measurement research and development of best
practices and voluntary consensus standards for unmanned
aircraft systems, including for--
(A) privacy, security, and cybersecurity of
unmanned aircraft systems;
(B) safety of unmanned aircraft systems;
(C) hardware and components designed for unmanned
aircraft systems;
(D) data management and techniques to increase the
usability of data for unmanned aircraft systems;
(E) supply chain risks for unmanned aircraft
systems; and
(F) all other areas deemed by the Director to be
critical to the development and deployment of unmanned
aircraft systems;
(2) support one or more Institutes as described in section
201(a) of this Act for the purpose of advancing unmanned
aircraft systems;
(3) produce curated, standardized, representative, secure,
and privacy protected data sets for unmanned aircraft systems
research, development, and use, prioritizing data for high-
value, high-risk research;
(4) support and strategically engage in the development of
voluntary consensus standards, including international
standards, through open, transparent, and consensus-based
processes;
(5) enter into and perform such contracts, including
cooperative research and development arrangements and grants
and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be
necessary in the conduct of the work of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology and on such terms as the Director
considers appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this
Act; and
(6) coordinate the development of voluntary and consensus
standards and best practices with other Federal agencies as
appropriate.
(b) Data Sharing Best Practices.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall, in collaboration
with other public and private sector organizations, develop guidance to
facilitate the creation of voluntary data sharing arrangements between
industry, federally funded research centers, and Federal agencies for
the purpose of advancing unmanned aircraft systems research and
technologies, including options for partnership models between
government entities, industry, universities, and nonprofits that
incentivize each party to share the data they collected. The Director
shall also ensure that data are archived in a manner to in order to
promote findability, interoperability, analysis- and decision-readiness
and reusability of historical and near real time data across Federal,
State, Tribal, local users, including ensuring digital access and
machine-readability.
(c) Solicitation of Input.--In carrying out the activities under
this subsection, the Director shall--
(1) solicit input from university researchers, private
sector experts, relevant Federal agencies, Federal
laboratories, State, local, and Tribal governments, civil
society groups, and other relevant stakeholders; and
(2) provide opportunity for public comment on guidelines
and best practices developed as part of the Initiative, as
appropriate.
(d) Drone Research Challenges.--
(1) Prize competition.--Pursuant to section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3719), the Director shall, subject to appropriations, carry out
a program to award prizes competitively to stimulate research
and development of innovative unmanned aircraft systems
technologies in order to expand upon and improve emergency
response operations.
(2) Plan for emergency response operations.--Each prize
competition entry submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall
include a plan for unmanned aircraft systems implementation in
emergency response operations.
(3) Prize amount.--In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Director may award not more than a total of
$2,250,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition.
(4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which
a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Director
shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report
that describes the winning entry of the prize competition.
(5) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Director may consult with the heads of
relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to
carry out this section--
(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $22,050,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $23,152,500 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $24,310,125 for fiscal year 2027.
SEC. 302. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING
ACTIVITIES.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to secure the United
States international leadership in unmanned aircraft systems by
strengthening its industrial base through the bolstering of domestic
supply chains and the development and adoption of innovative
manufacturing processes.
(b) Establishment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Program as a
Part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.--The National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 25B the following:
``SEC. 25C. EXPANSION AWARDS FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PILOT
PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--The terms used in this section have the
meanings given the terms in section 25.
``(b) Establishment.--The Director shall establish as a part of the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership a pilot program of
expansion awards among participants described in subsection (c) of this
section for the purposes described in subsection (e) of this section.
``(c) Participants.--Participants receiving awards under this
section shall be Centers, or a consortium of Centers.
``(d) Award Amounts.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, an award for a recipient under this section shall be in
an amount equal to the sum of the following:
``(1) Such amount as the Director considers appropriate as
a minimum base funding level for each award under this section.
``(2) Such additional amount as the Director considers in
proportion to the manufacturing density of the region of the
recipient.
``(3) Such supplemental amounts as the Director considers
appropriate.
``(e) Purpose of Awards.--An award under this section shall be made
for one or more of the following purposes:
``(1) To provide coordinating services on--
``(A) the development of working concepts for new
unmanned aircraft systems products, including review
and design analysis;
``(B) the review and optimization of current
unmanned aircraft systems designs and components,
including industrial engineering and manufacturing
design upgrades;
``(C) rapid unmanned aircraft systems prototyping
services, including three-dimensional modeling;
``(D) software development for unmanned aircraft
systems application;
``(E) commercialization of new products and
technology to improve performance of unmanned aircraft
systems; and
``(F) supporting existing unmanned aircraft systems
and components manufacturing operations and the
development of unmanned aircraft systems and components
manufacturing operations.
``(2) To provide services to improve the resiliency of
domestic unmanned aircraft system supply chains.
``(3) To expand unmanned aircraft systems technology
services to small and medium-sized manufacturers and software
developers, which may include--
``(A) facilitating the adoption of technologies,
including smart manufacturing technologies and
practices; and
``(B) establishing partnerships, for the
development, demonstration, and deployment of unmanned
aircraft systems technologies, with--
``(i) National Laboratories (as defined in
section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 15801));
``(ii) Federal laboratories;
``(iii) Manufacturing USA institutes;
``(iv) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Industry;
and
``(v) institutions of higher education.
