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Space Act Awards

Inventions and Contributions Boardicb.nasa.gov

2003

Walter Hussey, 202-358-0591, whussey@hq.nasa.gov

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Space Act Awards(What are they)

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Science and Technology in NASA

“…the real values and purposes are not the mere accomplishment of man setting foot on the moon but rather in the great cooperative national effort in the development of science and technology which is stimulated by this goal.”

Hugh L. Dryden

Deputy Administrator

NASA, June 1961

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Science and Technology in NASA

“When people look back and ask what was important about the International Space Station, it will be the scientific achievements that will be remembered."

Sean O'KeefeAdministratorNASA, March 2002

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Science and Technology in NASA

“We will go where the science dictates that we will go. NASA’s mission…must be driven by the science…science must be the preeminent factor.”

Sean O'KeefeAdministratorNASA, April 2002

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Space Act Awards National Aeronautics and Space Act

PL No. 85-568 Title III Sec.306

“…a monetary award,…, to any person…for any scientific or technical contribution to the Administration which is determined to have significant value in the conduct of aeronautical and space activities. Each application for such award shall be referred to the Inventions and Contributions Board…shall take into account—

(1) the value of the contribution to the United States;(2) The aggregate amount of any sums which have been expended by

the applicant for the development of such contribution;(3) The amount of compensation…previously received by the applicant

for or on account of the use of the contribution by the United States; …No award shall be made …(1) Unless the applicant surrenders…all claims which such applicant

may have to receive any compensation…for the use of such contribution by or on behalf of the United States…

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Space Act Awards 14CFR1209.402( c )

(c) Monetary awards for scientific and technical contributions. (1)

Under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 2458 and pursuant to 14 CFR part 1240,

the Board will receive and evaluate each application for award for any

scientific or technical contribution to the Administration which is

determined to have significant value in the conduct of aeronautical and

space activities, will accord each applicant an opportunity for a

hearing upon such application, and will then transmit to the

Administrator its recommendation as to the amount of the monetary award

and terms of the award, if any, to be made for such contribution.

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Space Act Awards

• Why Space Act awards?– Incentive for scientists and engineers to work civilian space efforts

– Promote contributions to space

– Provide for Government use

– Incentive for technical achievement

– Incentive for reporting technology developments

– Recognition, both peer and public

– Inspire more innovation

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Space Act Awards(cont’d)

• What are Space Act awards?– Individual monetary awards

– Up to $100,000

• Who is eligible?– NASA employee

– NASA contractor

– Any individual

• What are the criteria?– Scientific or technical contribution

– Aeronautical or space activities

– Sponsored or used by NASA

– Government use rights vested in government

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Space Act Awards(cont’d)

• How to get a Space Act award?– Do any of the following:

• Publish an article in NASA Tech Briefs,• Apply for a patent,• Obtain release authority approval for your software,

and/or• Apply to the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board

– Forward documentation thru your Center Award Liaison Officer

• See website at icb.nasa.gov for more detail on criteria, forms, process and POCs

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Awards - All Centers

0100200300400500600700 Board

Patent App

Software

Tech Brief

FY2000 FY2001 FY2002 FY2003Board 64 69 122 122Pat App 226 176 188 105 S/W 132 107 159 142Tch Brf 629 454 300 276Total 1051 806 769 645

07/02/2003

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Technology Maturation Cycle

VALUE

TIME

Initial Development

Use

Innovation

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Technology Incentive Cycle

VALUE

TIME

Value - Patent App, SW

Rel, Tech Brief

Value – Technology Utilization

Future Value Identified

Disclosure

Initial Award

Board Award

Goal: Increase the number and value of technologies to NASA using Space Act Awards as incentives

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Innovation…As Only NASA Can 2003 Goals – Space Act Awards

• Add value to NASA, using incentives provided by these awards to:

– Increase number of technologies reported

– Increase pool of technologies available to NASA

– Increase number of technologies publicized

– Increase cross NASA technology awareness and utilization

– Increase NASA Enterprise/ program relevance

– Increase value of technologies for our Enterprise Program partners

• Sponsor events for science and technical innovations• Seek out ideas about how to increase the value that the

Space Act Awards bring to NASA