NASA Research Announcement: Research Opportunities in Fundamental Physics
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH13ZTT002N, entitled “Research Opportunities in Fundamental Physics.” This NRA solicits research proposals from Principal Investigators from U.S. institutions to participate in NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) facility on the International Space Station (ISS). CAL is a multi-user facility designed to study ultra-cold atoms and degenerate quantum gases in microgravity.
NASA’s fundamental physics research activities have been guided by recommendations from the National Research Council (NRC). The 2011 report “Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era” recommended a set of high priority areas in Fundamental Physics. In particular, “Recommended Program Element 3” of the report was for “Research Related to the Physics and Applications of Quantum Gases.” Another recommendation was for research that “expands understanding of the fundamental forces and symmetries of nature,” and such research may also benefit from ultra-cold atom sources. To address these recommendations, this NRA solicits fundamental physics research proposals from Principal Investigators from U.S. institutions to participate in NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) facility on the International Space Station (ISS) and engage in related research activities. CAL is a multi-user facility designed to study ultra-cold atoms and degenerate quantum gases in microgravity. Submitted research proposals are expected to propose activities related to:
1) flight research on ultra-cold atoms and degenerate quantum gases using the Cold Atom Laboratory; the flight investigation will have to be consistent with the flexibility and capability anticipated for CAL in its present design configuration, though minor modifications to the design suggested by PIs will be accommodated to the extent feasible and depending upon the availability of agency resources;
2) ground research on ultra-cold atoms and quantum gases that can lead to future flight experiments with an upgraded CAL facility, as well as to future follow-on missions using a new experiment facility utilizing ultra-cold atoms and Bose-Einstein Condensates for fundamental physics measurements, especially atom interferometer experiments using ultra-cold atoms; or
3) collaboration with European scientists to use the German Aerospace Center (DLR) drop tower facilities in Bremen, Germany, to conduct experiments that will advance science and technology for future ultra-cold atoms research in space for both scientific investigations and technology validation relevant to CAL, cold atom physics, and future cold atom experiments in space.
The full text of the solicitation is available on the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com under menu listing “Open Solicitations.” Potential applicants are urged to access this site well in advance of the proposal due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and to register in the system. Notices of Intent are due on August 15, 2013, and must be submitted electronically via the NSPIRES proposal data system (see URL above). Proposals are due on September 25, 2013, and they must be submitted electronically by an authorized official of the proposing organization using either NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com) or Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov).
All categories of U.S. institutions are eligible to submit proposals in response to this NRA. Principal Investigators may collaborate with investigators from universities, Federal Government laboratories, the private sector, state and local government laboratories and other countries. Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to this NRA must be registered with NSPIRES, and such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the electronic proposal. Instructions on how to register in NSPIRES are provided in the NRA. Each electronic proposal system places requirements on the registration of principal investigators and other participants (e.g. co-investigators). Questions in regards to responding to this NRA may be addressed to the contacts referenced in the full solicitation document.
This is a broad agency announcement as specified in FAR 6.102 (d)(2). Notwithstanding the posting of this opportunity at FedBizOpps.gov, nspires.nasaprs.com, or Grants.gov, NASA reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for each proposal selected pursuant to this announcement.
