MOU between NSF and NASA

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)
EDUCATION COOPERATION
between the
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)
and the
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

Signed February 22, 2007
By
Cora B. Marrett
Assistant Director
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
National Science Foundation
and
Joyce L. Winterton
Assistant Administrator for Education
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FOR
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)
EDUCATION COOPERATION
between the
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)
and the
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

I.

AUTHORITIES

NASA enters into this MOU pursuant to Section 203 (c)(5) and (c)(6) of the National
Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2473 (c)(5) and (c)(6).
NSF enters into this MOU pursuant to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (as amended
42 U.S.C. 1861 et Seq.).
II.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to facilitate a collaborative
partnership between NASA and NSF (“the Agencies”) that advances the scientific and
technological capabilities of the Nation. It is imperative to coordinate the education efforts of
these Agencies to promote a comprehensive knowledge base for addressing national challenges
and to manage resources efficiently. Building on individual agency strengths and competencies,
collaborative partnerships extend and strengthen the work of the Agencies to ensure future
generations have a bright future.
III.

BACKGROUND/GOALS/OBJECTIVES

a. Background
NASA has primary responsibility for advancing U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests
through robust space exploration and aeronautics research programs. NASA’s mission to
understand and explore depends upon educated, motivated people, and as such has a strong
interest in inspiring and motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics. With its ability to capture the imagination of educators, students,
and the general public, NASA has a unique capacity to help revitalize science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in America. This will contribute to the
continued availability of trained scientists, technologists, engineers, and educators to meet the
Nation's technical workforce needs in the 21st century.

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NSF plays a critical role in supporting fundamental research, education and infrastructure at
colleges, universities, and other institutions throughout the country, and is the principal federal
agency charged with promoting science and engineering education at all levels and in all
settings, from pre-kindergarten through career development. Leadership in today’s knowledge
economy requires world-class scientists and engineers and a national workforce that is
scientifically, technically and mathematically strong. As such, the development of a diverse,
competitive, and globally engaged U.S. workforce of scientists, engineers, technologists and
well-prepared citizens is a primary goal for the Foundation. Embedded in all NSF programs are
efforts to build a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and globally engaged workforce that fully
reflects the strength of the Nation’s diverse population. This helps ensure that the United States
has world-class scientists, mathematicians and engineers, and well-prepared citizens.
The Administration’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) has as its cornerstone a
commitment to increase investments in the physical sciences and engineering, along with a
commitment to strengthen K-12 math and science education, and to build a well-educated and
skilled workforce. The missions of NASA and NSF are closely aligned to these commitments.
Through this MOU, NASA and NSF will partner with each other to work toward achieving the
goals of the ACI.
b. Agencies’ Overarching Goals
1) Improve effectiveness by jointly supporting exemplary projects that advance
STEM excellence and increase STEM proficient workforce.
2) Improve the national knowledge base regarding scientific literacy, human
and social capital, workforce development, infrastructure and
competitiveness, and innovation.
3) Contribute to the production of scientific workforce to meet national needs,
reflecting the diversity of the U.S. population and its changing
demographics.
c. Agency Goals and Objectives
1) NSF
The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 authorizes and directs NSF to
initiate and support:
•
•
•
•

Basic scientific research and research fundamental to the engineering
process,
Programs to strengthen scientific and engineering research potential,
Science and engineering education programs at all levels and in all fields of
science and engineering, and
An information base on science and engineering appropriate for
development of national and international policy.

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Over time, the following additional responsibilities were added to the agency’s
mission: (1) foster the interchange of scientific and engineering information
nationally and internationally; (2) support the development of computer and
other methodologies; (3) maintain facilities in the Antarctic and promote the
U.S. presence through research conducted there; and (4) address issues of equal
opportunity in science and engineering.
NSF investments are guided by the following strategic goals:
DISCOVERY GOAL – FOSTER RESEARCH THAT WILL ADVANCE THE FRONTIERS
OF KNOWLEDGE, EMPHASIZING AREAS OF GREATEST OPPORTUNITY AND
POTENTIAL BENEFIT AND ESTABLISHING THE NATION AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN
FUNDAMENTAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL SCEINCE AND ENGINEERING.

LEARNING GOAL – CULTIVATE A WORLD-CLASS, BROADLY INCLUSIVE
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING WORKFORCE, AND EXPAND THE SCIENTIFIC LITERACY
OF ALL CITIZENS.
RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE GOAL – BUILD THE NATION’S RESEARCH
CAPABILITY THROUGH CRITICAL INVESTMENTS IN ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION,
FACILITIES, CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE AND EXPERIMENTAL TOOLS.

