The National Science Foundation-BASC Cooperative Agreement mandates BASC to provide logistical assistance to NSF-supported research projects.
In the United States, BASC supports facilities in Barrow as well as in Atqasuk, an interior village 60 miles south of Barrow. In Russia, working with the Chukotka Science Support Group (CSSG), BASC supports facilities in the villages of Provideniye and Lavrentiya, both in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (state). In all of these locations, BASC works with local indigenous organizations to support science and help residents understand and participate in science initiatives.
The Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) is located adjacent to Elson Lagoon, south of the Point Barrow Spit. The BEO consists of 7,466 acres of land managed by BASC and set aside by the owners for scientific research. The owners are indigenous Inupiat Eskimos from Barrow, working through their village corporation, the Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation
(UIC).
As part of its outreach program, BASC sponsors public presentations and researcher visits to schools, and encourages researchers to engage local students and residents in field research.