Policy
Directive
Effective Date: October 26, 2007
Expiration Date: December 30, 2028
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NASA Policy Directive |
NPD 1370.1 Effective Date: October 26, 2007 Expiration Date: December 30, 2028 |
NPD 1370.1, Reimbursable Utilization of NASA Facilities by Foreign Entities and Foreign-Sponsored Research
Ch # |
Date |
Description/Comments |
1 |
08/09/2012 |
Updated with 1400 compliance, change office titles and clarify office responsibilities. |
2 |
05/14/2018 | Updated with 1400 compliance, corrected office titles, added measurement/verification and added Attachment B. |
3 |
03/06/2024 | Directive revalidated for another five years with administrative changes made to clarify policy and responsibilities for the Office of International and Interagency Relations, update applicable documents and references, to bring the directive in compliance with NPR 1400.1, NASA Directives and Charters Procedural Requirements. |
a. It is NASA policy that reimbursable use of NASA facilities by, or for the benefit of foreign entities, or conducting of research on a reimbursable basis in collaboration with, or for the benefit of, foreign entities comply with U.S. standards and safeguards. This NASA Policy Directive (NPD) supplements and clarifies existing requirements found in relevant NPDs and NASA Procedural Requirements (NPRs).
b. Several provisions of law and policy authorize and direct NASA to cooperate and collaborate with foreign entities, including the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (Space Act), the U.S. National Space Policy of December 9, 2020, the U.S. Space Priorities Framework of December 1, 2021, and the National Aeronautics Science and Technology Priorities of March 2023. Such cooperation and collaboration are subject to important standards and safeguards, reflecting the significant investment made by the Congress and people of the United States in NASA's world-class facilities and expertise. Accordingly, the principles described in this NPD will govern the evaluation of potential reimbursable use by or for the benefit of foreign entities of NASA facilities and research capabilities.
c. This NPD provides general policy direction and identifies the following principles to be considered by NASA officials:
(1) Coordination with NASA Headquarters: In all cases, use of NASA facilities or services by, or for the benefit of, foreign entities will be coordinated with, and prior to any such utilization, receive the concurrence of, the NASA Headquarters Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) and the relevant NASA Headquarters Mission Directorate(s). The OIIR has the authority to execute agreements with foreign entities required for any such reimbursable activities. Additionally, the OIIR will consult with appropriate offices, including the Office of Communications and the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs prior to final approval.
(2) Consistency with NASA's Mission: The use of NASA facilities or capabilities will be consistent with the Agency's civil mission, as described in the Space Act. Therefore, any proposed foreign reimbursable use of NASA's facilities or resources, whether commercial, academic, governmental, or otherwise, will demonstrate that it is consistent with NASA's civil mission. Coordination of proposed reimbursable activities with the relevant NASA Mission Directorate(s), as required in paragraph d. above, and in section 5 of this NPD, will ensure that such activities are properly aligned with NASA's mission.
(3) Additionally, reimbursable uses will fulfill one or more of the following conditions:
(a) Sustain or enhance facilities and lower operational costs for current and future needs of NASA's missions, in compliance with NASA facilities management policies.
(b) Sustain or enhance the skills of NASA personnel that are or are projected to be needed to support NASA's missions.
(c) Sustain or enhance a functional area not adequately funded by NASA programs but required for current or future support of NASA's missions.
(4) Scientific, Technical, Economic, or Foreign Policy Benefit to NASA and the United States: All reimbursable arrangements will advance one or more of NASA's objectives as described in the Space Act. For example, the goal of advancing NASA's objectives may be met by ensuring access to test results, enabling technology transfer to NASA or to the public sector, enhancing the cross-fertilization of knowledge, providing technical assistance to allies, contributing to a mission or to operational infrastructure systems, providing unique services, enhancing NASA workforce skills and capabilities, sharing of data rights or publication of results, and sharing of intellectual property rights or patent licensing arrangements. These or other contributions may provide benefits to NASA or to the general public that justify foreign reimbursable use of NASA resources. Additionally, in certain circumstances, reimbursable collaboration with a foreign entity may directly support broader U.S. policy or interests, including important foreign policy objectives.
