NASA’s $365M NRESS III Research Contract is Released
2/21/2025
A new contract opportunity worth $365.2 million has emerged from NASA. NASA is looking to continue its research and education support services through a contract called NRESS III (NASA Research and Education Support Services). The main purpose is to help NASA manage its research proposal process, from announcing opportunities to reviewing proposals and selecting winners. Multiple NASA divisions will benefit from this contract, including the Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Office of STEM Engagement.
NASA logo at Kennedy Space Center, PhotoSpirit – stock.adobe.com
The contractor will need to handle several key responsibilities. They’ll manage an online system where researchers can submit proposals, help organize review panels (both virtual and in-person) to evaluate these proposals, and handle all the administrative work that goes along with this process. About 85% of review panels are conducted virtually, while 15% are done in person. The contractor must ensure all reviews remain confidential and free from conflicts of interest.
They’ll also need to maintain and improve the computer systems that make all this possible, particularly a website called NSPIRES where researchers can submit their proposals and reviewers can evaluate them. The contractor must keep this system secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly.
The work includes organizing peer review panels, managing travel arrangements for reviewers when necessary, keeping detailed records, and producing various reports about the proposal process. They’ll need to handle sensitive information carefully and maintain strict security measures.
Additionally, the contractor will help NASA communicate with researchers about their proposals, manage documentation, and look for ways to improve the entire process. They’ll need to make sure everything is accessible to users, provide training and support, and keep backup systems in place in case of technical problems.
The goal is to make NASA’s research proposal and review process as efficient and effective as possible while maintaining high standards of fairness and security. This helps NASA fulfill its mission across various fields of space exploration, science, and education. Interested contractors have until March 18 to respond to the draft proposal request.
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