NASA Space Technology Research Grants – Early Stage Innovation Solicitation Release (NNH16ZOA001N-16ESI-B2)

NOI Due: June 3, 2016 at 5:00pm ET
Proposal Due: July 1, 2016 at 5:00pm ET

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released a solicitation, titled “Space Technology Research Grants Program, Early Stage Innovations Appendix” (NNH16ZOA001N-16ESI-B2), as an appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled “Space Technology – Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2016” (SpaceTech–REDDI–2016) on May 11, 2016. The solicitation is available by visiting the URL: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId=%7bDBB28E7E-D718-E268-3641-15F5E18AFF85%7d&path=init

This solicitation seeks proposals to develop unique, disruptive, or transformational space technologies currently at low technology readiness levels that have the potential to lead to dramatic improvements at the system level. Specifically, the proposals must address one of the following six topics:

· Topic 1 – High Fidelity Modeling of Parachute Inflation Dynamics
· Topic 2 – Modeling and Simulation-Based Certification of Additive Manufacturing Processing Parameters
· Topic 3 – Electric Propulsion Physics Theory and Model Development
· Topic 4 – Modeling Radiation Failure Mechanisms in Wide-bandgap Semiconductor Materials for Power Devices
· Topic 5 – Advanced Telescope Architecture Technologies and Optical Components
· Topic 6 – Autonomous Planning for Human Spaceflight

NASA anticipates addressing other topics in future ESI Appendix releases.

Only accredited U.S. universities are eligible to submit proposals. Teaming and collaboration are permitted – see solicitation for complete eligibility requirements as well as teaming and collaboration restrictions.

A PI (see solicitation for restrictions) or Co-I may participate in no more than two proposals in response to this solicitation.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals. In addition, NASA encourages submission of ESI proposals on behalf of women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and faculty members who are early in their career.

The financial and programmatic support for ESI comes from the Space Technology Research Grants Program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Awards are planned to start in winter 2017. NASA plans to make approximately 10-12 awards as a result of this ESI solicitation, subject to the receipt of meritorious proposals. The actual number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals received; NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this solicitation.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES ( http://nspires.nasaprs.com) or through Grants.gov ( www.grants.gov ) by an authorized organizational representative. Notices of Intent (strongly encouraged) are due by June 3, 2016 with proposals due on or before July 1, 2016. Detailed submission instructions and due dates are provided in the solicitation. Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system(s), ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline.

Technical and programmatic comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive, Claudia Meyer, at hq-esi-call@mail.nasa.gov. Procurement questions may be addressed by e-mail to the procurement point of contact on this solicitation, Kimberly Cone, at hq-esi-call@mail.nasa.gov. Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.