Space Technology

NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) leads the development, demonstration, and infusion of transformational technologies that enhance NASA's efforts to explore the unknown in space, benefit life on Earth, and solve critical stakehol

NASA STMD leads the development, demonstration, and infusion of transformational space technologies that solve critical stakeholder needs. As the tech base for civil space, STMD advances technology to support future NASA, other government, and commercial missions. STMD investments aim to (1) advance U.S. space technology innovation and competitiveness in a global context, (2) encourage technology driven economic growth with an emphasis on the expanding space economy, and (3) inspire and develop a powerful U.S. aerospace technology community. STMD bolsters and funds ideas from entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators across the country. Space technology research and development occurs at NASA centers, universities, national labs, and small businesses. Since its beginning, STMD has used a Technology Strategy to guide its investment strategy. The Framework was developed to align with Agency priorities, including the Moon to Mars Objectives and Science Decadal Surveys. The Technology Strategy provides context and traceability from overarching mission needs to high level goals, to the technological advances STMD should prioritize, and the specific technical challenges that must be addressed. The Strategic Framework is also aligned with the NASA TechPort - Taxonomy. The 2024 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking integrates input received from NASA Mission Directorates and Centers, small and large industry organizations, other government agencies, academia, and other interested individuals, to help guide the space technology development and investments. Additional Civil Space Shortfall Ranking information is available at civil-space-shortfall-descriptions-july-2024.pdf . For the latest information about STMD, visit Space Technology Mission Directorate - NASA.

Categories of organizations that may be eligible for NASA grants and cooperative agreements include: • Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) - A two- or four-year university or college (including U.S. community colleges), public or private, accredited to confer degrees beyond that of the K-12 grade levels. 29 • Educational Institutions - Non-higher-education entities, such as K-12 education groups or institutions of informal education, are classified as Educational Institutions.2 • Non-profit Organization - An organization that: o Is operated primarily for scientific, engineering, educational, research, or similar purposes in the public interest; o Is not organized primarily for profit; o Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the organization's operations; and o Is not an IHE. Non-profit organizations generally exclude (i) colleges and universities; (ii) hospitals; and (iii) state, local, and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments. • For-profit Entity - An organization of any size that is organized primarily for profit. • Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) - FFRDCs are under a broad charter by a Government agency for performing, analyzing, or conducting research for the United States Government. NASA sponsors JPL as the Agency's sole FFRDC, and JPL is not an eligible applicant to receive a NASA-funded grant or cooperative agreement as a recipient or subrecipient3 . However, FFRDCs sponsored by agencies other than NASA may be eligible to receive a NASA-funded award as a recipient or subrecipient. • Non-U.S. Organizations - Organizations outside the U.S. that meet the definitions of foreign organization or foreign public entity in 2 CFR § 200.1. Non-U.S. organizations generally propose for opportunities on a no-exchange-of-funds basis in accordance with NASA policy. NOFOs may be issued jointly with a non-U.S. organization (e.g., those concerning guest observing programs for jointly sponsored space science programs) that will contain additional special guidelines for non-U.S. participants. • State, Local, or Federally-Recognized Tribal Government Agency - o State Government means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, and any agency or instrumentality of a State exclusive of its local governments

Although NASA's statutory authority extends beyond research awards, the Agency primarily issues grants and cooperative agreements to support research and research-related activities. Such activities include, but are not limited to, education, travel, conferences, and training. Information on both active and closed NASA grants and cooperative agreements is publicly available at USAspending.gov. Applicants and recipients must refer to the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and award terms and conditions for program-specific requirements and additional details.

Other Restrictions on the use of assistance for this listing are governed by the limitations and conditions set forth in NASA's Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). The GCAM includes a dedicated section on limitations and restrictions, which outlines the circumstances under which funds may not be used. Applicants and recipients should refer to the applicable GCAM limitations provisions, in conjunction with the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), to understand any restrictions that apply. Only restrictions that are unique to this Assistance Listing or organization are identified here; all other standard limitations apply as described in the GCAM

Generally, up to three years but no more than five years.

Applicants must follow the proposal submission instructions outlined in the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Specific submission requirements-including whether a Notice of Intent (NOI) and/or Phase I proposals are required-are defined in the individual funding opportunity announcement and may vary by program. In addition, all Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-Investigators (Co-Is) must register in NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integration and Review System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external as NSPIRES is used to support proposal submission, review, and award processing.

All proposals will undergo an administrative, merit, and financial review. The NASA funding organization responsible for managing the technical aspects of an awarded effort is responsible for the merit review process, which may be based on peer review. All applications for NASA discretionary awards are subject to a merit review with the objective of selecting the recipient most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the objectives outlined in this Assistance Listing. Applicants may consult the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement manual for additional information on NASA Proposal review and selection process. https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations

After proposals are submitted, NASA evaluates all applications to determine funding selections, and applicants are notified of the outcome by email. Award selection announcements generally occur 150 to 220 days after the proposal due date, following approval of NASA funding through the federal budget process. Selection timelines may be extended due to budget delays, required final approvals and concurrence, or if additional information is needed from the applicant, such as revised budgets or supporting details required to finalize the award.

For the latest opportunities to work with STMD, see our current and upcoming solicitations. Review individual solicitations for specific deadlines.

For information on application review procedures, applicants should refer to the applicable section of Proposal Review and Selection Criteria of the GCAM: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations

Renewal and extension information can be found in the NASA Grants and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) and the NASA NSSC website at https://www.nasa.gov/centers/nssc/grants

Information on NASA appeals policy and process can be found in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM), and does not apply to proposals returned without review by NASA for an applicant's failure to: a. Submit a late proposal where information regarding the proposal deadline (i.e., date, time, and location) for submission had been previously specified. b. Meet the NASA proposal preparation requirements, such as page limitations, formatting, instructions, and electronic submission. c. Submit a proposal that is responsive to the NOFO or that contains sufficient detail. d. Submit the proposal with enough lead time before the activity is to commence.