§20142 Contracts Regarding Expendable Launch Vehicles

Summary

The Administrator may make contracts for expendable launch vehicle services that go beyond the time covered by current funding. These contracts can include advance payments and can cover extra costs if the Government cancels, but total payments must not exceed amounts Congress has approved in advance. Contracts can be limited to U.S. sources if the Administrator finds that is in the public interest. If money is not available to keep a contract going, the Government must end the contract for its convenience. The Government will pay the contract costs from the funds first approved for the contract, from other unused funds available for launch services, or from funds specifically appropriated for those payments.