Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 111 Part 2.djvu/846

 Ill STAT. 1926 PUBLIC LAW 105-85—NOV. 18, 1997 requirement may include the use of contract travel agents, automated booking systems, and data developed from travel payment systems. The Administrator shall prepare the report in consultation with the heads of the Federal agencies subject to such requirement. 10 USC 5013 SEC. 1108. NAVY HIGHER EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAM REGARDING note. ADMINISTRATION OF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR. (a) PILOT PROJECT AUTHORIZED. —During fiscal years 1998 through 2002, the Secretary of the Navy may establish and conduct a pilot program of graduate-level higher education regarding the administration of business relationships between the Government and the private sector. (b) PURPOSE.— The purpose of the pilot program is to make available to employees of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, employees of the Naval Sea Systems Command, and employees of the Acquisition Center for Excellence of the Navy (upon establishment of such Acquisition Center), a curriculum of graduate-level higher education leading to the award of a graduate degree designed to prepare participants effectively to meet the challenges of administering Government contracting and other business relationships between the United States and private sector businesses in the context of constantly changing or newly emerging industries, technologies, governmental organizations, policies, and procedures (including governmental organizations, policies, and procedures recommended in the National Performance Review). (c) PARTNERSHIP WITH INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— (1) The Secretary of the Navy may enter into an agreement with an institution of higher education to assist the Naval Undersea Warfare Center with the development of the curriculum for the pilot program, to offer courses and provide instruction and materials to participants to the extent provided for in the agreement, to provide such other assistance in support of the program as may be provided for in the agreement, and to award a graduate degree under the program. (2) To be eligible to enter into an agreement under paragraph (1), an institution of higher education must have an established program of graduate-level education that is relevant to the purpose of the pilot program. (d) CURRICULUM.— The curriculum offered under the pilot program shall— (1) be designed specifically to achieve the purpose of the pilot program; and (2) include courses that are— (A) t5TDically offered under curricula leading to award of the degree of Master of Business Administration by institutions of higher education; and (B) necessary for meeting educational qualification requirements for certification as an acquisition program manager. (e) DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION. — The Secretary of the Navy may include as part of the pilot program policies and procedures for offering distance learning instruction by means of telecommunications, correspondence, or other methods for off-site receipt of instruction.

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