National Science Foundation will stay in Carlyle, retaining hundreds of jobs

The National Science Foundation (NSF) will remain in Carlyle, after it announced an official search for office space last summer.

Through NSF’s decision, Alexandria will retain 1,600 NSF federal employees and scientist jobs, the city announced in a release Friday evening. Local officials intend to work with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and property owner LCOR Inc. “over the coming months” to ensure a smooth transition.

NSF, which moved to Alexandria in 2017, was displaced from its 2415 Eisenhower Avenue headquarters after the Trump administration announced in June that it would be overtaken by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The agency’s new location in the Edmund Randolph building at 401 Dulany Street is adjacent to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Mayor Alyia Gaskins praised the decision, as well as federal officials and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP).

“We are thrilled to say that NSF will stay in the City of Alexandria and that it will continue its role growing the innovation hub in Carlyle, collaborating directly with USPTO,” Gaskins said in the release. 

In a GSA release, Brian Stone, acting NSF director, said the relocation enables the organization to remain in the city “while making responsible use of federal facilities” and supporting workforce and research community needs.

“Co-location with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office will also strengthen both of our abilities to translate discoveries to innovation,” Stone said. “NSF appreciates the work of the GSA, Gov. Youngkin, and everyone who has worked to ensure the agency has the infrastructure needed to meet its critical mission that supports our economic and national security.”

HUD’s move to Alexandria marks the first time a federal agency will be headquartered in the city, and 2,700 federal employees are anticipated to move into the 2415 Eisenhower Avenue property.

Acting GSA Administrator Mike Rigas said the consolidation of NSF to a new location is a “major milestone” that will allow “both the NSF and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to better achieve their missions.”