NASA officials in Washington announced Wednesday the selection of 140 research proposals in its 2004 Small Business Innovation Research program.

The projects, with a total value of approximately $84 million, will be awarded 124 small, high technology firms in 34 states. The contracts might lead to new technologies that could have an impact on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's scientific and aerospace research goals.

The program provides qualified small businesses with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet the specific research and development needs of the federal government.

The program is managed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., with executive oversight by NASA's Washington headquarters.

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