NASA EPSCoR Call for White Papers rfp

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NASA EPSCoR Call for White Papers

Printable Version

Call for White Papers for NASA-focused Research Clusters
Issued: Friday, November 4, 2005
Due: Noon, Friday, January 13, 2006
Selection Notification: Friday, March 3, 2006

NASA EPSCoR White Papers Development

The North Dakota NASA EPSCoR Program will be eligible for renewal in 2006. Renewal typically consists of two components: A Core Award that covers basic infrastructure development (the NASA EPSCoR Program) and proposals to establish research areas (up to three per state). The Research Area proposals are typically for three-year projects, renewable for a further two years depending on funding. Up to $250,000/year is available in federal monies for research projects in a state. North Dakota is looking to submit up to three competitive proposals. All proposals will require a 1:1 match for the federal dollars. To date North Dakota has not been successful in competing for a research area proposal.

In anticipation of the RFP for new Research Area proposals, NDNEP is seeking to establish research teams that are collaborative between NDSU and UND. Success in the NASA EPSCoR Research Proposal competition has emphasized a team approach and state-wide collaboration. NDNEP is looking to better position itself to be competitive and collaborative teams between UND and NDSU are seen as paramount. This RFP is to help seed that process and by doing so, we also serve our mission of building state infrastructure. These teams must be focused on developing a research program that will make significant contributions to the strategic research and technology priorities of NASA’s Science, Exploration, or Aeronautics Mission directorates as defined at http://research.hq.nasa.gov/research.cfm and should be aligned with state goals for economic development.

White papers are being solicited that describe the make-up, experience, and synergy of the team personnel, the research project that will be developed, the relevance of the research to NASA, and alignment with state goals.

White papers will be sent out for review externally. These reviews will be used by the North Dakota NASA EPSCoR Advisory Board to make their recommendation to the director. The director will make the final decision. Since each state NASA EPSCoR program may include up to three research area proposals, up to three teams may be chosen for funding through this RFP in the amount of $10,000 (1:4 match required; so a $10,000 award would require $2,500 in match) with a deliverable of a full research proposal that would need to be prepared in time for inclusion in NDNEP’s response to the NASA EPSCoR Research Area proposals RFP. Dates to be determined.

Requirements for eligible research teams

Must be headed by a Principal Investigator who is an established scientist/engineer with a track-record of peer-reviewed external research support and with the ability to ensure high quality research and with the experience to administer effectively and integrate all components of the project.

Must consist of collaborating scientists from both NDSU and UND. Significant participation between the scientists is expected.

Must agree to the deliverable of a completed research proposal that is consistent with the spirit and intent of the RFP (to be announced at a date to be determined). The research proposal must be delivered in time to be included in the NDNEP proposal (dates to be announced).

Must demonstrate significant collaboration with an appropriate NASA Center, scientists, or research group.

Must demonstrate alignment and added-value to the role of higher education in North Dakota's goals for economic development. These goals are articulated at http://www.theresearchcorridor.com/index.html and in “A North Dakota University System for the 21st Century” - The Report of the Roundtable for the North Dakota Legislative Council Interim Committee on Higher Education. See cornerstone #1 – The Economic Development Connection, p.13 – 24 (available at http://www.ndus.nodak.edu/reports/details.asp?id=332).

Contents of the White Paper (margins ≥ 1”, with no less than an 11-point font)

1. Cover page stating submitter’s name, title, office address, phone number, e-mail address, and thematic research area.

2. Up to three pages describing the thematic area of the research team, the specific research project to be developed and its relevance to NASA. Include a statement of potential outcomes including technology transfer or commercialization.

3. Up to two pages describing the research team personnel, their backgrounds and synergy.

4. Up to one page addressing how this research initiative adds value to North Dakota’s goals for economic development such as the Senator Byron Dorgan initiative the “Red River Valley Research Corridor” and Governor Hoeven’s state centers of excellence for economic development.

5. Up to half a page describing plans for sustainability of the research team and project after NASA EPSCoR support expires. What is the general strategy for competing for federal and/or private sector funds. What specific programs can be identified that might support this type of research.

6. Two-page professional bio sketch for PI (NSF-style) and key collaborative investigators.

7. Letters of support demonstrating significant interest and collaboration from NASA personnel and centers.

No budget is required at this stage.

Submission

Paper Copy
The original and ten copies of the white paper must be received at the NDSU or the UND ND EPSCoR office no later than 12:00 noon, Friday, January13th, 2006.

Proposal Electronic Copy
Complete submittal, i.e., contents of white paper above, to Carla Kellner carla_kellner@und.nodak.edu via e-mail attachment in pdf format.

Please direct your questions to Dr. Shan de Silva at 701-777-3558 (desilva@space.edu) or Carla Kellner 701-777-2492.