Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

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MOU between The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Earth Science, Applications Division and the The National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

I. Project Title

Applications of Earth Science Research and Development for Environmental Public Health

II. Purpose and Scope

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides a framework for cooperation between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (hereinafter the Party or Parties) to explore the application of Earth system science, technology, and data to environmental public health.

1. This cooperation and coordination is not limited to the Parties to this MOU, and each Party, independently or jointly, may cooperate with other Federal agencies and their extensions; interested State, regional and local agencies, colleges and universities; private industries, nonprofit organizations; and foundations and public interest groups. All Parties view this MOU as important for exploring the utility of Earth system science, technology and data for characterizing the relationship between environmental hazards, human exposures and potential health effects. Of particular interest as a focus of collaborative activities is CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.
2. CDC/ATSDR and NASA shall handle their own activities and utilize their own resources, including the expenditure of their own funds unless otherwise agreed in specific implementing agreements, in pursuing these objectives. Each party shall carry out its separate activities, as agreed within the context of this MOU, in a coordinated and mutually beneficial manner.
3. Implementing agreements between NASA and CDC/ATSDR may be developed, pursuant to this MOU, to define specific undertakings and must be consistent with the provisions of this MOU. Such agreements may provide for the use of facilities, personnel, cooperative projects, and transfer of funds, and shall comply with the laws, regulations, and orders pertaining to the respective departments and agencies.

III. Authorities

NASA enters into this MOU, pursuant to section 203(c) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2473 (c)).

CDC/ATSDR enters into this MOU, pursuant to Section 301(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S. C. Section 241).

Nothing in this MOU alters the statutory authorities of NASA or CDC/ATSDR. This MOU is intended to facilitate cooperative efforts for mutual provision of services and support, as well as technical assistance by both Parties in the conduct of science and technology research, development, transfer, utilization, and commercialization programs, and activities in the area of Earth remote sensing. This MOU does not supersede or void existing agreements between NASA and CDC/ATSDR.

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IV. Responsibilities

1. Within the context of the Purpose and Scope above, NASA and CDC/ATSDR agree to use reasonable efforts to fulfill the following:
   
   1. Conduct meetings and share knowledge necessary to evaluate the use of NASA Earth system science, technology and data as potential solutions to characterizing high priority environmental hazards and other risk factors to be measured and tracked by CDC/ATSDR. Meeting participants will include public health scientists and practitioners at the national, state, and local levels; Earth scientists and engineers; information technologists; academic partners of each agency; and representatives from other sectors and disciplines as needed.
   2. Identify public health and Earth system science education, training and communications needs in order to strengthen the foundation of this collaboration.
   3. Jointly develop and disseminate any public affairs messages on collaborative activities. Both NASA and CDC/ATSDR public affairs officials will be consulted in every case.
   4. Work together to verify, validate, and benchmark the potential solutions identified during the evaluation phases (described above in #1) of this collaboration.
   5. Establish an interagency working group to accelerate the development, evaluation, and utilization of Earth system science, technology, and data for environmental public health.
      
2. All activities under or pursuant to this MOU are subject to the availability of appropriated funds, and no provision of this MOU shall be interpreted to require the obligation or payment of funds. As presently constituted, this MOU does not constitute a financial obligation. If a subsequently identified activity or project is identified requiring a transfer of funds or other obligation between NASA and CDC/ATSDR, a supplemental written agreement will be executed. Such activity or project must be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not provide such authority. Negotiation, execution, and administration of each such agreement must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations.
   
3. Each Party agrees to assume liability for its own risks associated with activities undertaken in this agreement.

V. Rights in Data

It is the intent of the parties that the information and data exchanged in furtherance of the activities under this agreement will be exchanged without use and disclosure restrictions unless the parties agree to impose restrictions on specifically designated data or information.

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VI. Responsible Officers

The following are Responsible Officers in NASA, CDC, and ATSDR for the agreement.

NASA:
Robert A. Venezia, Dr.P.H.
Program Manager for Public Health Applications
Earth Science Enterprise
NASA Headquarters, Code YO
300 E Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20546
Telephone: (202) 358-1324

CDC:
Judith R. Qualters, Ph.D.
Chief, Environmental Health Tracking Branch
Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects
National Center for Environmental Health, CDC
1600 Clifton Rd, NE, MS E19
Atlanta, GA 30338
Telephone: (404) 498-1815

ATSDR:
Ginger L. Gist, Ph.D., DAAS, BSE, MSE
Chief, Exposure and Disease Registries Branch
Division of Health Studies
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
1600 Clifton Rd, NE, MS E31
Atlanta, GA30338
Telephone: (404) 498-0103

VII. Duration

This MOU becomes effective on the date of signatures of both Parties and shall remain in effect for a 5-year term from the effective date.

VIII. Termination

Either Party may terminate this MOU for any reason it deems substantial, upon a 90-day written notice to the other Party.

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