NASA Draft Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) for the ISS National Lab Management Entity
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
1.1 Introduction
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soliciting proposals for competitive evaluation and award of a Cooperative Agreement to a non-profit entity to develop the capability to implement research and development projects utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory and to otherwise manage the activities of the ISS National Lab.
NASA is currently operating a share of the United States accommodations on the International Space Station (ISS) as a National Laboratory (NL) in accordance with Section 507 of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-155). As set forth in Appendix A, Section 504 of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-267), authorizes NASA to maximize the value of the investment the U.S. government has made in the ISS and demonstrate the scientific and technological productivity of the ISS over the next decade by entering into a Cooperative Agreement with a 501(c)(3) entity to support research and development and to manage the activities of the ISS NL.
An award under this CAN will initially fund the operation of an independent 501(c)(3) entity (herein referred as the NL Entity) to manage non-NASA utilization of the ISS through the ISS NL. The NL Entity will be expected to capitalize on the unique venue of the ISS as a national resource to promote opportunities for advancing science and technology to other U.S. government agencies, university-based researchers and private firms for utilization of the ISS. These organizations will use the ISS as the nation’s newest national laboratory to pursue basic and applied research in fields such as human health, energy, and the environment, as well as stimulate educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for the next generation of U.S. scientists and engineers. During the second year, NASA anticipates expanding the NL Entity portfolio to include management for all or a portion of NASA-awarded ISS-based research grant activities.
NASA has been operating aspects of the ISS NL on a pilot basis through a standing Announcement, “OPPORTUNITY FOR THE USE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION BY DOMESTIC ENTITIES OTHER THAN U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES,” No. NNH09CAO003O, that uses NASA’s authority to enter into Nonreimbursable Space Act Agreements with researchers and implementation partners to support utilization of the ISS NL, including providing necessary access to NASA facilities, personnel and technical information. There is no provision of NASA funds under NNH09CAO003O.
Under the Cooperative Agreement, the NL Entity will be expected to assume, manage and expand that pilot effort to transition to the full operational status of the ISS NL.
1.2 Funding
Funds are not currently available for awards under this announcement. The Government’s obligation to make award(s) is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment can be made, and the receipt of proposals that NASA determines are acceptable for award under this announcement.
1.3 Cancellation of the CAN
NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this CAN and, in absence of program funding or for any other reason, to cancel this CAN by having a notice published at Grants.gov, and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. NASA assumes no liability for canceling the CAN or for anyone’s failure to receive actual notice of cancellation. Cancellation may be followed by issuance and synopsis of a revised CAN.
1.4 Schedule
The schedule for the review and selection of proposals for this CAN is as follows: Final CAN Issuance: TBD Notice of Intent Due: TBD Proposals Due: TBD Anticipated Selection Announcement: TBD Anticipated Award Date: TBD