``(f) Applications.--Applications for awards under this section
shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, and containing such
information as the Director shall require in consultation with the
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board.
``(g) Selection.--
``(1) Reviewed and merit-based.--The Director shall ensure
that awards under this section are reviewed and merit-based.
``(2) Geographic diversity.--The Director shall endeavor to
have broad geographic diversity among selected proposals.
``(3) Criteria.--The Director shall select applications
consistent with the purposes identified pursuant to subsection
(e) to receive awards that the Director determines will achieve
one or more of the following:
``(A) Improvement of the competitiveness of
domestic unmanned aircraft systems industries in the
region in which the Center or Centers are located.
``(B) Creation of jobs or training of newly hired
employees.
``(C) Promotion of the transfer and
commercialization of research and technology from
institutions of higher education, national
laboratories, or other federally funded research
programs, and nonprofit research institutes.
``(D) Any other result the Director determines will
advance the objective set forth in section 25(c) or 26.
``(h) Global Marketplace Projects.--In making an award under this
section, the Director, in consultation with the Manufacturing Extension
Partnership Advisory Board and the Secretary, may take into
consideration whether an application has significant potential for
enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized United States
manufacturers in the global marketplace for unmanned aircraft systems
technologies.
``(i) Duration.--The Director shall ensure that the duration of an
award under this section is aligned and consistent with a Center's
cooperative agreement established in section 25(e).
``(j) Report.--After the completion of the pilot program under
subsection (b) and not later than October 1, 2025, the Director shall
submit to Congress a report that includes--
``(1) a summary description of what activities were funded
and the measurable outcomes of such activities;
``(2) a description of which types of activities under
paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and supported under,
the program under section 25;
``(3) a description of which types of activities under
paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and supported under,
the competitive awards program under section 25A; and
``(4) a recommendation, supported by a clear explanation,
as to whether the pilot program should be continued.
``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the pilot program under this section
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025.''.
(c) Manufacturing Extension Partnership Survey.--
(1) Survey.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Director shall carry out a survey of
the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers (referred to in
this section as the ``Centers'') to understand the
manufacturing capabilities of the United States manufacturers
to support a robust unmanned aircraft systems industry in the
United States.
(2) Contents.--In conducting the survey required under
subsection (a), the Director shall solicit feedback on the
following:
(A) Familiarity and current manufacturing work by
small and mid-sized manufacturers on unmanned aircraft
systems, including components, software, sensors, or
other technology associated with unmanned aircraft
systems.
(B) A list of the basic manufacturing procedures
that can be easily converted to conduct the
manufacturing of unmanned aircraft systems projects.
(C) Potential for small and mid-sized manufacturing
to work with industry and academia to support the
manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems prototypes.
(D) Potential for commercialization of ongoing
manufacturing development research related to unmanned
aircraft systems projects.
(E) A description of supply chain and technological
challenges that small and mid-sized manufacturers face
in building up unmanned aircraft systems capacity, and
the prevalence of these challenges.
(F) Regulatory and legal barriers faced by small
and mid-sized manufacturers and developers.
(G) Any challenges that small and mid-sized
manufacturers experience in recruiting skilled workers
familiar with unmanned aircraft systems manufacturing.
(H) Any other information that the Director or the
Board determine is appropriate.
(3) Report.--Not later than 60 days after completing the
survey required under subsection (a), the Director, in
consultation with the Board, shall provide a report summarizing
the results of the survey to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
(d) Manufacturing USA Program.--The Director, through the
Manufacturing USA Program, shall prioritize research, development, and
demonstration activities to enhance and grow the domestic manufacturing
capacity of unmanned aircraft systems and components. Such activities
may include--
(1) rapid-prototyping and reproduction of unmanned aircraft
systems structures;
(2) additive manufacturing to improve capabilities to
produce large tools, dies, and molds for unmanned aircraft
systems and components;
(3) testing innovative manufacturing processes and
manufactured components to improve safety, endurance, and
quality of unmanned aircraft systems;
(4) development of software to streamline fabrication and
integration of manufacturing components, such as sensors for
use in unmanned aircraft systems; and
(5) any other activities that the Director considers
appropriate.
(e) Definition.--In this title, the term ``Director'' means the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
SEC. 401. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Director shall
support research and STEM education and related activities in unmanned
aircraft systems, components, and related technologies, including
competitive awards or grants to institutions of higher education or
eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof).
