This subpart describes the functions, authority, and membership of the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board (hereafter referred to as “the Board”).

Pursuant to the authority of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 as amended (42 U.S.C. 2457(f) and 2458) and the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act of 1954 (5 U.S.C. 4501-6), the Board was established on December 4, 1958, and is further continued in effect by this subpart 4.

(a) Waiver of rights in inventions. Under the authority of 51 U.S.C. 20135(g) and pursuant to 14 CFR part 1245 subpart 1, the Board will receive and evaluate petitions for waiver of rights of the United States to inventions, accord each interested party an opportunity for a hearing, and transmit to the Administrator its findings of fact as to such petitions and its recommendations for action to be taken with respect thereto.

(b) Monetary awards for scientific and technical contributions. (1) Under the authority of 51 U.S.C. 20136 and pursuant to 14 CFR part 1240, the Board will receive and evaluate each application for award for any scientific or technical contribution to the Administration which is determined to have significant value in the conduct of aeronautical and space activities, will accord each applicant an opportunity for a hearing upon such application, and will then transmit to the Administrator its recommendation as to the amount of the monetary award and the terms of the award, if any, to be made for such contribution.

(2) If the contribution is made by a Government employee, the Board is also authorized to consider such contribution for award under the Incentive Awards Program and to make an award, if any, on its own cognizance, up to the amount of $10,000, in accordance with NASA supplements to Chapter 451 of the Federal Personnel Manual covering this subject.

The Board shall be established within an office or department of NASA as designated by the Administrator.

(a) The Board will consist of a full-time Chairperson and at least six members appointed by the Administrator from within NASA. One of the members will be designated by the Chairperson as Vice-Chairperson. The Chairperson is responsible directly to the Administrator.

(b) The Chairperson of the Board is appointed for an unlimited period. All other Board members normally will be appointed initially for a period of 3 years. The Chairperson is authorized to extend the initial appointment of any Board member for an additional period of service. If a member resigns or is otherwise unable to participate in the Board's activities, a replacement may be appointed for the remainder of the uncompleted term and, with the approval of the Chairperson, may be appointed for a full 3-year term upon the expiration of the original term. This procedure will provide the Board with a continual infusion of new members with a variety of professional backgrounds and interests. Duties performed by the members of the Board will be in addition to their regular duties.

(c) The Chairperson is authorized to:

(1) Assemble the Board as required to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the Board;

(2) Establish such panels as may be considered necessary to discharge the responsibilities and perform the functions of the Board; and

(3) Issue implementing rules and procedures, and take such other actions as are necessary to perform the Board's functions.

(a) The staff of the Board is established to assist the Board in discharging its functions and responsibilities. The staff will:

(1) Prepare analyses of petitions for waiver of rights to inventions for the consideration of the Board;

(2) Prepare evaluation of proposed awards;

(3) Document Board actions; and

(4) Perform such other functions as may be required.

(b) A full-time director of the staff will serve as a nonvoting member of the Board, and will direct the activities of the staff of the Board.

(c) The director of the staff of the Board will report to the Chairperson of the Board.