**LEW Numbers and New Technology Reporting Instructions**

**What Is a LEW Number?**

A LEW number is an inventory number assigned to a technology developed
at the NASA Glenn Research Center. LEW stands for Lewis, the old center
name, which was retained because of concern that GRC could be confused
with GSC, the Goddard designation. Each NASA center has its own unique
three-letter code.

**When Are LEW Numbers Required?**

LEW numbers have to be assigned to any new technology that is being
considered for patenting, that was developed under contract or grant
(there are new technology-reporting clauses in R&D contracts and
grants), or that is nominated for a Space Act Award or selected for NASA
Tech Briefs. In fact, LEW numbers are required for any new technology
developed in-house by civil servant or contract scientists and
engineers.

**How Does NASA Define New Technology?**

New technology is defined as any invention, discovery, improvement, or
innovation, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectable under
Title 35 of the United States Code, conceived or first actually reduced
to practice from work as a Government employee or in the performance of
any work under any NASA contract. Reportable items include, but are not
limited to, new processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of
matter. Reportable items also include new computer programs and
improvements to, or new applications of, existing computer programs.

Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "technology" as the
practical application of knowledge, especially in a particular area. It
does NOT restrict the term to patentable items; neither does NASA
restrict it to patentable items.

**Why Should New Technology Be Reported?**

The purpose is to make sure that all technologies developed under NASA
funding are recorded into a database that is searchable and archived.
The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, provides
that the aeronautical and space activities of the United States shall be
conducted so as to contribute to the preservation of the United States
as a leader in aeronautical and space science and technology and in the
application thereof to the conduct of peaceful activities within and
outside the atmosphere. Technology transfer is one of NASA's strategic
missions and the means through which aeronautics and space technological
advances permeate the many sectors of the national economy through the
U.S. industrial community. Since many technological advances have
resulted from innovations developed by NASA employees and under NASA
funding agreements (i.e., contracts, grants, and cooperative
agreements), the reporting of these new technologies is essential to the
achievement of this important NASA mission.

**How Do I Report New Technology and Obtain a LEW Number?**

The first step in reporting your new technology is to complete a NASA
Form 1679, Disclosure of Invention and New Technology (Including
Software). NASA employees and parties under NASA funding agreements
(i.e., contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and subcontractors)
can report new technology via this form. You can complete the form
online, via a secure Internet connection at
[https://webentre.nasa.gov](https://webentre.nasa.gov/); complete a
printed form and mail it to CTO--NTR, MS 4--2; or complete a PDF or MS
Word version of the form and email it to <Kathleen.A.Kerrigan@nasa.gov>.

All disclosures receive a LEW number (a NASA case number). After you
submit your disclosure, you will receive the assigned LEW number. If the
technology was published in Tech Briefs or was submitted before, you
should have already received the assigned LEW number.

Direct new technology reporting questions to Kathy Kerrigan:
216--433--5625, Mail Stop 4--2, or <Kathleen.A.Kerrigan@nasa.gov>.