This proposal requests a five year operating grant to form a Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) at Iowa State University. A background section is first given from which it can be concluded that certain barriers need to be overcome in order to provide an improved operating NDE technology in the U. S. with concomitant economic advantages. A pl~n for the Center is then presented. This plan was developed with input from industry and includes a proposed organizational structure, suggested operating policies, a resource plan, and fiscal and staffing projection for a 6-year period. A detailed research plan is contained in Appendix A. Resumes of project staff and informational materials derived from the formation meeting with industry representatives are contained in Appendixes B & C. Responses from industry are discussed in the introductory letter.