46 



Question 2: During the hearing on modernization of the NOAA 

 oceanographic fleet, we discussed opportunities that NOAA has for 

 contracting hydrographic services from private sources. This was 

 also one of the specific recommendations in the National 

 Performance Review. Are there other services which NOAA is 

 looking at for outside competition? 



ANSWER: NOAA is continually looking at all labor intensive 

 activities with the intention to provide these services in the 

 most effective and efficient manner. At this time, there are no 

 other specific services which have been identified for outside 

 competition. 



Question 3; Is NOAA involved with the Presidential Management 

 Council's review of federal facilities for closing and 

 consolidation? Can we expect NOAA to close or consolidate any of 

 its research labs? 



Answer: NOAA has not been involved with the Presidential 

 Management Council's review of federal facilities. However, NOAA 

 has a continuing review underway which addresses potential 

 changes, including closures and consolidations, to NOAA's 

 national network of fisheries laboratories. A report is due to 

 Congress by January 1, 1994. In addition, NOAA is conducting a 

 detailed review of its science activities, including facilities 

 support, over the next year. The study will consider, among 

 other factors, the current organizational configuration of the 

 research facilities. NOAA currently is assessing the impact of 

 recent appropriations on its operations, including NOAA's ability 

 to continue to operate all of its research facilities. 



NOAA is also participating in the NASA-chaired, multi-agency 

 National Facilities Study as a developer and operator of 

 satellite operational facilities. NOAA has participated in 

 activities of the Study's Space Operations Task Group. NOAA 

 operational satellite ground facilities are included in the 

 Study's Facilities Inventory Database. 



Question 4: The Performance Review gives general direction for 

 agencies to look for opportunities for instituting user fees. 

 Besides the user fees which are specifically called for to 

 support fisheries management costs, is NOAA looking at other 

 possibilities? 



Answer: NOAA is participating on a working group to develop fish 

 user fee proposals. In addition to fees to support NOAA's 

 fisheries programs, NOAA is considering proposing the following 

 other fees: 



Marine Sanctuary Concession Fees 

 Services to Support Marine Navigation 

 Aeronautical Chart Sales 



