08 2015 2018+Space+Grant+Training+Grant+Announcement +final

OMB Approval Number 2700-0085
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

OFFICE OF EDUCATION
NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE

and FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
(SPACE GRANT)
Training Grant 2015-2018
Space Grant Opportunities in NASA STEM
Announcement Number: NNH15ZHA003N

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 43.008
Release Date: 25 November 2014

Proposals Due: 23 February 2015
NASA Headquarters
Office of Education
Washington, DC 20546-0001
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Table of Contents
1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ....................................................................1

1.1 Summary Information ............................................................................................................1
1.2 Eligibility ................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Funds Availability .................................................................................................................2
1.4 NASA Safety Policy...............................................................................................................2
1.5 National, Congressional and Agency Focus on Education ....................................................2
2. SPACE GRANT BACKGROUND ........................................................................................9
2.1 Program Overview and Guidelines ........................................................................................9
3. AWARD INFORMATION ....................................................................................................9
3.1 Award Type and Availability of Funds for Awards ...............................................................9
3.2 Award Period of Performance ..............................................................................................10
3.3 Cancellation of Awards ........................................................................................................10
3.4 Funding and Cost-Sharing ....................................................................................................10
3.5 Schedule of Awards .............................................................................................................10
3.6 Proposal Format Guidance ...................................................................................................11
3.7 Proposal Content ..................................................................................................................11
3.8 Proposal Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................17
3.9 Data Submission, Annual Progress Reporting and Final Reports ........................................18
4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................19
5. INQUIRIES ...........................................................................................................................20
6. TRAINING GRANT GUIDANCE ......................................................................................20
7. APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................22
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SUMMARY OF SOLICITATION
1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
1.1 Summary Information
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education solicits
proposals for the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant).
Each funded proposal is expected to increase the understanding, assessment, development, and
utilization of space and aeronautics resources. The program promotes partnerships and
cooperation among universities, federal, state, and local governments, and aerospace industries
to encourage and facilitate the application of university resources to aerospace and related fields.
1.2 Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted from the lead institution of Space Grant consortia in each state plus
the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Per the Presidents 2015 budget request, consortia should submit budgets within the following
guidelines:
Designated Grant Consortia
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017

Maximum Proposal Amount $448,000 $345,000 $345,000
Minimum NASA Internships,
Fellowships, Scholarships $116,400 $89,000 $89,000
(NIFS) Amount
Minimum Cost-Share Amount $331,600 $256,000 $256,000
Program Grant and Capability Enhancement Consortia
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017

Maximum Proposal Amount $335,000 $258,000 $258,000
Minimum NASA Internships,
Fellowships, Scholarships $87,000 $67,000 $67,000
(NIFS) Amount
Minimum Cost-Share Amount $248,000 $191,000 $191,000
Definitions of the three grant types can be found in Appendix E. Proposals are expected to reflect
alignment with the purpose and intent of the specific grant type. Program Grant and Capability
Enhancement consortia may use this solicitation as the opportunity to request a change from one
grant type to the other (i.e. Program Grant may request a change to Capability Enhancement and
vice versa). Justification for the requested change must be clearly stated.
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1.3 Funds Availability
The Governments obligation to make an award is contingent upon the availability of

appropriated funds from which payment can be made.
1.4 NASA Safety Policy
Safety is the freedom from those conditions that can cause death, injury, occupational illness,
damage to or loss of equipment or property, or damage to the environment. NASAs safety
priority is to protect: (1) the public, (2) astronauts and pilots, (3) the NASA workforce
(including employees working under NASA award instruments), and (4) high-value equipment
and property. Consortia should always incorporate appropriate safety measures in any
consortium-supported or associated activity.
1.5 National, Congressional, and Agency Focus on Education
1.5.1 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 was passed by Congress and signed by
President Obama. This Act formulated and charged the National Science and Technology
Council Committee on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education
(CoSTEM) to create a five-year strategic plan to advance the state of American STEM
education. In May 2013, this plan was released, containing five (5) National Goals.
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/stem_stratplan_2013.pdf. The
CoSTEM Report established a set of federal-wide goals and objectives to increase the
coordination of STEM education efforts. Objective 4 provides the following guidance to federal
agencies:
Improve STEM Instruction

Increase and Sustain Youth and Public Engagement in STEM
Enhance STEM Experience of Undergraduate Students
Better Serve Groups Historically Under-represented in STEM Fields
Design Graduate Education for Tomorrows STEM Workforce (potentially, if a mentor
model it utilized)
While NASA cannot afford to duplicate the efforts of other Federal agencies and partners,
NASA can certainly leverage the expertise of the Space Grant consortia to contribute to these
goals of the Administration.
1.5.2 NASA Strategic Plan and Relevance to Education
The Mission of NASA, as stated in the NASA 2014 Strategic Plan stresses education: Drive
advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge,
education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth. NASA contributes to
national efforts for achieving excellence in STEM education through a comprehensive education
portfolio implemented by the Office of Education, the Mission Directorates, and the NASA
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Centers. NASA will continue the Agencys tradition of investing in the Nations education
programs and supporting the countrys educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring,
exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today that will manage and lead the
Nations laboratories and research centers of tomorrow.
NASA Strategic Goals and Objectives relevant to education are outlined by the 2014 NASA
Strategic Plan http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/FY2014_NASA_SP_508c.pdf
NASA Strategic Objective 2.4: Advance the Nations STEM education and workforce pipeline by
working collaboratively with other agencies to engage students, teachers, and faculty in NASAs
missions and unique assets. This Strategic Objective clearly points to the NASA Office of
Education as a vital entity in the accomplishment of the NASA Vision: We reach for new heights
and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind.
Objective 2.4 Overview: NASAs education programs work in collaboration with other Federal
agencies to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education
in the United States, which supports both NASAs strategic plan and the Administrations STEM
policy. To maintain a globally competitive Nation, our education programs develop and deliver
activities that support the growth of NASAs and the Nations STEM workforce, help develop
STEM educators, engage and establish partnerships with institutions, and inspire and educate the
public.
Through effective use of our assets in our STEM education programs, we are able to share
NASAs inspirational activities with a broader audience. We pursue our objective to ensure
future generations of STEM professionals are inspired, experienced, and capable of achieving
even greater accomplishments in STEM-related fields. We pursue this objective through a
portfolio of NASA-unique STEM experiential learning opportunities (e.g. grants, internships,
fellowships, scholarships, workshops) and challenges. These creative applications of NASA-
related knowledge encourage innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are
characteristics required of our Nations future STEM workforce.
Objective Strategy: Our strategy for progressing toward this objective has two components,
strategic partnerships and delivery via strategic lines of business. NASA engages in strategic
partnerships with intergovernmental, academic, industrial, entrepreneurial, and international
communities to ensure NASAs education mission and vision reach a wider and diversified
audience. We are determined to do more with less. We facilitate partnerships that support the
evolution of our portfolio of projects and strategic objective. We achieve this by defining
specific benefits and outcomes for each partnership, systematically managing the lifecycle of
partnerships, and leveraging each organizations resources appropriately.
One of our key strategies for achieving effective partnerships in support of our strategic objective
is our continued participation in the Administrations Committee on STEM Education
(CoSTEM). Through that committee, we work closely with all relevant stakeholders as plans are
created and unfold in support of the STEM coordination effort across Federal agencies. This
venue allows us to share our best practices and ensure the committee is aware of the inspiring
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and unique content, assets, and programming that NASA Education can share via partnerships
with other institutions and agencies.
The NASA 2014 Strategic Plan points to Aerospace Research and Career Development Program
(Space Grant and EPSCoR as one of the Contributing Programs to this Strategic Objective).
This focuses the primary responsibility of education at the post-secondary level on Space Grant.
1.5.3 NASA Office of Education Lines of Business (LOB)
Institutional Engagement LOB

