80MSFC24M0001 MSFC Dual Use Technology Development CAN 2024 12 05.pdf

2024 MSFC OSAC NOFO

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Office of Strategic Analysis and Communications (OSAC)

Fiscal Year 2024

Dual Use Technology Development at Marshall Space Flight Center Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 80MSFC24M0001

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 43.012

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:

Initial announcement of this funding opportunity

ISSUED DATE: December 5, 2023

KEY DATES

This CAN is effective until September 30, 2024

Step-1 Package due date: March 13th, 2024, 11:59 PM ET

OMB Control Number: 2700-0092

Table of Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A.1 BACKGROUND

A.2 PURPOSE

A.3 SCOPE

A.4 MSFC TECHNOLOGY FOCUS AREAS

A.4.1 ADVANCED SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

A.4.2 HABITATION SYSTEMS

A.4.3 IN-SPACE & SURFACE PAYLOAD & MISSION OPERATIONS

A.4.4 LANDER SYSTEMS

A.4.5 SCIENCE

A.4.6 SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM / EXPLORATION PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS CONTRACT (SLS/EPOC)

A.4.7 SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES & SYSTEMS

A.4.8 CROSS-CUTTING TECHNOLOGIES

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1 AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR THE NOFO

B.2 PROJECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

B.3 MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT

B.4 ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

B.5 PROJECTED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE(S)

B.6 PROJECTED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE(S)

B.7 FUNDING INSTRUMENT TYPE

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

C.2 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

C.3 OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

D.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

D.3 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)

D.4 SUBMISSION METHOD, DATES AND TIMES

D.5 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

D.6 OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

E.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 NOTICE OF AWARD

F.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

F.3 REPORTING

G. NASA CONTACT INFORMATION

G.1 CONTACT AND RESOURCE INFORMATION

G.2 SYSTEMS INFORMATION

H. OTHER INFORMATION

H.1 ACCESS TO NASA FACILITIES/SYSTEMS

H.2 LIMITED RELEASE OF PROPOSERS’ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

H.3 PIV CARD ISSUANCE

H.4 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED ENTITIES

H.5 USE AND DISCLOSURE OF RESEARCH RESULTING FROM AWARDS

H.6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

H.7 NASA SAFETY STATEMENT

H.8 PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

APPENDIX A: BUDGET SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... A-1

A. INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... A-2 B. SPECIFIC COSTS ..................................................................................................................................................... A-3

APPENDIX B: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT COLLABORATION STATEMENT ............................................................... B-1

APPENDIX C: PIV CARD ISSUANCE PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... C-1

A. Program Description

A.1 Background NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), located in Huntsville, Alabama is one of NASA’s largest and most diversified installations. For nearly six decades, NASA and its government and commercial partners have solved spaceflight’s most complex, technical problems here. Marshall engineers, scientists, and technologists have enabled or enriched nearly every facet of the nation’s ongoing space mission. Just as it did during the Apollo era, Marshall is playing a vital role in Artemis, developing the Space Launch System (SLS), the backbone of NASA’s exploration plans;

leading the Human Landing System (HLS) that will ferry human and robotic expeditions from lunar orbit to the surface; delivering the hardware necessary to land crew and cargo on the Moon; and developing life support systems to keep crews healthy throughout their missions.

Marshall’s largest organization, the Engineering Directorate, provides cutting-edge design, test, analysis and operations support to Artemis, SLS, crew and cargo lander systems, and the diverse suite of NASA space and science missions. Marshall engineers and their external partners are developing advanced technologies and sustainable solutions to benefit NASA, industry, academia and government. Marshall’s application and refinement of innovative design tools such as additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, define the agency’s leadership in engineering the systems, hardware, and techniques needed to return to the Moon.

To achieve Artemis’ mission, create a thriving space infrastructure, and enable future Mars missions, Marshall is combining its legacy of leadership -- in engineering and propulsion technologies; large, integrated space systems; and life-enriching scientific research -- with mutually rewarding commercial and international partnerships. These joint endeavors will combine resources, unify space programs and nations around the globe and create new economic opportunities for all participants.

For more information about Marshall Space Flight Center, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/marshall For more information on the technology programs and capabilities at MSFC, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/capabilities/index.html To learn more about Artemis, SLS and NASA’s Moon and Mars goals, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moon2mars/ http://www.nasa.gov/marshall http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/capabilities/index.html https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moon2mars/

A.2 Purpose The Marshall Associate Director, Technical, oversees and directs Center-wide technology development efforts. A goal of Marshall’s technology efforts is to provide technology for programs and projects through leveraged technology investments and development partnerships with industry, academia, government agencies, and national laboratories.

At Marshall, this includes providing technology development capabilities in specific engineering disciplines, developing advanced technologies that leverage MSFC’s expertise in propulsion systems, space transportation, space systems, and scientific research, and providing technology solutions to address commercial space challenges as well as Center and Agency-level technology needs through joint partnerships, addressing multiple stakeholder needs.

