Following congressional passage through a veto override, the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act became law today, among other things codifying the Ocean Policy Committee created in 2018 and reauthorizing the National Oceanographic Partnership Program and Ocean Research Advisory Panel.
The legislation charges the Committee with continuing its activities as it existed prior to the NDAA taking effect on Jan. 1, including engaging and collaborating with stakeholders and facilitating interagency coordination and integration, as well as prescribing policies and procedures to implement the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.
Pursuant to the law, the Program is to (1) promote national security, economic development, environmental stewardship, and strengthened science, education, and communication through improved ocean knowledge, (2) coordinate and strengthen oceanographic efforts in support of those goals through partnerships with government agencies, academia, industry, and others, and (3) accept, plan, and execute research projects funded through vehicles including grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
The bill also reauthorizes the Ocean Research Advisory Panel through 2040, requires that the Panel meet at least twice annually, tasks NOAA with providing the Panel with any necessary administrative and technical support, and tasks the Ocean Policy Committee with overseeing and providing direction to the Panel.