NASA Institutional Engagement supports efforts that build and develop capacity of formal and
informal institutions for sustained STEM capabilities in topical areas of interest to NASA. This
line of business focuses on five primary goals:
Goal 1Capacity: Support interactions between NASA Centers and educational institutions and
organizations to
i. Enhance their competitiveness to perform STEM research and development,

ii. Enable their ability to deliver and participate in NASA-based activities, and
iii. Expand their participation in STEM education reform at the federal, state, and local
levels.
Goal 2Content: Increase the STEM capacity of institutions and organizations to contribute to
the NASA mission through research, curriculum development and instruction, delivery of
content, and/or enabling capabilities.
Goal 3Diversity: Promote diversity representation of institutions and organizations affiliated

with NASA whether through Institutional Engagement funding or other means of collaboration.
Goal 4Sustainability: Improve the ability of NASA-supported institutions and organizations to

leverage beyond NASA funding to sustain their developed capacity in STEM personnel,
programs, and infrastructure.
Goal 5Network/Community: Facilitate a process where like-minded educational institutions

and organizations can utilize the NASA network of grantees, collaborators, and alliances with
the intent of building a community of practice to help sustain their STEM capacity.
NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS) LOB
NIFS reflect the Agencys commitment to investing in our Nations future workforce and fuel an
increased interest in STEM disciplines. Our goal is to identify, cultivate, and sustain a diverse
workforce that is needed to support NASAs missions while contributing to the economic growth
and global competitiveness of the United States.
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NASA Center Internships are competitive awards to support educational work opportunities
that provide unique NASA-related experiences for educators and high school, undergraduate,
and graduate students. These opportunities engage students and/or faculty with real-world
experiences while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of
NASAs missions within the STEM industry. Space Grant Funded NASA internships must not
be classified as a scholarship.
In determining whether an experiential educational activity can be called a NASA

Internship, several criteria must be met:
1. The number of contact hours (time spent on task completion under mentors
direction) must meet a minimum threshold of 400 contact hours per internship for
college students. (Exception: Follow-on experiences where mentor & intern have
worked together previously. In these cases, the minimum hours are considered to
have been met in the initial internship.)
2. The experience must be mentor-centric. Assignments and task-deliverables

must be defined/approved by the mentor. In other words, the professional activities
are ultimately mentor-defined, not intern-defined. (This is the primary distinction
between fellowship activities and internship activities.)
3. The experience must be task-centric. These assignments and task-deliverables must

be degree-relevant and beneficial to the mentor in furthering NASAs ongoing
technical missions. These tasks serve to integrate the intern into a team or group of
career professionals. (This is the primary distinction between internships and other
experiential STEM Engagement activities.)
Funding levels for internships within NASAs Office of Education have been standardized as
follows:
Classification Summer 10 Fall/Spring 16

weeks weeks
Undergraduate $6,000 $9,600
($600/week) ($600/week)
Graduate $7,500 $12,000
($750/week) ($750/week)
It is recommended that stipends for students performing internships at NASA Centers and
facilities adhere to the standard internship funding levels listed above. Funding levels may vary
for internship opportunities conducted outside of NASA Centers or facilities.
NASA Fellowships are designed to support independently conceived or designed research, or

senior design projects by highly qualified faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students, in
disciplines needed to help advance NASAs missions; thus, affording them the opportunity to
directly contribute to advancements in STEM-related areas of study. NASA fellowship
opportunities are focused on innovation and generate measurable research results which
contribute to NASAs current and future science and technology goals.
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NASA Scholarships provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and provide the opportunity
for students to deepen their inquiry within STEM through a myriad of channels including
research experience, technical collaborations and professional development. Space Grant
funded NASA Scholarships should not be provided for those opportunities that fit
aforementioned internship criteria.
STEM Engagement LOB
NASA STEM Engagement addresses national needs in STEM education, while also providing
exciting and unique opportunities to underrepresented and underserved communities. STEM
Engagement activities utilize NASA resources and are based on best practices in motivation,
engagement, and learning in formal and informal settings.
STEM Public Education Events foster interactions with learners of all ages to spark an interest
in STEM disciplines using NASA-unique materials and resources. These may be part of a larger
public event and are often shorter in duration than Experiential Learning Opportunities and
STEM Challenges.
STEM Experiential Learning Opportunities enable learners to acquire knowledge, understand

what they have learned, and apply that knowledge through inquiry-based and project-based
activities. NASA opportunities include participatory activities designed to increase involvement,
knowledge, understanding/comprehension, and application of learning in one or more STEM
disciplines using our unique resources.
STEM Challenges are creative applications of NASA-related science, technology, engineering,

mathematics, and cross-cutting concepts. They challenge existing assumptions and encourage
learners to demonstrate their knowledge of STEM subjects while enhancing innovation, critical
thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Agency actively communicates with learners at all
levels of the learning complexity scale through these Challenges.
Educator Professional Development LOB
Educators play a central role in the achievement of learners. NASA Educator Professional
Development provides educators with the knowledge, skills, and ability to deliver unique STEM
content to learners who will ensure the economic growth and competitiveness of our nation.
Pre-Service Educators have declared an education major or are graduates who have not yet
completed training and certification to teach in a formal setting. NASA Educator Professional
Development efforts serve the pre-service educator community in two ways:
NASA engages in face-to-face activities at Centers and remote locations, in concert with
partners, and helps develop NASA-unique online educator professional development
content for the pre-service educator community.
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NASA engages with Higher Education institutions to infuse NASA content into teaching
materials and curriculums. This provides them with exciting resources and exposes those
future educators to NASA content and missions.
In-Service Educators include those currently practicing in a formal school system. NASA
Educator Professional Development opportunities for in-service educators are high-quality,
sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom
instruction and understanding of NASA-related STEM content.
Our efforts aim to increase the use of NASA-related materials in classroom instruction; increase
the comfort level of elementary-level educators in teaching STEM subjects; and increase
proficiency in NASA-related STEM subjects for middle and high school educators.
Informal Educators provide organized educational activities outside of the established formal
school system. NASA engages informal educators to increase their understanding of NASA-
related STEM subjects and motivates them to use NASA materials in their education
environments. Our efforts help establish linkages between formal and informal education, and
encourage informal educators who teach STEM subjects through exposure to and knowledge of
NASA-related content.
1.5.4 NASA Education Priorities
Consortia will be apprised annually of NASA Education priorities and key areas of emphasis.
Consortia should strategically identify the areas consistent with the needs of their state and those
which will contribute to the goals, objectives, and priorities of NASA. Consortia should
highlight in the proposal where the following areas of emphasis will be implemented:
Current Areas of Emphasis
NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships (NIFS)

