Other opportunities in the aerospace industry

NASA seeks proposals to enhance the scientific return from NASA - and other - missions to Mars. These include, but are not limited to, the following missions: Mars Pathfinder (MPF), Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (MO), Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs), Mars Express (MEX), and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This program broadens scientific participation in the analysis of mission data sets and funds high-priority areas of research that support planning for future Mars missions. This program will support scientific investigations of Mars using publicly available (released) data. Visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=128973/C.12 MDAP.pdf

NASA will be soliciting proposals for support services in the areas of science research, computing, science instrumentation, administration, and calibration and validation. This includes research and support for satellite remote sensing, field and aircraft instruments to measure Earth, oceanic, biospheric and atmospheric processes. The procurement also will support the design, development, testing of remote sensors and sensor systems, mission planning, analyzing scientific data requirement and systems definition, software development, modeling data validation, and education and outreach. One contract award having a five-year ordering period is anticipated. The amount of supplies or services that may be ordered during the effective period of the contract may range from $10 million to $120 million. The award will be a total small business set-aside. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about May 16, 2008. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=125601

The Heliophysics Division of the Science Missions Directorate at NASA is planning a new research announcement to solicit investigations aimed at enhancing scientific output from the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The goal of this solicitation will be to solicit investigations that will build upon this previous research to develop the set of standard techniques, create the appropriate software, and implement this software into the SDO data pipeline. Proposals on two topics will be solicited: (i) the automated recognition and classification of solar features and (ii) the development and comprehensive testing of a "standard" automated technique for local (near surface) helioseismology aimed at the derivation of the physical properties of magnetic fields below the Sun's surface and the early detection of emerging active regions. Visit NASA research opportunity homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select "Solicitations" then "Open Solicitations" then "NNH08ZDA001N" then "Table 3" then "B.9 SDO Science Center").

NASA seeks to evolve advances in computer and information science and technology to enhance science productivity of the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). Applied Information Systems Research, AISR, seeks innovative ideas for applying advanced information and related technologies to increase life cycle effectiveness and efficiency of research endeavors conducted by SMD research programs in Planetary Science, Heliophysics, Astrophysics, and Earth Science. Visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=129026/E.2 AISR.pdf

NASA seeks proposals to integrate NASA Earth science research results into decision support systems serving applications of national priority and to document improvements in the performance of the decision support systems. Visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=128920/A.18 Ver2 Decision Support.pdf

NASA's Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE) is seeking educators to supervise high school students during eight-week summer internships. Positions are available at several locations across the U.S. One counselor will be selected for each of the ten NASA Field Centers. The position requires a professional educator to coordinate NASA INSPIRE activities within the NASA Center region. The INSPIRE Counselor will be the designated point of contact for INSPIRE participants at the assigned NASA Center. Training will be provided prior to the assignment. Visit https://opportunities.nasa.okstate.edu/index.cfm liftoff=applications.PositionDetails&JobPostingID=20 for information.

NASA solicits proposals for the acquisition and analysis of new scientific data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX). The GALEX mission is designed to map the global history and probe the causes of star formation over the redshift range 0<z<2, a time span that traces 80% of the life of the universe, when galaxies have evolved dramatically, and when most stars, elements, and galaxy disks formed. This solicitation is for Cycle 5 of the GALEX Guest Investigator (GI) Program, to be carried out beginning on or around January 1, 2009, and lasting approximately 12 months. GI programs may address any area of astrophysics; they are not restricted to galaxy evolution studies. Visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=129017/D.5 GALEX Cycle 5.pdf

Join NASA and NSTA for a series of free Web seminars focusing on a wide range of topics. All Web seminars will include information and resources for educators available from NASA Web sites. During the live Web seminars, presenters will share their expertise and answer questions live from the participants.

