Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NASA EPSCoR grant opportunity?

NASA's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is a NASA Headquarters grant opportunity run through the NASA Office of Education, in coordination with NASA's four Mission Directorates (Aeronautics Research, Exploration Systems, Science, and Space Operations) and supported across NASA's ten Centers. The program funds projects in EPSCoR-eligible states and territories to build and strengthen long-term research capacity while conducting NASA-relevant research.

What is the main goal of this solicitation?

The central goal is to strengthen research capacity in historically underrepresented states and territories by funding projects that align with NASA's strategic research and technology priorities and create lasting benefits in the applicant's jurisdiction. In practical terms, proposals are expected to do real NASA-relevant research and also improve local research infrastructure, expand science and technology capability, strengthen higher education participation, and support longer-term economic development.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is NNH09ZNE002C.

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism rather than a standard grant. The announcement notes authority in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook (Section 1260.12(d)), which generally indicates NASA expects a more active partnership during the project period (for example, closer coordination with NASA personnel, technical engagement, or shared milestones).

What type of funding is this considered?

The solicitation is categorized as discretionary funding.

What subject areas does the funded work fall under?

The funded work is described as science and technology and other research and development activities.

What is the CFDA listing for this opportunity?

The CFDA listing is shown as "00.000 Not Elsewhere Classified."

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to provide matching funds to be eligible.

How many awards did NASA expect to make under this cycle?

NASA anticipated making roughly 7 to 10 awards for this 2009 cycle.

What is the maximum award size and project length?

Each award was expected to be up to $750,000 total for a three-year period of performance.

When was the solicitation posted and when were proposals due?

The opportunity was posted on January 15, 2009. Proposals were due March 19, 2009. The opportunity was archived the day after the closing date.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to institutions within jurisdictions that are eligible for EPSCoR, as determined by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Applicants are directed to use NSF jurisdiction eligibility lists and tables to confirm eligibility.

Which jurisdictions were explicitly listed as eligible for this solicitation?

The announcement explicitly listed the following eligible jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, 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, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

How many proposals can a single jurisdiction submit?

Each eligible jurisdiction may submit up to two proposals in response to this Cooperative Agreement Notice.

Does NASA consider existing EPSCoR awards in a jurisdiction during selection?

Yes. NASA indicates that the number of current NASA EPSCoR research awards already active in a jurisdiction will be considered during selection, which suggests NASA may weigh overall balance and distribution of awards across jurisdictions.

What types of projects is NASA looking to fund?

NASA is looking for proposals that are directly relevant to one or more NASA Mission Directorates and that also produce durable capacity-building benefits in the applicant jurisdiction. The announcement emphasizes improvements such as stronger labs and facilities, enhanced science and technology capability, increased research competitiveness, greater student and faculty engagement in NASA-related fields, and broader benefits to the jurisdiction's science and technology ecosystem.

Which NASA organizations are involved in this program?

The program is run by NASA Headquarters through the NASA Office of Education, working jointly with NASA's four Mission Directorates (Aeronautics Research, Exploration Systems, Science, and Space Operations) and supported across NASA's ten Centers.

What kind of relationship with NASA should applicants expect under a cooperative agreement?

Because the mechanism is a cooperative agreement, the structure usually signals a more active NASA role during performance, such as closer coordination with NASA personnel, technical engagement, and/or shared milestones, consistent with the cited cooperative agreement authority.

Who is the program point of contact named in the announcement?

The announcement names Diane D. DeTroye as the NASA EPSCoR Manager and indicates she is a point of contact for access issues and program management support, with technical and scientific questions directed through the channels provided in the full announcement.