By utilizing Agreements, we can establish mutually beneficial relationships that can create new technologies that may reduce R&D costs, catalyze technology development, and/or generate new products. Initiating the Partnerships process is as easy as matching your organization’s needs to Ames’ Capabilities and contacting our office to explore your needs with an Agreement Manager. 

Space Act Agreement Options 

Space Act Agreements (SAAs) are a type of legal agreement specified in the National Aeronautics and Space Act that established NASA. SAAs are not subject to normal Federal Acquisition Regulations. 

Reimbursable 

Agreements where NASA’s costs associated to the activity are reimbursed by the Agreement Partner (in full or in part). NASA undertakes Reimbursable Agreements when it has unique goods, services, and facilities that are not currently being fully utilized to accomplish mission needs. These may be made available to others on a noninterference basis and consistent with the Agency’s missions and policies. 

Nonreimbursable 

Agreements that involve NASA and one or more Agreement Partners in a mutually beneficial activity that furthers the Agency’s Missions. Unlike Reimbursable Agreements, each partner bears the cost of its participation (personnel, facilities, expertise, equipment, technology, etc) and no funds are exchanged between the parties. 

Interagency Agreements 

Nonreimbursable and reimbursable agreements with other agencies of the Federal Government and state/local governments that can be entered into under the authority of the NASA Space Act, sections 203(c)(5) and (6), 42 U.S.C. § 2473(c). Such agreements are a formal statement of understanding between NASA and an agency or agencies of the Federal, state, or local government requiring NASA programmatic or institutional activities over a period of time to accomplish the purpose of the agreement. An exchange of correspondence or transfer of funds related to routine activities within the scope of existing authority and policies does not constitute or require an interagency agreement. 

Funded Agreements 

Agreements where appropriated funds are transferred to a domestic Agreement Partner to accomplish an Agency mission. Funded Agreements may be used only when the Agency’s objective cannot be accomplished through the use of a procurement contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. 

International Agreements 

Nonreimbursable agreements or reimbursable agreements wherein the Agreement Partner is a foreign entity. “Foreign entity” means a legal entity that is not established under a state or Federal law of the United States and includes a commercial or noncommercial entity or person or governmental entity of a foreign sovereign. International nonreimbursable agreements are generally governed by international law, while International reimbursable agreements are generally governed by U.S. Federal law. Such procedural requirements include review by other parts of the U.S. Government coordinated through the Department of State. 

Learn more about the National Aeronautics and Space Act. 

For questions and information regarding International Agreements please contact via email: Terry Pagaduan.