Authentic, hands-on student experiences in science and engineering disciplines- the
incorporation of active participation by students in hands-on learning or practice with
experiences rooted in NASA-related, STEM-focused questions and issues; the
incorporation of real-life problem-solving and needs as the context for activities.
Engage middle school teachers in hands-on curriculum enhancement capabilities through
exposure to NASA scientific and technical expertise. Capabilities for teachers to provide
authentic, hands-on middle school student experiences in science and engineering
disciplines.
Summer opportunities for secondary students on college campuses with the objective of
increased enrollment in STEM disciplines or interest in STEM careers.
Community Colleges- develop new relationships as well as sustain and strengthen
existing institutional relationships with community colleges.
Aeronautics research- research in traditional aeronautics disciplines; research in areas that
are appropriate to NASAs unique capabilities; directly address the fundamental research
needs of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).
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Environmental Science and Global Climate Change- research activities to better
understand Earths environments.
Enhance capacity of institutions to support innovative research infrastructure activities to
enable early career faculty to focus their research toward NASA priorities.
Diversity of institutions, faculty, and students (gender, underrepresented, and
underserved.) Student diversity targets should be in alignment with the National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES) enrollment for your state. To see those enrollment levels,
please visit http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d12/tables/dt12_265.asp.
Annual Performance Plan: FY15 Performance Goals and Annual Performance Indicators
(APIs)
Performance Goals FY15 APIs
ED-15-1: Provide significant, direct student awards in
higher education to (1) students across all institutional
categories and levels (as defined by the U.S.
Department of Education); (2) racially or ethnically
2.4.1: Assure that students
underrepresented students, (3) women, and (4)
participating in NASA higher
persons with disabilities at percentages that meet or
education projects are representative
exceed the national percentages for these
of the diversity of the Nation.
populations, as determined by the most recent,
publicly available data from the U.S. Department of
Educations National Center for Education Statistics for
a minimum of two of the four categories.
2.4.2: Continue to support STEM
educators through the delivery of
NASA education content and ED-15-2: Engage with at least 250,000* educators in
engagement in educator professional NASA-supported professional development, research,
development opportunities. and internships that use NASA-unique STEM content.
2.4.4: Continue to provide
opportunities for learners to engage
in STEM education through NASA ED-15-4: Maintain the NASA Museum Alliance and/or
unique content provided to informal other STEM education strategic partnerships in no
education institutions designed to fewer than 30* states, U.S. Territories and/or the
inspire and educate the public. District of Columbia.
2.4.5: Continue to provide
opportunities for learners to engage
in STEM education engagement ED-15-5: Engage with at least 600,000* elementary
activities that capitalize on NASA and secondary students in NASA STEM engagement
unique assets and content. activities.
*Targets are subject to change
1.5.5 NASA Research and Technology Development Priorities
The NASA Office of Education identifies research and technology priorities based on alignment
with NASAs Mission Directorates. The Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD),
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Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Science Mission Directorate
(SMD), and the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) identify their priorities on the
NASA website http://www.nasa.gov/about/directorates/index.html. For information on all of
NASAs missions, please visit http://www.nasa.gov/missions/index.html.
2.0 SPACE GRANT BACKGROUND
Public Law 100-147, passed in 1987, authorized NASA to initiate Space Grant in response to the
need for a coordinated effort to help maintain America's preeminence in aerospace science and
technology. Through the establishment of state-based consortia, consisting of universities,
university systems, associations, government agencies, industries, and informal education
organizations involved in aerospace activities, lead institutions provide leadership and support
for program objectives in their state and nationally by interacting with other universities, by
broadening joint activities with NASA and aerospace-related industries, and by providing public
service functions, such as support to elementary and secondary schools and to the public.
2.1 Program Overview and Guidelines
National Space Grant Program Goal and Objectives
The goal of the Space Grant Program is to contribute to the nation's science enterprise by
funding education, research, and informal education projects through a national network of
university-based Space Grant consortia.
The objectives of the Space Grant Program are to:
Promote a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education base

from elementary through secondary levels while preparing teachers in these grade
levels to become more effective at improving student academic outcomes.
Establish and maintain a national network of universities with interests and
capabilities in aeronautics, space and related fields.
Encourage cooperative programs among universities, aerospace industry, and Federal,
state and local governments.
Encourage interdisciplinary training, research and public service programs related to
aerospace.
Recruit and train U.S. citizens, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and
persons with disabilities, for careers in aerospace science and technology.
Space Grant consortia are expected to develop innovative and integrated plans to advance
aerospace knowledge and expand related activities.
3.0 AWARD INFORMATION
3.1 Award Type and Availability of Funds for Awards
Awards made through this announcement will be in the form of grants or cooperative
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agreements, depending on the nature of the submitting institution and/or the specific
requirements for awards given in each activity description in the appendices. The type of award
to be offered to selected proposers will generally follow policies in the Guidebook to Proposers
(http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook/) although in a few cases, only one
type of award may be offered, as specified in the activity/opportunity description. NASA will
determine the appropriate award instrument for the selections resulting from this solicitation.
Grants and cooperative agreements will be subject to the provisions of the NASA Grant and
Cooperative Agreement Handbook (https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/grcover.htm) and
the Guidebook to Proposers. In the case of any conflict between the content of this solicitation
and the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook, this solicitation takes precedence.
Prospective proposers are advised that funds are not available to award all solicited activities at
the time of this solicitation release. The Governments obligation to make awards is contingent
upon the availability of sufficient appropriated funds from which payment can be made and the
recipient of the proposals that NASA determines are acceptable for award under this
announcement. Also, continuation of the awards in subsequent years (if applicable) will be
contingent on the availability of appropriated funds, progress of the project, and continued
relevance of the project to NASA programs and missions.
3.2 Award Period of Performance
The period of performance (POP) for awards made under this announcement is three years from
the award start date.
3.3 Cancellation of Awards
NASA reserves the right not to make any awards under this announcement and/or to cancel at
any time prior to award. NASA assumes no liability (including bid and proposal costs in case of
cancellation) for cancelling this announcement or for any entitys failure to receive an actual
notice of cancellation.
3.4 Funding and Cost-Sharing
Please refer Section 1.2, Eligibility, for information about funding levels and cost-share
requirements for proposed activities.
3.5 Schedule of Awards
Every effort will be made to announce the selections within nine months from the proposal
submission deadline. Selection notification will be communicated electronically from NASA to
the institutions Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and the Principal Investigator
(PI).
Proposers are cautioned that only a NASA Grant/Contracting Officer may make commitments,
obligations or awards on behalf of NASA or authorize the expenditure of funds. No commitment
on the part of NASA should be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with other
NASA managers, mission directorate employees, or other support staff. An organization that
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makes financial or personnel commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement
signed by a NASA Grant/Contracting Officer does so at their own risk. Please refer to the Grant
and NASA Cooperative Agreement Handbook and the Guidebook to Proposers for more
information.
3.6 Proposal Format Guidance
Cover Pages (Page Limit: As needed)

Consortium Abstract (Page Limit: 1)
Consortium Profile (Page Limit: 1)
PI CV/Rsum (Page Limit: 2)
Programmatic Elements (Page Limit: 10)
Consortium Management (Page Limit: 3)
Budget Narrative and Details (Page Limit: As needed)
Statements of Collaboration and Letters of Support
General Format: No less than single-spaced, using standard size (8 x 11) paper, in font not
smaller than 12-point with a minimum of 1 margins on all sides for each page. Preferred font is
Times New Roman, or other easily readable font. Illustrations, tables, and charts are restricted to
no smaller than 10-point font. All pages must be numbered sequentially.
3.7 Proposal Content (required information)
Proposals should present innovative strategies to accomplishing the goal, objectives, foci, and
priorities cited above. Innovation in project execution, methods and approaches, and delivery and
implementation mechanisms should be identified.
3.7.1 Cover Pages (Page limit: as needed)

Principal Investigator/Consortium Director information (address, phone, email),
proposal title, submitting institutional information, and appropriate signatures.
Consortium Concurrence: The designated representative from the lead institution
(Director) and each affiliate representative must sign this document. This
signature represents the affiliates agreement with the contents of the proposal.
Email concurrences are acceptable.
3.7.2 Consortium Abstract (Page limit: 1)
Introductory information about the consortium including mission statement, major

goals, and objectives as derived from NASA priorities and the national program
guidance. Program specific goals and objectives must be included in the appropriate
section. A summary table of consortium goals and objectives must be included as an
appendix to the proposal. The proposal must include metrics for each element and
specific consortium targets.
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3.7.3 Consortium Profile (Page limit: 1)
Describe the environment of the consortium, including state demographics, unique

consortium aspects as well as any consortium-wide themes or specialization. Provide
a brief analysis of the states needs and discuss how they align with NASA priorities.
This section should convey how the unique mix of projects proposed by the
consortium is strategically designed to respond to the states needs and NASA
priorities.
3.7.4 Programmatic Elements (Page limit: 10)
Each consortium project must demonstrate alignment with NASAs Strategic Plan,
Space Grant goals and objectives, and NASA Office of Educations Lines of
Business. Each proposal should address Space Grants primary (Scholarships and
Fellowships, Higher Education, and Research Infrastructure) and secondary (Pre-
College and Informal Education) programmatic elements and current areas of
emphasis. (See section 1.5) As appropriate, proposals should describe collaborative
efforts with NASA personnel and facilities; identify metrics by which success will be
measured annually; and include objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Appropriate,
Realistic, and within a Time Frame (SMART).
Diversity, and the emphasis on diversity initiatives, is an important component of

