NASA’s Summer of Innovation Pilot Grant for STEM Education Enhancement

The due date for responses is not extended.

Description
===========
Under the authority of 42 United States Code §2486e(a), and as implemented at 14 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1259, Subpart 3 (§§1259.300 through 1259.303), NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden has identified improvement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning as a national need.

With respect to this national need and in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §2486e(a)and 14 C.F.R. §1259.300, NASA plans to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) entitled “Summer of Innovation Pilot” to consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant consortia) and to award up to five (5) cooperative agreements. With its demonstrated success, well established state-based network and strong STEM workforce development, education and research mission, the Space Grant consortia are uniquely qualified to implement the Summer of Innovation pilot within the extreme time constraints required for success.

Under 42 U.S.C. §2486e(b), any award made under this section “shall be subject to terms, conditions, and requirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.” Accordingly, NASA has determined that submitters for this opportunity must be the Lead Institution of the Space Grant consortium. There may only be one proposal per state. NASA intends to competitively select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation pilot during 2010.

Proposers are encouraged to solicit the involvement, participation, and/or contributions of interested public/private partners including NASA Centers, other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience and ability to accomplish the goals of the Summer of Innovation pilot. Partners included in a submitter’s proposal shall not be limited to current members of the Space Grant consortium for the particular state.

Due to the nature and timing of the work to be performed, the following summary information is being provided to allow proposers to begin formulating ideas and identifying partners critical to the successful implementation of the Summer of Innovation.

Purpose
===========

During the launch of the “Educate to Innovate” Campaign in November 2009, President Obama called for the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for all young people. NASA is launching Summer of Innovation pilot to increase the scope and scale of the Agency’s commitment to answer the President’s call. Summer of Innovation is designed to improve STEM teaching and learning in partnership with federal agencies, universities, industry, museums, nonprofit organizations/associations, and states and localities.

Summer of Innovation supports the Nation’s STEM priorities including the Educate to Innovate Campaign, Race to the Top, and the Investing in Innovation Fund (i3). NASA encourages proposers to focus on: public/private partnerships to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom, and prepare more students –particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions. As a pilot project within the NASA Education Portfolio, the Summer of Innovation will contribute to the Agency’s education goals.

Overview
===========

The NASA Summer of Innovation is an intensive summer learning program that will launch and culminate in a national event. The objectives of the Summer of Innovation will be accomplished by the strategic infusion of NASA content and products into evidence-based summer learning programs at the state level. Additionally, the program will involve design competitions and flagship events open to students and teachers nationwide. NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based STEM learning networks. It is anticipated that an enhanced state-based network will result in increased access to NASA-unique, hands-on experiences available to middle school educators and students.

The Summer of Innovation pilot will leverage the excitement of NASA’s mission and provide intensive complementary STEM learning support during the summer months that engages middle school students and teachers. A significant outcome of the program is to expand the pool of students, particularly females and those from low-income and underserved populations, to consider and pursue STEM professions.

Anticipated Timeline [UPDATED]
================

ITEM Open Date Close Date
Notice of Intent to Proposers 06-Jan-2010 25-Jan-2010
Summer of Innovation Pilot CAN *27-Jan-2010 26-Feb-2010
Pre-Proposal Teleconference 04-Feb-2010 04-Feb-2010
Non-binding NOI to Propose Due 05-Feb-2010 05-Feb-2010
Proposals Due 26-Feb-2010 26-Feb-2010
Proposal Review-Selection March 2010 March 2010
Award Announcement March 2010 March 2010
*NOTE: The Summer of Innovation CAN will be posted on or about January 27, 2010.
Timeline is subject to change; current information will be posted on NASA NSPIRES and Grants.Gov

Critical Elements for Proposers
========================

• Possess existing state-based partnerships and capacity to expand network
• Goals and objectives aligned with intent of the Summer of Innovation
• Access to and experience engaging STEM professionals through industry, academia and government (including NASA Centers and Mission Directorates)
• Engagement of highly qualified educators in the design and delivery of programming to students
• Experience engaging diverse population of middle school students (with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented students) and accelerating their academic performance
• Capacity to provide unique and innovative experiential STEM learning opportunities to students
• Broad geographic representation of service providers
• Experience implementing state-based STEM education programs
• Capacity to sustain state-based STEM education programs over time

The Agency’s intent is that the pilot program will demonstrate success of the concept and utilize the best practices to implement any future Summer of Innovation programs on a national level.

