NASA launches $2M space technology innovation contract

NASA is developing a new research vehicle with the goal of releasing a solicitation on June 3.

The multiple-award contract will be called Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2025.

SpaceTech REDDI 2025 is part of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program that uses a multiple phase approach to awarding research projects, according to a Sam.gov posting.

NASA plans to hold an industry day on June 11. Information on the event will be posted ahead of time to the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System, known as NSPIRES.

The agency is planning up to 300 awards, which will range in value from $84,000 to $2 million. Some of the award types include grants, cooperative agreements and contracts.

Phase one awards are typically for nine months to evaluate the overall feasibility of an idea.

NASA wants to promote innovative space technologies and drive commercial economic development. Improving U.S. global competitiveness is another goal for NASA.

The agency released a list of 187 technology areas that it wants further development of. They fall into 20 categories such as sensors and instruments, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, and advanced habitation systems.

Phase one of the competition will be in two steps. Anyone is eligible to submit a proposal as part of Step A, but Step B is by invitation only after NASA reviews the Step A proposal.