NGA is unique in the Intelligence Community as one
of the few agencies that awards grants and other agreements. Below are
the various types of programs available through NGA and links to more
information.
NGA invests significant resources in research and
development to accomplish the agency's mission of providing timely,
relevant and accurate geospatial-intelligence to national, military, and
civilian customers in support of national security objectives. It is
DOD policy to use technology transfer activities to strengthen the
industrial base and make the best use of national scientific and
technical capabilities to enhance then effectiveness of DOD forces and
systems. NGA uses CRADAs for its technology partnerships, and actively
seeks commercial and academic research collaborators.
- NGA Academic Research Program (NARP)
The NGA Academic Research Program is focused on innovative,
far-reaching basic and applied research in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics that has the potential to advance the GEOINT
mission. The objective of the NARP is to support innovative,
high-payoff research that provides the basis for revolutionary progress
in areas of science and technology affecting the needs and mission of
NGA. This research also supports the National System for Geospatial
Intelligence, which is the combination of technology, systems and
organizations that gather, produce, distribute and consume geospatial
data and information. The end result is aimed at advancing GEOINT
capabilities by improving analytical methods, enhancing and expanding
systems capabilities, and leveraging resources for NGA, DOD and the IC.
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
NGA is the only member of the Intelligence Community that
participates in the Small Business Innovation Research program Members
of the IC are exempt from SBIR. But, NGA found that the SBIR program is
valuable enough to warrant voluntary participation.