(b) Use of Funds.--In carrying out the activities under subsection
(a), the Director shall--
(1) support fundamental research on the underlying
technologies for unmanned aircraft systems, components and
related technologies, which may include--
(A) improving the safety and reliability of
operation systems;
(B) developing and improving autonomous control
systems, including real-time control and autonomous
decision making;
(C) incorporating the use of artificial
intelligence into systems;
(D) improving or developing materials for unmanned
aircraft systems;
(E) understanding safety and sustainability of
unmanned aircraft systems as a part of a transportation
system, including the impacts of unmanned aircraft
systems on ground transportation;
(F) developing and improving communications
systems, including multivehicle coordination and task
and path planning; and
(G) understanding the human-drone interface;
(2) support research and development of unmanned aircraft
system enabled uses, which may include--
(A) creating new sensing tools to improve
understanding, prediction, and detection of severe
weather and natural hazards, including wildfires;
(B) enabling advanced air mobility;
(C) monitoring and surveying infrastructure;
(D) disaster reconnaissance, including the
collection of data to model and simulate disasters and
assist responders; and
(E) improving the reliable use of advanced sensing
systems in rural and agricultural settings;
(3) support research on data modeling and validation of the
use of unmanned aircraft systems;
(4) support research and development on security, including
the cybersecurity, of unmanned aerial aircraft systems;
(5) support research on the ethical use of unmanned
aircraft systems, including protection of individual privacy;
(6) support middle school and high school level STEM
education research and related activities related to unmanned
aircraft systems and related technologies, which may include--
(A) supporting curriculum development relating to
unmanned aircraft system applications, including
developing place-based learning curriculum,
particularly for students in poor, rural, and Tribal
communities;
(B) utilizing unmanned aircraft systems
technologies to advance the engagement of students,
including students in poor, rural, and Tribal
communities students, in STEM through providing before
school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer
activities;
(C) developing professional development resources
for STEM educators in utilizing unmanned aircraft
systems technologies and applications in their
curriculum and classrooms, including through distance-
delivered courses;
(D) connecting relevant STEM curriculum to the
design, construction and demonstration of unmanned
aircraft systems; and
(E) designing unmanned aircraft system related
activities designed to help students make real-world
connections to STEM content and educate students on the
relevance and significance of STEM careers;
(7) support undergraduate and graduate education and
workforce development research and related activities related
to unmanned aircraft systems and related technologies, which
may include--
(A) supporting curriculum development relating to
unmanned aircraft systems applications and
technologies;
(B) supporting hands-on research opportunities at
institutions of higher education, research
institutions, including National Labs, and industry for
undergraduate and graduate students relating to
unmanned aircraft systems applications and
technologies;
(C) facilitating participation in collegiate level
unmanned systems robotic competitions; and
(D) ensuring that students pursuing master's
degrees and doctoral degrees in fields relating to
unmanned aircraft systems are considered as applicants
for scholarships and graduate fellowships under the
Graduate Research Fellowship Program under section 10
of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42
U.S.C. 1869);
(8) support activities to develop a skilled technical
workforce for supporting and operating unmanned aircraft
systems, which may include establishing national centers
focused on educating and training the skilled technical
workforce in unmanned aircraft system applications and
technologies through the Advanced Scientific and Technical
Education Program as authorized by the Scientific and Advanced-
Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i), including by--
(A) expanding educational resources to address
current workforce demands in unmanned aircraft system
applications and technologies;
(B) developing curriculum for community and
technical colleges to train and upskill the skilled
technical workforce in unmanned aircraft system
applications and technologies;
(C) engaging the skilled technical workforce
community in STEM and unmanned aircraft system
applications and technologies; and
(D) in partnership with industry, employing
activities to increase the visibility and utility of
careers in unmanned aircraft applications and
technologies;
(9) engage veterans and departing members of the Armed
Services in activities mentioned in paragraphs (7) and (8);
(10) support one or more Institutes as described in section
201(a) for the purpose of advancing the field of unmanned
aircraft systems;
(11) support prize competitions pursuant to section 24 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3719);
(12) establish a robust data management strategy that
ensures digital access and machine-readability; that promotes
findability, interoperability, analysis- and decision-readiness
and reusability; and ensures applicable scientific data are
managed for wide use by Federal, State, Tribal, and local
governments, academia and the public; and
(13) any other activities the Director finds necessary to
meet the goals laid out in subsection (a).
(c) Public-Private Partnerships.--As part of the activities under
subsection (a), the Director shall support public-private partnerships
to support domestic development of unmanned aircraft systems in the
United States and address pre-competitive industry challenges.
(d) Interagency Coordination.--In carrying out the program under
this section, the Director shall coordinate with the heads of other
Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication of research and
other activities to ensure that the activities carried out under this
section are complementary to those being undertaken by other agencies.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $55,125,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $57,881,775 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $60,775,863 for fiscal year 2027.
(f) Definition.--In this title, the term ``Director'' means the
Director of the National Science Foundation.
TITLE V--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
SEC. 501. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and other Federal
agencies, shall direct research and technological development to
facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the
National Airspace System, including--
(1) positioning and navigation systems;
(2) sense and avoid capabilities;
(3) secure data and communication links;
(4) flight recovery systems; and
(5) human systems integration.
(b) Cooperative Unmanned Aircraft System Activities.--Section 31504
of title 51, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the
following: ``Operational flight data derived from these cooperative
agreements shall be made available, in appropriate and usable formats,
to the Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration for the
development of regulatory standards.''.
