Aeronautics and Space
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20111), as amended (hereafter called the “Act”).
It is the purpose of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out aeronautical and space activities of the United States. Such activities shall be the responsibility of, and shall be directed by, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, except that activities peculiar to or primarily associated with the development of weapons systems, military operations, or the defense of the United States shall be the responsibility of, and shall be directed by, the Department of Defense.
In order to carry out the purpose of the Act, 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 program, 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. It conducts activities required for the exploration of space with manned and unmanned 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.
(a) NASA is headed by an Administrator, who is appointed from civilian life by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator is responsible, under the supervision and direction of the President, for exercising all powers and discharging all duties of NASA.
(b) The Deputy Administrator of NASA is also appointed by the President from civilian life by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Administrator acts with or for the Administrator within the full scope of the Administrator's responsibilities. In the Administrator's absence, the Deputy Administrator serves as Acting Administrator.
NASA's basic organization consists of the Headquarters, nine field Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (a Federally Funded Research and Development Center), and several component installations which report to Center Directors. Responsibility for overall planning, coordination, and control of NASA programs is vested in NASA Headquarters located in Washington, DC. For additional information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/about/org_index.html.
(a) NASA's Contract Adjustment Board (CAB) and Inventions and Contributions Board (ICB) were established as part of the permanent organization structure of NASA. Charters for both Boards are set forth in part 1209 of this chapter. Procedures for the CAB are set out in 48 CFR part 1850, and procedures for the ICB are set out in 14 CFR parts 1240 and 1245.
(b) The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) is a neutral, independent forum whose primary function is to hear and decide post-award contract disputes between government contractors and those entities with whom the ASBCA has entered into agreement to provide services (NASA is one of those entities). The ASBCA functions in accordance with the Contract Disputes Act (41 U.S.C. 7101-7109), its Charter, or other remedy-granting provisions. Information about the ASBCA can be obtained by mail at ASBCA, Skyline 6, Suite 700, 5109 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia 22041-3208, by phone at 703-681-8500, or from the Web at www.asbca.mil.
"Good judgement seeks balance and progress. Lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration."