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

NASA EPSCoR (NNH12ZHA002C) Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is NASA EPSCoR?

NASA EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) is a competitive NASA funding program intended to strengthen aerospace and aerospace-related research competitiveness in eligible states and territories (called "jurisdictions") that have historically received a smaller share of federal aerospace R&D funding.

2) What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The core purpose is to provide seed funding that helps build a durable, self-sustaining academic research base in aerospace and aerospace-related fields within an eligible jurisdiction. The program also aims to improve local research infrastructure, grow science and technology capability, support higher education, and contribute to long-term economic development in the jurisdiction.

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH12ZHA002C.

4) What type of award is this solicitation using?

This solicitation is issued as a Cooperative Agreement. That generally means NASA expects active involvement beyond simply providing funds, such as collaboration, coordination, or other programmatic engagement consistent with cooperative agreement requirements.

5) What kinds of projects does NASA EPSCoR support under this notice?

The activity focus is science and technology and other research and development. The listing is also associated with education under CFDA 43.008.

6) Do proposed projects need to align with NASA priorities?

Yes. NASA emphasizes that funded projects should align with and make meaningful contributions to the strategic research and technology development priorities of at least one NASA Mission Directorate or the Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT). Proposals are expected to clearly map to NASA priority areas rather than being generic research projects.

7) Which NASA organizations are involved in running or coordinating EPSCoR?

The program is run by NASA Headquarters through the Office of Education, in coordination with multiple NASA mission organizations, including the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Science Mission Directorate (SMD), the Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT), and NASA's ten Centers.

8) Who is eligible to participate (which jurisdictions are eligible)?

Eligibility follows the broader EPSCoR framework, where the National Science Foundation (NSF) determines overall EPSCoR jurisdiction eligibility and NASA follows those determinations. For this solicitation, the eligible jurisdictions are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. A special condition applies for South Carolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands (see related FAQ).

9) What is the special condition involving South Carolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Eligible NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions may submit up to two proposals, with an exception for South Carolina. South Carolina may submit up to three proposals provided at least one proposal represents a project from the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is grouped under South Carolina's jurisdiction for this purpose.

10) How many proposals may a jurisdiction submit?

Each eligible NASA EPSCoR jurisdiction may submit up to two proposals in response to this Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN), except for the South Carolina/U.S. Virgin Islands condition described above.

11) What is the maximum funding request per proposal?

The maximum request per proposal is $750,000 total.

12) What is the project period for the maximum request?

The $750,000 maximum is to be spent over a three-year period.

13) Is cost sharing required?

Yes. All NASA EPSCoR funds must be matched by at least 50 percent using non-federal funds.

14) Can in-kind contributions be used for the required cost share?

Yes. The solicitation states that in-kind cost share is allowable. Examples include contributions such as equipment use, personnel time, or other non-cash support, as long as they are properly documented and allowable under the program rules.

15) Who can submit proposals on behalf of a jurisdiction?

Proposals are accepted only from institutions associated with the currently serving NASA EPSCoR Director for the jurisdiction.

16) Does NASA expect other institutions within the jurisdiction to be included or informed?

Yes. NASA states that all institutions of higher education within the jurisdiction should be informed and given an opportunity to participate. This reflects the program goal of building jurisdiction-wide capacity rather than benefiting only a single campus.

17) What are the key dates for the 2012 cycle?

The notice lists these dates for the 2012 cycle: the opportunity was posted June 19, 2012; Notices of Intent (if submitted) were due July 20, 2012; full proposals were due August 14, 2012; and the opportunity was archived September 13, 2012.

18) Was a Notice of Intent required?

The notice references a Notice of Intent with a due date and indicates it was optional ("if submitted").

19) How much total funding did NASA expect to award under this solicitation?

NASA expected total funding across awards of about $10 million, indicating multiple awards were anticipated, subject to appropriations, proposal quality, and alignment with NASA priorities.

20) Where were application materials and submission access provided?

Applications were made accessible through NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) and through Grants.gov.

21) What should applicants do if they could not access the announcement electronically?

The listed point of contact for applicants who could not access the announcement electronically was Jeppie R. Compton, Project Manager for NASA EPSCoR, at NASA Kennedy Space Center.

22) What law authorized NASA to initiate NASA EPSCoR?

Public Law 102-588 (1992) authorized NASA to initiate NASA EPSCoR to strengthen research capability in underrepresented jurisdictions.

23) What does it mean that this is a "Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)"?

The notice is described as a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN). In this context, it means the solicitation is for cooperative agreements rather than standard grants, and NASA expects an active role consistent with cooperative agreement rules.