§50504 Use of Government facilities

Summary

Federal agencies, including the Administration and the Department of Defense, may let non-Federal groups use their space facilities if the agency head finds five things true: the use supports commercial space activities; it can be handled with existing or planned federal resources; it fits with federal operations; similar commercial services are not available on reasonable terms; and it is consistent with public safety, national security, and international treaty obligations. For the safety, security, and treaty check, the agency must consult with other federal officials. Users must pay back the government for the direct costs caused by their use. Direct costs are the actual expenses clearly tied to the use, including salaries of United States civilian and contractor personnel, and costs the government would not have without the use. Payments are credited to the same appropriation that paid the facility’s costs.