(a)  In General.⁠—The Secretary may solicit, receive, and consider requests from Federal or non-Federal public or private agencies, organizations, individuals, or other entities for the use of any System unit for purposes of scientific study.

(b)  Criteria.⁠—A request for use of a System unit under subsection (a) may be approved only if the Secretary determines that the proposed study⁠—

(1)  is consistent with applicable laws and Service management policies; and

(2)  will be conducted in a manner that poses no threat to the System unit resources or public enjoyment derived from System unit resources.

(c)  Fee Waiver.⁠—The Secretary may waive any System unit admission or recreational use fee in order to facilitate the conduct of scientific study under this section.

(d)  Benefit-Sharing Arrangements.⁠—The Secretary may negotiate for and enter into equitable, efficient benefit-sharing arrangements with the research community and private industry.