FAA Notice of request for grant proposals for the Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) requests grant proposals pursuant to its newly funded Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program. This program has an initial appropriation of $500,000 to be used for space transportation infrastructure projects.
One of the main purposes of the Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program is to ensure the resiliency of the space transportation infrastructure in the United States. To help further the United States’ goals, Congress established a Space Transportation Infrastructure Grant program under 49 U.S.C. Subtitle IX–Commercial Space Transportation–Chapter 703–Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants, Section 70305, Authorization of appropriations. Public Law (Pub. L.) 103-272, Sec. 1(e), 108 Stat. 1345 (July 5, 1994). This legislation authorizes the use of Federal monies in conjunction with matching state, local government, and private funds.
Development projects eligible for funding include technical and environmental studies; construction, improvement, and design and engineering of space transportation infrastructure, including facilities and associated equipment; and real property to meet the needs of the United States commercial space transportation industry.
The FAA desires to award the appropriated funds before the end of fiscal year 2010. The FAA will review and evaluate all applications for a grant under 49 U.S.C. chapter 703 (Chapter 703). The FAA may make one or more grant awards based upon its evaluations of the grant proposals. All grants awarded under this program are discretionary awards.
WHO MAY APPLY
The FAA may make project grants to sponsors. 49 U.S.C. 70303(a). Chapter 703 defines a sponsor as a public agency that submits an application for a project grant. 49 U.S.C. 70301(6). A public agency is a State or an agency of a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a tax-supported organization. 49 U.S.C. 70301(5).
DATES
Commercial Space Transportation Grant applications are due on or before July 6, 2010.
