NASA selects 27 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research proposals

NASA SELECTS 27 SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PHASE 2 PROJECTS

NASA has selected 27 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research proposals for Phase 2 contract negotiations. The STTR projects total approximately $16 million and directly support NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. The contracts will be awarded to 24 small high-technology firms in 15 states.

The goals of the NASA STTR program are to stimulate technological innovation, increase the use of small business -- including women-owned and disadvantaged firms -- in meeting federal research and development needs, and increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federally-funded research. In addition, the STTR program requires a collaborative research effort between small business and research institutions.

NASA evaluated 41 STTR proposals submitted by U.S.-owned small business concerns. Phase 2 continues development of the most promising Phase 1 projects. Only Phase 1 participants can compete for continuation of their efforts with Phase 2 contracts. Selection criteria for Phase 2 includes technical merit and innovation, Phase 1 results, value to NASA, commercial potential and company capabilities. Phase 2 contracts are funded up to $600,000 for a performance period of up to two years.

The NASA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office is hosted at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, with executive oversight by NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Individual STTR projects are managed by the NASA’s nine field centers.

A listing of the selected companies can be accessed on the Internet at: sbir.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program 2003 STTR Phase 2 Press Release March 29, 2005 J.D. Harrington Headquarters, Washington, D.C. (Phone: 202/358-5241) RELEASE: 05-xx

First Medal of Honor, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Update 04/04/05 Remarks by the President in Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith FULL STREAMING VIDEO President's Remarks, FULL TEXT Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

First Medal of Honor to be awarded in Operation Iraqi Freedom

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 30, 2005) -- The White House announced March 29 that President George W. Bush will honor Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith by presenting his family the Medal of Honor on April 4, the second anniversary of his courageous actions during the Battle of Baghdad Airport.

Smith is the first to receive the military’s highest award for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In action near the Baghdad Airport on April 4, 2003, Smith, a Soldier in Company B, 11th Engineer Battalion, working with units of the 3rd Infantry Division, was tasked to build a compound to hold enemy prisoners, when his small force came under attack by more than 100 enemies.

Smith threw two grenades and fired rocket launchers at the enemy before manning a .50-caliber machine gun on an M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier to protect his troops. While engaging an enemy attacking from three sides, Smith fired more than 300 rounds from the machinegun before being killed.

He prevented the enemy from overtaking his unit’s position, protected his Task Force’s flank, and defended the lives of more than 100 Soldiers, according to his award citation.

Smith was serving as a platoon sergeant in Bravo Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 2-7, 3rd Infantry Division. He had been serving in the Army since October 1989.

For more information about Smith, including detailed accounts of his action, see other stories on the Army News Service Web site at army.mil/ocpa/news/or visit the special tribute Web site at army.mil/medalofhonor/