# What the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act Does

This bill creates a formal partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA to work together on scientific research projects that benefit both agencies. Right now, these two government organizations operate somewhat separately, even though they often work on similar problems. This bill gives them permission and encouragement to combine their expertise and resources on research that matters to both of them.

The bill identifies several specific areas where DOE and NASA could collaborate effectively. These include developing advanced rocket propulsion systems (like nuclear-powered engines for space travel), improving computer modeling and artificial intelligence tools, studying fundamental physics questions about dark matter and dark energy, researching climate and environmental science, developing quantum computers, and studying how radiation affects human health. The agencies can also work together on other research areas they mutually agree are important. Essentially, if DOE scientists working on energy technology discover something useful for space exploration, or if NASA researchers develop tools that could help DOE's work, they can now formally team up instead of working in silos.

To make this happen, the bill requires DOE and NASA to create written agreements about how they'll share resources, data, and facilities. When they award money for these joint projects, they have to use fair, merit-based competition—meaning the best ideas win, whether they come from universities, private companies, national laboratories, or other government agencies. The bill also includes security requirements to protect sensitive research information. Two years after the law passes, the agencies must report to Congress about what they've accomplished, what they've learned, and whether they plan to keep collaborating.

For everyday Americans, this bill's main impact is indirect but potentially significant. By encouraging these two major research agencies to work together more efficiently, the bill could speed up breakthroughs in clean energy, space technology, and computing—innovations that eventually make their way into consumer products and services. It's essentially a behind-the-scenes reorganization aimed at making government research spending work harder and smarter.

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

Williams, Brandon

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the bill authorizes DOE and NASA to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NASA may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., dark matter), develop ways to support large voluntary data sets on space and aeronautical information, promote multi-agency data sharing, and support NASA's access to DOE research infrastructure. DOE and NASA must jointly report on their collaboration.