REP. CALVERT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR NASA SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
April 8, 2009
Press Release
Today Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA), the former Chairman of the Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, introduced the NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act.
"For far too long, our nation's civilian space and aeronautics agency has been operating with insufficient resources," stated Rep. Ken Calvert. "My legislation will provide NASA with a private funding mechanism, which will complement our nation's federal investment."
The NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act, would set up a trust fund account — to be named the Innovation Fund (IF) — to hold funds generated from private sponsorship. The IF will be directed through the Centennial Challenges program. NASA would be authorized to solicit and receive money from individuals and corporations in exchange for approved promotional programs that associate the corporation with NASA and the IF. The bill explicitly prohibits product placement on NASA assets that the public would find objectionable or inappropriate. Much like the Professional Golfers' Association or National Public Radio utilize tasteful sponsorships which are beneficial to them and their sponsors, the IF would allow NASA to do the same to benefit its prize authority program.
The IF would not simply be substituting private-sector dollars derived from sponsorships for dollars Congress would otherwise appropriate. The IF will be private-sector funding directed through the Centennial Challenges program to reward competitors that accomplish challenges set by NASA.
The Sponsorship Board and the vetting process it will undertake is a key component of the NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act. The board will consist of seven individuals, including the NASA Administrator, the Chief Strategic Communications Officer and five private citizens who have a stake in NASA's reputation and future. The board will screen potential applications for promotional contracts with NASA. The board will establish criteria to ensure that applicants are high caliber, reputable entities that are on good standing with the agency. The ability of the board to set the appropriate requirements for entering into a contract is fortified by giving NASA veto power over applicants. All applicants will be required to submit three parts in their sponsorship application: the monetary contribution, the content of the promotional program and an educational component to encourage the study of math and science.
"The possibilities available to NASA through this legislation are endless," said Rep. Calvert. "The ability of NASA to reward private teams for science, engineering and technology advancements will be vital to maintaining our position as the premier leader in space and aeronautics. America is a country of pioneers and explorers. Let's keep this tradition alive through the NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act."
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"For far too long, our nation's civilian space and aeronautics agency has been operating with insufficient resources," stated Rep. Ken Calvert. "My legislation will provide NASA with a private funding mechanism, which will complement our nation's federal investment."
The NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act, would set up a trust fund account — to be named the Innovation Fund (IF) — to hold funds generated from private sponsorship. The IF will be directed through the Centennial Challenges program. NASA would be authorized to solicit and receive money from individuals and corporations in exchange for approved promotional programs that associate the corporation with NASA and the IF. The bill explicitly prohibits product placement on NASA assets that the public would find objectionable or inappropriate. Much like the Professional Golfers' Association or National Public Radio utilize tasteful sponsorships which are beneficial to them and their sponsors, the IF would allow NASA to do the same to benefit its prize authority program.
The IF would not simply be substituting private-sector dollars derived from sponsorships for dollars Congress would otherwise appropriate. The IF will be private-sector funding directed through the Centennial Challenges program to reward competitors that accomplish challenges set by NASA.
The Sponsorship Board and the vetting process it will undertake is a key component of the NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act. The board will consist of seven individuals, including the NASA Administrator, the Chief Strategic Communications Officer and five private citizens who have a stake in NASA's reputation and future. The board will screen potential applications for promotional contracts with NASA. The board will establish criteria to ensure that applicants are high caliber, reputable entities that are on good standing with the agency. The ability of the board to set the appropriate requirements for entering into a contract is fortified by giving NASA veto power over applicants. All applicants will be required to submit three parts in their sponsorship application: the monetary contribution, the content of the promotional program and an educational component to encourage the study of math and science.
"The possibilities available to NASA through this legislation are endless," said Rep. Calvert. "The ability of NASA to reward private teams for science, engineering and technology advancements will be vital to maintaining our position as the premier leader in space and aeronautics. America is a country of pioneers and explorers. Let's keep this tradition alive through the NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act."
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