MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)
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Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) is a NASA initiative led by the Office of STEM Engagement designed to strengthen the research infrastructure and capacity of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to contribute to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. A total of $12 million is available over two years for up to twelve awards, each valued at $1 million, with anticipated award dates in October 2026. Funding is contingent upon congressional appropriations and NASA’s ongoing determination of performance and national interest. Each award supports a two-year period of performance with a strict budget structure: the lead MSI must retain and use at least 60% of the funds directly, while no more than 40% may be allocated to subawards or collaborations. Allowable costs include research equipment, domestic travel, materials, project administration, and overhead, but foreign travel, tuition, fees, and cost-sharing are explicitly prohibited. Proposals must align with NASA’s identified 32 Space Shortfalls, particularly in Space Transportation and Space to Surface Access, and must demonstrate a clear plan to enhance STEM degree attainment, curriculum development, and workforce pipelines. Proposals are evaluated using a weighted scoring system: 40% for intrinsic merit, which assesses institutional capability, feasibility of the research plan, and inclusion of a project Logic Model with measurable metrics; 40% for relevance to NASA, emphasizing sustainable educational programming, equitable student support mechanisms, targeted outreach, and direct alignment with NASA missions; and 20% for budget adequacy, requiring detailed justifications for personnel, stipends, travel, equipment, and vendor quotes. Evaluation ratings range from Excellent to Poor, with ties broken by preference for lower indirect cost rates. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier and must comply with 2 CFR 200 cost principles and subaward flow-down requirements. Proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES by August 11, 2026, using Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins and include a 4,000-character proposal summary, budget narrative, biographical sketches, current and pending support, letters of commitment, and a Comprehensive Evaluation Plan due within 60 days of award start. Reporting obligations include semi-annual Federal Financial Reports, annual and final Performance Reports in RPPR format with mandatory sections on Accomplishments, Products, and Participants, as well as Annual and Summative
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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
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