NASA EPSCoR

The NASA EPSCoR Program was developed to provide additional grant money for qualified states to increase the competitiveness of their aerospace research base.

The NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, strengthens the research capabilities of jurisdictions that have not in the past participated equably in competitive aerospace and aerospace-related research activities. EPSCoR provides eligible jurisdictions with funding to develop a more competitive research base within their jurisdiction and member academic institutions. Seven federal agencies conduct EPSCoR programs.

The two main components of NASA EPSCoR are:

--NASA EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Development Cooperative Agreement Notice. The Research Infrastructure Development, or RID, component enables jurisdictions to build and strengthen relationships with NASA researchers. The RID has a three-year base period of performance with a potential single, two-year renewable period of performance. Awards are $125,000 per year. A one-to-one match (cash or in-kind) is required for every NASA dollar awarded. The most recent RID was announced and awarded in 2007. This award provides funding for faculty travel and research initation grants (see RID proposals). NASA intends to announce the RID opportunity every three to five years, pending funding availability.

--NASA EPSCoR Research CAN. The NASA EPSCoR CAN for Research Awards solicits topic-specific research proposals addressing 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. NASA intends to announce the EPSCoR CAN for Research Awards yearly, pending funding availability. Proposals are typically due in March (see CAN Research).