Evaluation Criteria
================

Proposal evaluation criteria will be focused on Implementation, Evaluation (with student tracking in terms of academic achievement), Strategic Partnerships, Intrinsic Merit, Sustainability, and Cost.

Anticipated Award
===============

Contingent upon the availability of funding, NASA intends to select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation during 2010. Awards may be up to $2 million dollars each with a period of performance of 36 months. Awardees will be expected to implement the Summer of Innovation program and services during 2010; participant tracking should be initiated during 2010 and continue through 2012. Regarding the participant tracking, awardees will work with states to measure the impact of the 2010 summer experience on student growth and success, and how the teachers have improved their instruction; this information will be reported in 2011 and 2012. While the awards for the pilot will fund the 2010 summer experience and the subsequent participant tracking in 2011 and 2012, the awards for the pilot will not be available to fund future summer experiences. Awardees are strongly encouraged to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of program partners to ensure a sustainable effort for future summer experiences.

Representatives of interested public/private entities including other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience, are encouraged to contact the state Space Grant Director in the state(s) of particular interest.
www.nasa.gov/spacegrant

Point of Contact
========================

Name: Dovie Lacy
Title: NASA Summer of Innovation Project Manager
E-mail: HQ-SummerOfInnovation@mail.nasa.gov

Offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any amendments. Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).

With respect to this national need and in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §2486e(a)and 14 C.F.R. §1259.300, NASA plans to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) entitled “Summer of Innovation Pilot” to consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant consortia) and to award up to five (5) cooperative agreements. With its demonstrated success, well established state-based network and strong STEM workforce development, education and research mission, the Space Grant consortia are uniquely qualified to implement the Summer of Innovation pilot within the extreme time constraints required for success.

Under 42 U.S.C. §2486e(b), any award made under this section “shall be subject to terms, conditions, and requirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.” Accordingly, NASA has determined that submitters for this opportunity must be the Lead Institution of the Space Grant consortium. There may only be one proposal per state. NASA intends to competitively select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation pilot during 2010.

Proposers are encouraged to solicit the involvement, participation, and/or contributions of interested public/private partners including NASA Centers, other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience and ability to accomplish the goals of the Summer of Innovation pilot. Partners included in a submitter’s proposal shall not be limited to current members of the Space Grant consortium for the particular state.

Due to the nature and timing of the work to be performed, the following summary information is being provided to allow proposers to begin formulating ideas and identifying partners critical to the successful implementation of the Summer of Innovation.

Purpose
===========

During the launch of the “Educate to Innovate” Campaign in November 2009, President Obama called for the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for all young people. NASA is launching Summer of Innovation pilot to increase the scope and scale of the Agency’s commitment to answer the President’s call. Summer of Innovation is designed to improve STEM teaching and learning in partnership with federal agencies, universities, industry, museums, nonprofit organizations/associations, and states and localities.

Summer of Innovation supports the Nation’s STEM priorities including the Educate to Innovate Campaign, Race to the Top, and the Investing in Innovation Fund (i3). NASA encourages proposers to focus on: public/private partnerships to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom, and prepare more students –particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions. As a pilot project within the NASA Education Portfolio, the Summer of Innovation will contribute to the Agency’s education goals.

Overview
===========

The NASA Summer of Innovation is an intensive summer learning program that will launch and culminate in a national event. The objectives of the Summer of Innovation will be accomplished by the strategic infusion of NASA content and products into evidence-based summer learning programs at the state level. Additionally, the program will involve design competitions and flagship events open to students and teachers nationwide. NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based STEM learning networks. It is anticipated that an enhanced state-based network will result in increased access to NASA-unique, hands-on experiences available to middle school educators and students.

The Summer of Innovation pilot will leverage the excitement of NASA’s mission and provide intensive complementary STEM learning support during the summer months that engages middle school students and teachers. A significant outcome of the program is to expand the pool of students, particularly females and those from low-income and underserved populations, to consider and pursue STEM professions.

