NPCs are enacted by Congress in 1988 to be “flexible funding mechanisms” for the conduct of VA-approved research including: Basic Science Research; Epidemiologic or Health Systems Research; and Clinical Trials, Phase I-IV.

The Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Inc. (BVMRF) is incorporated in the State of New York to support VA research at the Bronx VA Medical Center, now known as the James J. Peters VA Medical Center.

Public Law 100-322 was amended to support VA education in addition to research for: VA Employees ; Veterans; and Veterans' Families and Caregivers.