FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.

SEC. 303. FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. (a) Responsibilities.— To fulfill the data gathering and dissemination duties of the Administration under the Act of 1947, the Administrator shall— (1) acquire and disseminate hydrographic data; (2) promulgate standards for hydrographic data used by the Administration in providing hydrographic services; (3) promulgate standards for hydrographic services provided by the Administration; 112 STAT. 3455 (4) ensure comprehensive geographic coverage of hydrographic services, in cooperation with other appropriate Federal agencies; (5) maintain a national database of hydrographic data, in cooperation with other appropriate Federal agencies; (6) provide hydrographic services in uniform, easily accessible formats; (7) participate in the development of, and implement for the United States in cooperation with other appropriate Federal agencies, international standards for hydrographic data and hydrographic services; and (8) to the greatest extent practicable and cost-effective, fulfill the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (6) through contracts or other agreements with private sector entities. (b) Authorities.— To fulfill the data gathering and dissemination duties of the Administration under the Act of 1947, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator— (1) may procure, lease, evaluate, test, develop, and operate vessels, equipment, and technologies necessary to ensure safe navigation and maintain operational expertise in hydrographic data acquisition and hydrographic services; (2) may enter into contracts and other agreements with qualified entities, consistent with subsection (a)(8), for the acquisition of hydrographic data and the provision of hydrographic services; (3) shall award contracts for the acquisition of hydrographic data in accordance with title IX of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 541 et seq.); and (4) may design and install where appropriate Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems to enhance navigation safety and efficiency.