Anticipated Timeline [UPDATED]
================
Notice of Intent to Proposers
Open Date 06-Jan-2010 Close Date 25-Jan-2010
Summer of Innovation Pilot CAN
*Open Date 27-Jan-2010 Close Date 26-Feb-2010
Pre-Proposal Teleconference
Open Date 04-Feb-2010 Close Date 04-Feb-2010
Non-binding NOI to Propose Due
Open Date 05-Feb-2010 Close Date 05-Feb-2010
Proposals Due 26-Feb-2010
Proposal Review-Selection March 2010
Award Announcement March 2010

*NOTE: The Summer of Innovation CAN will be posted on or about January 27, 2010.
Timeline is subject to change; current information will be posted on NASA NSPIRES and Grants.Gov

Critical Elements for Proposers
========================

• Possess existing state-based partnerships and capacity to expand network
• Goals and objectives aligned with intent of the Summer of Innovation
• Access to and experience engaging STEM professionals through industry, academia and government (including NASA Centers and Mission Directorates)
• Engagement of highly qualified educators in the design and delivery of programming to students
• Experience engaging diverse population of middle school students (with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented students) and accelerating their academic performance
• Capacity to provide unique and innovative experiential STEM learning opportunities to students
• Broad geographic representation of service providers
• Experience implementing state-based STEM education programs
• Capacity to sustain state-based STEM education programs over time

The Agency’s intent is that the pilot program will demonstrate success of the concept and utilize the best practices to implement any future Summer of Innovation programs on a national level.

Evaluation Criteria
================

Proposal evaluation criteria will be focused on Implementation, Evaluation (with student tracking in terms of academic achievement), Strategic Partnerships, Intrinsic Merit, Sustainability, and Cost.

Anticipated Award
===============

Contingent upon the availability of funding, NASA intends to select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation during 2010. Awards may be up to $2 million dollars each with a period of performance of 36 months. Awardees will be expected to implement the Summer of Innovation program and services during 2010; participant tracking should be initiated during 2010 and continue through 2012. Regarding the participant tracking, awardees will work with states to measure the impact of the 2010 summer experience on student growth and success, and how the teachers have improved their instruction; this information will be reported in 2011 and 2012. While the awards for the pilot will fund the 2010 summer experience and the subsequent participant tracking in 2011 and 2012, the awards for the pilot will not be available to fund future summer experiences. Awardees are strongly encouraged to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of program partners to ensure a sustainable effort for future summer experiences.

Representatives of interested public/private entities including other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience, are encouraged to contact the state Space Grant Director in the state(s) of particular interest.
www.nasa.gov/spacegrant

With respect to this national need and in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §2486e(a)and 14 C.F.R. §1259.300, NASA plans to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) entitled “Summer of Innovation Pilot” to consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant consortia) and to award up to five (5) cooperative agreements. With its demonstrated success, well established state-based network and strong STEM workforce development, education and research mission, the Space Grant consortia are uniquely qualified to implement the Summer of Innovation pilot within the extreme time constraints required for success.

Under 42 U.S.C. §2486e(b), any award made under this section “shall be subject to terms, conditions, and requirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.” Accordingly, NASA has determined that submitters for this opportunity must be the Lead Institution of the Space Grant consortium. There may only be one proposal per state. NASA intends to competitively select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation pilot during 2010.

Proposers are encouraged to solicit the involvement, participation, and/or contributions of interested public/private partners including NASA Centers, other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience and ability to accomplish the goals of the Summer of Innovation pilot. Partners included in a submitter’s proposal shall not be limited to current members of the Space Grant consortium for the particular state.

Due to the nature and timing of the work to be performed, the following summary information is being provided to allow proposers to begin formulating ideas and identifying partners critical to the successful implementation of the Summer of Innovation.

Purpose
===========

During the launch of the “Educate to Innovate” Campaign in November 2009, President Obama called for the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for all young people. NASA is launching Summer of Innovation pilot to increase the scope and scale of the Agency’s commitment to answer the President’s call. Summer of Innovation is designed to improve STEM teaching and learning in partnership with federal agencies, universities, industry, museums, nonprofit organizations/associations, and states and localities.

Summer of Innovation supports the Nation’s STEM priorities including the Educate to Innovate Campaign, Race to the Top, and the Investing in Innovation Fund (i3). NASA encourages proposers to focus on: public/private partnerships to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom, and prepare more students –particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions. As a pilot project within the NASA Education Portfolio, the Summer of Innovation will contribute to the Agency’s education goals.

