Interstellar Colonial Authority

The ICA is tasked with the government of colonised space out beyond the Sol system designated as Zones 2 and 3 of the Federated Colonies and to a limited extent representing UEF policies in Far Space. The ICA is responsible for the day to day management of these colonies, including local law and order, liaison with Earth, communications, logistics and a host of other functions. In the absence of direct contact with Earth, the ICA has veto on any local government decisions. Each colony in Zones 2 and 3 has an ICA presence. On some of the newer colonies it is little more than a small Settlement Welfare Team office with a handful of representatives. On larger, more established colonies there is a large established ICA administrative presence. Larger colonies also sometimes have regional ICA headquarters.
Interstellar distances have to allow for a necessary devolution of certain powers to local leaders, which allows the elections of local officials by the colonial population. Despite this, the local ICA Administrator is able to dictate policy should he/she see fit. It is common practice for megacorporations with invested interests in a colony start up to have representatives on local councils.
The ICA has surveyed hundreds of worlds, and its exploration arm, Interstellar Expeditions (ISX), is in the process of surveying dozens more. Each world surveyed is classified according to how much work is needed to establish a colonial base, and how rich the planet is in natural resources. Once a world has been surveyed and classified, contracts are then issued, up for bid by any nations and corporations interested in investing in the venture.
The ICA is also in charge of interstellar immigration/emigration. Despite hundreds of millions of people now living offworld in the colonies, Earth in the late 23rd Century is still home to almost 10 billion people and is woefully overcrowded. To compound matters, those wishing to live in the colonies must apply for Colonist Status from the ICA. This involves a series of rigorous background checks, physical, mental and psychological examinations.

Founding Date

2140 CE

Type

Governmental, Department

Capital

Viking City

Alternative Names

ICA

Parent Organization

United Earth Federation

Controlled Territories

• Federal Colonies Zone 2
• Federal Colonies Zone 3