National Aeronautics & Space Administration

About

The goal of the NASA EPSCoR program is to foster the development of an academic research enterprise across EPSCoR states directed toward long-term, self-sustaining, nationally competitive capabilities in aerospace technologies and research. This program, authorized by Congress in 1993, aims to develop infrastructure supporting space and technology advancements in jurisdictions that historically have not participated fully in competitive research activities at NASA. With partners from academia, industry, and state and local governments, NASA’s capacity building programs reach wide segments of the population.

Researchers across EPSCoR states are encouraged to explore this website to learn about the funding opportunities made available by NASA, the leadership at academic institutions supporting researchers in their jurisdiction, and the latest updates from both NASA and jurisdiction leaders.

NASA EPSCoR Caucus

The NASA EPSCoR Caucus is a collaborative organization made up of the directors of NASA's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs in each eligible state and territory. The overarching goal of the Caucus is to help coordinate NASA EPSCoR activities across participating jurisdictions. The NASA EPSCoR Caucus serves several functions:

• Represents the interests of participating jurisdictions
• Shares best practices among state and territorial NASA EPSCoR directors
• Coordinates discussions with NASA leadership about program implementation and future funding opportunities
• Organizes meetings, often alongside other national space research gatherings, where directors discuss research infrastructure, proposal processes, and program outcomes

NASA EPSCoR Caucus Leadership

Bylaws of the NASA EPSCoR Caucus

Other Caucus Documents

Award Mechanisms

1.) Research Infrastructure Development Awards (RID)

• Provides up to $200,000/year for five years
• 20% cost-share requirement
  
• Solicitation released every three to five years
  

2.) Basic Research Opportunity

• Provides up to $750,000 over three years
• 50% cost-share requirement
• Solicitation released annually, with each jurisdiction invited to submit one proposal. Historically, NASA EPSCoR offices within a jurisdiction request Notices of Intent to review and then select one proposal to move forward.
• Involves topic-specific proposals targeted at high-priority NASA research and technology development needs as defined by Mission Directorates

3.) Rapid Research Response (R3)

• Provides up to $125,000 for one year
• No cost-share requirement
• Solicitation released annually
• Creates a streamline method to address research issues important to NASA as defined by the agency's released NOFO

4.) International Space Station (ISS) Flight Opportunity Awards

• Provides up to $150,000 per award
• Solicitation released annually, subject to funding availability