What is an NPC?

NPC stands for non-profit research and education corporation. In 1988, Congress passed legislation authorizing the establishment of NPCs to serve as flexible funding mechanisms to the Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development programs at local VA hospitals (38 USC §§7361-7366). DVA was given authority over regulating the NPCs, and gives guidance in Handbook 1200.17, which is their interpretation of the authorizing statute.

What is MTRI?

Middle Tennessee Research Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit research and education foundation, authorized under and governed by 38 USC §§7361-7366. We serve as a flexible funding mechanism to the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), providing administration and stewardship of federal and non-federal research and education grants and contracts. MTRI is one of 80 NPCs located across the country. At MTRI, we provide support to VA TVHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs in their mission to seek innovative treatment options and educational opportunities to better serve our nation’s Veterans. 

History

Shortly after the passing of Title 38 in 1988, two nonprofits were created in central Tennessee, the Alvin C. York DVA Research and Education Foundation in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Research Institute in Nashville. Both operated independently for about 10 years. In 1991, ACYREF was dissolved and merged into NRI, forming Middle Tennessee Research Institute. The merger was acknowledged August 8, 2000. MTRI has been in operation for 20 years.

National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations

MTRI is a member of the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations, a 501(c)3 non-profit membership organization.  The leadership team of NAVREF provides resources, training, and programming to the 83 member NPCs and provides collaboration and support in furthering the collective mission of improving Veteran health through research and education.

For more information on NPCs, their history, and their unique relationship with the VA, visit www.navref.org.