each programmatic element. Proposals should include strategies within each
programmatic element that demonstrate how consortium projects will contribute to
targeted diversity efforts and be inclusive (not exclusive) of members of the
population. The proposal should ensure that students, faculty and other participants
represent the diversity of the state consortium as well as the nation. Proposers should
assure the diversity of relevant institution types and category levels as defined by the
US Department of Education are included. The National Center for Education
Statistics (NCES) may be utilized as a guide for setting diversity targets for student
participants. Additional information may be found at:
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d12/tables/dt12_265.asp
Primary Space Grant Programmatic Elements- These projects and activities

contribute to the development of the science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASAs Strategic
Goals. These programmatic elements aim to educate and employ. These projects and
activities also aim to attract and retain STEM students through a progression of
educational opportunities provided to undergraduate/graduate students and faculty
through significant and hands-on engagement.
A. NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS): Describe in detail the
internship, fellowship and scholarship projects and opportunities. Include SMART
objectives, targets, metrics, characteristics, projected impact, budget assessment and
evaluation plans. Identify the STEM disciplines for graduate and undergraduate
support.
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All fellowships and scholarships must meet a $5,000 threshold per student, 160 hours
or a combination of both. For internships, the number of contact hours (time spent on
task completion under mentors direction) must meet a minimum threshold of 400
contact hours per internship for college students. It is recommended that stipends for
students performing internships onsite at NASA centers and facilities adhere to the
standard NASA internship stipend funding levels. Funds utilized specifically for
NASA or industry internships may not be classified as a scholarship or
fellowship.
Student data must be entered into the Office of Education Performance Measurement
System (OEPM). Therefore, be prepared to collect student information, and obtain
the necessary approvals at the institutional level to fulfill all grant reporting
requirements. This section should clearly identify the number of projected awards,
and include a plan to longitudinally track all direct students.
The proposal must clearly demonstrate how internships, fellowships and scholarships
will be competitively awarded at the leadaffiliate institutions. A description of the
recruitment of applicants, the selection process, and plans that show the inclusiveness
of member/affiliate institutions and student eligibility should be included. Note: All
direct funded participants and those receiving significant awards (160 contact
hours and/or $5,000) must be U.S. citizens.
B. Higher Education: Describe the Higher Education program including SMART

evaluation plans. This section should clearly identify the number of projected
participants. Describe plans for new or revised courses, long and short duration
workshops, hands-on student activities and other higher education projects. When
appropriate, demonstrate how the activities will incorporate collaboration or
cooperation of two or more disciplines or fields of study. This section should align
with the budget narrative and details for both NASA funding and cost-share.
C. Research Infrastructure: The proposal must demonstrate how the Research

Infrastructure projects and activities are responsive to NASA and consortia research
and development areas of interest and emphasis.
Describe the Research Infrastructure program including SMART objectives, targets,

metrics, characteristics, projected impact, budget assessment and evaluation plans.
This section should clearly identify the number of projected participants. Describe
plans for new or revised courses, long and short duration workshops, hands-on
student activities and other higher education projects. When appropriate, demonstrate
how the activities will incorporate collaboration or cooperation of two or more
disciplines or fields of study. This section should align with the budget narrative and
details for both NASA funding and cost-share.
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Secondary Space Grant Programmatic Elements- These projects and activities aim to
attract and retain pre-college students, pre-service/ in-service teachers, as well as build
strategic partnerships between formal and informal education providers. These activities
should promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASAs mission, and aim to inspire and
engage participants.
A. Precollege: Describe precollege activities including SMART objectives, targets,

metrics, characteristics, projected impact, budget assessment and evaluation plans.
This section should clearly identify the number of projected participants. Describe
long and short duration workshops, hands-on student activities and other relevant
projects. When appropriate, demonstrate how the activities will incorporate
collaboration or cooperation of two or more disciplines or fields of study. This
section should align with the budget narrative and details for both NASA funding and
cost-share.
B. Informal Education: Describe informal education activities including SMART

evaluation plans. The intent of informal education is to increase learning, to educate
students, educators and the general public. This section should clearly identify the
number of projected participants. When appropriate, demonstrate how the activities
will incorporate collaboration or cooperation of two or more disciplines or fields of
study. This section should align with the budget narrative and details for both NASA
funding and cost-share.
3.7.5 Consortium Management (Page limit: 3)
Describe the following aspects of the management of the consortium. This section must
include budget figures for all consortium administrative costs (labor, benefits, supplies,
etc.).
A. Consortium Management: Describe the consortiums management structure, and

operational policies and procedures.
B. Consortium Structure/Network (Internal): Describe the composition of institutions

that comprise the consortium; include the number, demographics, and characteristics.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of campus/organization representatives in
terms of on-campus effectiveness, communication of the program to their
constituents, process to build a NASA presence at their location, participation and
involvement in consortium operations.
Minority Serving Institutions: Describe the consortiums strategy and specific

SMART objectives for seeking opportunities to develop new relationships and/or
sustain and strengthen existing institutional relationships with minority-serving
institutions (Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving
Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Other Minority Universities, and
institutions of higher education that have a higher enrollment of minority students)
14
internal or external to the consortium. Describe plans that will ensure "meaningful
involvement" of MSIs through collaborations and partnerships.
C. Consortium Operations: Describe staffing levels at the lead institution, and support
provided by other institutions or organizations (FTEs for director, program
coordinator, support staff, affiliate representatives, etc.). Staffing levels and costs
should allow for the maximum amount of funds being made available to consortium
programs/projects. Describe how staff resources are allocated in terms of
management and administrative tasks, resource development, and/or project
implementation. Include a discussion of the composition, role/purpose, and meeting
frequency of Advisory/Executive Committee(s)/Boards (i.e. internal and external
groups). Describe the consortium policy for adding and removing members of the
consortium.
D. Collaborations and Partnerships Outside the Consortium: Describe collaborations and

partnerships (number, characteristics, and purpose) outside the membership of the
consortium. Discuss how these collaborations/partnerships benefit the consortium.
Discuss Publicity/Outreach plans.
E. Rsum or curriculum vita (Page limit: 2) A rsum or curriculum vitae (CV) must be
included in the proposal for the lead principle investigator (PI) of this project.
3.7.6 Budget: Narrative and Details (Page limit: as needed)
Present a budget spreadsheet for each year of proposed work, along with the total
budget figures for the entire period of performance. A budget narrative/description is
also required and should accompany the spreadsheet. The proposed budget must be
adequate, appropriate, reasonable, realistic, demonstrate the effective use of funds in
alignment with the proposed projects and consortium grant type.
A. Notes of Budget:
The budget must reflect clear alignment with the content and text of the
proposal. The budget should contain sufficient cost detail and supporting
information to facilitate a speedy evaluation and award. In order to expedite
the evaluation of the proposal, it is highly recommended that the proposal text
reference specific and consistent budget categories and vice-versa.
Significant dollar amounts proposed with no explanation (e.g. Scholarships:
150,000, Labor: $80,000, Supplies: $10,000, and Higher Education Project:
$20,000) will reduce proposal acceptability, or cause delays in funding. Costs
must be explained in reasonable detail. Provide the number and amount of
projected scholarships, internships and fellowships. Provide the titles/names
and details of workshops, courses, and activities.
15
Subcontracts to an individual or organization: Up to $100,000 requires a
separate budget and work statement. Over $100,000 requires a separate
budget, work statement, and a breakout of hourly rate for direct labor.
Direct Labor costs should be separated by titles (e.g. director, program
manager, program coordinator, graduate research assistant, clerk, etc.) with
estimated hours, hourly rates, and total amounts of each. The certified
negotiated indirect costs for the institution should be explained sufficiently
whether it is being requested for NASA funds or being used as cost-share.
Complete the table below for key personnel (Consortium Director, Principal
Investigator, Program Manager, etc). Clearly identify the amount of money
(in total) that key personnel is paid by 1) NASA Funds and 2) matching funds,
and clearly identify the percentage of time that those dollars translates into
based on a 12-month period.
NASA Funding Matching

