(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;
(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) of this section, 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; and
(4) shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, design, install, maintain, and operate real-time hydrographic monitoring systems to enhance navigation safety and efficiency.
(c) Conservation and management of coastal and ocean resources
Where appropriate and to the extent that it does not detract from the promotion of safe and efficient navigation, the Secretary may use hydrographic data and services to support the conservation and management of coastal and ocean resources.