· From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students' Interests in Science Careers -- Join scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science for a free Web seminar focusing on the wide variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers available and the many paths to becoming a scientist. The presenters will share their science expertise, answer participant questions, and provide information regarding Web sites students can use in the classroom. Designed for educators of grades 6-9, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 20, 2008. Visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminar.aspx

· Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers -- Join NASA, NSTA, the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a Web seminar celebrating the International Polar Year. The seminar will focus on global climate change and the research findings from the first year of IPY. Topics will include living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration and weather. Designed for educators of grades 5-8, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2008. Visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminar.aspx

· Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now? -- Join Dr. Steve Ruff of Arizona State University as he presents an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers, including a description of an important new discovery by the Spirit rover in the Gusev crater concerning water and habitability on Mars. Dr. Ruff will also talk about initial results from the proposed May 25th landing of the Phoenix mission and describe future Mars exploration plans. Designed for educators of grades 5-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2008. Visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx

NASA is seeking outside organizations interested in a unique outreach opportunity using main landing gear tires from space shuttle missions. The long-term loan of these tires may be used to educate, inspire or inform the public about NASA's scientific and technological achievements through art, sculpture, furniture, building structures, exhibits or other innovative uses of the artifacts. These items may not be used for the promotion of any organization or entity, or for commercial purposes. All inquiries regarding this proposal, and proposal submissions, should be directed to Tony Springer, NASA Headquarters, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Office 6C37, 300 E Street SW, Washington D.C., 20546, fax 202-358-3750, phone 202-358-0848 or email tony.springer@nasa.gov.

The Navy is soliciting proposals to develop a demonstration program that uses emerging technologies to support K-12 educational initiatives for professional development curriculum to prepare teachers to lead their students in inquiry-based learning and the use of advanced technology. The program should develop student curricula using project-based learning and advanced technology that supports requirements for science and technology education developed by the Department of Education. Two cooperative agreement awards of up to $250,000 for a one-year project period are anticipated. All for-profit, nonprofit and academic organizations are eligible to submit proposals, which are due June 13, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=7771afc11066e4974b5d4837cf98f43f&tab=core&_cview=0

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is requesting information regarding systems that can secure, organize, characterize, search and distribute digital information, in its many encapsulations, across a unified framework. White papers are sought from all those engaged in related research activities. No awards will be made for responses, which are due May 23, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=395878a3c5f0af22ef01ae877081f52a&tab=core&_cview=0

DARPA is soliciting proposals for its Urban Leader Tactical Response, Awareness and Visualization program. This program aims to build a soldier worn system that provides non-line-of-sight command and control in distributed urban operations for dismounted warfighters. Multiple awards are anticipated; eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due June 27, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=99c289a07511148d3420a840ea6bcf0f&tab=core&_cview=1

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency will be soliciting proposals for its FY 2008-2010 Basic Research for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Broad Agency Announcement. The presolicitation highlights 13 topic areas of interest that are aligned with five major functional counter WMD research thrusts: (1) science of WMD sensing and recognition, (2) cognitive and information science, (3) science for protection, (4) science to defeat WMD and (5) science to secure WMD. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about June 1, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=cb8803fc0dd1815c43dc0af13f62bc63&tab=core&_cview=0

The Department of the Air Force continues to solicit white papers for innovative technologies to support command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence applications. The most recent topic added to the solicitation seeks to improve intelligence functions by applying advanced algorithms and software tools for automated aggregation of multiple foundational INTEL sources and data fusion of INTEL data for the space domain. Approximately $49.9 million over fiscal years 2006-10 was expected to be available for awards when this solicitation was released in 2005. Awards ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per year for a project period of up to two years may be made. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers for the topic described above are due May 30, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=a4c2e461cddfb44355be0ff7915f1854&tab=core&_cview=1

The Air Force is soliciting proposals for the Air Vehicle Integration and Technology Research Program. The goal of this program is to develop, demonstrate, integrate and transition new air vehicle technologies and prototypes that will provide affordable, revolutionary capabilities to the warfighter. These technology developments will provide for cost-effective, survivable air vehicle platforms capable of accurate delivery of weapons and cargo worldwide. Approximately $139.3 million over fiscal years 2008-14 is expected to be available for 3-5 awards under the basic program, which will have a five-year ordering period and allow an additional 12 months to complete orders. In addition, approximately $120 million is expected to be available to support one award under an optional ordering period that may extend the initial ordering period for another five years. Eligibility is unrestricted. Letters of intent are due June 2, 2008; proposals are due June 16, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=1f3eca8f22cc025631a5409f76e4349c&tab=core&_cview=0

