Skip to main contentPsst! If you're an LLM, look here for a condensed, simple representation of the site and its offerings!

LiveFree Webinar — Wednesday, June 24 at 2:00 PM EDT

Register Free →
logo
Get CLEATUSFree Trial

Request for Information for U.S. National Science Foundation to establish NSF Tech Accelerators

Active
NSF-RFI-FY26-TechAcceleratorsFederal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

Show more

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships is launching the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative aimed at bridging the gap between basic deep-technology research and scalable, market-ready solutions that bolster the U.S. economy and national security. These accelerators will consist of diverse stakeholder organizations—including researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts—that invest in early-stage deep-tech teams to advance their technologies from concept to commercialization. Emphasizing areas that are currently underfunded at pre-seed to Series A stages, the program expects significant cost-sharing in later phases and aims to "crowd in" private investment to maximize impact. The initiative seeks to establish novel partnership structures that combine technical expertise, commercial insight, and operational agility to overcome barriers in the lab-to-market journey. NSF plans a competitive selection of four domestic organizations, each specializing in one of four initial deep-tech focus areas: agricultural technology, materials technology, ocean technology, and scientific instrumentation. Interested entities must respond comprehensively to a Request for Information by mid-July 2026 to be considered for proposal invitations. An informational webinar is scheduled in early June 2026 to provide additional details about the program’s goals, requirements, and submission procedures. The overall effort aims to catalyze transformational technology development through collaborative, well-supported ecosystems that complement existing venture and philanthropic investments.

General Info

NSF Tech Accelerators fund early-stage deep-tech teams in agri, materials, ocean, and instrumentation technologies.

Agency

National Science Foundation → Directorate For Technology, Innovation, & Partnerships

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) View NAICS

Place of Performance

Alexandria, VA, 22314, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(2)

NSF Tech Accelerators RFI Response Form

XLSX•rfi-response-form

NSF Tech Accelerators Request for Information

PDF•rfi

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

Sign up to view the full breakdown with detailed analysis of each section.

Timeline

PhaseSources Sought
Posted

Sources Sought

Response Deadline

Submission deadline

Response Deadline

Ready to pursue this opportunity?

Start your free trial to track this contract, build proposals with AI assistance, and manage your pipeline.

Organization & Contact Information

Show more
AgencyNational Science Foundation → Directorate For Technology, Innovation, & Partnerships
Contacts1 person available
OfficeAlexandria, VA, 22314, USA
Organization / Agency
National Science Foundation → Directorate For Technology, Innovation, & Partnerships
Office AddressAlexandria, VA, 22314, USA
Contacts
Tech-Accelerators
contact@example.gov

Full Description

Show more

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) introduces the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative to enhance the process of transforming research outputs emanating from basic research into scalable, market-ready technologies that strengthen the U.S. economy and enhance American national security.


NSF Tech Accelerators are new or existing organizations comprising a range of stakeholders (e.g., researchers, innovators, founders and entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and other investors, leading industry experts, government funders and beyond). They in turn invest in teams to advance their deep-technology ("deep-tech") ideas from the lab to the market. NSF Tech Accelerators focus on deep-tech areas currently under-invested at the pre-seed, seed and Series A stages and they demonstrate viability for these areas by, in part, "crowding in" investment from venture and other funders over time (note that a requirement of successful NSF Tech Accelerators will be significant cost-sharing on the part of the proposing teams especially in the later stages of technology development and commercialization). 


NSF TIP envisions the new partnerships necessary for each NSF Tech Accelerator to comprise: (i) strong technical domain expertise in a deep-tech area, facilitated by high-value collaborations with experts in that area; (ii) understanding of the existing investment landscape, commercially-viable research directions and barriers hindering technological advancement along with pathways to address these challenges; and (iii) operational capability and agility to support teams aiming to accelerate their ideas from the lab to the market, including by creating opportunities for new thinkers from science and business to take risks and approach problems differently. 


The novel organizational structures that can bring together a wide range of stakeholders in new partnerships, patiently invest in early-stage deep-tech teams and accomplish the lab-to-market outcomes described above are key foci for the NSF Tech Accelerator initiative. Consequently, this RFI seeks input from potential NSF Tech Accelerator applicants as well as the teams that would benefit from the NSF Tech Accelerators on the following topics:


  1. The NSF Tech Accelerator program model – the needs in the deep-tech lab-to-market ecosystem not currently being met and how to overcome these with an eye toward impact and speed;
  2. Organizational structures – the key stakeholders necessary to engage in this effort, along with the novel partnership modalities to foster that engagement; and
  3. Suitable deep-tech areas – the key technologies where investment by NSF will be uniquely catalytic, complement existing efforts from deep-tech venture capital, other private sector and philanthropic investment and unlock matching commitments particularly for scaling. Note that NSF has identified four initial topics through prior stakeholder engagement, namely agricultural technology (AgTech), materials technology (MaterialsTech), ocean technology (OceanTech) and scientific instrumentation (SciTech) (refer to Appendix A for details) and seeks input on these topics and other areas ripe for this framework.

This RFI contemplates a competitive, multi-step Other Transaction (OT) contract formation process for the first set of NSF Tech Accelerators. NSF intends to select four organizations, one for each NSF Tech Accelerator topic. A prospective NSF Tech Accelerator organization must be a domestic entity and can only respond to one of the initial topics. Organizations interested in the NSF Tech Accelerator role are encouraged to fill out the RFI response form in its entirety. Organizations that do not submit a response to the RFI will not be eligible to be invited to submit a proposal.


