What is the R3 opportunity? 

The R3 is a collaborative effort between NASA EPSCoR, NASA Centers and mission directorates. The goals of R3 are to provide a streamlined method to address research issues important to NASA, and to enable NASA EPSCoR researchers to work with NASA to solve research issues impacting the agency’s programs/missions. 

Opportunity is closed for this round.

What are the parameters? 

NASA 

  • Each NASA EPSCoR jurisdiction may submit up to a total of six proposals.  
  • Full proposals are 2-3 pages but may be slightly longer if specified in the solicitation. 
  • Funding is up $100,00 for a one year of performance; cost sharing is not required.  
  • Full proposals must be submitted by the State NASA EPSCoR Director (Dr. Angela Des Jardins for Montana).  

Montana NASA EPSCoR 

  • MT EPSCoR will need to down-select to six proposals. 
  • Interested parties must provide a one-page notice of intent white paper (11-point font Calibri) that describes the intrinsic merit of the proposed research.  
  • Provide a separate simple bulleted list of what will be included in the budget.  
  • Submit the white paper by no later than January 8, 2024 to msgc [at] montana.edu.
  • In the project title, state which research focus area in the NASA EPSCoR Rapid Response Research (R3) solicitation the proposed research addresses. Focus areas are listed in the full NASA solicitation.  
  • MT EPSCoR will select six proposals and send announcements by January 12, 2024 Approved researchers will have until February 26, 2024to write their 2-3 page proposal for full submission.  
  • NASA EPSCoR has a focus on helping prepare junior researchers. As such, white papers by assistant and associate professors will be given preference over those from full professors.  

Evaluation of full proposals to NASA

Successful R3 proposals shall provide sound contributions to both immediate and long-term scientific and technical needs of NASA as explicitly expressed in the current R3 solicitation. 

NASA will use the following criteria: Intrinsic Merit, Project Management, and Budget Justification. The bulleted lists after each criterion below should not be construed as any indication of priority or relative weighting. Rather, the bullets are provided for clarity and facilitation of proposal development. 

Intrinsic Merit (65% of score) 

  • Proposed research shall have clear goals and objectives; address the expectations described in the announcement; and be consistent with the budget, effectively utilize the program management, and demonstrate a high probability for successful implementation. 
  • Proposals shall provide a narrative of the proposed research activity, including the scientific and/or technical merit of the proposed research, unique and innovative methods, approaches, concepts, or advanced technologies, and the potential impact of the proposed research on its field. 
  • Existing Research Proposals shall provide baseline information about current research activities in the proposed research area currently funded under NASA EPSCoR R3. 

Project Management (20% of overall score)  

  • This section shall describe the proposer’s project management structure in reasonable detail.  
  • Proposals shall describe the use of NASA content, people, or facilities in the execution of the research activities. They should describe current and/or previous interactions, partnerships, and meetings with NASA researchers, engineers, and scientists in the area of the proposed research, and discuss how future partnerships between the institution’s researchers and personnel at the Mission Directorates and/or Centers will be fostered. The name(s) and title(s) of NASA researchers with whom the proposers will partner shall be included. NASA shall consider the utilization of NASA venues for recipients to publish their accomplishments.  

Budget Justification (15% of overall score)  

  • The proposed budget shall be adequate, appropriate, reasonable, and realistic, and demonstrate the effective use of funds that align with the content and text of the proposed project. Preparation guidelines for the budget can be found in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, Section 3.18 and Appendix C.  
  • Because the budget will be evaluated based upon the clarity and reasonableness of the funding request, a budget narrative shall be included that discusses relevant issues such as the extent and level of jurisdiction, industrial, and institutional commitment and financial support, including resources (staff, facilities, laboratories, indirect support, waiver of indirect costs).