The purpose of this CAN is to identify candidate technology partnerships with U.S. industry and academic/non-profit organizations that complement the technology development interests of MSFC, benefitting a wide range of users, ensuring the nation realizes the full economic value and societal benefit of these innovations. The goal is to support collaborative, resource-sharing projects where the NASA partner is developing a technology primarily for its own public purposes, and NASA can provide financial support or other assistance.

This CAN utilizes assistance listing 43.012 Space Technology, focusing on supporting entrepreneur, researcher, and innovator ideas to advance the commercial space sector and benefit future NASA missions. Awards are authorized by The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, 51 U.S.C. § 20113(e), as amended, which includes “the preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space science and technology and in the application thereof to the conduct of peaceful activities within and outside the atmosphere.”

A.3 Scope This notice is seeking responses from potential U.S. industry, academic, and/or non-profit organization partners interested in entering into a cost-sharing or matching cooperative agreement with NASA for the joint development of technologies to meet partner needs as well as those of MSFC. These MSFC technology development projects are sponsored by the Marshall Associate Director, Technical, and this CAN solicitation is programmatically managed at the George C.

Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama. However, any cooperative agreement(s) resulting from this CAN will be issued and administered through the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) Grants and Cooperative Agreements Office located at the Stennis Space Center (SSC), Mississippi. More information regarding the Cooperative Agreements services provided by the NSSC Grants and Cooperative Agreements Office can be found at this link: Grants |

NASA

To minimize unnecessary proposal efforts on the part of Applicants, the CAN partnership selection is a two-step process that consists of the submission of an initial Step-1 Package, proposing a new technology development concept related to one or more of MSFC’s Technology Focus Areas as identified within this announcement. The Marshall Associate Director, Technical will then assess whether the proposed technology development concept effectively complements the technology interests and needs of MSFC. Applicants whose Step-1 Package technology concepts are selected by the Marshall Associate Director, Technical will be invited by the MSFC Agreement Officer to submit a Step-2 Project Proposal.

https://sam.gov/fal/7664dc18ae6846fa8af8db2c69bdabc5/view https://www.nasa.gov/centers/nssc/grants https://www.nasa.gov/centers/nssc/grants

All Step-1 Packages and Step-2 Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions in this announcement and shall meet the project requirements identified. Proposals will be selected for NASA Cooperative Agreement project awards based on the criteria described in the following sections of this announcement and consideration of available NASA resources at the time of the selection decision. NASA reserves the right to reject any proposal which it determines does not meet the stated requirements.

Under this notice, NASA will award cost-sharing cooperative agreements to U.S. industry, academia, and/or non-profit entities in accordance with the regulations under 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 1800 respectively, and as further implemented within the guidance of the Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). The NASA Grants and Policy Compliance Team website provides these documents and other references at: Grants Policy and Compliance Team - NASA.

A.4 MSFC Technology Focus Areas MSFC’s strategic direction and activities are summed up into the 4 L’s: Launch, Land, Live, and Learn. We will launch cargo and astronauts to the Moon and beyond with advanced space transportation technology and return the first soil samples from another planet. We will land and live on the Moon, developing new technologies that will enable our exploration of Mars. We will learn how to best protect our home planet, how to better understand our Sun and Solar System, and how to begin to decipher the myriad mysteries of our ever-changing universe. In order to achieve these goals MSFC has several Technology Focus Areas including Advanced Space Transportation Systems, Habitation Systems, In-Space & Surface Mission Operations, Lander Systems, Science, Space Launch System (SLS), and Surface Technologies & Systems.

The following sections describe the technology development activities necessary for MSFC to achieve its goals. Most of the technologies fall within specific focus areas; however, there is also a section devoted to cross-cutting technologies that directly support multiple focus areas.

A.4.1 Advanced Space Transportation Systems Advanced Space Transportation Systems applies to crewed and uncrewed space vehicles involved with orbital maneuvers and traveling between planetary destinations as well as their associated subsystems. Technologies supporting this focus area would directly support vehicles such as Mars Transit Vehicle, Propellant Depots / Tankers, In-Space Tugs / Transfer Stages, or spacecraft buses.

A.4.1.1 In-Space Transportation Systems In-Space Transportation Systems encompasses technology development and modeling of vehicle subsystems such as Avionics & Communications, Guidance Navigation & Control, Thermal Management, etc. Example technologies in this area include but are not limited to:

• Radiation hardened high end electronics for deep space environments

• High data transfer rate through deep space communications systems

• Unsettled propellant mass gauging including hypergolics, cryogens and xenon as well as pressurant gasses such as helium

• Unsettled propellant and pressurant gas transfer including cryogens, xenon, and hypergolic propellants

A.4.1.2 In-Space Propulsion Systems In-Space Propulsion Systems encompasses the development of hardware and modelling related to https://www.nasa.gov/general/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#section-2 thrust generation, propellant storage, and propellant acquisition for space transport vehicles.