(c) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States Government that
the Administration shall work with industry, the Federal Aviation
Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland
Security, and academia to mature and help operationalize unmanned
aircraft system traffic management related concepts, architecture,
services, and strategic as well as tactical deconfliction to ensure
safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems in airspace in presence
of other aircraft. As part of those activities, the Administration
shall consider commercial and public good use cases, such as wildfire
and disaster monitoring and mitigation, with a primary focus on
enabling many simultaneous drone operations beyond visual line of
sight.
(d) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate with the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Director of
the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, State, local and
Tribal government, and industry on the development of voluntary
consensus-based standards to facilitate the incorporation of unmanned
aircraft systems into the National Airspace System and decrease the
need for regulations.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL STUDENT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS COMPETITION
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish a national
program to carry out unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility
systems technology competitions for students at the high school and
undergraduate level (in this section referred to as ``competitions'')
in which students shall compete to design, create, and demonstrate an
unmanned aircraft system.
(b) Competition Administration.--The Administrator shall select, on
a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, an institution of higher education
to administer the competitions (in this section referred to as the
``competition administrator'').
(c) Considerations for Selecting Competition Administrator.--In
selecting an institution of higher education to administer the
competition, the Administrator shall consider--
(1) the institution of higher education's prior experience
in administering such competitions;
(2) the institution of higher education's prior experience
in administering national STEM engagement programs;
(3) the institution of higher education's prior experience
in engaging eligible institutions from diverse geographic
areas, including poor, rural, and Tribal communities; and
(4) the institution of higher education's prior experience
in connecting STEM activities to Administration missions and
centers.
(d) Competition Administrator Responsibilities.--The competition
administrator shall be responsible for--
(1) awarding grants to institutions of higher education or
nonprofit organizations (or a consortium of such institutions
or organization) on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to host
individual competitions;
(2) developing STEM curriculum to be utilized by the
competition awardees to help students make the connection to
the design, construction, and demonstration of the unmanned
aircraft or advanced air mobility systems;
(3) developing curriculum to assist students in making
real-world connections to STEM content and educate students on
the relevance and significance of STEM careers;
(4) ensuring awardees are supporting the activities laid
out in subsection (f);
(5) conducting performance evaluations of competitions,
including data collection on--
(A) the number of students engaged; and
(B) geographic and institutional diversity of
participating schools and institutions of higher
education; and
(6) any other activities the Administrator finds necessary
to ensure the competitions are successful.
(e) Additional Considerations.--In awarding grants authorized in
subsection (d), the competition administrator shall give priority to
applications that include a partnership with that State's space grant
program under chapter 403 of title 51, United States Code.
(f) Permitted Activities.--In carrying out the competitions
authorized in subsection (a), the competition administrator shall
ensure competitions occurring at both the high school and undergraduate
levels--
(1) allow students to design, construct, and demonstrate an
unmanned aircraft or advanced air mobility system;
(2) allow students to compete with other teams in the
performance of the constructed unmanned aircraft or advanced
air mobility system;
(3) connect to relevant missions and Center activities of
the Administration;
(4) connect relevant STEM curriculum to the design,
construction, and demonstration of unmanned aircraft and/or
advanced air mobility systems;
(5) support activities designed to help students make real-
world connections to STEM content and educate students on the
relevance and significance of STEM careers; and
(6) are geographically dispersed in order to serve a broad
student population, including those in rural and underserved
communities.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator $6,000,000 in each of fiscal years
2023 through 2027 to carry out the activities authorized in this
section. Of the funds authorized--
(1) $1,000,000 per year shall be for the competition
administrator as authorized in subsection (b); and
(2) $5,000,000 per year shall be awarded for grants to
carry out competitions as authorized by subsection (d).
(h) Definitions.--In this title:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES
SEC. 601. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Secretary shall
carry out a cross-cutting research, development, and demonstration
program to advance unmanned and counter-UAS system technologies,
capabilities, and workforce needs and to improve the reliability of
unmanned and counter-UAS systems implementation methods relevant to the
mission of the Department. In carrying out this program, the Secretary
shall coordinate across all relevant offices and activities at the
Department, including the Office of Science, the Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Office of Nuclear Energy, the
Office of Fossil Energy, the Office of Electricity, the Office of
Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, the Advanced
Research Projects Agency--Energy, the Office of Environmental
Management, the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security, the
National Nuclear Security Administration, the Artificial Intelligence
Technology Office, the UAS Research and Engineering Center, and any
other relevant office or activity as determined by the Secretary.
(b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) formulate goals for unmanned and counter-UAS systems
research activities to be supported by the Department,
including in the research areas under section (c);
(2) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing
unmanned and counter-UAS systems research and development
activities, including the work underway by the Unmanned
Aircraft Systems Research and Engineering Center;
(3) provide research experiences and training for
undergraduate and graduate students in unmanned and counter-UAS
systems research and development, including in the fields of--
(A) artificial intelligence and machine learning;
(B) applied mathematics and algorithm development;
(C) advanced imaging, sensing, and detection
technologies;
(D) materials science and engineering; and
(E) advanced energy technologies and propulsion
approaches;
(4) establish a robust data management strategy that
ensures digital access and machine-readability; that promotes
findability, interoperability, analysis- and decision-readiness
and reusability; and ensures applicable scientific data are
managed for wide use by Federal, State, Tribal, and local
governments, academia and the public; and
(5) support one or more Institutes as described in section
201(a) of this Act for the purpose of advancing the fields of
unmanned aircraft systems and the mission of the Department.
