For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First)

“Dean Kamen and Robert M. Tuttle are employed by DEKA Research & Development Corp. (DEKA) serving as President and Executive Vice President, respectively, and collectively own more than a 35% interest in the corporation. Dean Kamen and Robert M. Tuttle are partners or members in several real estate partnerships/LLCs in which they collectively own more than a 35% interest.”

“The Form 990 was reviewed in depth by the Audit Committee, the Board Treasurer, and the Vice President of FIRST with the outside CPA who prepared the return. After approval by the FIRST Audit Committee, a complete copy of the return was provided, via mail or email, to each FIRST Board Member. The return was then filed with the IRS. This year, the review took place on November 3, 2021.”

“The FIRST Conflict of Interest Policy requires every Director and Officer to disclose any known or potential conflict of interest to the Co-Chairs of the Board prior to any action, decision, or vote occurring connected with the potential conflict. The Co-Chairs of the Board, in consultation with the Audit Committee will determine if a conflict exists. The Director or Officer having the potential conflict is not permitted to participate when the determination is made or when a decision or vote is taken where a conflict of interest may exist. Annually, every Board Member and Officer is required to read and sign the policy and disclose any conflicts of interest, or attest to the fact that there are none, in writing. The signed annual statements and disclosures are sent to the independent auditors who report the results to the FIRST Audit Committee, the CPA preparing the Form 990, and the FIRST Treasurer.”

“Compensation of Officers certain directors, is approved by the Governance and Compensation Committee of the BOD. Annual review performance evaluations, including measurement of the achievement of pre-established performance objectives, are the primary basis of determining every senior manager's raise/base salary. Compensation survey information is also considered in such determination. Changes in the compensation level, raise level, and bonus award for the President is recommended by the Governance and Compensation Committee to the Steering Committee for its approval. Performance against pre-established objectives, various qualitative assessments, and comparison to total compensation of presidents of like organizations are all considered.”

“The audited financial statements are available through the FIRST website (www.firstinspires.org). The Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Conflict of Interest Policy are made available to the public upon request.”

“On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Local, U.S. and world governments encouraged self-isolation to curtail the spread of COVID-19 by mandating the temporary shut-down of business in many sectors and imposing limitations on travel and the size and duration of group gatherings. Most sectors are still experiencing disruption to business operations. There is unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the duration of the pandemic, its potential economic ramifications, and additional government actions to mitigate them. As a result, FIRST's operations, participant registration, and program service offerings have been significantly impacted. Pre-pandemic, our organization's program delivery occurred primarily through in-person events, however for the reasons noted above FIRST has been required to substantially modify the delivery of our mission through program modifications, new remote-only activities, remote and hybrid event solutions, and supporting tools and services. The persistence of the pandemic, specifically remote learning and in person gathering limitations, impeded our ability to deliver our mission, thus resulting in substantially reduced program registrations and participation in the subject tax year.”

“The FIRST Scholarship Program attracted nearly 200 colleges, universities, businesses, and professional associations. These organizations made available over $80 million in college scholarships to FIRST program participants and alumni. FIRST provided guidance to high school students encouraging them to apply. Awards ranged from $500 to full tuition. The costs of the FIRST Scholarship Program are included on Form 990, Part III. The FIRST Volunteer Program provided support to teams, coaches and our regional staff around the world by recruiting, screening and training volunteers who are needed for all FIRST programs. An estimated 20,300,000 volunteer hours, including those of federally funded VISTA workers, provided much of the efforts behind FIRST's programs. The costs of the FIRST Volunteer Program are included on Form 990, Part III. For more information visit https://www.firstinspires.org/annual-report”

“Section 1.263(a)-3(n) Election: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) 200 Bedford Street Manchester, NH 03101-1132 EIN: 22-2990908 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is electing to capitalize repair and maintenance costs under Regulation Section 1.263(a)-3(n).”