Community Announcement: 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer Announcement of Opportunity
ID: NNH24ZDA008LType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA HEADQUARTERSWASHINGTON, DC, 20546, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life SciencesT (54171)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH (AR11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/367883b6fff74a5ebc2c7a4c151358df/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced a Community Announcement for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Program, inviting proposals for approximately two to three investigations. Each selected investigation will receive funding of up to $3 million for Phase A concept studies, with a total mission cost cap of $170 million, excluding launch services, which must be provided by the Principal Investigator. This initiative aims to foster innovative astrophysics research and encourages participation from foreign partners, while requiring an Inclusion Plan to enhance diversity within project teams. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Doris Daou or E. Lucien Cox via email, and note that a draft Announcement of Opportunity will be released in December 2024, with final proposals due 90 days thereafter.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Doris Daou -- Astrophysics Small Explorers Program Lead Scientist - Science Mission Directorate
    Doris.Daou@nasa.gov
    E. Lucien Cox – Astrophysics Small Explorers Program Executive - Science Mission Directorate
    elbert.l.cox@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Aug16Email.pdf
    NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has announced plans to solicit proposals for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Program. This process involves a two-step selection for approximately two to three investigations, each funding up to $3 million for Phase A concept studies over nine months. Eventually, one investigation may advance to the next phases. The cost cap for the overall mission is set at $170 million, excluding launch services, which must be covered by the Principal Investigator (PI). The NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System will not be available, and proposers may use alternative communication services at their expense. The announcement encourages contributions from foreign partners, which will not count against the cost cap, though they are limited in value. An Inclusion Plan is required to promote diversity and equity within project teams. The solicitation timeline indicates the release of a draft Announcement of Opportunity in December 2024, with final proposals due 90 days later. NASA clarifies that this announcement does not guarantee solicitation of proposals and advises potential applicants to prepare at their own risk. For further details and updates, interested parties are directed to NASA's related online resources and designated contacts.
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