(c) Research Areas.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall award financial assistance to eligible
entities to carry out research, development, and demonstration projects
over a range of subject areas including--
(1) fundamental science and technology areas, which may
include--
(A) advanced sensor technologies and processes,
including--
(i) optical capabilities, including Light
Detection and Ranging, hyperspectral,
thermographic, and visible imaging
capabilities;
(ii) nonoptical electromagnetic
capabilities, including radar and
radiofrequency capabilities;
(iii) acoustic capabilities, including
ultrasonic capabilities; and
(iv) radiation detection, gravimetric,
hyperspectral or other measurement modalities;
(B) advanced technologies and methods for remote
handling, precision positioning, and navigation
control;
(C) advanced technologies for secure autonomous
operation, including edge computing and artificial
intelligence;
(D) power electronics and wireless charging
systems;
(E) novel materials, including lightweight and
radiation-resistant materials;
(F) scalability of unmanned aircraft systems for
increased payload capacity;
(G) technologies and processes to improve secure
interoperability practices, including with existing
satellites, constellation networks, and surface-based
facilities;
(H) strategies and technologies for integrated
cybersecurity considerations;
(I) strategies and technologies for improved
endurance, including lightweight long duration fuels,
batteries, and fuel cells;
(J) open architectures and advanced algorithms to
enable multi-sensor fusion and tracking of unmanned
aircraft systems; and
(K) swarm and cooperative drone data collection and
operation, and integration of drone control systems
with dynamic sampling and real-time digital twin
simulations; and
(2) approaches for leveraging unmanned aircraft systems for
diverse applications, which may include--
(A) advanced assessment, characterization, mapping,
and recovery of energy resources, such as geothermal
energy, biofuels, and critical minerals resources;
(B) field testing and monitoring of energy systems,
such as onshore and offshore wind energy, fossil
energy, solar energy, marine energy, nuclear energy,
and hydropower systems;
(C) damage assessment of the electric grid and
energy infrastructure following physical events such as
wildland fires, including prescribed burns containment
and emissions measurements, potential health and safety
effects from contaminant releases and dispersals, and
real-time analysis of impacted assets;
(D) leak detection of greenhouse gases related to
energy production, including methane leak detection;
(E) agriculture and aquaculture applications;
(F) integrated data collection to inform and
enhance Department modeling capabilities, including the
development of climate and earth systems models;
(G) assistance in environmental management and
cleanup activities;
(H) assistance in Department infrastructure
management at National Laboratories and other relevant
Department sites;
(I) intrusion detection and facility monitoring for
physical security applications; and
(J) asset extraction of building envelope features
and characteristics for rapid energy modeling purposes.
(d) Technology Transfer.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), and in coordination with the Office of Technology
Transitions, the Secretary shall support technology transfer of
unmanned vehicle systems research by partnering with industry.
(e) Facility Use.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall make available high-performance computing
infrastructure and other relevant research facilities and test beds at
the National Laboratories.
(f) Interagency Coordination and Nonduplication.--In carrying out
the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with
the heads of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid
duplication of research and other activities and to ensure that the
activities carried out under this program are complementary to those
currently being undertaken by other agencies.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Department to carry out this section--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $55,125,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $57,881,775 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $60,775,863 for fiscal year 2027.
(h) Definitions.--In this title:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Energy.
(2) Eligible entities.--The term ``eligible entity''
means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) a National Laboratory;
(C) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal
government research agency;
(D) a nonprofit research organization;
(E) a private sector entity; or
(F) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in
any of subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
TITLE VII--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACTIVITIES
SEC. 701. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Secretary, acting
through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, shall--
(1) support research, development, and testing for unmanned
aircraft systems and counter-UAS systems capabilities,
including for--
(A) air domain awareness and unmanned aircraft
systems traffic monitoring;
(B) privacy, security, and cybersecurity of
unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS systems
capabilities;
(C) safety of unmanned aircraft systems; and
(D) testing and evaluation of unmanned aircraft
systems and counter-UAS systems capabilities,
performance systems engineering, and operational
analysis;
(2) coordinate with all relevant offices and programs at
the Department, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Protective
Service, the Transportation Security Administration, the United
States Coast Guard, and the United States Secret Service;
(3) produce curated, standardized, representative, secure,
and privacy protected data sets for unmanned aircraft systems
and counter-UAS systems research, development, archiving, and
use, prioritizing data for high-value, high-risk research;
(4) support one or more institutes as described in section
201(a) for the purpose of advancing the field of unmanned
aircraft systems and counter-UAS systems capabilities; and
(5) enter into and perform such contracts, including
cooperative research and development arrangements and grants
and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be
necessary in the conduct of the work of the Department and on
such terms as the Secretary considers appropriate, in
furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
(b) Counter-UAS Center of Excellence.--The Secretary shall
establish a center of excellence to carry out research and development
that advances counter-UAS systems capabilities.
