Spacecraft Fire Safety

Partnership Information

We encourage partnerships for two purposes:

• Using your technology and expertise to meet our mission needs through collaborative arrangements
• Using our technology and expertise to help meet your needs

The following questions and answers will provide you with basic information about partnering with the NASA Glenn Research Center.

How do I get started?

There are several approaches:

• You can contact any of our interdisciplinary staff to discuss the goals, anticipated technological hurdles, and issues you are facing or think you can help us with. You can do this secure in the knowledge that we will treat any information you share as proprietary.
  
  After an assessment of your needs or technology, we will help you determine if we have the expertise, technologies or programmatic needs to assist you in your endeavors. We do this through conversation with our world-class staff of researchers, scientists, and engineers. When we identify a match, we will initiate a more detailed discussion.


• You can review the technologies we have available, and see if any look promising for your needs. They are listed on Web at http://cto.grc.nasa.gov/ under the heading “Technology Solutions.” While you are there, don’t forget to check our business solutions page that provides access to our patents, software, and various business assistance programs.


• We are also in the process of identifying the technology needs of NASA, and will post them on the Web as they become available.

Can I download free software?

Numerous software codes developed at GRC are available for easy download just by completing a software release agreement. Available design and analysis codes can be found at http://cto.grc.nasa.gov/businessop/software.asp.

Do I need an official document to partner with NASA GRC?

We formalize partnerships through Space Act Agreements. These agreements are encouraged at NASA, and are authorized by our enabling legislation. The agreement addresses issues of importance to both of us -- not just the work to be performed and the schedule and milestones, but also legal issues such as intellectual property and liability.

How hard is it to negotiate a Space Act Agreement?

We have worked hard to make this a simple, easy-to-use process. As a Government agency, we do have some unique requirements. Still, we have hundreds of satisfied customers, and are happy to explain any of our terms, so you can make informed decisions.

How much does it cost to partner with NASA GRC?

The cost of our expertise is similar to that of any well-qualified consulting company. Of course, we do not compete with the commercial marketplace, so you know that any assistance from NASA GRC is unique.

Does NASA GRC have patents available for licensing?

NASA GRC patents about 12 unique ideas annually, which are available for licensing. A list of available patents is available at http://cto.grc.nasa.gov/businessop/patents.asp.

What kinds of licenses are available at NASA GRC?

NASA GRC can negotiate exclusive, nonexclusive, and field of use licenses. The most critical part of any licensing proposal is the commercialization plan. NASA only licenses its technologies to firms we are confident can turn our patented technologies into commercial products and processes.

How much does it cost to license a NASA GRC Technology?

NASA licenses generally consist of an up-front royalty, minimum annual royalty and a running royalty. Royalty amounts are based on market projections and industry standards.

What if I have a technology that may help enable a NASA need?

We want to hear from you!
NASA GRC is always looking for commercially available research and technology that can help us fulfill our NASA mission needs. We will identify the people on GRC’s staff with the most expertise to evaluate your technology. We will also work with you to identify opportunities for co-development

Are there any business assistance programs at NASA GRC?

In addition to our involvement in the “virtual network” of organizations offering business assistance in the state and northeast Ohio region, several other special programs associated with NASA GRC offer business assistance.

• The Great Lakes Industrial Technology Institute (GLITeC) is the regional technology transfer center that works hand-in-hand with our staff to help companies develop new products and enhance processes through the commercial application of NASA developed technology.
  
  Web: http://www.glitec.org
  Phone: 216-898-6400

• The National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC) also works closely with our staff showcasing technologies and facilitating partnerships between NASA and industry.
  
  Web: http://www.nttc.edu
  Phone: 1-800-678-6882
  
  
• The NASA Illinois Commercialization Center (NICC) provides NASA technology access and commercialization services to Illinois companies.
  
  Web: http://www.nasa-illinois.org/
  Phone: 630-845-651
  
  
• LIFT (Lewis Incubator for Technology) nurtures new and emerging businesses with the potential to incorporate technology developed by NASA Glenn.
  
  Web: http://www.lift.org
  Phone: 440-260-3300

Life Support and Habitation Navigation:

Home | Environmental | EVA | Fire Safety | In-Situ | Life Supp Sys | Multiphase Tech | Definitions