Sykes, Miller Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Advance Innovation, Increase Collaboration Between Aerospace Industry and NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Max Miller (OH-07) introduced the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act to spur innovation and foster partnership between the aerospace industry and NASA by assigning NASA employees to temporary industry posts and welcoming industry professionals into NASA for short term positions. The new legislation will establish the Public Private Talent Exchange Program (PPTE) within NASA to help foster partnership opportunities between government and aerospace businesses. During the 118th Congress, this bipartisan bill was passed out of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
“The road back to the moon and to Mars runs directly through Ohio – that’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bill will allow NASA to better fulfill its missions by authorizing the Public-Private Talent Exchange Program, through which NASA and private industry professionals will have the chance to exchange technical expertise and operational best practices, ensuring that America’s space and aerospace industry remains the best and most innovative in the world.”
“America’s leadership in space depends on collaboration,” said Congressman Miller. “This legislation will break down barriers between NASA and the private sector, bringing the best minds together to accelerate innovation, strengthen our aerospace workforce, and ensure the United States stays at the forefront of space exploration and technology.”
The Public Private Talent Exchange Program would be a professional development program focused on giving NASA and industry professionals an opportunity to gain exposure and experience in a number of areas. The exchanges will last between three months to two years with options to extend for an additional year. The Program is modeled after a similar initiative that the Department of Defense has operated since 2018. That program allowed the Department of Defense to forge partnerships with private sector companies and swap business practices for the betterment of both parties.
Rep. Sykes is a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. She is also a member of the bipartisan House Aerospace Caucus, which works to maintain U.S. global aerospace leadership, highlight the critical work that organizations and employees perform, engage members and staff on challenges facing the industry, and address legislative issues impacting aerospace.