(1) Selection of host institution.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall select an
institution of higher education, or a consortium of
institutions of higher education, to host and maintain
the center of excellence established under this
subsection.
(B) Selection criteria.--In selecting a such an
institution or consortium, the Secretary shall--
(i) give preference to applicants with
strong past performance related to counter-UAS
systems research, education, and workforce
development activities;
(ii) give preference to applicants
geographically collocated within 100 miles of
Federal departments or agencies that currently
possess or operate extant counter-UAS system
facilities;
(iii) give preference to applicants having
proven abilities and strong research
enterprises in systems engineering, radio
frequency (RF) directed energy, radar and
antenna research and development, atmospheric
monitoring that can support of chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear detection
to include trace gases and particular matter
(PM), target tracking, remote sensing and the
ability to leverage artificial intelligence and
machine learning to support the required data
analytics;
(iv) consider the extent to which the
applicant would involve the public and private
sectors; and
(v) consider the regional and national
impacts of the applicant's proposed research
and development activities.
(2) Use of funds.--The institution of higher education or
consortium may use funds provided under this subsection to
carry out fundamental research, evaluation, education,
workforce development, and training efforts related to counter-
UAS systems subject areas, including safety, privacy, security,
cybersecurity, detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking,
disrupting and seizing control, confiscating, disabling,
damaging, destruction, remote sensing, forensics, testing and
evaluation of systems capabilities, performance, systems
engineering, operational analysis, and advanced technologies.
(3) Federal share.--The Department share of a grant under
this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent of the costs of
establishing and operating the center of excellence and related
research activities carried out by the grant recipient.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) Fiscal year 2023.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for fiscal
year 2023 for making awards under this subsection.
(B) Fiscal years 2024 through 2027.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
$5,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027
for making awards under this subsection.
(5) Institution of higher education.--In this subsection,
the term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning
given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
(c) Interagency Coordination.--In carrying out the activities under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with the heads of other
Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication of research and
other activities and to ensure that the activities carried out under
this program are complimentary to those currently being undertaken by
other agencies.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $33,075,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $34,728,750 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $36,465,187 for fiscal year 2027.
(e) Definitions.--In this title:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Homeland Security.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security.
TITLE VIII--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
SEC. 801. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out and support
research, development, and demonstration activities to advance unmanned
aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems, technologies, and
capabilities, and to enhance the deployment of, and data collected by,
unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems relevant to the
mission of the Administration, incorporate such data into operations,
and ensure data are managed, stewarded and archived appropriately. In
carrying out this program, the Administrator shall coordinate across
all relevant offices and programs at the Administration, including the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Environmental
Satellite, Data, and Information Service, National Marine Fisheries
Service, National Ocean Service, National Weather Service, and the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
(b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
(1) test, evaluate, and demonstrate the utility of unmanned
aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems technologies for
the Administration;
(2) support Administration activities and Cooperative
Institute projects, and support and encourage Federal and State
agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations,
industry representatives, and others to--
(A) accelerate the transition of unmanned systems
capabilities from research to operations and other uses
and facilitate new unmanned aircraft systems and
unmanned maritime systems applications within the
Administration;
(B) evaluate current observation strategies and
identify critical data gaps best suited for advanced
unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned maritime
systems;
(C) prioritize activities that collect or acquire
routine observations which feed forecasts and models;
(D) test, develop, and evaluate safe systems
capable of safely operating beyond visual line of
sight;
(E) collect or acquire measurements of atmospheric
and oceanic parameters; and
(F) ensure the archiving, stewardship, utility, and
preservation of and public accessibility to the
observations collected are shared with the
Administration;
(3) provide and support research experiences and training
for undergraduate and graduate students in unmanned aircraft
systems and unmanned maritime systems research, development,
and operations relevant to the mission of the Administration,
and other education and training opportunities consistent with
the purpose of this Act;
(4) contribute to and supplement field campaigns at the
Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement user
facility in order to incorporate unmanned aircraft systems and
resulting data into the development of combined observational
and modeling elements; and
(5) support and conduct leading-edge research and
development of innovative unmanned aircraft and maritime
technologies and concepts to advance research areas in
subsection (c).
(c) Research Areas.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall award financial assistance to eligible
entities to carry out projects on the use of unmanned aircraft systems
and unmanned maritime systems to collect environmental data and monitor
climate impacts, including--
(1) severe weather forecasts and damage assessments;
(2) rapid flood mapping;
(3) real-time hurricane data, including close-to-surface
and low altitude meteorological measurements;
(4) enhanced atmospheric monitoring and sampling, including
physical and chemical measurements in the atmospheric boundary
layer;
(5) marine mammal detection and monitoring;
(6) near-real time harmful algal bloom measurements for
rapid response efforts;
(7) coastal restoration and habitation monitoring,
including detection and monitoring of marine debris, oil spill,
and hazardous materials;
(8) mapping, charting, and geodesy applications to support
safety of navigation;
(9) wildfire observations and data to improve fire weather
modeling;
(10) other areas related to science and stewardship of the
climate, weather, oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes; and
(11) any other areas the Administrator deems necessary and
appropriate.
