Become a Member

At present, VCSI has four types of members:

Member Firms (Dues Paying Firms)
Private companies that have paid dues or provided in-kind services to VCSI.
Member Universities
Consists of the seven Alabama Research Universities. Member Universities do not pay dues.
Strategic Partners
Out of State Universities and other nationally recognized R&D organizations. Strategic Partners do not pay dues.
Government Liaison
Key federal organizations such as NASA MSFC, AMRDEC, SMDC, TVA, MDA, etc. Government Liaison do not pay dues.

Member Firms could be one of three types:

Principal Members
Firms with more than 500 employees and $50 million in sales
Associate Members
Firms with fewer than 500 but more than 100 employees and sales of $10-$50 million per year
Affiliate Members
Firms with fewer than 100 employees and sales of less than $10 million per year

Under the Member Universities and Strategic Partner Category you would find:

SSTA Member University
The seven PhD granting Alabama research universities that are members of the SSTA and NSSTC have been granted membership in VCSI. This includes University of Alabama, University of Alabama Huntsville, University of Alabama Birmingham, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, Alabama A&M University and Tuskegee University.
Strategic Partner University
Other nationally recognized R&D universities are being approached about being members. Such university members are aligned with the mission and technology thrusts of VCSI and provide key benefits to the end customer and project. Currently, VCSI does not have any formal strategic partners. However, the universities of Michigan, Georgia Tech and Central Florida are current involved with a key project.
Nationally Recognized R&D Organizations
These are non-university affiliated organizations such as Carnegie Institution or Battelle that could be approached by VCSI, again depending on the mission or technology being explored.

A firm or institution may become a member of VCSI by signing the Membership Agreement, paying the specified dues, and meeting the qualifications, including being aligned with the technology and mission focus areas of VCSI customers and supporting the overall goals and objectives of VCSI.

The overall qualification requirements, member rights, and member dues issues are clearly outlined in our VCSI Member Agreement, in particular in Article 4. Copies of this document can be obtained from the VCSI Executive Director.

The Board of Directors of VCSI has final approval for membership in all categories of members — firms, strategic partners (university), or other R&D organizations.

We highly recommend that you contact the Executive Director as a first step for any organization interested in VCSI membership.

- Please Contact Us to become a member.