CASIS Issues Solicitation for Proposals Focused on Enabling Technologies Onboard the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) today issued a solicitation for proposals supporting enabling technologies onboard the International Space Station (ISS). CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to solicit flight projects that develop tools and/or techniques that will enable improved and expanded use of the ISS National Lab; increasing return on U.S. investment in the ISS National Lab and enhancing the value of the ISS research platform. Specifically, CASIS is interested in proposals for enabling technologies in one or more of the following areas:

1) Scientific instruments and data collection;

2) Materials, structures, and manufacturing;

3) Operational procedures that advance the capacity of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory as a research and technology development platform to benefit life on Earth.

The CASIS mission for the ISS National Lab is to advance science research and technology development, expand human knowledge, inspire and educate the next generation, foster commercial development within space-based science, and demonstrate the capabilities of this science for Earth benefit. To execute this mission, CASIS seeks technologies, research platforms, and operational concepts that enable new capabilities or improve existing resources on ISS, toward Earth benefits.

"The ISS is perhaps the most unique research and technical platform humans have ever created, and through this RFP we can seek ways to improve how research is conducted in a controlled space-based environment," said CASIS Director of Portfolio Management, Warren Bates. "The continued enhancement of the station will provide additional opportunities to expand the CASIS research portfolio, entice additional users, and ensure that the ISS will continue to be a cutting-edge instrument for innovation."

For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding enabling technologies, CASIS, and the ISS please visit:

http://www.iss-casis.org/Opportunities/Solicitations/RFPEnablingTechnology.aspx

Step-1 Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5pm EDT on April 10, 2014 via the CASIS solicitations website page. In order to submit a final Step-2 Proposal, a Step-1 Proposal must be filed and approved by the CASIS research pathway department. Invited Step-2 Proposals will be due June 27, 2014.

About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

Contact
Patrick O'Neill
(321) 480-1054
[email protected]

SOURCE Center for the Advancement of Science in Space