TOTAL Dollars Funding
for a 12-month Percentage of
Dollars period (academic TOTAL time for a
+ summertime) 12-month period
(academic +
summertime)
Director
NASA Funding
Percentage of Matching Funds
TOTAL time for Percentage of
Time a 12-month TOTAL time for a
period (academic 2-month period
year + (academic year +
summertime) summertime)
Other costs (with each significant category detailed) should be explained in

reasonable detail and substantiated whenever possible.
Domestic travel must include the purpose, the number of trips and expected
location, duration of each trip, airfare, and per diem. Domestic travel should
be appropriate and reasonable to conduct proposed activities. Proposals may
include travel, registration fees, and per diem for national meetings and
regional meetings (up to 3 days). It is not appropriate for Space Grant funds
to be used for expenses (lodging and per diem) on any day(s) at the national/
regional meetings in which non-NASA meetings and activities are being
conducted.
B. Budget Restrictions:
Equipment: As with all NASA training grants, no equipment purchases are

allowed with NASA dollars. Refer to local institutions guidelines for a
definition of equipment. You may also find additional information in the
16
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook
(http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/grcover.htm).
Foreign travel must be Space Grant-related, requires prior approval from the
Space Grant Program Manager, and cannot exceed $1,000/year. Space
Grant should be included in verbal and written acknowledgements in writing
reports and publications. A post-trip report must be submitted to the Space
Grant Program Office describing the benefits gained as a result of the trip.
Requested foreign travel should include justification, the purpose, location,
duration, airfare and per diem for each trip.
3.7.7 Statements of Commitment and Letters of Support
Letters of Commitment: Every collaborator (Section 1.4.2 of the NASA Guidebook for
Proposers) shall submit a brief, signed statement of commitment that acknowledges
his/her intended participation in the proposed effort. Such letters shall be limited to one
(1) page.
Each statement shall be addressed to the PI, may be a facsimile of an original statement
or the copy of an email (the latter must have sufficient information to unambiguously
identify the sender), and shall be required even if the collaborator(s) is (are) from the
proposing organization.
An example of such a statement follows:
I (we) acknowledge that I (we) am (are) identified by name Collaborator(s) to the

proposal, entitled <name of proposal>, that is submitted by <name of Principal
Investigator> to the NASA Training Grant <alpha-numeric identifier>, and that I (we)
intend to carry out all responsibilities identified for me (us) in this proposal. I (we)
understand that the extent and justification of my (our) participation as stated in this
proposal will be considered during peer review in determining in part the merits of this
proposal. I (we) have read the entire proposal, including the management plan and
budget, and I (we) agree that the proposal correctly describes my (our) commitment to
the proposed [activity].
3.7.8 Required Appendices
Items that should be included as appendices to the proposal are as follows:

1. Strategic Plan of the Consortium
2. Summarized Table of Consortium Goals and SMART Objectives
3. Summarized Table of Projected Contributions to NASA Education API for
FY2015 (please refer back to Section 1.5.4 of this announcement for reference)
3.8 Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on standards established by the National Space
Grant Program office.
17
Initially a compliance check will be conducted to assure that all required materials are included
in the proposal package.
Cover Pages (Page Limit: As needed)
Consortium Abstract (Page Limit: 1)
Consortium Profile (Page Limit: 1)
PI CV/Rsum (Page Limit: 2)
Programmatic Elements (Page Limit: 10)
Consortium Management (Page Limit: 3)
Budget Narrative and Details (Page Limit: As needed)
Appendices
Strategic Plan of the Consortium
Summarized Table of Consortium Goals and SMART Objectives
Summarized Table of Projected Contributions to NASA Education API for FY
2015 (please refer back to Section 1.5.4 of this announcement for reference)
All sections of the proposal will be individually evaluated.
Quality of content and adherence to specified format as described in the solicitation will be
considered.
Proposals that do not meet the evaluation criteria in all evaluation areas will not be accepted at
that time. Communication with those consortia whose proposals are not satisfactory will be
established by the National Program Office in order to improve the specified areas that do not
adequately meet the evaluation standards.
No funding will be awarded to a consortium until the proposal is satisfactory in all aspects.
3.9 Data Submissions, Annual Progress Reporting, and Final Reports
Consortia are required to provide a plan for reporting and evaluation that is consistent with
academic calendars. Reporting and Evaluation plans should include: achievements, results, and
outcomes of the initiative as defined by the metrics and expected outcomes stated in the
proposal, as well as Participant information- number, level, and demographics of student and
faculty participants, status/tracking of student participants. Please be aware that reporting and
evaluation plans need to be developed not solely in accordance with state needs, but also the
current needs and priorities of NASA Education. Please refer to page eleven (11) of this
announcement for specific NASA Education performance goals and indicators.
Annually, consortia will be required to submit performance data, student profile and award
information (for all students who receive a Fellowship/Scholarship award and those students who
meet the longitudinal tracking threshold), and project information through the NASA Office of
Education Performance Measurement (OEPM) system. Since OEPM will allow for the ongoing
submission of data throughout the year, consortia must be prepared to support the Space Grant
Program Office in quarterly program reviews.
18
In addition to the aforementioned reporting requirements, Consortia will be required to submit
accurate Student Data Tables and Expenditure Summaries in conjunction with their OEPM data.
Student Data Tables will be used to verify Student Award numbers in OEPM as well as
longitudinally track students after the conclusion of the award. Awardees will report the status
of longitudinal tracking results annually to the NASA Office of Education. The template for
these reports will be provided to the Consortia each year by the Space Grant Program Office and
are essential to verifying OEPM data.
Per grant regulations, consortia will continue to be required to submit annual progress reports.
Consortia will be given guidelines for the submission of OEPM data and the annual progress
report. Every effort will be made to streamline the reporting burden for the consortia while
facilitating the compliance with Federal and Education reporting requirements by the National
Space Grant Office.
The collection and submission of student data is a requirement in order to receive annual
funding under the terms of this multi-year award. Types of student data including Names,
Dates of Birth, Gender, Ethnicity, Address, and Field of Study, among others, must be reported
into OEPM. Please refer to OEPM Student Profile forms and Student Award forms in Appendix
F for a complete list of data fields that are required. Continued funding of this award will be
dependent upon complete and accurate reporting during each annual data collection cycle.
Please reference Section 1.5.3 for clarification on the guidance of Internships, Fellowships,
and Scholarships reporting. Student Award Records must properly designate the funding
source of each award, as well as the type of award that is made. Please review these
definitions of awards before submitting award records into OEPM.
Type of Report: Due Date: Submit to:

Annual Performance Document 60 days Prior to Award Anniversary Program Office & NSSC
FY14 OPEM Reporting Summer 2015 OEPM
FY14 Student Data Tables Summer 2015 Program Office
FY14 Expenditure Summary Summer 2015 Program Office
Final Close-Out Report 90 Days After Award End Date Program Office & NSSC
4.0 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
All proposals must be submitted via NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com) or Grants.gov

(http://www.grants.gov). Carefully note the following requirements for submission of an
electronic proposal, regardless of the proposers intent to submit via NSPIRES or Grants.gov:
19
A. Every organization that intends to submit a proposal to NASA in response to this training
grant must be registered in NSPIRES. This applies to proposals submitted through either
NSPIRES or Grants.gov
B. The organizations electronic business point-of-contact (EBPOC) in the Central
Contractor Registry (CCR) must perform the registration for either proposal data system.
C. Each individual team member (e.g., principal investigators) must be individually
registered in NSPIRES. This applies to proposals submitted under Grants.gov and
NSPIRES.
D. While every effort is made to ensure the reliability and accessibility of the websites and
to maintain a help center via email and telephone, difficulty may arise at any point on the
internet, including with the users own equipment. Prospective proposers are urged to
familiarize themselves with the NSPIRES site and to submit the required proposal
materials well in advance of the proposal submission deadline. Note: Respondents
without access to the Web or who experience difficulty using NSPIRES may contact the
Help Desk at nspires-help@nasaprs.com or call (202) 479-9376 between 8:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday (except for federal holidays). Proposals received
after the due date may be returned without review.
E. Proposal Submission Date and Time: All proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on
February 23, 2015. Submit proposals electronically via NSPIRES
(http://nspires.nasaprs.com) or Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov).
5.0 INQUIRIES
Inquiries regarding the submission of electronic proposal materials to NSPIRES should be

addressed to:
Althia Harris
NASA Research and Education Support Services (NRESS)
E-mail: aharris@nasaprs.com
Phone: 202-479-9030 x310
All other inquiries about this training grant announcement should be addressed to:
Lenell Allen, Ph.D.