MSFC is actively investing in several areas of propulsion such as chemical, nuclear, propellant-less systems, integrated CubeSat propulsion systems as well as associated components and hardware.

Since chemical propulsion also applies to Lander Systems it is in Cross-Cutting Technologies, see section A.4.8.1 Advanced Chemical Propulsion.

A.4.1.2.1 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) encompasses hardware development and modeling of nuclear reactors optimized for heat generation on a spacecraft, radiation and neutron shielding as well as heat rejection. Example technologies needed for NTP include but are not limited to:

• Comparable reactor structural materials / hydrogen compatible

• Fuels > 900 sec ISP

• Moderator - 1000k Capable Metal Hydride

• Processes for producing high temperature materials containing fissile material

A.4.1.2.2 Propellant-less Propulsion Systems Propellant-less propulsion systems encompass hardware development, testing, and modeling of Solar Sails and Electrostatic Solar Wind Sails (E-Sails) that generate thrust from the space environment. Example technologies needed for propellant-less propulsion systems include but are not limited to:

• Deployment mechanisms and systems for solar sails and km scale tethers

• Scalable plasma testing techniques

• Design of high voltage switching and transient suppression for tethers

• Solar Sail or km scale tether dynamics, GN&C, thrust and torque control analysis, and modeling techniques after sail or tether deployment

• Embedded and scalable sail technologies for attitude control, power generation, and light-weight communications with robustness to different sail attitudes

A.4.2 Habitation Systems Habitation Systems is a broad focus area that encompasses the development of all systems needed to support a human crew in a pressurized environment for the duration of a space mission. Habitats (and supporting habitation systems) may be deployed in an orbit or on a planetary surface (Moon or Mars). Habitation can also provide a means for crew to transit through space between destinations.

Sub-areas of habitation systems include Crew Health and Performance (CHP), Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), Human Factors Engineering, Habitat Outfitting, and features supporting minimal functionality loss after periods of dormancy. Special considerations also need to be made regarding the operating environment, as different habitats will be operating in microgravity, Lunar gravity, and Mars gravity with habitat atmospheres ranging from 8.2 psi to

14.7 psi. Specific focus areas of interest for technology development are detailed below. See section A.4.8 Cross-Cutting Technologies for more details about Advanced Materials, Structures & Manufacturing, Autonomous Systems & Robotics, Dust Mitigation, and Power & Energy Systems.

A.4.2.1 Environmental Control and Life-Support Systems (ECLSS) ECLSS encompasses all hardware development, modeling, and testing related to the various subsystems that make up the ECLSS architecture, including environmental monitoring, pressure control systems, temperature & humidity control systems, atmosphere revitalization systems (including O2 generation and CO2 removal), waste management systems, and water recovery.

Example ECLSS technologies include but are not limited to:

• Biomimetics, advanced electrocatalysts or microwave generation for CO2 removal, oxygen recovery / generation, and air or water filtration and purification

• Sorbent materials for CO2 removal and trace contaminant control that demonstrate benefits in heat transfer, separation efficiency, and durability when compared to packed bed sorbents o Novel form factors o Advanced manufacturing methods

• Novel cabin particle filtration, such as ionic liquids processes, that demonstrate high throughput filtration and separation capable of handling surface dust

• Processes to remove Dimethylsilanediol (DMSD) and dimethyl sulfone from wastewater that exceed the state-of-the-art multifiltration (MF) technology used aboard the ISS

• Crew safe materials or processes to prevent or mitigate microbial growth in water and on surfaces

A.4.2.2 Habitat Elements, Systems & Outfitting Habitat Elements, Systems & Outfitting is a broad area which encompasses technology development, modeling, and simulation related to constructed habitats and habitat outfitting.

Outfitting means transforming a habitat, shelter, landing pad, etc. into a functional structure through integration of components or subsystems that were not included in the original structure;

examples include pressure vessel penetration management of pipes, electrical conduits, hatches, or windows into tanks, habitats, etc. or furnishings (workbenches, tables, chairs, etc.). Habitat outfitting is a larger and more complex task for habitats which: a) are constructed on the surface of a planetary body using local resources or b) inflatable softgoods habitats which are launched in a deflated state and outfitted at the point of use. Example technologies for this focus area include but are not limited to:

• Construction technologies for external habitat structures and surface infrastructure

• Technologies and processes for internal outfitting, including inflatable habitats o Includes on-demand manufacturing to support outfitting o Internal deployable structures

• Commodity tracking and distribution including transfer, distribution, and management of fluids, propellants, power, and communication

