HU NEWEST MEMBER OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AEROSPACE

Hampton University is the newest member of the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), bringing to seven the number of universities partnering in the newly formed center for cutting-edge aerospace and atmospheric sciences research and graduate education.

The NIA’s Board of Directors last week accepted Hampton University’s application for full membership; previously, HU had been an affiliate member. The original NIA partners are the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation, Reston, Va.; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, N.C.; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.; University of Maryland, College Park, Md.; University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

“Hampton University adds a unique dimension to NIA and we look forward to collaborative research and education projects,” said NIA Board Chairman Mark McNamee, Virginia Tech provost. “The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Hampton University as a full member of the Institute.”

"I am pleased that Hampton University has been accepted as a full member," said Dr. William R. Harvey, president, Hampton University. "This means that the cutting-edge research engaged in by the University will be expanded and enhanced. The positive implications, in terms of academics, research activities and economic development for Hampton Roads and the region, are enormous."

Last fall, NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., teamed with the National Institute of Aerospace Associates (NIAA), a newly formed non-profit corporation, to create a world-class institute called the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) to do cutting edge aerospace and atmospheric research, develop new technologies for the nation and help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The NIA is a long-term commitment on the part of NASA to expand collaboration with universities, industry, other government agencies and the broader scientific community to fully leverage expertise inside and outside of government.

This innovative government/academic partnership is comprised of a cost reimbursable, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract and a cooperative agreement. The maximum value of the contract for a five-year base period is $49 million. The value of the basic five-year cooperative agreement is $69 million. If the three five-year options are exercised under the cooperative agreement, the combined potential total value would be $379 million.