NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Basic Research | NNH24ZHA003C EPSCOR

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA EPSCoR Basic Research (NNH24ZHA003C)

What is the NASA EPSCoR Basic Research opportunity (NNH24ZHA003C)?

NASA EPSCoR Basic Research (Funding Opportunity Number NNH24ZHA003C) is a NASA grant opportunity designed to build high-quality research capacity in states and U.S. jurisdictions that have historically received a smaller share of federal research and development funding. It supports NASA-relevant basic research while also strengthening long-term research competitiveness and infrastructure in eligible jurisdictions.

What is the main goal of this program?

The program is intended to do more than fund a single research project. It aims to help eligible jurisdictions build durable research infrastructure, strengthen science and technology capabilities (especially at higher education institutions), and generate research that directly supports NASA strategic research and technology development priorities. It also emphasizes longer-term competitiveness and potential spillover benefits for local and regional economic development.

What type of funding instrument does NASA use for these awards?

Awards are made as cooperative agreements. This generally indicates NASA expects substantial involvement during the period of performance compared with a more hands-off grant.

How important is NASA mission alignment in this opportunity?

Mission alignment is central. Funded work is expected to address scientific and technical problems important to NASA Mission Directorates, NASA Centers, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The specific alignment targets are described in Appendix A (NASA Mission Directorates and Center Alignment).

Is collaboration with a NASA researcher required?

Yes. A key feature of this opportunity is required close collaboration with a NASA researcher. Funded teams are expected to work alongside NASA personnel in developing competitive research and technology relevant to NASA priorities.

What is the purpose of the required collaboration with NASA personnel?

The collaboration requirement is intended to go beyond advisory input. It is meant to deepen connections among EPSCoR jurisdictions, NASA, and external partners (including commercial partners), helping investigators access relevant expertise, mission context, and pathways for future joint work.

Which NASA organizations can the proposed work be aligned with?

Proposed work can align with NASA Mission Directorates, NASA Centers, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Appendix A (NASA Mission Directorates and Center Alignment) indicates where proposed work fits within NASA organizational and mission needs.

What research area or funding category does this opportunity fall under?

The funding category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed in the notice is 43.008.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is jurisdiction-based and determined using National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR eligibility criteria and tables. For this NOFO, the NSF FY 2023 eligibility table is cited as the reference used to determine which jurisdictions may apply.

Which jurisdictions are explicitly listed as eligible to submit proposals?

The eligible jurisdictions listed are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Does an applicant have to be located in an eligible jurisdiction?

Yes. The notice indicates applicants must be based in an eligible jurisdiction to be considered, and they typically apply through the appropriate mechanisms within that jurisdiction.

Is this opportunity limited to higher education institutions?

The notice classifies the opportunity as open to "other" eligible applicants, but the program emphasis is clearly on strengthening higher education research capability and infrastructure within eligible jurisdictions.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The notice indicates an award ceiling of $750,000.

How many awards does NASA expect to make?

The notice states an expectation of about 15 awards.

When is the application due?

The original application closing date is January 29, 2025.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on October 18, 2024.

What makes this program different from a typical basic research grant?

This NOFO is described as a capacity-building research program with strong NASA mission alignment. In addition to producing NASA-relevant basic research outcomes, it is intended to upgrade the research ecosystem in eligible jurisdictions through sustained collaboration with NASA researchers and tighter integration with NASA and commercial partner networks.

Does the program aim to support regional economic development?

Yes. The opportunity description notes that building long-term competitiveness in NASA-relevant research areas can create spillover benefits that support local and regional economic development.