The NASA Minority University Research and Education Programs (MUREP) is offering this Small Programs grant to foster innovative STEM education in higher learning institutions.

Desired Outcomes
The Minority University Research and Education Programs (MUREP) Small Programs (MSP) Competitive Grant Opportunity (MSPCG) activity will consider proposals that use the STEM content of NASA’s missions to:
• Develop, promote, or utilize new, innovative, and replicable approaches to improving STEM learning and instruction in support of NASA’s reporting metrics; and
• Provide experiences and activities that are grounded in education research or utilize evidence-supported approaches, techniques, and tools.

Number and Size of Awards
It is anticipated that approximately 3-4 awards, ranging from $50K – $350K each ($840K total has been allocated for this solicitation), for a one-year period of performance may be made under this NRA, pursuant to the authority of the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook (http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/grcover.htm), Section 1260.12(d). Successful projects will be eligible for renewal for up to two additional years, based on project performance and funds availability. NASA reserves the right to partially fund projects, limit the number of projects funded, or limit the funding level below the allocated amount.

Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) and organizations that support MSIs and underserved/underrepresented students. Eligible MSIs include the Department of Education designated Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Tribal College or University (TCU), or MSIs that offer degrees in STEM disciplines. Please check http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html for a complete listing of the minority institutions. These organizations and universities may apply through partnership with a NASA field center, although such a partnership is not a requirement for eligibility.

Proposal Process: Notice of Intent and Full Proposals
Proposers shall submit a short Notice of Intent (NOI) that briefly describes the work to be performed, NASA content to be featured, audiences to be reached, need, innovative approaches to be employed, estimated costs, and summary of evidence supporting the methods, techniques, and tools to be used. NOIs assist NASA in assessing the response to this NRA and to determine the expertise required for the proposal review panel. The NOI will be due on April 26, 2009. NOI submission by the due date is required.

Full proposals will be due on May 25, 2009.

Proposal Submission
All information needed to respond to this solicitation is contained in this NRA and in the companion document entitled Guidebook for Proposers Responding to a NASA Research Announcement January 2008 Edition (hereafter referred to as the NASA Guidebook for Proposers). This document is located at http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook.

NRA Availability
This announcement is accessible through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) and through Grants.gov.

To access through NSPIRES, go to http://nspires.nasaprs.com and click on Solicitations.
To access through Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/agency.do and select the link for NASA.

NASA Safety Policy
Safety is the freedom from those conditions that can cause death, injury, occupational illness, damage to or loss of equipment or property, or damage to the environment. NASA’s safety priority is to protect: (1) the public, (2) astronauts and pilots, (3) the NASA workforce (including employees working under NASA award instruments), and (4) high-value equipment and property.

Inquiries:
Direct questions, in writing, specifically regarding this solicitation to:

Theresa Martinez
NASA KSC, XA-D
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Theresa.C.Martinez@nasa.gov

Responses to questions will be made available to all proposers through the NSPIRES website.

Release Date: March 25, 2009
Notice of Intent Due: April 26, 2009
Full Proposals Due: May 25, 2009
Awards Announced: Week of August 7, 2009

Proposal due date is May 25, 2009. The electronic submission of each proposal’s Cover Page/Proposal Summary/Budget Summary is required by the due date for proposal submission.

This solicitation leading to the award of a Grant is issued pursuant to title 14 CFR Part 1260 for educational and nonprofit institutions.

Notwithstanding the posting of this opportunity at FedBizOpps.gov, Grants.gov, or at both sites, NASA reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for each proposal selected pursuant to this announcement.