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

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH22ZHA005C

The FY 2022 NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NASA EPSCoR) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), funding opportunity number NNH22ZHA005C, is a discretionary NASA program that provides support through cooperative agreements to strengthen research and innovation capacity in eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions. It is categorized under Education (CFDA 43.008) and is aimed at helping states and territories that historically receive a smaller share of federal R&D funding build more competitive, sustainable research programs tied to NASA's mission needs.

Under this NOFO, NASA planned to make up to about 10 awards, each with an award ceiling of $750,000 total over a 36-month period, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds. Because the mechanism is a cooperative agreement (rather than a standard grant), recipients should expect a more collaborative relationship with NASA, typically involving closer technical involvement, coordination, and shared stewardship during the period of performance compared to a traditional assistance award.

The solicitation lays out four core objectives. First, it seeks to contribute to and promote the development of research capability within NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions in areas that align with NASA's strategic mission priorities, meaning projects should be clearly relevant to NASA science, aeronautics, exploration, space technology, or related mission-driven needs. Second, it aims to improve the ability of these jurisdictions to attract and sustain support from sources beyond the NASA EPSCoR program, with an emphasis on building longer-term competitiveness for other federal programs, industry partnerships, and additional research funding streams. Third, it prioritizes the development of partnerships that connect NASA research assets (such as centers, laboratories, facilities, and NASA-affiliated expertise) with academic institutions and industry, encouraging projects that create meaningful collaboration rather than isolated research efforts. Fourth, it is designed to strengthen the broader research infrastructure and science and technology capacity of higher education institutions within the jurisdiction, with the added intent of supporting economic development outcomes such as workforce growth, innovation ecosystems, and stronger ties between research and regional needs.

Eligibility is tightly restricted by statute. Per Public Law 102-588, NASA will accept proposals only from the NASA EPSCoR Directors at the designated lead institutions for their jurisdictions, and each eligible jurisdiction may submit one proposal. In practice, this means individual universities, faculty members, or companies do not submit directly unless they are part of a jurisdiction's single proposal coordinated and submitted by the EPSCoR Director. The eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions listed in the NOFO include 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.

From an administrative timeline perspective, NASA posted the opportunity on November 15, 2021, with an original closing date of February 14, 2022. The eligible applicant type is identified as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, which aligns with how EPSCoR programs are typically administered through a lead institution in each jurisdiction. Overall, the NOFO is structured to fund a select number of competitive, peer-reviewed projects that both advance NASA-relevant research and leave behind durable improvements in capability, partnerships, and research infrastructure across participating EPSCoR jurisdictions.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2022 NASA ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 15, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 14, 2022. (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 $750,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

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