What is the USAP?
USAP Summary and Background
Antarctic Policies
Conservation
International Cooperation
NSF USAP Contract

United States Antarctic Program (overview)
Fact Sheet—U.S. Antarctic Program

The USAP Summary and Background outlines the basic goals and rationale behind conducting research in Antarctica, and how science projects are aligned with the USAP's goals to expand fundamental knowledge of the region, to foster research on global and regional problems of current scientific importance, and to use the region as a platform or base from which to support research.

The Summary and Background is provided in its entirety and individual sections on the National Science Foundation website:

USAP Summary and Background Home Page
Sections:

Reasons to Perform Antarctic Research
Season Project Highlights
Construction Highlights
Environmental Protection and Waste Management
Personnel, Camps, and Stations
Support Operations
United States Antarctic Policy and Achievements
National Science Foundation (mission, organization, activity, and budget)
Aircraft and Supply Ship Operations 

The United States Antarctic Program represents our Nation in Antarctica. Carrying forward U.S. goals supporting the Antarctic Treaty, the program strives to encourage international cooperation, maintain an active and influential presence in the region, and continue to conduct high-quality science research, all while sustaining funding efficiency. Read the Antarctic Treaty in its entirety, or peruse through the various U.S. Antarctic policies.

The Antarctic Treaty
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat
U.S. Policy for Antarctica
U.S. Federal Agency Responsibilities
International Cooperation
U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State
U.S. Policy on Private Expeditions to Antarctica

Because Antarctica is one of Earth's pristine, isolated regions, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have developed measures to protect the environment and conserve living resources; in response, the United States has created laws and regulations to implement these measures. Anyone participating in the USAP must work within these regulations. The USAP promotes strict adherence to the Antarctic Conservation Act, which protects Antarctic native plants, animals, and their habitats. You can read about this effort on the following web pages.

Antarctic Conservation Act
Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 complete text of Public Law 95-451
The Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)
Antarctic Specially Protected Areas Information
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)

The Antarctic Treaty regulates international cooperation in Antarctica, and different nations continually support one another in logistics and science projects across the continent. Exciting collaboration is taking place, and the United States Antarctic Program is a prominent participant. Browse through information on international cooperation by using the links below.

U.S. Antarctic Policy—U.S. Department of State
Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP)
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)
International Polar Year (IPY)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is preparing for the procurement of the Science Operations and Maintenance Support for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) and has developed a web site of background information on the USAP.

United States Antarctic Program Antarctic Support Contract