TECHNOLOGY ADVANCING PARTNERSHIPS CALL AT JOHN F. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA KSC Technology Advancing Partnerships (TAP) Call

1) What is the NASA KSC Technology Advancing Partnerships (TAP) Call?

The Technology Advancing Partnerships (TAP) Call is a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) issued by NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to solicit proposals from external partners to help advance specific NASA technology needs through collaborative technology development aligned with KSC and broader NASA interests.

2) What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to bring in external partners who can collaboratively develop and mature technologies that meet identified NASA needs, with active involvement and ongoing interaction between NASA KSC technical contacts and the selected recipient throughout the project.

3) Is this a standard government contract or something else?

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard procurement contract. NASA expects active participation, including ongoing coordination and interaction between the recipient and designated KSC technical points of contact during the period of performance.

4) Who is eligible to apply?

The TAP Call is open to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including:

• Universities and other educational institutions
• Private industry (commercial organizations)
• Nonprofit institutions

5) Which regulations apply to applicants?

NASA indicates that different regulatory authorities apply depending on the applicant type:

• Educational and nonprofit organizations: 14 CFR Part 1260
• Commercial entities: 14 CFR Part 1274

6) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is NNK15AD01A.

7) What program/category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category and is associated with CFDA number 43.003 (Exploration).

8) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $75,000.

9) What kinds of projects is this funding intended to support?

Based on the stated award ceiling and description, the call is oriented toward modest, targeted technology development efforts, including early-stage maturation or focused demonstrations that enhance identified NASA technology needs.

10) Does this opportunity require cost sharing?

Yes. A key feature of this TAP Call is cost sharing. The award recipient is expected to share in the development costs associated with maturing the proposed technology, indicating NASA is seeking partners willing to invest resources alongside NASA to reach development milestones.

11) How involved will NASA be during the project?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, NASA expects active involvement. Regular coordination is expected between the partner and the appointed KSC point of contact to ensure technical progress and alignment with NASA objectives.

12) Where must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted through NASA's system, the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). NASA notes the opportunity may appear on FedBizOpps.gov and/or Grants.gov, but submission must be completed in NSPIRES.

13) Can proposals be submitted through Grants.gov or FedBizOpps.gov?

No. Even if the opportunity is visible on sites like FedBizOpps.gov and/or Grants.gov, NASA emphasizes that proposals must be submitted via NSPIRES.

14) Is electronic submission required?

Yes. Electronic submission was required, with the full proposal submitted by the stated deadline through NSPIRES.

15) What were the key dates for this solicitation?

• Notice posted/created: February 11, 2015
• Proposal due date: May 8, 2015
• Archive date: February 11, 2016

16) Does NASA reserve the right to choose a different award instrument?

Yes. NASA reserves the right to choose the most appropriate award instrument for proposals that are selected.

17) What kind of coordination is expected with KSC?

The funded work is described as supporting technology development services that enhance identified NASA needs, with regular coordination expected between the partner and the designated KSC point of contact to ensure progress and alignment with NASA objectives.

18) Who should be contacted for technical or solicitation-specific questions?

For technical or solicitation-specific questions, NASA directs applicants to contact KSC at TAPchallenge@mail.nasa.gov (Meredith Chandler is referenced as a contact).

19) Who should be contacted for NSPIRES/NAIS submission or access issues?

For NSPIRES/NAIS system support (including issues accessing or submitting the announcement electronically), applicants should contact nais.support@nasa.gov.

20) What does the award ceiling suggest about project scope?

The $75,000 award ceiling suggests this call supports relatively modest, targeted development efforts rather than large, multi-year development programs.