• Radiation mitigation and protection systems and Galactic Cosmic Radiation protection

• Long term instrumentation and monitoring of habitat structures and systems for both crewed and uncrewed scenarios

A.4.3 In-Space & Surface Payload & Mission Operations Marshall Space Flight Center is the leader in conducting end-to-end mission operations for science payloads in Low Earth Orbit, in cislunar space, on the Lunar surface and beyond. This focus area encompasses all aspects of payload and mission operations including ground systems, mission execution & training, and science utilization. Example technologies that fall into this focus area include but are not limited to:

• Control Center of Tomorrow technologies and concepts capable of autonomous mission operations and engineering support including distributed ground systems architectures

• Intelligent Agent Systems that perform operation functions such as automated generation of mission operations sequencing or software capable of managing multiple missions

• Training systems such as Virtual, Augmented, or Mixed Reality to optimize development of autonomous utilization, science, and associated accommodations

• Modulated approach to simulation / emulation of integrated spacecraft subsystems and orbital environment used for Plan, Train and Fly concepts

• Learning Management System (LMS) that will provide low-cost high-quality training across a variety of mission support needs

A.4.4 Lander Systems Lander Systems applies to all manner of crewed and uncrewed landers as well as ascent vehicles.

It includes technology development, processes, procedures, or modelling related to crewed and cargo variants of Lunar and Mars ascent and descent vehicles. For more information on Advanced Chemical Propulsion or Autonomous Systems & Robotics see section A.4.8 Cross-Cutting Technologies. Technologies that fall into this focus area include but are not limited to:

• Navigation Technologies for lander accuracy and hazard avoidance

• Reusable landing systems

• Aerodynamic and aerothermal control systems

• De-orbit, precision landing, automated rendezvous and capture, and proximity operations

A.4.5 Science Marshall Space Flight Center advances ground-breaking scientific discoveries that improve our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, while enabling the next generation of human exploration missions through developmental research. Science is a broad technology focus area that encompasses several areas of science and the development of advanced sensors and instrumentation.

A.4.5.1 Astrophysics Astrophysics encompasses the area of astronomy related to energetic events, such as gamma ray bursts, with energies ranging from the Far UV to keV X-rays. Example technologies in this focus area include but are not limited to:

• X-ray optics with low mass, high angular resolution, good Quantum Efficiency, low-noise, fast readout, photon counting ability, vacuum compatible

• Gamma-ray detector technology (includes novel scintillators and active detectors)

• Detector technology development to support gravitational wave detections

• Optical coatings (low-stress Infra-red (IR) coatings, stress-compensation, multilayers)

• Passive and active shielding schemes for ISS and free-flyer payloads

• Ultra-smooth mirrors and ultra-lightweight aerogel mirrors

• Optical sensors and elements including multi-spectral gratings, opto-mechanical elements and tolerancing, sub-arc second optics

• Advanced neutron detection techniques: Capability for detecting a broader range of energies: Thermal to 100MeV (current capability is 20 MeV)

• Telescope/Instrument Design, Fabrication, Error Budgeting, and Performance Modeling and Characterization.

A.4.5.2 Data & Applications Science Cross-cutting technologies within Data Science can benefit all technology focus areas. Example technologies in this focus area include but are not limited to:

• Advanced data processing and analysis algorithms for data fusion and compression

• Instrument/Measurement data processing (algorithms, coding, archive)

• AI/ML for data processing, pattern detection, and categorization

• Data tagging and process automation on large data files in the terabyte range.

• Data mining, analysis and forecasting tools and models to support R- to-A, and A-to-R

A.4.5.3 Earth Science Earth Science encompasses all areas related to the study of our home world including surface mapping, atmosphere and weather studies, and magnetosphere studies. Example technologies in this focus area include but are not limited to:

• High resolution multispectral thermal imagery of surface energy balance and urban heat islands

• Observations of surface features in 400-2500 nm range for land cover mapping and monitoring disaster detection and response

• Electronically scanned antenna systems for atmospheric and surface remote sensing

• Wide Field of View ultra-narrow bandpass filters in Ultra-Violet (UV) to near infrared regions

• Lightweight thermal and optical sensors for airborne or CubeSat platforms

A.4.5.4 Heliophysics Heliophysics encompasses all areas related to the study of our sun including solar coronal heating, the generation and behavior of solar magnetic fields, solar flares and activity, and the solar wind & space weather. Example Heliophysics related technologies include but are not limited to:

• Pointing mechanisms to maintain solar tracking with drift less than 10 arcseconds over 60 minutes

• Components of science-quality low-noise digital cameras that are radiation tolerant or radiation hardened. Components include:

o CCD or CMOS sensors with pixel sizes < 5 microns, suitable for operation in vacuum, and efficient for EUV or Soft X-ray Research (SXR) detection o Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and analog chain components