Overview
===========

The NASA Summer of Innovation is an intensive summer learning program that will launch and culminate in a national event. The objectives of the Summer of Innovation will be accomplished by the strategic infusion of NASA content and products into evidence-based summer learning programs at the state level. Additionally, the program will involve design competitions and flagship events open to students and teachers nationwide. NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based STEM learning networks. It is anticipated that an enhanced state-based network will result in increased access to NASA-unique, hands-on experiences available to middle school educators and students.

The Summer of Innovation pilot will leverage the excitement of NASA’s mission and provide intensive complementary STEM learning support during the summer months that engages middle school students and teachers. A significant outcome of the program is to expand the pool of students, particularly females and those from low-income and underserved populations, to consider and pursue STEM professions.

Anticipated Timeline [UPDATED]
================
Notice of Intent to Proposers
Open Date 06-Jan-2010 Close Date 25-Jan-2010
Summer of Innovation Pilot CAN
*Open Date 27-Jan-2010 Close Date 26-Feb-2010
Pre-Proposal Teleconference
Open Date 04-Feb-2010 Close Date 04-Feb-2010
Non-binding NOI to Propose Due
Open Date 05-Feb-2010 Close Date 05-Feb-2010
Proposals Due 26-Feb-2010
Proposal Review-Selection March 2010
Award Announcement March 2010

*NOTE: The Summer of Innovation CAN will be posted on or about January 27, 2010.
Timeline is subject to change; current information will be posted on NASA NSPIRES and Grants.Gov

Critical Elements for Proposers
========================

• Possess existing state-based partnerships and capacity to expand network
• Goals and objectives aligned with intent of the Summer of Innovation
• Access to and experience engaging STEM professionals through industry, academia and government (including NASA Centers and Mission Directorates)
• Engagement of highly qualified educators in the design and delivery of programming to students
• Experience engaging diverse population of middle school students (with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented students) and accelerating their academic performance
• Capacity to provide unique and innovative experiential STEM learning opportunities to students
• Broad geographic representation of service providers
• Experience implementing state-based STEM education programs
• Capacity to sustain state-based STEM education programs over time

The Agency’s intent is that the pilot program will demonstrate success of the concept and utilize the best practices to implement any future Summer of Innovation programs on a national level.

Evaluation Criteria
================

Proposal evaluation criteria will be focused on Implementation, Evaluation (with student tracking in terms of academic achievement), Strategic Partnerships, Intrinsic Merit, Sustainability, and Cost.

Anticipated Award
===============

Contingent upon the availability of funding, NASA intends to select up to five (5) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation during 2010. Awards may be up to $2 million dollars each with a period of performance of 36 months. Awardees will be expected to implement the Summer of Innovation program and services during 2010; participant tracking should be initiated during 2010 and continue through 2012. Regarding the participant tracking, awardees will work with states to measure the impact of the 2010 summer experience on student growth and success, and how the teachers have improved their instruction; this information will be reported in 2011 and 2012. While the awards for the pilot will fund the 2010 summer experience and the subsequent participant tracking in 2011 and 2012, the awards for the pilot will not be available to fund future summer experiences. Awardees are strongly encouraged to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of program partners to ensure a sustainable effort for future summer experiences.

Representatives of interested public/private entities including other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience, are encouraged to contact the state Space Grant Director in the state(s) of particular interest.
www.nasa.gov/spacegrant

Questions should be directed to HQ-SummerOfInnovation@mail.NASA.gov. Responses to questions will be made available to all proposers through the NSPIRES website. Not all questions will receive a direct answer, as a response to a similar question may already have been posted.

