Bill > S3672

This bill, titled the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act, authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a program for the temporary exchange of talent between NASA and private sector entities. Under this program, NASA employees could be temporarily assigned to private companies, and employees from private companies could be assigned to NASA. These assignments would require written agreements outlining terms and conditions, including a commitment for NASA employees to return to service at NASA for a period twice the length of their private sector assignment and prohibitions against misusing sensitive information. If an employee fails to meet the agreement's terms without good reason, they would be liable for the assignment's expenses, though this liability could be waived under certain circumstances. Assignments would generally last between 90 days and two years, with possible extensions up to four years if critical mission needs are identified. The bill also details how federal employees on assignment would maintain their status and ensures that their normal duties are covered without negatively impacting NASA's operations or violating rules regarding contractor use. Private sector employees assigned to NASA would continue to receive pay and benefits from their original employers, but would be covered by certain federal laws for purposes like tort claims and conflicts of interest, while being prohibited from accessing trade secrets or performing inherently governmental functions. NASA would be required to implement systems to manage conflicts of interest and would not be allowed to pay for the salaries or benefits of private sector employees assigned to them. The program aims to leverage private sector expertise, such as in cybersecurity, and NASA will submit annual reports detailing the program's implementation and benefits.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3672/all-info