• Instrumentation to measure core inner magnetospheric plasma and ionospheric irregularities, instabilities, and initiators

• Optics and spectro-polarimetry for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV), Far Ultraviolet (FUV), or

X-rays

• Radio science instrumentation and sensors

• Optical sensors and elements including multi-spectral gratings, opto-mechanical elements and tolerancing, sub-arc second optics

• Passive microwave remote sensor components that include low-noise multi-frequency antennas, on board signal processing, and geophysical variable retrieval algorithms

A.4.5.5 Planetary Science Planetary Science encompasses the study of other planets, moons, and asteroids such as the Moon and Mars. Technologies related to Planetary Science include but are not limited to:

• Geophysical and geochemical measurements of planetary surfaces and interiors such as neutron detection, electron microscopy, x-ray spectrometry, LiDAR, and seismometry

• Characterization of properties and processes of regolith and dust on the Moon and Mars

• Advanced remote sensing technologies for studying the Moon, planets, or small bodies, which enable improved understanding of surface composition or geomorphology

• Thermal solutions for long-lived survival of instruments through the lunar night

A.4.6 Space Launch System / Exploration Production & Operations Contract (SLS/EPOC) Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Space Launch System, an integrated super heavy lift launch platform enabling a new era of science and human exploration beyond Earth orbit. This focus area encompasses technologies, processes, procedures, or modelling related to terrestrially based launch vehicles and ground support equipment. Technology development activities in this focus area include cross program vehicle & mission analysis, exploration class launch vehicle usage, and launch vehicle to expand Moon to Mars Architecture.

A.4.7 Surface Technologies & Systems Marshall Space Flight Center builds innovative solutions through technology development demonstrations and risk reduction activities to enable humans to live and work on the moon and Mars.

A.4.7.1 Extreme Environments Extreme Environments encompasses technologies related to the survival of crewed and robotic systems in all environments on the Lunar and Martian Surfaces such as permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), high radiation environments, and extremely cold nights. Technologies in this focus area will enable vehicles and systems to operate or survive in these environments.

A.4.7.2 In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) encompasses all technologies and processes related to gathering extraterrestrial resources and processing them into useable building materials, industrial gases, propellants, potable water, etc. In addition to the technology development considerations need to be made for how scalable the processes are. Example ISRU related technologies include but are not limited to:

• Instrumentation for geotechnical data acquisition for resource prospecting

• Excavation techniques for regolith, mineral, or ice deposits in the Lunar, Mars, or asteroid environments

• Extraction techniques, such as ionic liquids, molten regolith electrolysis, carbothermal reduction, etc., to separate desired elements or compounds from regolith, rock, ice, or atmosphere

• Processing techniques, such as smelting or alloying, to turn raw metallic ore or lunar regolith into useable stock or refinement techniques to ensure purity of water or propellants

• Biological processes and technologies to extract, process, or refine commodities such as water, propellants, feedstocks, etc. from in-situ resources

• In-situ measurements and validation & verification for process monitoring and closed loop control

A.4.7.3 In-Space Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) In-Space Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) is a broad technology focus area that encompasses all technologies and processes related to manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining parts, components, spacecraft or structures in orbit or on planetary surfaces. In addition to the technology development considerations need to be made for how scalable the processes are as well as designing new spacecraft systems to be maintainable. Example technologies include but are not limited to:

• On-demand manufacturing of spare parts, replacement units, and specialty tools

• Autonomous construction and manufacturing technologies for Lunar surface applications

• Assembly of large on-orbit structures and platforms including:

o Welding, bonding, and mechanical joining o Spacecraft GN&C during assembly o Berthing, docking, grappling mechanisms, and positioning sensing accuracy

• Assessments of the impact of 15–20-year exposure to in-space and extraterrestrial surface environments on the material, structures, welds, etc.

• Biomanufacturing processes and technologies for deep space exploration

A.4.7.4 Surface Mobility Surface mobility encompasses the technologies and systems related to crewed and robotic rovers including drive train, power systems, and sensors for autonomous or remote operations. Example technologies in this focus area include but are not limited to:

LIDAR or other sensors for science, navigation, surface mapping, and situational awareness Local Area GPS network or a navigation system that can operate without GPS Mechanical solutions and robotic end effectors and manipulators to enable mobility

A.4.8 Cross-Cutting Technologies The following technologies are cross-cutting in that they directly support multiple technology focus areas.