(5) Data and Publication Rights: The "data rights" clauses included in Space Act Agreements for reimbursable test or research activities provide a useful gauge to assess the appropriateness and desirability of proposed reimbursable uses of NASA's facilities and capabilities by, or for the benefit of, foreign entities. As described above, reimbursable arrangements which include shared data rights, or which authorize broad dissemination of the results of fundamental research related to NASA's missions, provide a benefit that is consistent with NASA's Space Act mandate to "provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof." 51 U.S.C. § 20112(a)(3). Where the data from such activities is made available to the broad scientific community (or the public at- large), the proposed use is more likely to be approved, subject to the activity's consistency with the other policy standards described in this NPD. Conversely, an agreement to grant a foreign entity exclusive rights to test or research results that minimizes the scientific benefit to NASA and the public is less likely to be approved, and approved only on a case- by-case basis, consistent with the other principles enumerated in this NPD.
(6) Noninterference with NASA Priorities: Reimbursable use of NASA facilities and services by, or for the benefit of, foreign entities will not interfere with NASA mission requirements or program or project activities. By its nature, reimbursable work would not otherwise be undertaken if NASA's facilities and capabilities were fully engaged in the execution of national programs or international cooperative activities. Therefore, any reimbursable work will be secondary to NASA's nonreimbursable priorities, and NASA may reschedule, postpone, or terminate reimbursable work in accordance with Agency policy and the terms of the agreement under which the reimbursable work is to be performed. NASA will seek to minimize the impact of prioritization on reimbursable work as appropriate in particular circumstances.
(7) Noncompetition with the Private Sector: NASA will not compete with the U.S. private sector. Both Federal statute and policy make this clear, and safeguarding to U.S. industrial competitiveness will be considered in accommodating reimbursable projects with foreign entities. The U.S. National Space Policy of December 9, 2020, and the National Space Transportation Policy of November 21, 2013, direct the Federal Government to use U.S. commercial capabilities and services to the maximum practical extent and to refrain from conducting activities that preclude, deter, or compete with U.S. commercial aeronautics, space, and other activities, unless required for national security or public safety. However, where equivalent commercial services are not available on reasonable terms, the Commercial Space Competitiveness Act, 15 U.S.C. § 5807, permits the Federal Government to allow non-Federal entities to use Federal space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis.
(8) Protection Against Unwarranted International Technology Transfer and Consistency with U.S. Nonproliferation and Export Control Laws, Regulations, and Policies: Foreign use of NASA research capabilities or facilities will be consistent with nonproliferation and export control laws, regulations, and policies of the United States. Arrangements for such collaborative projects will take into consideration the need to protect against inappropriate transfers of technology. While NASA technology is generally furnished to foreign entities in order to fulfill NASA responsibilities in cooperative international agreements, the furnishing of technology to foreign entities under reimbursable arrangements will be subject to a higher level of scrutiny. Improving the technical capabilities of U.S. adversaries and enhancing the performance of foreign competitors of the U.S. industrial base are not consistent with NASA's mission. Indeed, as a U.S. Government agency on the forefront of technological development in the fields of space, aeronautics, and science, NASA is obliged and committed to be a responsible steward of the technologies and capabilities entrusted to it by the Congress and the people of the United States. Accordingly, review by NASA Export Control Administrators is required for any proposal involving the reimbursable use of NASA facilities or capabilities by, or for the benefit of, foreign entities. This is particularly true in the case of advanced research and development activities, in contrast to fundamental research or basic testing programs or projects.
