ANCHOR Act
This bill directs the National Science Foundation to create a plan and help fund high-speed internet and cybersecurity upgrades for university-operated ocean research ships. Faster, more secure connections will allow at-sea scientists to upload research data directly to the cloud, consult with onshore specialists to fix equipment, and broadcast live video to K–12 classrooms. It will also give deployed crews better access to remote medical care and mental health counseling while calculating how the added tech costs might impact daily ship rental rates.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Universities and research laboratories operating research vesselsBecome eligible to receive federal coordination and funding support for vessel cybersecurity, hardware, satellite communications, and networking upgrades under Sec. 2(b) and Sec. 2(d)(1).
- Research vessel crew and deployed scientistsGain improved at-sea connectivity designed to support telemedicine, mental healthcare, crisis counseling, and real-time remote scientific collaboration under Sec. 2(c)(1)(B)-(E).
Who it burdens
- National Science FoundationMust conduct comprehensive fleet assessments, consult with partners, submit an 18-month plan to Congress, and deliver a two-year progress report on implementation under Sec. 2(a), 2(b), and 2(d)(2).
The provisions, in plain language.
Requires the National Science Foundation, in consultation with other federal agencies, universities, and research laboratories, to submit an 18-month plan to Congress for improving the cybersecurity, networking, and satellite communications of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, including cost estimates and funding plans for shipboard internet, remote research, and crew telehealth access.
Authorizes the National Science Foundation, in coordination with the Office of Naval Research and vessel owners and users, to support and fund cybersecurity and cyberinfrastructure upgrades for the research fleet consistent with the plan.
Directs the National Science Foundation to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of delivering the initial plan, detailing the implementation of the fleet's cybersecurity and telecommunications upgrades.