A.4.8.1 Advanced Chemical Propulsion Advanced chemical propulsion encompasses advances in conventional liquid propulsion systems including hypergolic and cryogenic propellants, solid rocket motors, and hybrid motors. Example technologies needed for advanced chemical propulsion systems include but are not limited to:

• Novel rocket engines or propellant combinations for Mars transit vehicle stages, Mars descent or ascent vehicles. Thrust classes between 20 - 200 kN

• Low leak valves and longer lifetime of wetted seats and seals

• Pump-fed hypergolic engines including electric pumps and related battery technology

• Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines (RDRE)

• Materials development, testing, and advanced manufacturing techniques supporting hypersonic propulsion systems

A.4.8.2 Advanced Materials, Structures & Manufacturing (AMSM) This focus area encompasses advances in materials science and advanced manufacturing methods, processes, technologies, test capabilities, and modeling, including metallics, composites, softgoods, plastics, additive manufacturing, welding, etc. AMSM directly supports several Business Units including Advanced Transportation Systems, Habitation Systems, Lander Systems, and Surface Technologies & Systems. Example technologies that fall into this focus area include but are not limited to:

• Inflatable softgoods materials and softgoods/metallics interfaces for space habitats

• Modeling and simulation of structural materials for habitation applications

• Additive Manufacturing such as Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Directed Energy Deposition

(DED), or other processes for alloys such as: copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium, hydrogen resistant alloys, or refractory alloys or AM of electro-mechanical devices

• Additive Manufacturing post-processing and cleaning technologies and processes

• Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for manufacturing

• Manufacturing of nuclear fuels for nuclear propulsion or power

• Insulation material that can withstand launch environments or capable of handling micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) space environments

A.4.8.3 Autonomous Systems & Robotics (ASR) Autonomous Systems & Robotics is a broad focus area with applications to several areas including manufacturing, orbital transfer vehicles, planetary exploration systems, and habitation systems.

ASR encompasses hardware and software development and testing that enables spacecraft, rover, and subsystems to operate independently with little to no human intervention. ASR directly supports almost every other technology focus area. Example ASR technologies include but are not limited to:

• Avionics Modeling and Simulation for System Design and Evaluation

• Modeling and simulation of sensors, communications, and situational awareness

• Trusted autonomy for inspection, refueling, maintenance, and operations such as rendezvous & docking

• Systems that operate in low-light environments and remote areas without GPS and can handle off-nominal conditions, fail to operational mode(s), and enables replanning

• Localization, hazard detection, & path planning software for surface rovers and landers

• Real-time multi-asset system-of-systems objective replanning and resource management schemes

• Verification and validation for embedded Autonomy and AI control methodologies

A.4.8.4 Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) Cryogenic fluid management technologies enable the long-term storage of cryogenic propellants such as liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid oxygen (LOX, LO2), and liquid methane (LCH4). CFM technologies encompass active cooling (such as with cryocoolers), passive cooling (such as with multi-layer insulation), as well as hardware and modeling related to storing, transferring and conditioning cryogenic fluids. Example CFM technologies include but are not limited to:

• Integrated CFM systems and propellant ISRU plants (liquefaction, storage, transfer, etc)

• Propellant Management Devices or Liquid Acquisition Devices optimized for cryogens

• Low leak cryo-rated valves, cryo-couplers, and related transfer technologies

• Active Cooling technologies o Cryocoolers (20K and 90K) and related chilldown of propellant tanks and lines o Thermodynamic Vent Systems (TVS) and vapor cooling systems

• Passive Cooling technologies o CFM structural disconnect studies and low conductivity structures o Advanced cryogenic thermal coatings and insulations for hard and soft vacuums

A.4.8.5 Dust Mitigation Dust mitigation is a cross cutting technology focus area that benefits Habitation Systems and Surface Technologies & Systems technology focus areas. Dust mitigation includes technologies related to the development of dust tolerant materials, mechanisms, and electronic systems as well as technologies, processes, and procedures related to the mitigation of the transfer of Lunar and Martian regolith dust from planetary surfaces into surface and orbital habitats. Example technologies include but are not limited to:

• Tribological studies of material interaction with regolith dust

• Dust tolerant mechanisms such as: bearings, seals, quick disconnects, etc.

• Dust tolerant electronics such as communications and navigation systems

• Mitigation of dust build up on systems such as displays, controls, solar arrays, and radiators

A.4.8.6 Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Model Based Engineering (MBE) involves a variety of digital models. Linking digital models produced by a variety of applications produces digital threads. Digital twins are models that represent a physical object or system. Example technologies for MBSE include but are not limited to:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) “digital thread” of data from design, analysis, manufacturing, test, operations, and maintenance

• Integration of physics and discipline engineering tools across multiple PLMs

• MBE-based documentation tools for Risk Management, Configuration and Data

Management, System Requirements, Specifications, Interface Requirements, Engineering Release Process, and Interface Control

• Demonstration of MBSE capabilities to conduct engineering reviews, such as Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Systems Requirements Review (SRR) etc.