(d) Priority.--In carrying out the research areas in subsection
(c), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
prioritize activities that increase the Administration's operational
use of unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems by
extending the range of times, location, and conditions in which
observations can be made at lower cost. As part of these activities,
the Administrator may--
(1) enter into contracts with one or more entities in the
commercial data sector to acquire data collected by unmanned
aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems; and
(2) leverage existing facilities, instruments, and tools,
including the Administration's satellites, fleet of ships, and
crewed aircraft.
(e) Technology Transfer.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), and in coordination with the Small Business Innovation
Research program, the Administrator shall support technology transfer
of unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned maritime systems research by
partnering with Federal agencies and industry.
(f) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate the
activities authorized in this section with the activities authorized in
section 3 of the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of
2018 (33 U.S.C. 4102) and engage with other Federal departments and
agencies, research communities, nongovernmental organizations, and
industry stakeholders through the interagency committee established by
section 103.
(g) Support of Institutes.--For the purposes of the program in
subsection (a), the Administrator may support relevant activities at
one or more Institutes as described in section 201(a) of this Act for
the purpose of advancing the field of unmanned aircraft systems or
unmanned maritime systems.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Administration to carry out this section--
(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $15,750,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $16,537,500 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $17,364,375 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $18,232,593 for fiscal year 2027.
(i) Definitions.--In this title:
(1) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Eligible entities.--The term ``eligible entities''
means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) a National Laboratory;
(C) a NOAA Cooperative Institute;
(D) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal
government agency;
(E) a nonprofit organization;
(F) a private sector entity; or
(G) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (F).
(3) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(4) Unmanned maritime systems.--The term ``unmanned
maritime systems'' has the meaning given in section 2 of the
Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 (33
U.S.C. 4101).
TITLE IX--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES
SEC. 901. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--As part of the Initiative, the Administrator, in
coordination with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration and other Federal agencies, shall carry out and
support research, development, testing, and demonstration activities to
advance unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace
system.
(b) Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Manned Aircraft Safety Research.--As
part of the activities under subsection (a), the Administrator shall
conduct comprehensive research and testing for unmanned aircraft
systems safety, including--
(1) collisions between unmanned aircraft systems of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds, and commercial jet
airliners of various sizes, traveling at various speeds;
(2) collisions between unmanned aircraft systems of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds, and propeller planes of
various sizes, traveling at various speeds;
(3) collisions between unmanned aircraft systems of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds, and blimps of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds;
(4) collisions between unmanned aircraft systems of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds, and rotorcraft of various
sizes, traveling at various speeds; and
(5) collisions between unmanned aircraft systems and
various parts of the aforementioned aircraft, including--
(A) windshields;
(B) noses;
(C) engines;
(D) radomes;
(E) propellers; and
(F) wings.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report
summarizing the costs and results of research under subsection (b).
(d) Study.--Not later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall commission an independent study to--
(1) develop parameters to conduct research and development
for probabilistic metrics to enable the identification of
hazards and the assessment of risks as necessary to make
determinations under chapter 44807 of title 51, United States
Code, that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely
in the national airspace system; and
(2) identify additional research needed to more effectively
develop and use such metrics and make such determinations.
In developing parameters for probabilistic metrics, the study conducted
pursuant to this subsection shall take into account the utility of
performance standards to make determinations under section 333(a) of
the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
(e) Consideration of Results.--The Administrator shall consider the
results of the study conducted under subsection (d) when making a
determination described in subsection (d)(1).
(f) Study Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
the results of the study conducted under subsection (d).
(g) Probabilistic Assessment of Risks.--The Administrator shall
conduct research and development to enable a probabilistic assessment
of risks to inform requirements for standards for operational
certification of public unmanned aircraft systems in the national
airspace.
(h) Support for Institutes.--The Administrator may support 1 or
more institutes described in section 201(a) for the purpose of
advancing the field of unmanned aircraft systems and supporting the
mission of the Administration.
SEC. 902. UNIVERSITY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS CENTERS.
(a) Grants for Establishment and Operation.--The Administrator
shall make grants to 1 or more institutions of higher education to
establish and operate 1 regional university unmanned aircraft system
center in each of the 10 Federal regions which compromise the Standards
Federal Regional Boundary System.
(b) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of each unmanned
aircraft systems center established under this section shall include
the conduct of advanced air mobility research and research concerning
safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace
system and the interpretation, publication, and dissemination of the
results of such research. The responsibility of one such center may
include research on detect and avoid capabilities.
(c) Application.--Any institution of higher education interested in
receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Administrator
an application in such form and containing such information as the
Administrator may require.
(d) Selection Criteria.--The Administrator shall select recipients
of grants under this section on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) The regional unmanned aircraft system center shall be
located in a State which is representative of the needs of the
Federal region for improved unmanned aircraft systems test
facilities.
