Status Report

NASA’s Space Exploration Academy

By SpaceRef Editor

February 8, 2005

Filed under Education, NASA HQ, US

The President’s Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration
Policy unequivocally recognized NASA’s critical role in inspiring the next generation
of explorers. Exploration in space clearly captures the interest and imagination
of children and adults. Many of today’s leading scientists and engineers were
inspired by the Nation’s successful Apollo program, yet the United States now
faces a critical shortage of young people entering into science and technology
careers. The challenge is to leverage the journey to the space frontier to focus
on training the workforce needed for the success of the Nation’s long-term aeronautics
and space technology development programs. While NASA is in a decisive leadership
position for this effort, the Commission clearly recognizes the importance of
extensive partnering across the federal, state, local and private sectors to encourage
more young people to pursue careers in science and technology. The President’s
Commission Report has steered the Agency and the Nation towards several strategies
that in their view will have the greatest impact.

Increase the priority of teacher training;
Provide for better integration of existing math, science, and engineering
education initiatives across governments, industries, and professional organizations;
Explore options to create a university-based space academy for training
the next generation technical workforce.

This preliminary
Statement of Work describes the overall requirement for contractor support to NASA in providing the path forward towards achieving the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). The development of new educational opportunities and curricula will be a primary basis for achieving this path. An initial set of reference materials are offered, below. Please refer to the NASA Headquarters Business Opportunities – Synopses and Solicitations

Web site for specifics on the Space Exploration Academy activities.

Reference Materials:

Solicitation: RFI-04-HQHS-1

Response Due: Jan 24, 2005

RFI – Posted on Jan 10, 2005

Preliminary SOW – Posted on Jan 10, 2005

President’s Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy (PDF)

Anticipated Bidder’s Conference on March 15, 2005 at NASA Headquarters.

Details to be provided with the RFP release.

Partnership Registry (Coming Soon) NASA envisions the creation and renewal of partnerships and collaborative efforts in the development of the Space Exploration Academy. The Partnership Registry is being developed for informational purposes only and to help nurture collaborations.