USRA is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1969 under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of NASA. Its current membership consists of 104 universities in the U.S. and abroad that have graduate programs in space-related sciences and/or engineering. USRA focuses on space-related technical competencies with the goal of expanding knowledge and developing technology for the benefit of the academic community and U.S. government agencies and other customers.
In addition to fostering university/government and university/industry collaborations and research teams, USRA's activities are designed to and to engage the educational community and attract student participation at all educational levels. USRA provides access to information about funded research opportunities in the space sciences, offers grant and sub-agreement expertise, is able to issue solicitations and conduct peer reviews, and is staffed to handle sub-agreements to universities. Additionally, USRA operates an Exchange Visitor Program with the U.S. State Department, allowing us to quickly access and apply international research talent to current programs.
USRA employs more than 400 professional, scientific, technical, and administrative personnel at our Headquarters and at research institutes and centers around the country. USRA is governed by the university-based scientific community, through our Council of Institutions, Board of Trustees, and a system of Science Councils which each serve as an independent scientific board of directors for our technical and educational programs. In fiscal year 2006, USRA revenues were approximately $82 million. USRA maintains a robust job cost accounting system that adheres to GAAP, FASB, CAS, FAR, and DCAA requirements.
USRA funding sources have included:
NASA
Department of Defense
National Science Foundation
Department of Energy
Department of Commerce
Department of Transportation
Germany
United Nations
