2026 Basic Research Award NOIs are due June 10th.
Vermont’s NASA EPSCoR Program anticipates that a solicitation from the National Program at NASA Headquarters for a FY26 NASA EPSCoR basic research opportunity will be announced in October 2025. Historically, NASA EPSCoR faculty research awards have been in the amount $750,000 for a three-year period of performance, excluding a required 50% match consisting of local, non-federal funds. In-kind matches are allowable and common. The State of Vermont will be allowed to submit a single application to the upcoming funding opportunity. The deadline for submission to NASA is expected to be in January 2026. Therefore, it is necessary to identify, in advance, the project that Vermont will propose to this competition. Notices of Intent are due June 10th, 2025, with preproposals due August 5th, 2025. Please follow the guide below to prepare and submit your NOI and preproposal.
NASA EPSCoR Basic Research NOI/Preproposal Guide
What is EPSCoR?
The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) creates a partnership with government, higher education, and industry to improve each state's research infrastructure, capacity, and competitiveness. As an EPSCoR state, Vermont researchers are eligible for funding through all EPSCoR mechanisms, including NASA EPSCoR.
NASA EPSCoR includes two primary funding mechanisms for faculty and other researchers, including:
1. Research Awards
Purpose: This solicitation seeks proposals that are expected to establish research activities that will make significant contributions to NASA’s strategic research and technology development priorities and contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities of higher education, and economic development of the jurisdiction receiving funding.
Award Amount: $250,000/year for a 3-year period of performance totaling $750,000
Cost-share: 50%
2. Rapid Research Response (R3)
Purpose: Provide a streamlined method to address research issues important to NASA through collaborations between researchers and NASA centers and/or personnel.
Award Amount: $100,000 for a 1-year period
Cost-share: Not required
NOFO for the current award cycle is released here.