NASA Selects Corporation to Lead Innovative Research Institute

NASA has announced the Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, will team with the National Institute of Aerospace Associates (NIAA), Reston, VA, to create the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) to perform aerospace and atmospheric research, develop new technologies for the nation and help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Locating the NIA at the Langley Research Center will facilitate the institute's involvement in agency sponsored research programs and foster collaboration with NASA, including access to its research facilities.

This government-academic partnership is comprised of a cost reimbursable, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract and a cooperative agreement. The maximum value of the contract for a five-year base period is $49 million. The value of the basic five-year cooperative agreement is $69 million. If the three five-year options are exercised under the cooperative agreement, the combined potential total value would be $379 million.

NIAA is made up of seven non-profit organizations or universities including:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation, Reston, VA;
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg;
• University of Virginia, Charlottesville;
• University of Maryland, College Park;
• North Carolina State University, Raleigh;
• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro; and
• Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.

NIA is a long-term commitment on the part of NASA to expand collaboration with universities, industry, other government agencies and the broader scientific community to fully leverage expertise inside and outside of government. Once fully operational, institute will become a strategic partner working with NASA to enhance its aerospace and atmospheric research capability.

Through its partner universities, NIA will offer masters' and doctoral degrees in science and engineering using both a local campus and the latest innovations in distance learning. The institute will also be a catalyst for economic development by stimulating the commercialization of new intellectual property and facilitating the growth of new business opportunities.