SAM #NSF-OTASO-FY26-XLabsInitative

NSF X-Labs Initiative: Solicitation for Interdisciplinary R&D Teams to Develop Transformative Platform Technologies

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) is soliciting proposals for the NSF X-Labs Initiative under an Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO): - Government Buyer: - U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) - Scope of Solicitation: - Seeks domestic entities to establish and operate full-time, interdisciplinary R&D teams - Teams must have operational autonomy, technical expertise, and organizational flexibility - Focus on developing novel, transformative platform technologies with potential to reshape scientific fields or technology sectors - Teams must align with NSF X-Labs Topic Announcements and demonstrate research security compliance - Award Structure and Funding: - Phase 0: 9-12 months, up to $1.5M for concept development and milestone planning - Phase 1: 24-36 months, up to $50M/year for ambitious R&D execution, with potential for Phase 2 renewal based on performance - Milestone-based funding with Go/No Go decisions between phases - Unique Requirements: - No specific OEMs, vendors, products, or part numbers specified - Emphasis on operational independence, research security, and outcome-driven technology development - Place of Performance: - Work to be performed within the United States - NSF TIP office located at 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA

Description

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), announces the NSF X-Labs Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO). 

The NSF X-Labs initiative is a flexible, outcomes-driven effort to build and accelerate novel platform technologies capable of unlocking new sectors, advancing use-inspired scientific breakthroughs, and supporting U.S. leadership in science and technology. Through this OTASO, NSF is soliciting proposals from domestic responsible entities capable of establishing full-time, interdisciplinary R&D teams with the operational autonomy, technical expertise, and organizational flexibility necessary to pursue ambitious missions aligned with NSF X-Labs Topic Announcements.   

NSF anticipates making one or more Other Transaction (OT) contract awards. 

This OTASO is not a FAR-based procurement contract solicitation and is not a financial assistance opportunity. NSF will evaluate submissions in accordance with the procedures and criteria set forth in the OTASO and any applicable Topic Announcement. 

This posting shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government is not obligated to make any award as a result of this notice. The Government will not pay for any information submitted or for any costs incurred in responding to this notice. 

Any information received becomes the property of the Government and will not be returned to the submitter. Responses may also be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or as otherwise required by law. 

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