This is a modification to the synopsis entitled NASA NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELEASE SUMMER OF INNOVATION PILOT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NOTICE which was posted on January 10, 2010. This modification provides the full description of the requirement.The due date for responses is not extended.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) under the authority of 42 United States Code §2486e(a), and as implemented at 14 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1259, Subpart 3 (§§1259.300 through 1259.303), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has identified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education as a national need. With respect to the national need identified above and in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §2486e(a)and 14 C.F.R. §1259.300, NASA plans to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) entitled Summer of Innovation Pilot Program to consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant Consortia) and to award up to seven (7) cooperative agreements. With its demonstrated success, well established state-based network and strong STEM workforce development, education and research mission, the Space Grant Consortia are uniquely qualified to implement the Summer of Innovation pilot within the extreme time constraints required for success.Under 42 U.S.C. §2486e(b), any award made under this section “shall be subject to terms, conditions, and requirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.” Accordingly, NASA has determined that submitters for this opportunity must be the Lead Institution of the Space Grant Lead Consortium. There may only be one proposal per state. NASA intends to competitively select up to seven (7) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation Pilot Program during 2010.NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based networks. Proposers are therefore encouraged to solicit the involvement, participation, and/or contributions of interested public/private partners including NASA Centers, other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience and ability to accomplish the goals of the Summer of Innovation Pilot Program. Partners included in a submitter’s proposal shall not be limited to current members of the Space Grant Consortium for the particular state.Due to the nature and timing of the work to be performed, the following summary information is being provided to allow proposers to begin formulating ideas and identifying partners critical to the successful implementation of the Summer of Innovation. Purpose===========During the launch of the “Educate to Innovate” Campaign in November 2009, the President called for the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for all young people. NASA is launching Summer of Innovation to increase the scope and scale of the Agency’s commitment to answer the President’s call. Summer of Innovation is designed to improve STEM teaching and learning in partnership with federal agencies, philanthropic institutions, universities, industry, museums, nonprofit organizations, and states and localities. Overview===========Summer of Innovation is a five (5)-week STEM summer learning program that will launch and culminate in a national event. The objectives of the Summer of Innovation will be accomplished by the strategic infusion of NASA content and products into existing, evidence-based summer learning programs at the state level. Additionally, the program will involve design competitions and flagship events open to students and teachers nationwide. NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based networks. Summer of Innovation’s support will align with the common core standards movement and connect to schools and others to maximize learning and development outcomes with the goal of keeping students on pathways to learning and life success. This strategy will ensure a more powerful and equitable strategy to maximize the chances that all children will have the range of learning opportunities they need to meet high academic standards and to succeed not only in school but in the 21st century global economy and society. The 2010 NASA Summer of Innovation pilot program will provide complementary learning support during the summer that engages middle school teachers and students in a STEM learning program that will ultimately increase the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers in our nation. The pilot program will seek to improve STEM performance for a diverse population of students (entering sixth grade and completing ninth grade), placing them on a trajectory to take calculus by senior year of high school and be prepared for a STEM major in college.Summer of Innovation will align with the key design principles under the United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) incentive-based grant programs: public/private partnership to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom; and prepare more students – particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions.Anticipated Timeline================ ITEM Open Date Close DateNotice of Intent to Proposers 06-Jan-2010 19-Jan-2010Summer of Innovation Pilot CAN 19-Jan-2010 19-Feb-2010Pre-Proposal Teleconference 25-Jan-2010 25-Jan-2010Non-binding NOI to Propose Due 27-Jan-2010 27-Jan-2010Proposals Due 19-Feb-2010 19-Feb-2010Proposal Review-Selection 25-Feb-2010 March 2010Award Announcement March 2010 March 2010Timeline is subject to change; current information will be posted on NASA NSPIRES and Grants.Gov Critical Elements for Proposers========================• Possess existing state-based partnerships and capacity to expand network• Goals and objectives aligned with intent of Summer of Innovation• Access to and experience engaging the Nation’s high quality STEM professionals through industry, academia and government (including NASA Centers and Mission Directorates)• Experience engaging diverse population of middle school students (with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented students) and accelerating their academic performance• Capacity to provide unique and innovative hands-on experiences to students• Broad geographic representation of service providers • Experience implementing state-based STEM education programs• Capacity to sustain state-based STEM education programs over timeThe Agency’s intent is that the pilot program will demonstrate success of the concept and utilize the best practices to implement the Summer of Innovation in FY2011 on a national level. Evaluation Criteria================Proposal evaluation criteria will be heavily focused on Implementation, Evaluation (with student tracking in terms of academic achievement), Strategic Partnerships, Innovative Design, and Sustainability. Anticipated Award===============Contingent upon the availability of funding, NASA intends to select up to seven (7) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation during 2010. Awards may range from $1 million – $5 million dollars each with a period of performance of 36 months. Awardees will be expected to implement the Summer of Innovation program and services during 2010; participant tracking should be initiated during 2010 and continue through 2012. Regarding the participant tracking, awardees will work with states to measure the impact of the 2010 summer experience on student growth and success, and how the teachers have improved their instruction; this information will be reported in 2011 and 2012. While the awards for the pilot will fund the 2010 summer experience and the subsequent participant tracking in 2011 1nd 2012, the awards for the pilot will not be available to fund future summer experiences. Awardees are strongly encouraged to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of program partners to ensure a sustainable effort for future summer experiences. Representatives of interested public/private entities including other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience, are encouraged to contact the state Space Grant Director in the state(s) of particular interest. www.nasa.gov/spacegrantProposals should be submitted electronically via NASA’s proposal data system, NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) (http://nspires.nasaprs.com ). Until further notice, proposers will be unable to submit proposals intended for NASA through Grants.gov. 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. Direct questions specifically regarding this solicitation to: Name: Jim Stofan Title: Deputy Assistant Administrator, NASA Office of EducationPhone: (202) 358-1885Fax: (202) 358-7097E-mail: james.l.stofan@nasa.gov

