Two of the agencies' big programs are LAUNCH and SERVIR. According to NASA, LAUNCH "is a global initiative to identify and support innovative work poised to contribute to a sustainable future and accelerate solutions to meet urgent challenges facing our society." SERVIR was designed to help improve response to natural disasters in specific parts of the world.

Now, the two agencies have signed a memo of understanding to give that partnership a boost.

Will Schmitt, the open innovation advisor in the Office of Science and Technology at USAID, spoke to Federal News Radio about the collaborative effort.