Question : Star Trek Online R&D points??

I've been playing STO for almost a month now and I haven't figured it all out yet.  My question is this: I travel to Memory Alpha and I have plenty of artifacts, etc, but when I go to buy some equipment it asks for the artifacts AND R&D points.  I can't seem to find out how or where I'm supposed to obtain these points.  Can anyone help me with this?

Answer : Star Trek Online R&D points??

dont know but there is a sto forum if you dont find your answer http://forums.startrekonline.com/index.php