ICB Background

The Inventions and Contributions Board (ICB) was chartered by Congress in Public Law 85-568, the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (Space Act), as amended, and is governed by provisions in that statute (now 51 U.S.C. Chapter 201, as well as by regulations at 14 CFR 1209 Part 4 and 14 CFR Part 1245 Subpart 1). The Space Act places the ICB in NASA to provide recommendations for waiving NASA’s property rights in inventions and for providing monetary awards to any person making a significant scientific or technical contribution to the conduct of aeronautical and space activities.

Under the authority of 51 U.S.C. § 20136 and pursuant to 14 CFR Part 1209, Subpart 4, the ICB consists of a full-time chairperson and at least six members appointed from within NASA (typically engineers and scientists). The Agency Chief Technologist, in the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy is designated to be the Chairperson of the ICB and the Chairperson is responsible directly to the Administrator. Under the authority of 51 U.S.C. § 20136 and pursuant to 14 CFR Part 1209, Subpart 4, a staff is established to assist the ICB in discharging its functions and responsibilities. A full-time Director directs the activities of the staff and reports to the Chairperson of the ICB.