Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI)Appendix | 80HQTR18NOA01 18STRI B3

Opportunity Information: Apply for 80HQTR18NOA01 18STRI B3

NASA Headquarters, through its Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), released the Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI) solicitation as an appendix to the broader Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2018 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2018) NASA Research Announcement. The opportunity is posted in NSPIRES under open solicitations as "Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI)" and is also accessible for electronic submission through NSPIRES or Grants.gov. The intent is to create university-led institutes that bring together multi-disciplinary teams in a coordinated, longer-term research structure rather than funding isolated, one-off projects.

The core purpose of STRI is to invest in basic research and technology development in areas that NASA considers high priority and that also matter to the broader aerospace community. NASA is emphasizing the institute model because it supports a distributed collaboration across universities and other partners, allowing experts from different fields and organizations to work under a shared roadmap and management structure. NASA’s view is that this approach should produce deeper progress than traditional standalone grants, largely because the institute stays focused for several years and can build momentum, shared infrastructure, and sustained collaboration.

Awards are expected to be sizable, multi-year institute grants. Each institute is anticipated to run for about five years, with total funding up to $15 million over the full period. The award instrument is a grant, supported financially and programmatically by the Space Technology Research Grants Program within STMD. NASA indicated that awards were planned to begin in Spring 2019, contingent on selections and funding availability.

Eligibility is limited to accredited U.S. universities as the submitting lead organizations. Teaming with other universities is required, reinforcing the multi-institution institute concept. Partnerships with non-profit entities and industry are permitted, enabling institutes to incorporate additional capabilities such as specialized research organizations, test facilities, or pathways to eventual transition and infusion. The solicitation points proposers to Appendix section 3.0 for the complete eligibility rules and requirements.

This STRI appendix is narrowly focused on two topic areas, and proposals must be responsive to at least one of them. The first topic is Revolutionary Propulsion for Rapid Deep Space Transit, aimed at advancing propulsion approaches that could significantly reduce travel times for deep space missions. The second topic is Smart Deep Space Habitats (SmartHabs), focused on next-generation habitat concepts and enabling technologies for living and operating in deep space, with an emphasis on smarter, more autonomous, more resilient habitation systems.

NASA planned to make about two awards under this solicitation, but that number is not guaranteed. Selections depend on the availability of funds and the submission of proposals that are both meritorious and well aligned with NASA’s objectives. NASA also explicitly reserves the right to make no awards if the proposal set does not justify selections.

The application process uses a mandatory two-step submission structure. First, teams submit a preliminary proposal; only those invited based on the preliminary step may submit a full proposal. A Notice of Intent is strongly encouraged to help NASA anticipate workload and reviewer needs. Key dates listed include Notices of Intent due July 2, 2018; preliminary proposals due by July 20, 2018 at 5:00 pm Eastern; and invited full proposals targeted for November 5, 2018. The listing also notes an original closing date of July 30, 2018, but the solicitation text emphasizes the earlier preliminary deadline, so applicants were expected to follow the detailed instructions and due dates provided in the STRI appendix itself.

Submissions must be made electronically by an authorized organizational representative, and NASA stresses that proposers should register and become familiar with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov if used) well before deadlines to avoid last-minute issues. Questions and programmatic or technical comments are directed to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive, Claudia Meyer, via hq-STMD-STRI@mail.nasa.gov. NASA’s responses may be provided by email and also posted in FAQ materials associated with the solicitation in NSPIRES, with the anonymity of questioners preserved. Applicants are also responsible for monitoring the solicitation page for any amendments or updates.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI)Appendix" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.012.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 01, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 30, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 80HQTR18NOA01 18STRI B3

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: