§ 18324. Utilization of existing workforce and assets in development of Space Launch System and multi-purpose crew vehicle

• (a) In developing the Space Launch System pursuant to section 18322 of this title and the multi-purpose crew vehicle pursuant to section 18323 of this title , the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable utilize—
  • (1) existing contracts, investments, workforce, industrial base, and capabilities from the Space Shuttle and Orion and Ares 1 projects, including—
    • (A) space-suit development activities for application to, and coordinated development of, a multi-purpose crew vehicle suit and associated life-support requirements with potential development of standard NASA-certified suit and life support systems for use in alternative commercially-developed crew transportation systems; and
    • (B) Space Shuttle-derived components and Ares 1 components that use existing United States propulsion systems, including liquid fuel engines, external tank or tank-related capability, and solid rocket motor engines; and
  • (2) associated testing facilities, either in being or under construction as of October 11, 2010 .
• (b) In meeting the requirements of subsection (a), the Administrator—
  • (1) shall, to the extent practicable, utilize ground-based manufacturing capability, ground testing activities, launch and operations infrastructure, and workforce expertise;
  • (2) shall, to the extent practicable, minimize the modification and development of ground infrastructure and maximize the utilization of existing software, vehicle, and mission operations processes;
  • (3) shall complete construction and activation of the A–3 test stand with a completion goal of September 30, 2013 ;
  • (4) may procure, develop, and flight test applicable components; and
  • (5) shall take appropriate actions to ensure timely and cost-effective development of the Space Launch System and the multi-purpose crew vehicle, including the use of a procurement approach that incorporates adequate and effective oversight, the facilitation of contractor efficiencies, and the stream-lining of contract and procurement requirements.