• Integrated Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) models into MBSE environments such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis/Critical Items List (FMEA/CIL)

• Natural Language Processing Agents for information retrieval, knowledge representation, automated reasoning, machine learning, and open domain question answering

A.4.8.7 Power & Energy Systems Power & Energy Systems is a cross-cutting area that encompasses power generation, distribution, and management systems, subsystems, and components. Power & Energy systems are found in spacecraft, habitats, and surface exploration systems and directly support several other technology focus areas including Advanced Space Transportation Systems, Habitation Systems, and Surface Technologies & Systems. Example power related technologies include but are not limited to:

• Long Distance (>100 meters) Surface Power Distribution

• Power management, storage, and distribution systems such as LiPo batteries, fuel cells, deployable and stowable solar arrays

• Novel systems such as electromagnetic energy harvesting, Capacitive or hybrid technologies

• Technologies capable of surviving extreme (high and low) thermal environments

• Miniaturized low-power subsystems for small satellites

A.4.8.8 Space Domain Awareness Space Domain Awareness is a technology area that directly benefits every other technology focus area. It encompasses orbital debris tracking and mitigation as well as asset tracking and conjunction analysis. Orbits of interest extend to Lunar, Mars, and Solar orbits in addition to Earth orbits. Example technologies for Space Domain Awareness include but are not limited to:

• Scalable tracking of debris (<10cm dia.) from a few to thousands of objects

• Object tracking systems with a capability to generate state vectors

• Hi-fidelity dynamic star field sim, space weather

• Improved monitoring of potential space-based threats such as Near-Earth Objects

• Real-time visualization Space Asset Management Database (SAM-D)

• Orbital debris mitigation and remediation

A.4.8.9 Testing, Modeling & Simulation Testing, Modeling & Simulation is a cross-cutting technology focus area that directly supports all of the other focus areas. This focus area encompasses all facets of modeling and simulation of hardware as well as physically testing prototypes. Example technologies include but are not limited to:

• Real time strain measurement techniques such as Dynamic Photogrammetry

• Materials testing of aerospace metals, composites, and additively manufactured metals in relevant deep space, Lunar, or Mars environments o High temperature and cryogenic testing o Material permeability testing o Standard and non-standard ASTM Testing (Tensile, compression, fracture and fatigue)

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and testing

• Impact testing facility for MMOD and plume-surface interaction

• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of high atomic number elements/alloys where x-ray

NDE methods are not practical

• Verification instruments and techniques for structures constructed from Lunar or Mars regolith

B. Federal Award Information

B.1 Available Funding for the NOFO The total amount of funds expected to be awarded is approximately $1,000,000; however, awards are heavily dependent on available budget.

B.2 Projected Number of Awards Multiple awards are anticipated pending acceptable Proposals, available funding and other NASA resources; however, MSFC reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals for award.

MSFC anticipates approximately 10-20 cooperative agreements as a result of this announcement.

B.3 Maximum Award Amount No maximum. The majority of the individual MSFC awards provided by this CAN are expected to range between $30,000 and $100,000 in value and shall be matched or exceeded by Applicant resource contribution value to the awarded project. MSFC contributions to the Applicant can be direct cash assistance, in-kind (non-cash) resources, or a combination of each.

B.4 Anticipated Period of Performance The projected period of performance is up to twelve (12) months from date of award.

B.5 Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s) Anticipated award and project start dates are approximately 35 calendar days after notification of proposal selection. See Section D.4 for additional information.

B.6 Projected Period of Performance End Date(s) Anticipated award/project periods of performance are dependent on proposals. However, all projects are anticipated to end within twelve (12) months from date of award. See Section D.4 for additional timeline information.

B.7 Funding Instrument Type Cooperative Agreement

The distinguishing factor between a grant and a cooperative agreement is the degree of Federal participation or involvement during the performance of award activities. Under these cooperative agreements, NASA will have substantial involvement in, and contribution to, the technical aspects of the project effort. Substantial involvement pertains to programmatic involvement rather than administrative oversight, which is present in all Federal financial assistance instruments. This type of notice also allows any potential Applicants to make contact with relevant subject matter experts at Marshall Space Flight Center during the CAN open period prior to Step-1 Package submission and during the development of invited Step-2 Proposals. Potential Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the CAN Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager, contact information provided in Section G.1, to identify appropriate subject matter experts for the Applicant’s technology focus area.

Only cost-sharing or cost-matching cooperative agreements will be awarded as a result of this CAN announcement. Neither Grants nor procurement contracts will be issued as a result of this announcement.

Generally, award recipients holding previous awards selected through any of the Dual Use Technology Development Cooperative Agreement Notices are welcome to submit “successor” proposals that seek to continue a previously funded line of research. However, to ensure equitable treatment of all submitted proposals, NASA does not extend any special consideration to such successor proposals in terms of preferential handling, review, or priority for selection. Therefore, all proposals in response to this announcement are considered new, in that they will be reviewed on an equal basis with all other proposals submitted in response to this announcement.

