§3071 Applicability of Certain Provisions of Title 10

Summary

Makes many rules from title 10 of U.S. law apply to the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It covers 27 specific rules, including things like leave, transfers, uniform rules, jury service, taking oaths, protected communications and anti‑retaliation rules, savings deposits, travel and escort allowances, adoption reimbursement, yearly mental health checks and referrals, separation benefits, disability and retirement rules, retired pay and annuities, death benefits, certain family programs (when funds are available and fully reimbursable), education assistance, moving vehicles on permanent change of station, property loss, final settlement of accounts for deceased members, and any other subtitle A rules later adopted for NOAA officers. One specific exception: the special separation benefits in section 1174a apply except that benefits under subsection (b)(2)(B) are paid only if money is appropriated and at the Secretary of Commerce’s discretion. Chapter 69 applies except for sections 1370, 1375, and 1376. When title 10 talks about the “military departments,” “the Secretary concerned,” or “the Secretary of Defense” for these rules, the Secretary of Commerce or that Secretary’s designee will act instead for NOAA officers. For the protected‑communications rule (section 1034), the “Inspector General” means the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. The Secretary of Commerce may write rules to apply section 1034 to NOAA officers, including internal procedures for investigations and appeals.