(2) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated research
and extension resources available for carrying out this
subsection.
(3) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated its
capability to provide leadership in making national and
regional contributions for addressing long-range and immediate
unmanned aircraft systems issues.
(4) The grant recipient should have an established unmanned
aircraft systems or related research program.
(5) The grant recipient shall have a demonstrated
commitment to supporting ongoing unmanned aircraft systems
research programs.
(6) The grant recipient shall have demonstrated ability to
disseminate results of unmanned aircraft systems research and
educational programs through a statewide or regionwide
continuing education program.
(7) The Administrator shall consider the projects which the
grant recipient proposes to carry out under the grant.
(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of a grant under this section
shall be 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the
regional center and related research activities carried out by the
grant recipient.
(f) National Advisory Council.--
(1) Establishment; functions.--The Administrator shall
establish in the Administration a national advisory council to
coordinate the research and training to be carried out by the
grant recipients, to disseminate the results of such research,
to act as a clearing house between such centers and the
unmanned aircraft systems industry, and to review and evaluate
programs carried out by such centers.
(2) Members.--The national advisory council established
under this subsection shall be composed of the directors of the
unmanned aircraft systems centers and 19 other members
appointed by the Administrator as follows:
(A) 6 officers of the Federal Aviation
Administration, one of whom represents the Office of
the Administrator, one of whom represents the Unmanned
Aircraft Systems Integration Office, one of whom
represents the Office of NextGen, one of whom
represents the Office of Aviation Safety, one of whom
represents the Office of Air Traffic Organization, and
one of whom represents the Mike Monroney Aeronautical
Center.
(B) 5 representatives of State, local, territorial
or Tribal governments.
(C) 8 representatives of the unmanned aircraft
systems industry, including private industry.
(3) Term of office; pay; chairman.--Each of the members
appointed by the Administrator shall serve without pay. The
chairman of the council shall be designated by the
Administrator.
(4) Meetings.--The council shall meet at least annually and
at such other times as the chairman may designate.
(5) Agency information.--Subject to subchapter II of
chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, the council may
secure directly from any department or agency of the United
States information necessary to enable it to carry out this
subsection. Upon request from the chairman of the council, the
head of such department or agency shall furnish such
information to the council.
(6) Termination date inapplicable.--Section 14 of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the council.
(g) Administration Through Office of the Administrator.--
Administrative responsibility for carrying out this section shall be in
the Office of the Administrator.
(h) Allocation of Funds.--The Administrator shall allocate funds
made available to carry out this section equitably among Federal
regions.
(i) Technology Transfer Set-Aside.--Not less than 5 percent of the
funds made available to carry out this section for any fiscal year
shall be available to carry out technology transfer activities.
SEC. 903. ALLOWANCE FOR THE PURPOSES OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Except as necessary to support enforcement action under applicable
provisions of law against persons operating unmanned aircraft in a
manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system, and
notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to the
incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into Administration plans
and policies, the Administrator may not promulgate any rule or
regulation regarding the operation of an unmanned aircraft system--
(1) that is flown strictly for research and development
use;
(2) that is operated less than 400 feet above the ground
and in Class G airspace;
(3) that is operated in a manner that does not interfere
with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and
(4) with respect to which, in any case in which the
unmanned aircraft system is flown within 5 miles of an airport,
the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and
the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic
facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the
operation, including by establishing a mutually agreed upon
operating procedure in cases where such unmanned aircraft
system is flown from a permanent location within 5 miles of an
airport.
SEC. 904. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Federal Aviation Administration Research and Development
Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration
to carry out section 901--
(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $22,050,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $23,152,500 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $24,310,125 for fiscal year 2027.
(b) University Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center Funding.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Administration to carry out
section 902--
(1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(2) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(3) $110,250,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(4) $115,762,500 for fiscal year 2026; and
(5) $121,550,625 for fiscal year 2027.
SEC. 905. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2) Administration.--The term ``Administration'' means the
Federal Aviation Administration.
TITLE X--LIMITATION
SEC. 1001. LIMITATION.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, none
of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used for
the purchase, acquisition, or operation of unmanned aircraft systems--
(1) produced or assembled in, or containing components
produced or assembled in, a foreign country of concern; or
(2) produced or assembled by entities owned, controlled by,
or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of the government
of, a foreign country of concern.
(b) Exception.--The limitation in subsection (a) shall not apply to
the acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems for the purposes of
research and development for improving the United States counter-
unmanned aircraft systems capabilities.
(c) Waiver.--The Secretary of Commerce may waive the limitation in
subsection (a) if the Secretary determines, in consultation with the
Director of National Intelligence, that such waiver is in the national
security interest of the United States.
(d) Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Commerce shall report the
issuance of such a waiver to the relevant committees of jurisdiction of
Congress not later than 30 days after issuing such waiver.
(e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``foreign country of
concern'' means--
(1) a country that is a covered nation (as defined in
section 4872(d) of title 10 United States Code); and
(2) any country that the Secretary of Commerce, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of
National Intelligence, determines to be engaged in conduct that
is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of
the United States.
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