EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation

Program Description

NASA EPSCoR was authorized in 1993 to help develop academic research infrastructure in eligible jurisdictions that historically have not participated equably in competitive aerospace research activities, including space science and aerospace technology. The goal is to contribute to and promote the development of research infrastructure in the participating jurisdictions in areas of strategic importance to the NASA mission. NASA EPSCoR is helping states develop an academic research enterprise directed toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally competitive capabilities.

The following are the specific objectives of the NASA EPSCoR program:

• Contribute to and promote the development of research infrastructure in NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions in areas of strategic importance to the NASA mission.
• Improve the capabilities of the NASA EPSCoR jurisdictions to gain support from sources outside the NASA EPSCoR program.
• Develop partnerships between NASA research assets, academic institutions, and industry.
• Contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities, higher education, and/or economic development of the jurisdiction.
• Work in close coordination with the NASA Space Grant program to improve the environment for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education in the jurisdiction.

Since its inception, NASA EPSCoR has been closely linked to the NASA Space Grant program, which seeks to improve the environment for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education in the jurisdiction. “With partners from academe, industry, and state and local government, NASA's capacity building programs reach wide segments of the population.” Collectively, the programs interface with all four of the NASA Mission Directorates: Aeronautics, Exploration Systems, Science, and Space Operations.

Award Components

NASA EPSCoR utilizes two primary funding mechanisms: Research Infrastructure Development Awards (RID), and Research Implementation Awards (Implementation). Both components emphasize student education and involvement in research.

RID: RID awards enable jurisdictions to build and strengthen relationships with NASA researchers. Awards, which are $125,000 per year, have a three-year period of performance, with a potential single, two-year renewable continuation. A one-to-one match (cash or in-kind) is required for every NASA dollar awarded.

Implementation: Implementation awards address high-priority NASA research and technology development needs. Awards are up to $750,000 for a three-year performance period. A one-to-one match (cash or in-kind) is required for every NASA dollar awarded.

In FY07, using FY06 and FY07 funds, NASA made RID awards to all states, and funded 23 Implementation proposals on a competitive basis. NASA is expected to fund another 7-10 research proposals in Summer of 2008.

EPSCoR States

27 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.