MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) initiative, led by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, aims to strengthen Minority Serving Institutions' (MSIs) research capabilities and infrastructure to actively contribute to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate objectives. With an available appropriated budget of $12 million over two years, NASA anticipates selecting approximately 12 awards, each valued around $1 million, with awards expected to be issued in October 2026. Funding is subject to the availability of appropriations, satisfactory performance, and NASA's ongoing evaluation, with obligations generally limited to the initial budget period unless further funds are secured. The program emphasizes expanding advanced research, increasing competitive participation in funding opportunities, and supporting MSIs in developing innovative technologies for lunar, Martian, and deep space exploration. The contract outlines clear recipient responsibilities, including adherence to funding restrictions, environmental compliance, and reporting requirements. It also provides guidance on evaluation plans and stresses that the publication of the solicitation does not guarantee award issuance beyond currently appropriated levels. The M-STAR opportunity aligns with NASA’s broader goals by fostering MSI engagement in space technology research, thereby enhancing institutional research capacity and contributing to the agency’s exploration missions while promoting diversity and inclusion within the STEM field.
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Full Description
Anticipated Number of Awards: 12 Awards
Expected Dollar Value of Awards: $1,000,000 Per Award
FY 2026 M-STAR NOFO 3
Anticipated Award Date: October 2026 Availability of Funds: Awards issued pursuant to this NOFO are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. Although awards issued under this NOFO may have multi-year periods of performance, NASA generally will obligate funds only for the initial budget period at the time of award. Funding for subsequent budget periods is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds, satisfactory recipient performance, and NASA’s determination that continued support is in the best interest of the Government. The publication of this NOFO does not constitute a commitment by NASA to make awards or to provide funding beyond the level currently appropriated and available for obligation.
2. Executive Summary The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) opportunity is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) initiative through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Its primary purpose is to enhance the research capabilities and infrastructure of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), enabling them to participate in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) research to support the Agency’s advancement of technologies needed for exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The M-STAR opportunity has four key goals that guide its mission: 1. Advance Research: M-STAR helps MSIs expand their capacity to conduct advanced science, engineering, and technology research that directly supports NASA's STMD. This includes fostering new and innovative ideas and strengthening their ability to contribute to NASA missions. 2. Increase Participation: M-STAR works to make MSIs more competitive for future research funding from NASA, other federal agencies, and the private sector. It helps these