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NASA Technology Partners
How to Partner with NASA
One of NASA's missions is to commercialize the technologies NASA researchers have created for space exploration. Technology transfer
can occur in a number of ways depending on the needs and expectations of the parties involved. NASA offers several partnering options
to accommodate the variety of circumstances presented by industry. While each mechanism has unique terms and conditions, all are
designed to help U.S. industry get the most benefit from NASA's cutting-edge technologies.
NASA Space Act Agreement (Nonreimbursable) This is a collaborative R&D effort where NASA and the other party(ies) contribute personnel, use of NASA facilities, expertise, or equipment, technology, etc., but no transfer of funds. NASA participation will require that the other party adequately demonstrate: (a) the relevance of the proposed activity to a NASA mission or program requirement,
(b) the level of the other party's contribution is adequate compared to NASA's contribution. No transfer of funds or other financial obligation between NASA and the private entity is permitted. Each party agrees to fund its own participation under this agreement. NASA can tailor invention and data rights clauses to fit the nature of the agreement. Generally, title to inventions remains with the respective inventing parties without any exchange of rights unless otherwise agreed. The private sector partner can be offered an option to aquifer exclusive or partially exclusive license rights in NASA inventions or joint inventions with NASA on terms to be subsequently negotiated. NASA retains a nonexclusive license for governmental purposes in NASA inventions and joint inventions with NASA. Proprietary data developed by the private sector partner will remain proprietary to the private sector partner. NASA-developed "proprietary" data may be used for governmental purposes and protected for up to five years from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. NASA Headquarters Offices are authorized to execute nonreimbursable agreements where the NASA nonreimbursed costs do not exceed $25 million per agreement. Field Centers are authorized to enter into agreements not exceeding 25 work years of effort per agreement or $5 million in equipment and/or facilities. Space Act Agreements may not be used for procuring goods or services. Generally, technical reports and progress reports will be required.
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