STEWARDSHIP GOAL – SUPPORT EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION THROUGH A CAPABLE AND RESPONSIVE
ORGANIZATION.

NSF’s Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) supports
activities that strengthen U.S. education at all levels and help ensure continued
U.S. economic and research preeminence. The EHR portfolio focuses on four
goals:
• Prepare the next generation of science and engineering (S&E)
professionals and attract and retain more Americans in S&E careers.
• Develop a robust research community that can conduct rigorous research
and evaluation that will support excellence in S&E education and will
integrate research and education.
• Broaden participation (individuals, geographic regions, types of
institutions, S&E disciplines) and close gaps in all S&E fields.
• Increase the technological, scientific, and quantitative literacy of all
Americans so that they can exercise responsible citizenship and live
productive lives in an increasingly technological society.

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2) NASA
For nearly 50 years, NASA’s journeys into air and space have deepened
humankind’s understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs,
enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific
research. Theses accomplishments share a common genesis: education. NASA
will continue the Agency’s tradition of investing in the Nation’s education
programs and supporting the country’s educators who play a key role in
preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of
today who will manage and lead the Nation’s laboratories and research centers of
tomorrow.
In 2006 and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals:
• Strengthen NASA and the Nation’s future workforce—NASA will
identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities needed to achieve
the Vision for Space Exploration. To help meet this demand, NASA will
continue contributing to the development of the Nation’s science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce of the
future through a diverse portfolio of education initiatives that target
America’s students at all levels, especially those in traditionally
underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Attract and retain students in STEM disciplines—To compete
effectively for the minds, imaginations, and career ambitions of America’s
young people, NASA will focus on engaging and retaining students in
STEM education programs to encourage their pursuit of educational
disciplines critical to NASA’s future engineering, scientific, and technical
missions.
• Engage Americans in NASA’s Mission—NASA will build strategic
partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education
providers. Through hands-on, interactive, education activities, NASA will
engage students, educators, families, the general public, and all Agency
stakeholders to increase American’s science and technology literacy.
As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain
its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education to ensure that the next generation of Americans
can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future.

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IV. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Agency agrees to conduct its respective activities in a coordinated and mutually beneficial
manner.
NSF (EHR) agrees to:
1. Provide support to attract and prepare U.S. students for S&E careers, including
strengthening partnerships between K-12 and higher education through the engagement
of disciplinary faculty and graduate students in K-12 activities.
2. Support research on the development of the effective S&E instructional materials and
technological tools/applications as well as promising practices in teacher preparation and
professional development.
3. Expand the Nation’s S&E talent, addressing federal workforce needs for cyber security
specialists, fostering the S&E education capacity at minority-serving institutions, and
promoting the participation and advancement of women, minority students, and persons
with disabilities in the S&E enterprise.
4. Emphasize the use of evaluation and research to inform improvements in educational
practice and to generate knowledge to advance the S&E educational agenda.
NASA agrees to:
1. Contribute to the development of the STEM workforce in disciplines needed to achieve
NASA’s strategic goals, through a portfolio of investments.
2. Attract and retain students in STEM disciplines through a progression of educational
opportunities for students, teachers and faculty.
3. Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education
providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA’s mission.
Under the Memorandum, NASA and NSF agree to establish a working group to develop and
coordinate activities that will address, but not necessarily be limited to, the following objectives:
1. Synergistic Collaboration
• Identification, discussion, and recommendation of common strategies and relative agency
roles for major science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education initiatives.
Of particular relevance are American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) and creation of a
science education panel.
• Joint participation in strategic planning and the design of projects that advance STEM
education.
• Develop coordinated strategies in areas where the agencies have mutual investments to
ensure education reform.