Director, Aerospace Research and Career Development (ARCD)
Office of Education
NASA Headquarters
E-mail: hq-space-grant@mail.nasa.gov
6.0 TRAINING GRANT GUIDANCE
Compliance with these items will help expedite the processing of packages with the NASA
Grants Office.
20
A. The following restrictions exist on the use of the Space Grant funds:
Equipment: As with all NASA training grants, no equipment purchases are allowed with
NASA dollars. Refer to local institutions guidelines for a definition of equipment. You
may also find additional information in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Handbook (http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/grcover.htm).
Awards to U.S. Citizens: NASA Grants Handbook Part B 1260.12 Choice of award instrument.
(3) Training grant. A training grant is an agreement that provides funds primarily for
scholarships, fellowships, or stipends to students, teachers, and/or faculty. (iii) Students and
faculty receiving direct support under a NASA training grant must be U.S. citizens.
(http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/granta.html#126012)
B. Certifications: The following six certifications must be included. Pull Certifications

documents from Appendix A. Certifications must be uploaded within the complete proposal
package (as a single pdf document) and certified by the Authorized Organization Representative
(AOR) in NSPIRES.
Retrieve the certifications from the Goddard Space Flight Center Grants Office website
(http://code210.gsfc.nasa.gov/grants/grants.htm#Grant_Forms) for the following six
certifications:
Certification for Debarment, Suspension, and other Responsibility Matters
Assurance for Nondiscrimination Compliance in Federally Funded Programs
Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative
Agreements
Assurance of Compliance- China Funding Restriction
ACORN Assurance
Certification of Tax Delinquency or Felony Conviction
Certifications must be certified by the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) in

NSPIRES.
Technical Note: NASAs Office of Education has a Task Order with VALADOR, Inc.
(NNH12CD13Z) to support the Aerospace Research and Career Development Program
composed of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program and the Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Program. To further avoid any possible
perception of real or potential conflict of interest, Valador may not otherwise serve as a
subcontractor, partner, or collaborator to an entity proposing under the Space Grant or EPSCoR
Solicitations.
21
APPENDIX A. Required Certifications and Assurances
Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and
Suspension, 34 CFR Part 85, Section 85.510, Participant's responsibilities. The regulations were
published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (pages 19160 - 19211). Copies of the
regulation may be obtained by contacting the U.S. Department of Education, Grants and Contracts
Service, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. (Room 3633 GSA Regional Office Building No. 3), Washington,
DC. 20202-4725, telephone (202) 732-2505.
(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its
principals:
(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily
excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency;
(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil
judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with
obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or Local) transaction or
contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of
embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements,
or receiving stolen property;
(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity
(Federal, State, or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of
this certification; and
(d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public
transactions (Federal, State, or Local) terminated for cause or default.
(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this
certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
Organization Name PR/Award Number or Project Name
Name and Title of Authorized Representative
Signature Date
22
Certification of Nondiscrimination, Compliance with Applicable Executive Orders and U.S. Code
Proposal Cover Sheet
Title: ____________________________________________________________
Principal Investigator: _______________________________________________
Institution__________________________________________________________
Street/PO Box: _____________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State:_______ Zip: ______ Country: _______
Email: ____________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________ Fax: ___________________________
Co-Investigator Institution & Address Phone & E-mail

_______________________ ____________________ ___________________
_______________________ ____________________ ___________________
_______________________ ____________________ ___________________
By submitting the proposal identified in the Cover Sheet/Proposal Summary either in response to a NASA Research
Announcement or as an Unsolicited Proposal, the Authorizing Official of the proposing institution (or the individual proposer if
there is no proposing institution) as identified below:
Certifies that the statements made in this proposal are true and complete to the best of his/her knowledge;
Agrees to accept the obligations to comply with NASA award terms and conditions if an award is made as a result of
this proposal; and
Confirms compliance with all provisions, rules and stipulations set forth by these two Certifications [namely, (i)
Certification of Compliance with the NASA Regulations Pursuant to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs,
and (ii) Certifications, Disclosures, And Assurances Regarding Lobbying and Debarment & Suspension].
Willful provision of false information in this proposal and/or its supporting documents, or in reports required under an ensuing
award, is a criminal offense (U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001).
Title of Authorizing Official: __________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________ Date: _____________
Name of Proposing Institution: _________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Fax: _____________ E-mail: __________________
Cage Code: _____________ DUNS Number: __________ TIN Number: _______
23
Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to
any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection
with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal
loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal,
amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an
officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the Federal
contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form
- LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award
documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants,
loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction
was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into
this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required
certificate shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000, and not more than $100,000 for each
such failure.
Signature Date
Name and Title of Authorized Representative
Organization Name
24
Assurance of Compliance China Funding Restriction
Institution Name:
Proposal Title:
Grant Number:
(DEVIATION FEB 2012)

(iv) An Assurance of Compliance with The Department of Defense and Full-Year
Appropriation Act, Public Law 112-10 Section 1340(a); The Consolidated and Further
Continuing Appropriation Act of 2012, Public Law 112-55, Section 539; and future-year
appropriations herein after referred to as the Acts, whereas:
(1) NASA is restricted from using funds appropriated in the Acts to enter into or
fund any grant or cooperative agreement of any kind to participate, collaborate, or coordinate
bilaterally with China or any Chinese-owned company, at the prime recipient level and at all
subrecipient levels, whether the bilateral involvement is funded or performed under a no-
exchange of funds arrangement.
(2) Definition: China or Chinese-owned Company means the Peoples Republic
of China, any company owned by the Peoples Republic of China, or any company incorporated
under the laws of the Peoples Republic of China.
(3) The restrictions in the Acts do not apply to commercial items of supply needed to
perform a grant or cooperative agreement.
(4) By submission of its proposal, the proposer represents that the proposer is not
China or a Chinese-owned company, and that the proposer will not participate, collaborate, or
coordinate bilaterally with China or any Chinese-owned company, at the prime recipient level or
at any subrecipient level, whether the bilateral involvement is funded or performed under a no-
exchange of funds arrangement.
Title of Authorizing Official: _____________________________________________________
Printed Name: _____________________________ Signature: __________________________
Date: ____________________
Name of Proposing Institution:

___________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________ Fax: _____________________
E-mail: ____________________________
25
Assurance of Compliance (ACORN)
REPRESENTATION BY PROSPECTIVE RECIPIENT THAT THEY ARE NOT THE

ASSOCIATION of COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS for REFORM NOW (ACORN) or
a SUBSIDIARY of ACORN
(a) In accordance with section 534 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act
of 2012 (Pub. L.112-55), none of the funds made available by the Act may be distributed to the
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or its subsidiaries.
(b) The prospective recipient represents, by submission of its offer, that it is not the Association of
Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or a subsidiary thereof, and that no funds
made available under this award will be distributed to ACORN or its subsidiaries.
REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING AN UNPAID DELINQUENT

TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW
(a) In accordance with sections 544 and 543 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act of 2012 (Pub. L.112-55), none of the funds made available by that Act may
be used to enter into a grant or cooperative agreement with any corporation that -
(1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and
administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a
timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has
considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this
action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or
(2) Was convicted (or had an officer or agent of such corporation acting on behalf of the
corporation convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the
preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an
agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination
that this action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
(b) The prospective recipient represents that -
(1) It is [ ] is not [ ] a corporation that has had any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been
assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the
authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; and
(2) It is [ ] is not [ ] a corporation that was convicted, or had an officer or agent acting on behalf
of the corporation convicted, of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding
24 months.
26
Assurance of Compliance Tax Delinquency or Felony Conviction
CERTIFICATION BY PROSPECTIVE RECIPIENTS REGARDING FEDERAL INCOME TAX

