FY 2022 NASA ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) | NNH22ZHA005C

FAQs - FY 2022 NASA EPSCoR (NNH22ZHA005C)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the FY 2022 NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NASA EPSCoR) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), funding opportunity number NNH22ZHA005C. It is a discretionary NASA program that provides support through cooperative agreements to strengthen research and innovation capacity in eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions.

Which federal category is this opportunity listed under?

The opportunity is categorized under Education with CFDA 43.008.

What is the main purpose of NASA EPSCoR under this NOFO?

The program is designed to help states and territories that historically receive a smaller share of federal R&D funding build more competitive, sustainable research programs tied to NASA mission needs.

How many awards did NASA plan to make?

NASA planned to make up to about 10 awards under this NOFO, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.

What is the maximum funding amount per award?

The award ceiling is $750,000 total per award.

How long is the period of performance?

Each award is planned for a 36-month period.

What type of funding instrument is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The mechanism is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

Because it is a cooperative agreement, recipients should expect a more collaborative relationship with NASA. This typically includes closer technical involvement, coordination, and shared stewardship during the period of performance compared to a traditional assistance award.

What are the core objectives of this solicitation?

The NOFO describes four core objectives: (1) develop research capability in EPSCoR jurisdictions in areas aligned with NASA strategic mission priorities; (2) improve the ability of jurisdictions to attract and sustain support beyond NASA EPSCoR; (3) develop partnerships connecting NASA research assets with academia and industry; and (4) strengthen research infrastructure and science and technology capacity at higher education institutions, with an intent to support economic development outcomes.

What kinds of research areas are expected to be competitive?

Projects should align with NASA's strategic mission priorities and be clearly relevant to NASA science, aeronautics, exploration, space technology, or related mission-driven needs.

Does the program emphasize long-term sustainability beyond this award?

Yes. One objective is to improve the ability of EPSCoR jurisdictions to attract and sustain funding and support beyond NASA EPSCoR, including competitiveness for other federal programs, industry partnerships, and additional research funding streams.

Is partnership development a major focus of the program?

Yes. The NOFO prioritizes partnerships that connect NASA research assets (centers, laboratories, facilities, and NASA-affiliated expertise) with academic institutions and industry, encouraging meaningful collaboration rather than isolated research efforts.

Does the NOFO address research infrastructure and capacity building?

Yes. A core objective is to strengthen the broader research infrastructure and science and technology capacity of higher education institutions within the jurisdiction.

Does the program mention economic development outcomes?

Yes. The NOFO notes an intent to support economic development outcomes such as workforce growth, innovation ecosystems, and stronger ties between research and regional needs.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is restricted by statute. NASA will accept proposals only from the NASA EPSCoR Directors at the designated lead institutions for their jurisdictions (per Public Law 102-588).

Can an individual university, faculty member, or company apply directly?

No. Individual universities, faculty members, or companies do not submit directly unless they are included as part of their jurisdiction's single proposal coordinated and submitted by the EPSCoR Director.

How many proposals may be submitted per jurisdiction?

Each eligible jurisdiction may submit one proposal.

What applicant type is identified in the opportunity?

The eligible applicant type is identified as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, consistent with EPSCoR administration through a lead institution in each jurisdiction.

Which jurisdictions are listed as eligible in the NOFO?

The eligible EPSCoR 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, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

When was the opportunity posted?

NASA posted the opportunity on November 15, 2021.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was February 14, 2022.

Is funding guaranteed?

No. The NOFO states that awards are contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.

What is NASA trying to achieve overall with these awards?

Overall, the NOFO is structured to fund a select number of competitive, peer-reviewed projects that advance NASA-relevant research while producing durable improvements in capability, partnerships, and research infrastructure across participating EPSCoR jurisdictions.