MUREP Innovations in Space Technology Curriculum (MISTC) | NNH18ZHA008C MISTC

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH18ZHA008C MISTC

The MUREP Innovations in Space Technology Curriculum (MISTC) opportunity is a NASA education-focused funding program designed to help prepare and strengthen the future aerospace and space technology workforce by investing in two-year, community college Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). NASA plans to make approximately six awards as two-year cooperative agreements, with an award ceiling of $416,666 per project. Because this is a cooperative agreement, recipients should expect substantial involvement from NASA during the project, especially around the NASA Center or facility partnership, student internship coordination, and alignment to NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) priorities.

Eligibility is limited to accredited U.S. Community College/Two-Year Minority Serving Institutions. An important restriction is that MISTC 2018 (Group 1) awardees cannot apply as the lead institution for MISTC 2019 (Group 2), although they may participate as non-lead partners on another eligible institution's proposal. Proposals must be responsive to the solicitation requirements, including teaming and partnership guidelines referenced in Appendix E (notably Appendix E Section 2.3 for partnerships and Section 3 for eligibility details). Questions about the solicitation are directed to Roslyn.soto@jpl.nasa.gov and must be submitted in writing no later than 10 business days before the proposal due date to allow time for NASA to respond.

The core purpose of MISTC is to spur curriculum innovation and hands-on learning tied to real NASA technology development needs. Each funded project is expected to build a coherent pathway that combines (1) development or revision of at least one space-technology-focused course, (2) identification and addressing of laboratory equipment needs that enable students to learn and practice the relevant technical skills, and (3) experiential learning through student internships at NASA Centers or facilities connected to the course content. In practice, NASA is looking for proposals that do not stop at course design on paper; awardees are expected to secure internal approvals to offer the course and to pilot the course during the two-year performance period, while also making tangible improvements to lab capability and placing students into NASA internships.

A defining feature of the program is the required partnership with one NASA Center or facility, chosen from a specified list, and tied to a single space technology focus area. Focus areas and associated NASA partners include: aerosciences (ARC/LaRC); power technology (GRC/MSFC); chemical propulsion (GRC/MSFC); electric propulsion (GRC/MSFC); entry, descent and landing (ARC/LaRC/JPL); vehicle structures and materials (LaRC); advanced manufacturing (LaRC/MSFC); communications and navigation (GRC/GSFC/JPL); in-situ resource utilization, or ISRU (GRC/JPL); robotics (GSFC/JPL/ARC); autonomy (ARC/JPL/LaRC); avionics technology (GSFC/JPL); and cryogenic fluid flight systems (GRC). Proposers must pick one of these technology areas and build the curriculum, lab plan, and internship approach around that topic in collaboration with the selected NASA partner.

While only one NASA Center/facility partnership is required, NASA strongly encourages broader collaboration to strengthen project execution and impact. This includes partnering with other two-year MSIs, as well as four-year colleges or universities, to share expertise, laboratory facilities, evaluation capacity, or other resources that improve curriculum development and piloting. Proposers are also encouraged to connect with K-12 school districts, particularly through options like dual enrollment in the new or revised college course(s), or by helping infuse space technology content into high school coursework to build earlier awareness and preparation for STEM pathways.

On the administrative side, institutions must have key federal and NASA registrations completed by the proposal due date. Required elements include a DUNS number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, a valid CAGE code, and registration in NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). NSPIRES registration requirements extend beyond the prime applicant to any proposed sub-awardees or subcontractors, and also apply to investigators and participants (such as co-investigators). Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative, either through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, but applicants using Grants.gov still must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES. Because NASA may post updates, FAQs, or amendments before the deadline, applicants are responsible for checking the NSPIRES listing regularly for changes tied to this NASA Research Announcement (Funding Opportunity Number NNH18ZHA008C, CFDA 43.008; original closing date listed as December 10, 2018).

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MUREP Innovations in Space Technology Curriculum (MISTC)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on Sep 10, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 10, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $416,666.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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