Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research Act
Description
This bill would require the National Science Foundation to plan cybersecurity and telecommunications upgrades for U.S. research vessels.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require the National Science Foundation to develop a comprehensive plan to upgrade the cybersecurity and telecommunications capabilities of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The proposed plan must assess the networking needs and costs associated with modernizing these research vessels, including a strategy for funding and implementing necessary hardware and software improvements. Additionally, the agency would be required to evaluate the use of centralized data management and common security standards to protect scientific research and meet international information security requirements.
Who is affected
This bill affects the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research, which are responsible for developing and funding infrastructure plans for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). It also impacts nonfederal owners and users of ARF vessels, including oceanographic scientists, educators, and students who utilize these at-sea laboratories for marine science research. These parties would be subject to new assessments and spending plans regarding cybersecurity, telecommunications, and networking upgrades.
Key provisions
- Development of a fleet improvement plan. The National Science Foundation (NSF) must create a plan to upgrade the cybersecurity and telecommunications capabilities of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF).
- Assessment of technical and financial requirements. The plan must evaluate the networking, telecommunications, and cybersecurity needs of research vessels based on their scientific missions and ownership. It must also detail the estimated costs and the timeline required to implement these upgrades.
- Establishment of a spending and implementation strategy. The NSF is required to develop a spending plan involving federal and nonfederal vessel owners and users. The proposal must also consider centralizing data management or adopting common solutions and consortial licensing agreements.
- Integration of security and operational standards. The NSF must account for international information security standards, requirements for handling classified or controlled unclassified information, and the network capacity needed to transfer data to shoreside servers.
Fiscal impact
- S. 318, ANCHOR Act· As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on May 21, 2025
Effective dates
The National Science Foundation is required to provide the cybersecurity and telecommunications improvement plan to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment.
Relationship to existing law
The bill directs the National Science Foundation to coordinate with the Office of Naval Research and nonfederal vessel owners to enhance the cybersecurity and telecommunications infrastructure of the existing U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF).
Stated purpose
The bill aims to modernize the U.S. Academic Research Fleet by requiring the National Science Foundation to develop a comprehensive plan to upgrade its cybersecurity, telecommunications, and networking capabilities. This initiative is intended to support the data and security needs of oceanographic research, education, and marine science missions conducted at sea.