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.