The Air Force is soliciting white papers for the Defense Manufacturing Science and Technology Program. This program seeks to identify potential manufacturing improvement programs that offer a significant and positive impact on cost, schedule or the availability of major DoD weapon systems. Individual calls for proposals focusing on their own topic areas will be released over the program's anticipated two-year duration. Approximately $22.7 million over fiscal years 2008-09 is expected to be available for awards having a project period of 1-2 years. Awards of up to $1.5 million may be made under the first four calls for proposals that were recently released. White papers for these calls for proposals are due June 3, 2008. Eligibility is unrestricted. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=02333a816f6f757781b61b73029aa636&tab=core&_cview=1

The Department of the Army is soliciting proposals to investigate and demonstrate near-term examples of alternative energy systems and energy-saving technologies applicable to mobile tactical electrical power systems. The objective of this effort is to support current forces, the HI-POWER program, and intelligent tactical grids; it is focused on mobile power sources and distribution systems in the 2-200kW range. HI-POWER is envisioned as a true grid system that allows multiple-paralleling of power sources, plug-and-play connection of sources and loads, and seamless integration of AC and DC systems, to include alternative energy systems. Awards of up to $2 million for a project period of 12-18 months are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due June 9, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=89abb35b705e261a916b3a344a284c81&tab=core&_cview=1

The Army is soliciting proposals for the Autism Research Program. This program promotes research that will improve clinical outcomes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); lead to better understanding of ASD across the lifespan, including adulthood, of an affected individual; and integrate basic science and clinical observations. Proposals that address the needs of minority, low-income, rural and other underrepresented and/or medically underserved populations are strongly encouraged and may be submitted from any eligible institution. Approximately $6.4 million is available for awards in the categories described below. Eligible institutions include for-profit or nonprofit, public or private organizations, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories and companies. For more information, visit http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/arp.htm.

Concept Award. This award supports the exploration of an initial idea or novel observation that could give rise to a testable hypothesis. Proposals must describe how the new idea will enhance existing knowledge of ASD or create an entirely new avenue for investigation. Approximately $420,000 of the $6.4 million FY 2008 appropriation is expected to be available for four awards having a one-year project period. Applicants may request up to $75,000 for direct costs, plus indirect costs as appropriate. Principal investigators at all levels are eligible to submit proposals. Preapplications are due June 10, 2008; full proposals are due July 30, 2008.
Synergistic Idea Award. This award supports innovative research that advances the understanding of ASD and leads to improved treatment outcomes. The award requires collaboration between at least two independent investigators who address an innovative ASD research question from synergistic and complementary perspectives. Approximately $2.3 million is expected to be available for two awards having a project period of up to three years. The combined total funding for all awards can be requested for up to $250,000 per year for direct costs, plus indirect costs as appropriate. Independent, faculty-level investigators are eligible to submit proposals. Preapplications are due June 11, 2008; invited full proposals will be due Sept. 3, 2008.

The Army is soliciting proposals for the Instrumentation Program for Tribal Colleges and Universities. This program aims to enhance science, mathematics or engineering education programs and research capabilities through the acquisition of equipment or instrumentation that will augment existing facilities, enhance curricula, or develop new laboratories, programs and capabilities. Approximately $2.4 million is expected to be available for new awards. Instrumentation grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000 for a 12-month period. Only those institutions identified in the U.S. Department of Education Postsecondary list for Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities are eligible to submit proposals, which will be due June 26, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=75a60de54ba33bf063b776eea13d2444&tab=core&_cview=0

The Army will be soliciting proposals to develop prophylactic and therapeutic drugs for use by its members on modern battlefields. This funding opportunity is intended to provide a capability for the complete analysis and characterization of candidate drugs and drug formulations and standby capability for drug formulation and research and cGMP pilot lot manufacture. Any resulting contract will be issued as a cost-plus-fixed-fee award for a period of five years. Eligibility is unrestricted. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about May 14, 2008, with proposals due June 13, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=eba84ef477f23bf2f13f996e27ce1e72&tab=core&_cview=0