The due date for responses is not extended.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) under the authority of 42 United States Code §2486e(a), and as implemented at 14 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1259, Subpart 3 (§§1259.300 through 1259.303), NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has identified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education as a national need.

With respect to the national need identified above and in accordance with 42 U.S.C. §2486e(a)and 14 C.F.R. §1259.300, NASA plans to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) entitled Summer of Innovation Pilot Program to consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant Consortia) and to award up to seven (7) cooperative agreements. With its demonstrated success, well established state-based network and strong STEM workforce development, education and research mission, the Space Grant Consortia are uniquely qualified to implement the Summer of Innovation pilot within the extreme time constraints required for success.

Under 42 U.S.C. §2486e(b), any award made under this section “shall be subject to terms, conditions, and requirements as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.” Accordingly, NASA has determined that submitters for this opportunity must be the Lead Institution of the Space Grant Lead Consortium. There may only be one proposal per state. NASA intends to competitively select up to seven (7) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation Pilot Program during 2010.

NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based networks. Proposers are therefore encouraged to solicit the involvement, participation, and/or contributions of interested public/private partners including NASA Centers, other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience and ability to accomplish the goals of the Summer of Innovation Pilot Program. Partners included in a submitter’s proposal shall not be limited to current members of the Space Grant Consortium for the particular state.

Due to the nature and timing of the work to be performed, the following summary information is being provided to allow proposers to begin formulating ideas and identifying partners critical to the successful implementation of the Summer of Innovation.

Purpose
===========

During the launch of the “Educate to Innovate” Campaign in November 2009, the President called for the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for all young people. NASA is launching Summer of Innovation to increase the scope and scale of the Agency’s commitment to answer the President’s call. Summer of Innovation is designed to improve STEM teaching and learning in partnership with federal agencies, philanthropic institutions, universities, industry, museums, nonprofit organizations, and states and localities.

Overview
===========

Summer of Innovation is a five (5)-week STEM summer learning program that will launch and culminate in a national event. The objectives of the Summer of Innovation will be accomplished by the strategic infusion of NASA content and products into existing, evidence-based summer learning programs at the state level. Additionally, the program will involve design competitions and flagship events open to students and teachers nationwide. NASA will use the Summer of Innovation as a catalyst to expand, align, and strengthen existing state-based networks. Summer of Innovation’s support will align with the common core standards movement and connect to schools and others to maximize learning and development outcomes with the goal of keeping students on pathways to learning and life success. This strategy will ensure a more powerful and equitable strategy to maximize the chances that all children will have the range of learning opportunities they need to meet high academic standards and to succeed not only in school but in the 21st century global economy and society.

The 2010 NASA Summer of Innovation pilot program will provide complementary learning support during the summer that engages middle school teachers and students in a STEM learning program that will ultimately increase the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers in our nation. The pilot program will seek to improve STEM performance for a diverse population of students (entering sixth grade and completing ninth grade), placing them on a trajectory to take calculus by senior year of high school and be prepared for a STEM major in college.

