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Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers common questions about the Marshall personnel infusion process. Contact the Marshall Technology Transfer Office for more information.
- What is infusion?
- How can infusion help me?
- What is a typical outcome of infusion?
- How does the infusion process work?
- How long will the infusion process take?
- What technologies is Marshall currently looking to infuse?
- What am I expected to contribute?
- Are there any billing considerations or time-charging issues I need to be aware of?
- Is infusion like procurement?
- How do I submit a technology need or get more information?
Technology infusion is the process by which new innovations are brought into Marshall from an outside organization (industry, academia, other government organization, or other NASA center) and further refined, developed/adapted, tested, and validated for use in a Marshall mission or program. Infusion efforts help Marshall and NASA lower costs, shorten schedules, and decrease project risks.
Infusing technologies from outside resources helps you:
- Spread your development funds further
- Shorten mission and program schedules and lower risk
- Take advantage of the work others have already done
- Benefit from the expertise of those outside of NASA
What is a typical outcome of infusion?
Successful infusion efforts can have any of several possible outcomes. The ideal outcome is to infuse the technology directly into a Marshall mission or program. In other cases, an infused 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 NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP), which helps identify useful technologies that may meet the needs of NASA’s missions and programs. At Marshall, IPP initiatives are managed within the Technology Transfer Office. View the process at-a-glance and read more about the in-depth process.
How long will the infusion process take?
The length of the process depends on how closely the partners technology meets your need; how much further development, testing, and validation are required; and which partnering mechanism that 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.
What technologies is Marshall currently looking to infuse?
View the full list of technology needs. If you have a known technology need that you do not see listed, contact Clark Darty in the Technology Transfer Office at (256) 544-2728 or by e-mail at ronald.c.darty@nasa.gov .
What am I expected to contribute?
Depending on the type of technology involved, you should expect to provide technical information detailing how your mission or program intends to use the technology; how many staff-hours are estimated; and/or any facilities or equipment that you expect to contribute to developing/adapting, testing, and validating the technology. Specific details about your contribution and the partner’s contribution are clearly outlined in the partnership agreement and negotiated before signing.
Are there any billing considerations or time-charging issues I need to be aware of?
The program sponsoring the infusion effort needs to provide the necessary budget to cover Marshall’s contribution of resources, equipment, and/or facilities to the partnership. This also includes the time spent on the effort. The technology transfer team can help gather this information from your program so you can concentrate on your mission.
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 developing/adapting, testing, and validating their technology. Marshall benefits by leveraging the external partner’s new innovations and expertise. In cases where Marshall can procure a technology that is a ready-made or easily adaptable solution to a mission or program need, a procurement activity may be more appropriate than an infusion effort.
How do I submit a technology need or get more information?
Contact Clark Darty in the Technology Transfer Office at (256) 544-2728 or by e-mail at ronald.c.darty@nasa.gov to discuss your technology needs.