(9) Conformance with Safety and Security Requirements: As described in NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success, it is well-established NASA policy to protect the public, the NASA workforce, the environment, and high-value equipment and property from potential harm as a result of NASA activities and operations by providing safe programs, technologies, operations, and facilities. NASA officials are responsible for the safety and mission success of their activities and will maintain the safe and successful functioning of facilities. Additionally, consistent with NPR 1600.1, NASA Security Program, and with NPR 2810.1, Security of Information Technology, NASA will ensure the protection of people, property, and information whenever granting access to NASA facilities or capabilities, including access to NASA's Information Technology (IT) systems. Therefore, agreements governing foreign reimbursable use of the Agency's resources will comply with NASA security, IT security, and safety policies and guidelines, including standards on facility operations, badging, credentials, and facility and IT system access.
(10) Foreign Reimbursable Use of Wind Tunnels: Consistent with the requirements of Development Work for Industry in NASA Wind Tunnels, 14 CFR pt. 1210, proposals for the use of NASA wind tunnels by or for foreign entities, including use of wind tunnels by U.S. companies with foreign participation (e.g., consortium projects), will disclose the foreign interest in, or anticipated foreign benefit from, the tests to be conducted and will be reviewed by OIIR, in consultation with the relevant Mission Directorate, for consistency with U.S. foreign policy and compatibility with 51 U.S.C. § 20102. The other standards and principles identified in this NPD will also be included in such review. Because the relevant regulations discourage the use of NASA wind tunnels for the sole benefit of foreign entity projects that are unrelated to U.S. Government or U.S. industry programs or projects, requests for such reimbursable use will additionally identify any compelling basis for approval.
(11) Consistency with NASA Financial Management Policy for Determining, Allocating, and Billing Costs: All reimbursable activities subject to this NPD will comply with NASA Financial Management Requirements, Volume 16, Reimbursable Agreements. Under NASA policies for reimbursable agreements, the customer is generally charged the full cost or market price, which is reviewed annually to ensure that it is appropriate, for the activity. However, if NASA is obtaining rights to intellectual property or data or some other benefit, the additional benefit may justify NASA's acceptance of reimbursement for less than the full cost or market price of its activities performed under the agreement. In such cases, the approving NASA official is responsible for determining that the partner's contribution is fair and reasonable and provides an adequate quid pro quo (i.e., equitable exchange) when compared to NASA's contribution, the NASA resources to be committed, NASA program risks, and corresponding benefits to NASA. In general, equivalent financial terms will be provided to U.S. commercial and foreign entities for reimbursable use of NASA facilities or resources.
Note: For use of NASA wind tunnels by U.S.-foreign consortia, 14 CFR 1210(c) provides that "a fee will be charged for these consortium projects unless, in these review procedures, it is determined that Government agency cooperative sponsorship warrants a non-fee arrangement."
(12) Requirement for Agreement: Each foreign reimbursable project will be established in a formal written and signed project or program agreement, coordinated through and concurred on by the appropriate organization, and executed by OIIR or the delegated office, which specifically states the responsibilities of each partner. Specific authorities and requirements regarding agreements are provided in NPD 1050.7, Authority To Enter Into Partnership Agreements. General agreements that establish intent to explore and facilitate collaboration may be useful or necessary under exceptional circumstances (and will be coordinated through and concurred on by OIIR and executed by OIIR or the delegated office); however, commitment by the Agency to collaborate in a specific research or test project can only be made in a project-specific agreement after full coordination and approval of the proposed activity. To minimize complexity, the division of responsibilities between NASA and the foreign partner will be clearly defined.
a. This NPD is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers.
b. In this directive, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term "shall." The terms: "may" or "can" denote discretionary privilege or permission, "should" denotes a good practice and is recommended, but not required, "will" denotes expected outcome, and "are/is" denotes descriptive material.
c. In this directive, "Agency-level directives" refers to directives with Agency-wide applicability (e.g., CPDs, CPRs, and CIDs).
