| Font Size |  |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers common questions about the partner infusion process. Contact the Marshall Technology Transfer Office for more information.
- What is infusion?
- How can infusion benefit me/my organization?
- What is a typical outcome of infusion?
- How does the infusion process work?
- How long does the infusion process take?
- Does it cost me anything?
- Do I get paid?
- What am I expected to contribute?
- What types of agreements are used?
- How can I protect my intellectual property (IP)?
- What are NASA’s current needs for technology infusion?
- How do I get started?
Technology infusion is the process by which innovations are brought into
Marshall from an outside organization (industry, academia, other government organization, or other NASA center) and further refined, developed, tested, validated, or adapted for use in a NASA mission or program. Infusion efforts help Marshall and NASA lower costs, shorten schedules, and decrease project risks.
How can infusion benefit me/my organization?
Infusion can benefit your organization by helping you:
- Develop technologies further for uses beyond or in addition to their original or intended functionality
- Help these organizations grow through an ongoing relationship with Marshall
- Open the door to new markets for their technologies
- Test and validate technologies using Marshall’s facilities, providing much-needed quality assurance that is necessary to bring a viable product to market, or to infuse it into a NASA mission or program
What is a typical outcome of infusion?
A successful infusion effort could have any of several possible outcomes. The ideal outcome is to infuse the technology directly into a program mission or program. In other cases, a technology may be further developed or validated, enabling it to enter the trade space to be marketed and sold for new uses and remain in consideration for future missions.
How does the infusion process work?
The infusion process is led by Marshall’s Technology Transfer Office, which helps identify useful technologies that may meet the needs of Marshall’s missions and programs. Review the process at-a-glance, and read more about the in-depth process.
How long does the infusion process take?
The length of the process depends on how closely your technology meets Marshall’s need; how much further developing, testing, and validating are required; and which partnering mechanism is chosen. Some infusion efforts can be completed in as little as a few months, while others entail longer co-development efforts lasting several years.
Infusion partnerships can take many forms, but a typical arrangement is contribution of in-kind resources, equipment, and/or facilities from both the partner and Marshall.
No, infusion is usually structured as a co-development partnering effort, rather than a procurement opportunity. Infusion offers outside organizations the benefits of Marshall’s expertise and facilities to continue development and/or adapt, test, and validate their technology.
What am I expected to contribute?
Depending on the partnering mechanism selected and the type of technology involved, you should expect to provide prototypes and/or software code, any existing documentation, any existing test or validation results, examples of previous use of the technology, and the staff-hours estimated to complete further developing/adapting, testing, and validating of the technology. Specific details about your contribution expectations are clearly outlined in your partnership agreement and negotiated before signing.
What types of agreements are used?
Infusion partnerships are typically formalized in Space Act Agreements, which is the most common legal vehicle for partnering with Marshall. These agreements are similar to the Cooperative Research and Development Agreements offered by other government agencies but are based on NASA’s enabling legislation. A Space Act Agreement for an infusion effort is typically non-reimbursable. In a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement, NASA and the partner each contribute resources, which can include personnel, facilities, expertise, equipment or technology, with no transfer of funds. Each party funds its own participation in the activity for their mutual benefit.
How can I protect my intellectual property (IP)?
Any IP owned by you prior to beginning the partnership remains under your ownership. IP developed through the joint partnership is typically co-owned by you and NASA. NASA retains the right to use any co-owned IP for federal government purposes.
What are NASA’s current needs for technology infusion?
Marshall currently has needs in several technology areas. View the full list of technology needs.
First, view the current technology needs. If you see a technology need that your organization may be able to fill, follow the contact instructions for that specific technology need. If you don’t see a need that fits your area of expertise, but you would like to discuss infusion opportunities, contact Clark Darty at (256) 544-2728 or e-mail: ronald.c.darty@nasa.gov.
If you don’t see a need that fits your area of expertise, but you would like to discuss infusion opportunities, contact Clark Darty at (256) 544-2728 or by e-mail at ronald.c.darty@nasa.gov.