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2. Focal Areas
• Review new and existing programs to identify opportunities for collaboration in instances
where programs directly complement or supplement one another. Program collaboration
will be designed in a manner that capitalizes on the relative strengths and expertise of
each agency and reflects agency missions.
• Project Evaluation & Program Reviews: NASA and NSF have engaged in mutually
productive, collaborative evaluation activities in the past. These activities were enabled
through a letter of understanding, dated July 14, 1995. Through this MOU, the agencies
will continue to work together to coordinate activities, share information about successful
evaluation approaches, and conduct joint evaluations when mutually beneficial. Potential
collaborations include, (a) implementing objective, independent evaluations of specific
STEM education projects; (b) conducting program reviews using NSF’s Committee of
Visitors model; (c) training staff in evaluation concepts and techniques; and (d)
engagement of NSF’s evaluation contractors, subject to a statement of requirements and
funding from NASA.
• Initiation of targeted studies as deemed appropriate by the NASA Assistant Administrator
for Education and the NSF Assistant Director for Education and Human Resources.
3. Leveraging of Resources
• Share resources and/or support joint efforts in the following areas: broadening
participation, pre-college and postsecondary partnerships, integration of STEM research
and education, and assessment of effectiveness and impacts of the S&E education
investment.
• Set program priorities and allocation of resources to ensure joint alignment to achieve
common goals and objectives.
4. Shared Knowledge and Expertise
• Strengthen the knowledge-base by sharing intellectual expertise:
o Exchange information on pending legislation related to science, mathematics,
engineering and technology education that potentially affects the agencies’
programs. The agencies will review the legislation to identify common issues and
assess impacts on their respective programs, as well as to coordinate responses.
o Share information on legislative initiatives originating from either of the two
agencies. The agencies will review legislation to identify common issues, as well
as to assess impact on agency programs and the relation of proposed initiatives to
agency strategies and priorities.
o Share information on program announcements and program reports that
potentially affect agency programs. The agencies will jointly review program
announcements to identify common issues and strategies to maximize allocation
of resources and attainment of common goals.
5. Leadership Support and Accountability
• The agencies agree to provide points of contact with the necessary program support to
enable them to carry out the purposes and scope of the MOU, as specified by
implementing agreements.

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V. KEY PERSONNEL POINTS OF CONTACT (POC)
The POCs and their designees will have overall day-to-day responsibility for carrying out this
collaboration. Specific collaborative projects may have their own project leads appropriately
drawn and supported from their Agencies. The following individuals are designated points of
contact for this MOU:
NSF:
NAME
Dr. Bernice T. Anderson
OFFICE
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
ADDR
4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230, Room 805
PHONE (DESK)
(703) 292 – 5151 or 292- 8600
PHONE (CELL)
EMAIL ADDRESS banderso@nsf.gov
NASA:

VI.

NAME
OFFICE
ADDR
PHONE (DESK)
PHONE (CELL)
EMAIL ADDR

Dr. Anngienetta R. Johnson
Office of Education
300 E Street SW, Washington DC. 20546, Room 2J17
(202) 358-4717
(202) 253-1913
anngie.johnson@nasa.gov

ANTI-DEFICIENCY ACT & AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATIONS
LIMITATIONS

All activities under or pursuant to this agreement are subject to the availability of appropriated
funds, and no provision herein shall be interpreted to require obligations or payment of funds in
violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. § 1341.
VII.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS (No exchange of Funds/covered in Implementing
Arrangements/Reimbursable)

This MOU is not a funding document and does not authorize the obligations or transfer of funds.
Collaborative activities under this MOU will be conducted under Implementing Arrangements to
be developed as specific activities are identified.
VIII.

LIABILITY & RISK OF LOSS

The parties agree to assume liability for their own risks associated with all activities undertaken
under this MOU or related Implementing Arrangements. In particular, each party shall be
responsible for any liabilities associated with use of its own facilities, equipment, and people
under this MOU or related Implementing Arrangements.

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IX.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND DATA RIGHTS

Unless otherwise agreed by the Agencies, data rights and right in inventions made as a
consequence of, or in direct relation to, the performance of activities under this MOU by
employees of an Agency or employees of an Agency’s contractors or grantees will be
administered according to the Agency’s own standard practices. In the event that employees of
the Agencies and/or employees of the Agency’s contractors or grantees make an invention
jointly, the Agencies shall consult and agree as to future actions toward establishment of patent
protection for the invention.
X.

TERMINATION

Either Agency may terminate this MOU at any time prior to its expiration, with or without cause,
and without incurring liability or obligation to the other parties, by giving at least ninety (90)
calendar days written notice to the other Agency. This MOU may be terminated immediately by
mutual written agreement of the parties. The Agencies agree to review this MOU annually to
determine whether it should be revised, renewed, or canceled.

XI.

TERM OF AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT

This MOU will be effective when signed by NASA and NSF and shall remain in effect for a 5year term from the effective date. The MOU may be amended at any time by the mutual written
consent of the Agencies.
XII.

DISPUTE PROCESS

All differences between the Agencies concerning this MOU shall be submitted jointly for
resolution to the NASA Assistant Administrator for Education and the NSF Assistant Director for
Education and Human Resources, if not resolved by the key personnel officials listed above.

Signed on behalf of:
National Science Foundation

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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