The Army will be soliciting proposals for a contract award to support research, development, testing and evaluation for the Engineer Research and Development Center. The contractor will assist in directing the overall research, full-scale engineering development, technology transition/transfer/exploitation, and systems acquisition efforts to support the worldwide Army Civil Engineering mission. The contract award will have a project period of up to five years. This is a 100 percent service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about May 19, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5f0daf1e979cfae846c4d39fd79d9dfb&tab=core&_cview=0

The Department of the Navy is seeking sources capable of providing packaging solutions or propulsion technology that complies with or significantly improves insensitive munitions reaction of the Light Anti-Armor Weapon while maintaining the system performance. Propulsion system designs should maintain current interfaces to the war-head, launch container, stabilizer fins, and initiator. Packaging systems design should provide a stowage system that secures the M72A7 to withstand IM stimuli, rigid transportation handling, and various storage environments. Responses are due May 26, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=35e03b60b9d51db72cb2200557a78827&tab=core&_cview=1

The Navy is seeking sources capable of demonstrating an off-board sensing reconnaissance role using a lightweight sensor on a small air-launched Unmanned Aerial System. This vehicle will be used for low-level tactical target finding and tracking during nighttime operations. No awards will be made for responses, which are due May 30, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c514c3435c9461c3ba4daa56ecdb3f09&tab=core&_cview=1

The Navy is requesting information regarding current technologies, equipment and R&D efforts having application to shipboard electric actuator requirements. This undertaking is expected to serve as part of the foundation for developing a roadmap for U.S. Navy electric actuator science and technology and R&D. The goal is to replace today's legacy control actuation systems with affordable, power-dense technology insertions. No awards will be made for responses, which are due May 30, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=1b7ab142f9fa7645d7f64c7664f84c63&tab=core&_cview=0

The Navy is seeking sources capable of providing an airborne systems training and research support aircraft that will replace the P3 at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Replacement assets are sought to conduct a ground and flight training syllabus to test and evaluate multiple sensor, integrated systems. The estimated cost is $10 million for a period of five years. No awards will be made for responses, which are due June 2, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=c6be37d1e1e064bba8c7438e636ef724&_cview=0

The Navy is soliciting proposals to develop a variable-load and ride-height suspension system for the U.S. Marine Corps family of light armored vehicles (LAV). This suspension system will provide improved ride quality, load carrying capacity, improved vehicle system durability, reliability and stability over the current LAV suspension while balancing mobility requirements with total ownership costs. Approximately $4.4 million is expected to be available over three years to support up to three Phase I contract awards. Two of the three initial awards may be funded for additional phases. All responsible sources from academia and industry may submit proposals, which are due June 13, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9cc3e0d361ee5128fd8d0d3bd7850a0a&tab=core&_cview=0

The Navy is seeking innovative solutions for enhanced capabilities for tactical-level command and control. Proposed solutions should address at least one of three broad thrust areas: (1) increased access and shared awareness of relevant data, activities and enterprise status among tactical forces and the Maritime Operations Center, (2) automated support for synchronized planning, coordination and execution of network enterprise resources to meet evolving mission demands, and (3) visualization of critical performance indicators of force capabilities needed to manage complex problem spaces. Contract awards having a project period of 1-3 years are anticipated. The average award will typically range from $600,000 to $1 million per year; however, lower- and higher-cost proposals will be considered. All responsible sources from academia and industry may submit white papers, which are due June 16, 2008. Invited full proposals will be due Aug. 7, 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=733973f2c376396337dd5ff5d980d4b5&tab=core&_cview=0

The Navy will be soliciting proposals for the Integrated Vehicle Energy Technology (INVENT) Demonstration program. This program seeks to design, develop and ground test an integrated suite of energy, power and thermal advanced technologies based on the INVENT consensus architecture. The program will be performed by two platform teams working in competition in Phase I. Each team would be led by an airframer and supported by multiple utility subsystem, vehicle system and engine suppliers together in an integrated product and process development setting. Two Phase I awards of $4.7 million are anticipated. The awards would have a project period of 18 months. Eligibility is unrestricted. Comments to the draft solicitation are due May 7, 2008. A full solicitation is expected to be released in June 2008. For more information, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e1eab9c83e88df6e60e35895f7847402&tab=core&_cview=0