NASA‘s solicitation for aerospace research and technology under phase two of its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs will move forward to contract negotiations.
The agency said Wednesday the 149 proposals have total estimated value of $118.1 million and involve 117 U.S. small businesses and research institutions from 26 states.
“These selected proposals demonstrate the creativity of American entrepreneurs and, along with our other technology investments, will contribute to ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in technology development and space exploration, ” said Steve Jurczyk, associate administrator of NASA’s space technology mission directorate.
According to NASA, the proposals cover power systems for robotic and manned spacecraft, in-space propulsion, telescope and robotic technologies, space traffic flow management and next-generation sensors.
Of the 149 proposals, 128 are under SBIR and the other 21 are under STTR.
These proposals are up for potential two-year, $750, 000 contract awards under phase two, after which the resulting aerospace-related innovation will undergo commercialization under phase three, NASA said.
NASA added the awards are based on the proposals’ technical merit and feasibility and the institutions’ facilities, experience and qualifications, as well as work plan’s effectiveness and the technology’s commercial potential.
