Proposals are requested for scientific investigations that would develop and use scientific instrumentation capable of achieving the goals of NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The intent is to select and execute development of one or more new SOFIA science instruments and/or upgrades to existing instruments.

This program element requests a notice of intent by June 1, 2018, but also uses a binding two-Step process in which successful 25-page Step-1 proposals will be funded for a five-month (<$500K) Instrument Concept Study Phase (see Section 6) culminating a Concept Study Phase
reports in 2019 that will serve as Step-2 proposals from which instruments may be selected and funded for development.

Optional NOIs are requested by June 1, 2018, Step-1 proposals are due August 1, 2018 and NASA will communicate directly with those selected regarding the submission concepts study reports as Step-2 proposals March 2019. Three pre-proposal workshops will be held, see Section
12.1 of the program element for more information.

Go to: http://nspires.nasaprs.com

Technical questions concerning this program element may be directed to [email protected].

The NASA point of contact for programmatic information is Kartik Sheth who may be reached at [email protected].