FILING and FEDERAL INCOME TAX VIOLATIONS
(a) In accordance with section 527 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act
of 2012 (Pub. L.112-55), none of the funds made available by the Act may be used to enter into a grant or
cooperative agreement in an amount greater than $5 Million unless the prospective recipient certifies in
writing to NASA that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the prospective recipient has filed all
Federal tax returns required during the three years preceding the certification, has not been convicted of a
criminal offense under the Internal revenue Code of 1986, and has not, more than 90 days prior to
certification, been notified of any unpaid Federal tax assessment for which the liability remains
unsatisfied, unless the assessment is the subject of an installment agreement or offer in compromise that
has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service and is not in default, or the assessment is the subject
of a non-frivolous administrative or judicial proceeding.
(b) The prospective recipient's proposal shall include a signed written certification as follows -
To the best of my knowledge and belief, ---(name of offeror)--- has filed the Federal tax returns
required during the three years preceding this certification, has not been convicted of a criminal
offense under the Internal revenue Code of 1986, and has not, more than 90 days prior to certification,
been notified of any unpaid Federal tax assessment for which the liability remains unsatisfied, unless
the assessment is the subject of an installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been
approved by the Internal Revenue Service and is not in default, or the assessment is the subject of a
non-frivolous administrative or judicial proceeding.
Recipient _________________________________________
Signature _________________________________________
Name ____________________________________________
Title _____________________________________________
Date of execution ___________________________________
27
Appendix B Sample Annual Budget Spreadsheet
2015-2016
NASA Funds Cost-Share

A. Personnel/ Direct Labor
1. Principal Investigator/ Director
2. Program Manager
3. Research Associate
4. Staff Support
Total Salaries
B. Fringe Benefits
2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Fringe
C. Equipment
D. Materials and Supplies
E. Services
F. Domestic Travel
G. NASA Internships, Fellowships,
Scholarships (NIFS)
1. Internships
2. Fellowships
3. Scholarships
H. Higher Education Projects
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
I. Research Infrastructure Projects
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
J. Precollege Projects
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
K. Informal Education Projects
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
Total Direct Project Costs
L. Subcontracts
M. Total Direct Costs
N. Indirect Cost (__% rate of item M )
O. Total Costs
28
SAMPLE ANNUAL BUDGET SPREADSHEET
2016-2017

2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Salaries
B. Fringe Benefits
2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Fringe
C. Equipment
E. Services
F. Domestic Travel
Scholarships (NIFS)
1. Internships
2. Fellowships
3. Scholarships
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
L. Subcontracts
O. Total Costs
29
SAMPLE ANNUAL BUDGET SPREADSHEET
2017-2018

2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Salaries
B. Fringe Benefits
2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Fringe
C. Equipment
E. Services
F. Domestic Travel
Scholarships (NIFS)
1. Internships
2. Fellowships
3. Scholarships
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
L. Subcontracts
O. Total Costs
30
SAMPLE CUMULATIVE BUDGET
2015-2018

2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Salaries
B. Fringe Benefits
2. Program Manager
4. Staff Support
Total Fringe
C. Equipment
E. Services
F. Domestic Travel
Scholarships (NIFS)
1. Internships
2. Fellowships
3. Scholarships
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
1. Project 1
2. Project 2
L. Subcontracts
O. Total Costs
31
Appendix D NASA Contacts Useful Reference Web Sites
Discussions of potential collaborations with NASA Education personnel may be directed to the
appropriate contacts in the following listing:
NASA Mission Directorate Contacts
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Science Mission Directorate

Tony Springer Stephanie Stockman
Lead, Communications and Education Education/Public Outreach Lead
NASA Headquarters NASA Headquarters
Phone: (202) 358-0848 Phone: (202) 358-0039
Tony.Springer@nasa.gov Stephanie.A.Stockman@nasa.gov
Human Exploration & Operations Mission

Space Technology Mission Directorate
Directorate
Diego Rodriguez
Alotta Taylor
Public Outreach Specialist
Supervisory Management Analyst
NASA Headquarters
Space Life and Physical Sciences
Phone: (202) 358-1943
Research and Applications Division
mailto:diego.f.rodriguez@nasa.gov
NASA Headquarters
Phone: (202) 358-2534
Alotta.E.Taylor@nasa.gov
NASA Education Center Contacts

Ames Research Center Kennedy Space Center
Brenda Collins Theresa Martinez
Division Chief, Ames Office of Education Education Program Specialist
Phone: (650) 604-3540 Phone: (321) 867-0590
Brenda.J.Collins@nasa.gov Theresa.C.Martinez@nasa.gov
Armstrong Flight Research Center Langley Research Center

W. Lance Richards, Ph.D. Dan (Gamaliel) Cherry
Aerospace Research, Technical Manager Education Program Specialist
Phone: (661) 276-3562 Phone: (757) 864-6113
Lance.Richards-1@nasa.gov Thomas.E.Pinelli@nasa.gov
Goddard Space Flight Center Glenn Research Center

David J. Rosage Dave Kankam
Education Specialist University Affairs Officer
Phone: (301) 286-0904 Phone: (216) 433-6143
David.J.Rosage@nasa.gov Mark.D.Kankam@nasa.gov
32
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Marshall Space Flight Center
Linda Rodgers Frank Six, Ph.D.
University Programs Administrator University Affairs Officer
Phone: (818) 354-3274 Phone: (256) 961-0678
Linda.Rodgers@jpl.nasa.gov Norman.F.Six@nasa.gov
Johnson Space Center Stennis Space Center

Misti Moore Nathan Sovik, Ph.D.
Program Specialist University Affairs Officer
Phone: (281) 483-6716 Phone: (228) 688-7355
misti.m.moore@nasa.gov Nathan.A.Sovik@nasa.gov
NASA Space Grant Program Office Contacts
Lenell Allen, Ph.D. LaTeicia Durham

ARCD Program Manager Program Analyst & Grant Specialist
Phone: (202) 358-1762 Valador, Inc.
Lenell.allen@nasa.gov (202) 358-2490
lateicia.durham@nasa.gov
M. Warfield Teague, Ph.D. Aleksandra (Sasha) Korobov
Senior Program Associate Program Specialist
Valador, Inc. Valador, Inc.
(202) 358-3775 (202) 358-5217
warfield.teague-1@nasa.gov aleksandra.korobov@nasa.gov
Sonya L. Greene, Ph.D. Michael Cherry
Senior Program Analyst Program Analyst
Valador, Inc. Valador, Inc.
(202) 358-0602 (202) 358-0347
sonya.l.greene@nasa.gov michael.r.cherry@nasa.gov
Reference Web Sites
NASA
http://www.nasa.gov
NASA Office of Education

http://education.nasa.gov
NASA Space Grant Program Office

http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/spacegrant/home/index.html
33
NASA 2014 Strategic Plan
http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/FY2014_NASA_SP_508c.pdf
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) enrollment for your state:
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d12/tables/dt12_265.asp.
Office of Education Performance Measurement System (OEPM)

https://oedc.nasa.gov/dc/index.htm
NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) and Recruiting for NASA Internships, Fellowships and
Scholarships (NIFS)
https://intern.nasa.gov/ossi/web/public/main/
Vision for Space Exploration

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/explore_main.html
14 CFR Part 1260, NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook

http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/grcover.htm
NASA Centers & Facilities:

http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/index.html
Guidebook for Proposers Responding to a NASA Research Announcement

