[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[National Aeronautics and Space Administration Regulatory Plan]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 231 / Friday, November 29, 1996 / The
                            Regulatory Plan

[[Page 62181]]

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)
Statement of Regulatory Priorities
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was 
established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. The 
purpose of NASA is to carry out aeronautical and space activities of 
the United States. In order to carry out the purpose, NASA is 
authorized to conduct research for the solution of problems of flight 
within and outside the Earth's atmosphere; to develop, construct, test, 
and operate aeronautical and space vehicles for research purposes; to 
operate a space transportation system including the space shuttle, 
upper stages, space station, and related equipment; and to perform such 
other activities as may be required for the exploration of space. The 
term ``aeronautical and space vehicles'' means aircraft, missiles, 
satellites, and other space vehicles, together with related equipment, 
devices, components, and parts. NASA conducts activities required for 
the exploration of space with human tended and expendable vehicles and 
arranges for the most effective utilization of the scientific and 
engineering resources of the United States with other nations engaged 
in aeronautical and space activities for peaceful purposes.
NASA's mission, as documented in its Strategic Plan, dated February 
1996, is to explore, use, and enable the development of space for human 
enterprise; advance scientific knowledge and understanding of the 
Earth, the solar system, and the universe and use the environment of 
space for research; and research, develop, verify, and transfer 
advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies.
The following are narrative descriptions of the most important 
regulations being planned for publication in the Federal Register 
during fiscal year 1997.
NASA is testing the MidRange Procurement Procedure (48 CFR part 1871) 
from July 1, 1993, to June 30, 1997. This simplified procedure covers 
procurements between $25,000 and $500,000 in annual value. The test 
started at Marshall Space Flight Center and has been expanded to cover 
other NASA Centers. The test uses best value selection and seeks to 
reduce the time it takes to award contracts. NASA plans to permanently 
adopt features of the test which have been successful.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR chapter 1, contains 
procurement regulations that apply to NASA and other Federal agencies. 
NASA implements and supplements FAR requirements through the NASA FAR 
Supplement, 48 CFR chapter 18. Consistent with recommendations of the 
National Performance Review (NPR), NASA is revising the NASA FAR 
Supplement in order to simplify, shorten, and clarify the regulation 
while delegating more responsibility.
NASA is working on technical amendments to refine and clarify the 
contractual cross-waiver of liability in NASA agreements involving 
launch services and to implement the Agency's authority to enter, duty 
free, items utilized in the various international programs.
BILLING CODE 7510-01-F