Summer of Innovation will align with the key design principles under the United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) incentive-based grant programs: public/private partnership to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom; and prepare more students – particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions.

Anticipated Timeline
================

ITEM Open Date Close Date
Notice of Intent to Proposers 06-Jan-2010 19-Jan-2010
Summer of Innovation Pilot CAN 19-Jan-2010 19-Feb-2010
Pre-Proposal Teleconference 25-Jan-2010 25-Jan-2010
Non-binding NOI to Propose Due 27-Jan-2010 27-Jan-2010
Proposals Due 19-Feb-2010 19-Feb-2010
Proposal Review-Selection 25-Feb-2010 March 2010
Award Announcement March 2010 March 2010
Timeline is subject to change; current information will be posted on NASA NSPIRES and Grants.Gov

Critical Elements for Proposers
========================

• Possess existing state-based partnerships and capacity to expand network
• Goals and objectives aligned with intent of Summer of Innovation
• Access to and experience engaging the Nation’s high quality STEM professionals through industry, academia and government (including NASA Centers and Mission Directorates)
• Experience engaging diverse population of middle school students (with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented students) and accelerating their academic performance
• Capacity to provide unique and innovative hands-on experiences to students
• Broad geographic representation of service providers
• Experience implementing state-based STEM education programs
• Capacity to sustain state-based STEM education programs over time

The Agency’s intent is that the pilot program will demonstrate success of the concept and utilize the best practices to implement the Summer of Innovation in FY2011 on a national level.

Evaluation Criteria
================

Proposal evaluation criteria will be heavily focused on Implementation, Evaluation (with student tracking in terms of academic achievement), Strategic Partnerships, Innovative Design, and Sustainability.

Anticipated Award
===============

Contingent upon the availability of funding, NASA intends to select up to seven (7) states to pilot the Summer of Innovation during 2010. Awards may range from $1 million – $5 million dollars each with a period of performance of 36 months. Awardees will be expected to implement the Summer of Innovation program and services during 2010; participant tracking should be initiated during 2010 and continue through 2012. Regarding the participant tracking, awardees will work with states to measure the impact of the 2010 summer experience on student growth and success, and how the teachers have improved their instruction; this information will be reported in 2011 and 2012. While the awards for the pilot will fund the 2010 summer experience and the subsequent participant tracking in 2011 1nd 2012, the awards for the pilot will not be available to fund future summer experiences. Awardees are strongly encouraged to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of program partners to ensure a sustainable effort for future summer experiences.

Representatives of interested public/private entities including other federal agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities, and organizations/associations with relevant experience, are encouraged to contact the state Space Grant Director in the state(s) of particular interest.
www.nasa.gov/spacegrant

Proposals should be submitted electronically via NASA’s proposal data system, NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) (http://nspires.nasaprs.com ). Until further notice, proposers will be unable to submit proposals intended for NASA through Grants.gov. 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.

Direct questions specifically regarding this solicitation to:

Name: Jim Stofan
Title: Deputy Assistant Administrator, NASA Office of Education
Phone: (202) 358-1885
Fax: (202) 358-7097
E-mail: james.l.stofan@nasa.gov

The 2010 NASA Summer of Innovation pilot program will provide complementary learning support during the summer that engages middle school teachers and students in a STEM learning program that will ultimately increase the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers in our nation. The pilot program will seek to improve STEM performance for a diverse population of students (entering sixth grade and completing ninth grade), placing them on a trajectory to take calculus by senior year of high school and be prepared for a STEM major in college.

Summer of Innovation will align with the key design principles under the United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) incentive-based grant programs: public/private partnership to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom; and prepare more students – particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions.

The 2010 NASA Summer of Innovation pilot program will provide complementary learning support during the summer that engages middle school teachers and students in a STEM learning program that will ultimately increase the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers in our nation. The pilot program will seek to improve STEM performance for a diverse population of students (entering sixth grade and completing ninth grade), placing them on a trajectory to take calculus by senior year of high school and be prepared for a STEM major in college.

Summer of Innovation will align with the key design principles under the United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) incentive-based grant programs: public/private partnership to build rigorous STEM pathways; work with STEM partners to advance STEM instruction and application in the classroom; and prepare more students – particularly females and low-income and minority populations – to enter STEM professions.