Individuals and organizations interested in providing feedback on the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative are encouraged to respond to the Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the RFI response form.


To learn more about the NSF Tech Accelerators program model, initial topics, and role of an NSF Tech Accelerator, including qualifications, capabilities and expertise, refer to the RFI.


Informational Webinar for the NSF Tech Accelerators RFI


June 5, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. ET


Join the NSF Tech Accelerators for a webinar to learn about the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative and RFI. The webinar will include a 60-minute presentation covering the initiative’s program model, details about the RFI opportunity and essential submission information and deadlines and the role of an NSF Tech Accelerator. A 30-minute Q&A will follow the presentation.


Webinar registration: https://nsf.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jx8Kl1zFREyZOSMiNJ9DmQ#/registration

Similar Contracts

NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) Follow-On ContractThe contract involves comprehensive engineering services, ground system development, flight vehicle and spacecraft processing, as well as launch, landing, and recovery operations. These efforts will support major Exploration Systems Development programs including the Exploration Ground Systems, the Space Launch System, and the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Additionally, the contract will extend support to the International Space Station Program, the Launch Services Program, and facilitate other NASA programs, commercial ventures, and partnerships operating at Kennedy Space Center. Named the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) Follow-On Contract, it is geared towards ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness across NASA's exploration-related initiatives. The contract's solicitation was posted with an emphasis on providing ongoing technical and operational support to key space exploration systems, emphasizing coordination across multiple programs to promote mission success. Contacts for the contract include a designated point of contact and a small business specialist to assist with inquiries and small business participation.
Kennedy Space Center

POSTED

in over 5 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Aeronautics and Spaceflight Systems Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) IIThe Aeronautics and Spaceflight Systems Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) II contract focuses on providing research, technology development, and engineering support to advance NASA’s aircraft and spaceflight system missions. This contract covers a broad range of activities including scientific research, engineering design and analysis, advancing technology readiness levels, managing and implementing technology programs, conducting tests and operations, and supporting program and project management efforts. The work aims to adapt and enhance capabilities to meet evolving NASA mission requirements, ensuring continued innovation and technical progress in aeronautics and spaceflight systems. The contract is forecasted to be performed primarily at Moffett Field and falls under the NAICS code 541715, which relates to research and development services. While details about set-aside status are yet to be determined, the contract offers opportunities for various types of organizations to participate. Points of contact for the contract are Mary E. Livingston and Robert E. Watts, who serve as the main liaison and small business specialist respectively. This contract underscores NASA’s commitment to advancing scientific and engineering frontiers through comprehensive support of aeronautics and spaceflight system development.
Ames Research Center

POSTED

in almost 3 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
FILMSS (Fully Integrated Lifecycle Mission Support Services) 3The FILMSS 3 contract is designed to provide comprehensive program, science, engineering, operations, and project management support primarily for biosciences flight development projects, including mission implementation, instrument development, and technology advancement. It also supports collaborative science initiatives such as astrobiology and virtual institutes, aeronautics research projects, and various offices within NASA's Ames Research Center. The contract encompasses specialized technical and professional assistance to facilitate efficient mission support activities at Ames. Work under this contract will take place mainly at Moffett Field and is intended to support a wide range of research and operational efforts aligned with NASA's goals. The contract is forecasted under NAICS code 541715, indicating professional scientific and technical consulting services, with details on set-aside status yet to be determined. Key points of contact include representatives for program and small business matters, providing an official communication channel. The scope reflects NASA's integrated approach to advancing life sciences and aeronautics research through collaborative and well-supported mission programs.
Ames Research Center

POSTED

in almost 3 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Marshall Engineering Technicians and Trades Support (METTS) IVThe METTS IV contract involves providing engineering technician and trades support services to the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), specifically aiding the Engineering Directorate, Facilities Management Office, and other MSFC programs and projects. The contractor is responsible for delivering a broad range of technical and trade services across multiple disciplines within MSFC activities, ensuring compliance with the Performance Work Statement requirements. In addition to performing these technical tasks, the contractor must manage and oversee the work to guarantee successful completion of all specified requirements. This contract, identified by solicitation number nasa-a475a3595631f8ea, is forecasted for performance in Huntsville and falls under the NAICS code 541715, which covers engineering services. The type of set-aside for this contract is yet to be determined. Key points of contact include Myron H. Tapscott and Danielle R. Barnes, who serves as the small business specialist. The contracting agency is MSFC, part of NASA, with further information and updates available through the NASA procurement forecast website.
Marshall Space Flight Center

POSTED

in over 1 year

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Engineering and Technical Support Services for Flight Research and Development (ETSS)The contract involves providing comprehensive engineering and technical support services for flight research and development at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, located in Edwards. The scope covers a wide range of specialized disciplines including research, flight operations, aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics and controls, advanced systems development, flight instrumentation, systems integration, aerostructures research, and range and subscale flight research. Additionally, support for safety and mission assurance is a critical component of the work, ensuring the reliability and security of flight research missions. The contractor is expected to supply all necessary personnel, services, and materials to support flight research projects, internal research and development efforts, and various technical functions. This includes providing disciplinary engineering expertise across multiple research and technical domains to support NASA’s ongoing innovation and operational goals in aerospace engineering. The work is forecasted to be under the NAICS code 541715, with key agency contacts identified to facilitate communication and coordination.
Armstrong Flight Research Center

POSTED

in 7 months

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details