29
August
2013
|
11:30 AM
America/New_York

USRA Selected for NASA Advanced Research and Technology Contract

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has been selected as the prime contractor for the NASA Glenn Research Center's Advanced Research and Technology Support contract. The USRA team, "Advanced Research Associates," includes prime contractor USRA and subcontractors, Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) , University of Toledo , The University of Akron , Case Western Reserve University , and Cleveland State University . The ARA team is also supported by regional nonprofit institutes and small businesses which include Apogee Engineering , ARES Corporation , ZIN Technologies , Analytical Mechanics Associates and Battelle Memorial Institute .


Beginning Oct. 1, ARA will conduct research side-by-side with NASA Glenn scientists and technologists to provide broader understanding and advancements in the fields of environment of space effects; materials and structures for aerospace applications; engine systems technologies for aerospace vehicles; in-space power and propulsion systems; instrumentation, sensors, and controls for aeronautics and space systems; and technologies for safe and efficient aircraft operation in atmospheric icing conditions. This cost-plus-fixed fee indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has a maximum value of $65 million during a 4 1/2-year performance period.


ARA is led by USRA Director, Mr. Steve Simons, who said of the award, "we look to our team's successful past as we prepare to support the future of advancing research and technology—it's exciting to see a team of such highly-respected Ohio-based institutes coming together to support a pillar of the Cleveland community: NASA Glenn Research Center." Ms. Ann Heyward, of OAI will serve as Deputy Program Manager and work closely in collaboration with Glenn to seek new research opportunities.


ARA team members have a long history of support at the NASA Glenn facility in a variety of research areas. Glenn is well known for its Zero Gravity Research Facility, a 500 feet deep facility which simulates microgravity, and has been used by ARA researchers to test award-winning experiments prior to flight aboard the International Space Station. ARA Researchers have also worked in facilities like Glenn's Icing Research Tunnel and have helped GRC develop award-winning new silicon crystal growth techniques and high temperature shape memory alloys , among many other collaborative accomplishments.


USRA's Chief Operating Officer, Don Kniffen, said "USRA is proud to lead a team whose commitment to science, research and technology will benefit all of NASA, the nation and particularly NASA Glenn and the Cleveland region."

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit research corporation where the combined efforts of in-house talent and university-based expertise merge to advance space science and technology. USRA works across disciplines including biomedicine, astrophysics, and engineering and integrates those competencies into applications ranging from fundamental research to facility management and operations. USRA engages the creativity and authoritative expertise of the research community to develop and deliver sophisticated, forward-looking solutions to Federal agencies and other customers - on schedule and within budget.