NASA Group 5 University Research Centers (URC) | Apply Online

NASA Group 5 University Research Centers (URC) - FAQs

What is the NASA Group 5 University Research Centers (URC) opportunity?

NASA Group 5 University Research Centers (URC) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity run through the Office of Education, Integration Division, under the Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP). It funds a small set of university-based research centers intended to strengthen NASA-related research capacity at Minority Institutions while building stronger pipelines for underrepresented and underserved students into advanced degrees and the aerospace workforce.

What is the main goal of this URC program?

The program is designed to create and support multidisciplinary university research centers that (1) build broad, competitive NASA-relevant research capability at eligible institutions, (2) encourage the development of new aerospace science and technology concepts, (3) expand participation of Minority Institution faculty and students in mainstream NASA research, and (4) increase the number of underrepresented and underserved U.S. students who complete advanced degrees aligned with NASA and then enter the aerospace and related STEM workforce.

Is this funding for a single research project or for a research center?

This opportunity is intended for center-building and capacity-building. Each funded URC is expected to operate as a multi-disciplinary scientific, engineering, and/or commercially oriented research center, not simply as an isolated research project.

What type of award does NASA plan to make?

Awards are made as cooperative agreements. This typically means NASA expects to be actively involved in the effort, such as through collaboration with NASA centers, technical engagement, and alignment with agency priorities, rather than operating strictly as a hands-off grantor.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

Based on the opportunity description, a cooperative agreement implies active NASA involvement in the work. Examples mentioned include collaboration with NASA centers, technical engagement, and ensuring the center aligns with NASA priorities.

How many awards did NASA anticipate making?

NASA anticipated making five awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed for applicants in the provided opportunity information.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. colleges and universities that are officially designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Postsecondary Minority Institution. Examples referenced include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Are there academic program requirements for eligible institutions?

Yes. Institutions must offer graduate degrees in engineering, computer science, technology, mathematics, or science disciplines. This reflects the program's focus on strengthening research centers with a strong graduate education component.

Can an institution submit more than one proposal?

No. The solicitation limits submissions to one proposal per institution or university system.

Can current Group 4 University Research Centers apply under Group 5?

No. The opportunity explicitly excludes institutions that already hold current Group 4 University Research Centers from applying under the Group 5 competition.

What is required regarding alignment with NASA priorities?

Each URC must align with NASA priorities and is required to identify one primary NASA Mission Directorate. That primary directorate must be identified in both the required Notice of Intent and the full proposal.

Which NASA Mission Directorates are referenced for alignment?

The four Mission Directorates referenced are Aeronautics Research, Exploration Systems, Science, and Space Operations.

Do proposals have to connect with NASA field centers?

The solicitation notes cooperation with NASA ten Field Centers, and proposals are meant to be connected, as appropriate, to NASA field centers. The opportunity also describes expected NASA involvement through collaboration and technical engagement.

What kinds of activities should the proposed center include?

Proposals are expected to connect meaningful research with education and workforce outcomes. The center should produce research results while also training students, strengthening institutional capacity, and expanding participation of Minority Institution faculty and students in mainstream NASA research over time.

Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Yes. A Notice of Intent (NOI) is mandatory for this opportunity.

How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).

Can proposals be submitted through Grants.gov?

No. The notice states that, until further notice, NASA proposals cannot be submitted through Grants.gov for this opportunity. NSPIRES is the required submission route.

Where can applicants find the solicitation and any official FAQs?

The solicitation and any FAQs are posted in NSPIRES. Applicants are encouraged to review NASA research priorities and related open solicitations through NSPIRES as well.

What is NSPIRES?

NSPIRES is NASA's online database for solicitations and proposal activity and is the system required for electronic submission for this opportunity.

What should applicants do if they cannot access NSPIRES materials?

Applicants who cannot access materials are directed to the NSPIRES Help Desk at nspires-help@nasaprs.com or 202-479-9376 during business hours.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is NNH09ZNE003C.

When was this opportunity posted and when are proposals due?

The opportunity was posted April 29, 2009, and the closing date for proposals is June 19, 2009.

How should the center describe its intended impact on students and workforce outcomes?

Based on the program description, proposals should show how the center will increase the number of underrepresented and underserved U.S. students completing advanced degrees in NASA-related fields and support their entry into the aerospace and related STEM workforce, while also strengthening research capacity at the institution.