Proposals that were submitted but not selected for any previous announcement may be submitted either in a revised or original form but must conform to the requirements of this announcement. Such submissions will be treated as new proposals and will be subjected to a full peer review.

Funds provided through cooperative agreements awarded under this solicitation cannot be applied as contributions to Space Act Agreements or other NASA awards.

C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants Participation in this program is open to United States (U.S.) organizations only, including the entities listed below (hereinafter “Applicants,” “Partners” or “Partner Organizations”). Other Government agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and NASA Centers (or their employees) may not propose to this announcement directly but may participate as a result of an existing partnership with the Applicant or with NASA MSFC. However, no portion of the Applicant’s contribution (cash or in-kind) may be paid for by the Federal government under another federal award.

Eligible entities for this funding opportunity include the following. Further information defining the individual types of organizations are available on Grants.gov and 2 CFR Part 200.1:

Education Organizations

• Independent school districts

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

Nonprofit Organizations

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), other than institutions of higher education

• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For-Profit Organizations

• Organizations other than small businesses Small Businesses

• Small business grants may be awarded to companies meeting the size standards established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for most industries in the economy.

An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will preclude the NASA from making a Federal award.

https://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards https://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-size-standards

NASA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion NASA recognizes and supports the benefits of having diverse and inclusive scientific, engineering, and technology communities and fully expects the reflection of such values in the composition of all panels and teams, including peer review panels, proposal teams, science definition teams, and mission and instrument teams. Per Federal statutes and NASA policy, no eligible applicant shall experience exclusion from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from NASA on the grounds of their race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, or disability. NASA welcomes proposals from all qualified and eligible sources, and strongly encourages proposals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB), HUBZone small businesses, and women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), as eligibility requirements apply.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is required. In-kind contributions are allowable as part of the cost-share requirement.

For this CAN, the partner is expected to contribute at least 50 percent of the total combined partner and NASA resources required to accomplish the objectives of the project. NASA will consider requests by both commercial and non-commercial partners to contribute less than 50 percent.

However, any such request will require separate justification by the partner and additional approvals by NASA prior to formal submission of the invited Step-2 Proposal.

NASA contributions to the project may be cash, in-kind resources (non-cash contributions such as labor, project use of testing or lab facilities, materials or supplies, etc.) or a combination of cash and in-kind resources. Partner contributions to the project may be in-kind (non-cash) resource contributions such as partner labor, project use of partner testing or lab facilities, partner-provided materials or supplies, etc.

Cooperative agreements awarded under this notice which include a cash contribution from NASA to the partner (i.e., commercial businesses, colleges and universities, and non-profit institutions) will include obligation of the NASA cash contribution on the cooperative agreement award; however, awardees will draw down funds as needed to coincide with immediate cash requirements, resulting in a draw down of funds as close to the expenditure as possible.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305, the default payment method will be advanced payments, and recipients may request advanced payments electronically. Additional payment information is detailed in the GCAM Section 7.2 Payments and GCAM Appendix D, Section D8 Financial Management.

C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

C.3.1 Limitation on Number of Step-1 Package Submissions per Organization There is no restriction on the number of Step-1 Package submissions that an organization may submit in response to this announcement. Each submission, however, must be a separate, standalone, complete document for evaluation purposes.

C.3.2 Rejection Rights and Late Submissions NASA reserves the right to reject a submission without review for the following reasons:

• The submission is clearly nonresponsive to the objectives and/or provisions of the announcement.

• The submission does not meet the requirements for format, content, and organization.

• The submission is not submitted by the submission due date/time.

However, the Agreement Officer reserves the right to consider any submission if deemed in the best interest of the Government.

NASA may review applications that are received after the deadline or consider these late applications for funding. NASA may, however, extend the application deadline on request for any applicant who can demonstrate that good cause exists to justify extending the deadline. Good cause for an extension may include technical problems outside of the applicant’s control that prevent submission of the application by the deadline, other exigent or emergency circumstances, or statutory requirements for NASA to make an award.

Applicants experiencing technical problems outside of their control must notify NASA as soon as possible and before the application deadline. Failure to timely notify NASA of the issue that prevented the timely filing of the application may preclude consideration of the award.

C.3.3 Restriction on the use of Classified Material It is NASA policy that all Step-1 Package submissions and subsequent invited proposals should not contain security-classified material. However, should the proposed approach require access to classified information, or should the result of the project generate such material, the Applicant shall comply with all Government security regulations.

C.3.4 Ineligibility of Proposals That Include Participation of China or Chinese-Owned Companies Proposals involving bilateral participation, collaboration, or coordination in any way with China or any Chinese-owned company, whether funded or performed under a no- exchange-of-funds basis, shall be ineligible for award.

D. Application and Submission Information

D.1 Address to Request Application Package This Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) 80MSFC24M0001 is posted on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ under the Solicitations link.