The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, 51 U.S.C. §§ 20101 (d)(7), 20113, & 20164.
a. Commercial Space Competitiveness Act, 15 U.S.C. § 5807.
b. Development Work for Industry in NASA Wind Tunnels, 14 CFR pt. 1210 .
c. NPR 1600.1, NASA Security Program.
d. NPR 2810.1, Security of Information Technology.
a. Center Directors and Associate Administrators shall ensure that proposals for reimbursable collaboration with, or for the benefit of, foreign entities are consistent with the policy guidelines described in this NPD. Center Directors and Associate Administrators will:
(1) Identify the foreign interest in, or anticipated foreign benefit from, such collaboration and will certify compliance with the Commercial Space Competitiveness Act, 15 U.S.C. § 5807, regarding the unavailability of equivalent commercial services on reasonable terms. Center Directors may require of proposed users documentation sufficient to demonstrate the unavailability of equivalent services on reasonable terms.
(2) Promptly refer all such proposals and certification to OIIR, NASA Headquarters, for coordination within NASA and with other Government agencies, as appropriate, in conjunction with the appropriate Mission Directorate(s).
b. OIIR shall coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, and other appropriate offices, as well as engage in interagency consultation, when required, to ensure that all foreign utilization of NASA facilities and foreign-sponsored research is consistent with law and policy. In addition, OIIR will work with the cognizant Mission Directorate, Center, or Component Facility in considering and, as appropriate, developing and formalizing proposals for reimbursable collaboration with, or for the benefit of, foreign entities, and embodying them in an agreement covering the specific elements of the proposed activity.
c. The Relevant Mission Directorate, Center or Component Facility and OIIR shall jointly conduct discussions as follows:
(1) In this joint effort, the cognizant Mission Directorate and Center or Component Facility will be responsible for determining the technical, scientific, and programmatic desirability, feasibility, content, cost impact, environmental impact, timing, adequacy of the proposed management structure, and policy related to specific programmatic aspects of the activity, including safety, security, IT security, and mission-assurance requirements.
(2) OIIR will ensure that the proposed activity is consistent with the relevant policy priorities of the Administration and the Agency, taking into account also interagency perspectives, as appropriate, the negotiating framework, and all appropriate coordination activities.
None.
The OIIR Associate Administrator will review annually a summary of the basic details of planned and executed reimbursable agreements for the use of NASA's facilities by foreign entities and for foreign-sponsored research to ensure the agreements are consistent with NASA policy and mission.
NPD 1360.2A, Reimbursable Utilization of NASA Facilities by Foreign Entities and Foreign-Sponsored Research, dated October 26, 2007.
Facility - means all or any portion of a separately located and officially defined area of real property in which NASA exercises a real property interest and which has been designated as a NASA resource by an appropriate authority; or, where NASA has jurisdiction over real property agreements with foreign governments, or by rights of occupation.
Foreign entity - means a legal entity that is not established under a state or Federal law of the United States and includes a commercial, noncommercial, or governmental entity of a foreign sovereign.
For the benefit of a foreign entity - means that a foreign entity could have access to and use of any deliverable items (including any data) resulting from a reimbursable agreement by virtue of a contractual or other relationship (including common corporate ownership) with a party having such an agreement with NASA.
Fundamental research - means basic and applied research in science
and engineering, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared
broadly within the scientific community. Fundamental research is
distinct from proprietary research and from industrial development,
design, production, and product utilization, the results of which
ordinarily are restricted for proprietary or national security reasons.
B.1 NPD 1050.7, Authority To Enter Into Partnership Agreements.
B.2 NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success.B.3 NAII 1050-1, Space Act Agreements Guide.B.4 NAII 1050-3, NASA Partnerships Guide.
B.3 NAII 1050-1, Space Act Agreements Guide.
B.4 NAII 1050-3, NASA Partnerships Guide.
B.5 The U.S. Space Priorities Framework, December 1, 2021.
B.6 National Aeronautics Science and Technology Priorities, March 2023.
B.7 National Space Policy of the United States of America, June 28, 2010.
B.8 National Space Transportation Policy, November 21, 2013.
None.
This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.