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/nraguidebook
NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES)
http://nspires.nasaprs.com
34
APPENDIX E Glossary of Terms
Affiliates: Affiliates are the academic, industrial, governmental, non-for-profit organizations,
and other collaborative or member organizations that contribute to the achievement of the
consortium objectives and participate in the consortium programs and projects. Affiliation with
Space Grant must be a positive attribute for both parties at a minimum, academic affiliates gain
access to Space Grant scholarships and fellowships; in return, affiliates may be asked to assist
with matching requirements and to take a meaningful role in consortium activities. Consortia
should strive to include, as affiliates, the optimum number and mix, for consortium effectiveness
and growth. Consortia should determine affiliate numbers and characteristics, in keeping with
national and state program goals. The characteristics of affiliate members should be chosen for
optimum consortium fairness and effectiveness. Affiliates may contribute or participate at
different levels based on their characteristics and degree of participation in consortium activities.
Grant Types
Designated Consortia There is a required amount of funds that must be spent on graduate
fellowships and undergraduate scholarships. This amount does not require matching funds; the
balance of funds requires an equal non-federal match. The balance of the program funds should
be used to conduct education, research, and informal education activities in support of NASA
priorities and the national Space Grant program goal and objectives within the context of the
states priorities. The focus of expenditures and effort varies according to the resources and
needs identified in the state.
Program Grant Consortia There is a required amount of funds that must be spent on graduate
fellowships and undergraduate scholarships. This amount does not require matching funds; the
balance of funds requires an equal non-federal match. The balance of the program funds should
be used to conduct education, research, and informal education activities in support of NASA
priorities and the national Space Grant program goal and objectives within the context of the
states priorities. The focus of expenditures and effort varies according to the resources and
needs identified in the state.
Capability Enhancement Consortia There is a required amount of funds that must be spent
on graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships. Capability enhancement consortia
should focus on the development of space-related research infrastructure in the state and provide
funds for improvements in the quality of aerospace research and education. These consortia
should minimize precollege and informal education investments in order to concentrate resources
on building research infrastructure and improving the states aerospace education base. The
focus of expenditures and effort varies according to the resources and needs identified in the
state.
Informal Education NASA Guidance

The intent of Informal Education is to increase learning, to educate students, educators and the
general public on specific STEM content areas, and to expand the nations future STEM
workforce. In addition to intent, the informal education projects must also include at least two of
the following components:
35
Supplemental Materials/Handouts: Standards-based education materials are used to
supplement and enrich the experience, visual, or activity.
Staffing: Staff/facilitators, trained or qualified in STEM/education fields, actively work
with participants to further enhance their understanding and increase the educational
value of the experience, visual, or activity.
Content: Educational standards and/or learning objectives play a key role in developing
content and/or design and explore topics in-depth.
Partnership -- A reciprocal and voluntary relationship between organizations and the
consortium to cooperatively achieve the goals and objectives of the consortium.
Significant Support for Longitudinal Student Tracking: A significant award is a monetary
award, internship, or experience which includes one or more (or a combination) of the
following characteristics:
Has a value of $5,000
Participation of 160 hours
Has a significant impact on the students academic achievement and/or employment as
demonstrated by a cost-benefit analysis.
NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS)

NASA Center Internships are competitive awards to support educational work opportunities
that provide unique NASA-related experiences for educators and high school, undergraduate,
and graduate students. These opportunities engage students and/or faculty with real-world
experiences while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of
NASAs missions within the STEM industry. Space Grant Funded NASA internships must not
be classified as a scholarship.
In determining whether an experiential educational activity can be called a NASA

Internship, several criteria must be met:
4. The number of contact hours (time spent on task completion under mentors
direction) must meet a minimum threshold of 400 contact hours per internship for
college students. (Exception: Follow-on experiences where mentor & intern have
worked together previously. In these cases, the minimum hours are considered to
have been met in the initial internship.)
5. The experience must be mentor-centric. Assignments and task-deliverables
must be defined/approved by the mentor. In other words, the professional activities
are ultimately mentor-defined, not intern-defined. (This is the primary distinction
between fellowship activities and internship activities.)
6. The experience must be task-centric. These assignments and task-deliverables must

be degree-relevant and beneficial to the mentor in furthering NASAs ongoing
technical missions. These tasks serve to integrate the intern into a team or group of
career professionals. (This is the primary distinction between internships and other
experiential STEM Engagement activities.)
36
Funding levels for internships within NASAs Office of Education have been standardized as
follows:
Classification Summer 10 Fall/Spring 16

weeks weeks
Undergraduate $6,000 $9,600
($600/week) ($600/week)
Graduate $7,500 $12,000
($750/week) ($750/week)
It is recommended that stipends for students performing internships at NASA Centers and
facilities adhere to the standard internship funding levels listed above. Funding levels may vary
for internship opportunities conducted outside of NASA Centers or facilities.
NASA Fellowships are designed to support independently conceived or designed research, or

senior design projects by highly qualified faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students, in
disciplines needed to help advance NASAs missions, thus affording them the opportunity to
directly contribute to advancements in STEM-related areas of study. NASA fellowship
opportunities are focused on innovation and generate measurable research results which
contribute to NASAs current and future science and technology goals.
NASA Scholarships provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and provide the opportunity
for students to deepen their inquiry within STEM through a myriad of channels including
research experience, technical collaborations and professional development. Space Grant
Funded NASA Scholarships should not be provided for those opportunities that fit
aforementioned internship criteria.
SMART Objectives
Specific Provide enough detail about the program to communicate exactly what will be done.
Measurable Quantify the objective. Provides tangible evidence of completion (metrics) to
indicate success in the area.
Appropriate Aligned with the NASA guiding documents and target audience
Realistic Set appropriate targets based on the budget investment.
Time Frame State when the objective will be achieved; provide timeframe indicating when
objective will be met.
37
APPENDIX F SAMPLE REPORTING TEMPLATES
Student Profile Form
38
Student Award Form
39

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OMB Approval Number 2700-0085

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

NATIONAL SPACE GRANT COLLEGE

Space Grant Opportunities in NASA STEM

Announcement Number: NNH15ZHA003N

Release Date: 25 November 2014

1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ....................................................................1

1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 Summary Information

Designated Grant Consortia

FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017

Program Grant and Capability Enhancement Consortia

FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017

The Governments obligation to make an award is contingent upon the availability of

1.4 NASA Safety Policy

1.5 National, Congressional, and Agency Focus on Education

1.5.1 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act

Improve STEM Instruction

1.5.2 NASA Strategic Plan and Relevance to Education

1.5.3 NASA Office of Education Lines of Business (LOB)

Institutional Engagement LOB

i. Enhance their competitiveness to perform STEM research and development,

Goal 3Diversity: Promote diversity representation of institutions and organizations affiliated

Goal 4Sustainability: Improve the ability of NASA-supported institutions and organizations to

Goal 5Network/Community: Facilitate a process where like-minded educational institutions

NASA Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS) LOB

In determining whether an experiential educational activity can be called a NASA

2. The experience must be mentor-centric. Assignments and task-deliverables

3. The experience must be task-centric. These assignments and task-deliverables must

Classification Summer 10 Fall/Spring 16

NASA Fellowships are designed to support independently conceived or designed research, or

STEM Experiential Learning Opportunities enable learners to acquire knowledge, understand

STEM Challenges are creative applications of NASA-related science, technology, engineering,

Educator Professional Development LOB

1.5.4 NASA Education Priorities

Current Areas of Emphasis

NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships (NIFS)

1.5.5 NASA Research and Technology Development Priorities

2.0 SPACE GRANT BACKGROUND

2.1 Program Overview and Guidelines

National Space Grant Program Goal and Objectives

The objectives of the Space Grant Program are to:

Promote a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education base

3.0 AWARD INFORMATION

3.1 Award Type and Availability of Funds for Awards

3.2 Award Period of Performance

3.3 Cancellation of Awards

3.4 Funding and Cost-Sharing

3.5 Schedule of Awards

3.6 Proposal Format Guidance

Cover Pages (Page Limit: As needed)

3.7 Proposal Content (required information)

3.7.1 Cover Pages (Page limit: as needed)

3.7.2 Consortium Abstract (Page limit: 1)

Introductory information about the consortium including mission statement, major

Describe the environment of the consortium, including state demographics, unique

3.7.4 Programmatic Elements (Page limit: 10)

Diversity, and the emphasis on diversity initiatives, is an important component of

Primary Space Grant Programmatic Elements- These projects and activities

B. Higher Education: Describe the Higher Education program including SMART

C. Research Infrastructure: The proposal must demonstrate how the Research

Describe the Research Infrastructure program including SMART objectives, targets,

A. Precollege: Describe precollege activities including SMART objectives, targets,

City: _________________ State:_ Zip: Country: ___

Phone: Fax: _

Printed Name: ___ Signature:

Phone: ___ Fax: _