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NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s (GSFC) Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) is seeking to partner with one organization on a nonreimbursable (no exchange of funds) basis over the next five years to afford opportunities for youth to enhance their interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and related careers. NASA WFF has facilities and STEM opportunities that third parties could utilize to formulate informal education STEM outreach programs and camps for youth. To facilitate an orderly use of these opportunities, NASA is seeking to partner with one organization which will develop, manage and offer these informal education outreach opportunities to the public. Only proposals from U.S. entities will be considered. NASA seeks proposals from organizations with commitment to and experience in high-quality student engagement.

This AFP outlines the process for submitting a proposal to become a partner (“Partner”) with NASA for this coordinated effort and the expected partner responsibilities. NASA is interested in receiving responses from organizations with creative proposals for this opportunity to formulate informal education STEM-related outreach programs and camps at NASA WFF for youth. Those entities that can expand participation among youth STEM program community members with disabilities and/or from underrepresented or historically minoritized groups are encouraged to apply.

This AFP is anticipated to result in the establishment of a nonreimbursable Space Act Agreement for the selected Partner that will define the full roles and responsibilities of NASA and the proposing organization(s) in a form similar to the model agreement shown in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Model Agreement”) (for more information on Space Act Agreements, please see https://www.nasa.gov/partnerships.html).

Background

Over the past two decades, NASA WFF has been involved with supporting youth camp participants showcasing STEM-related careers by providing facility tours of WFF missions areas – Sounding Rockets, Scientific Balloons, Airborne Science, Range Control Center and Wallops Island Launch Pad tours – along with subject matter experts to engage with campers. NASA values this opportunity which advances inspiring the next generation of explorers and innovators, exposure to WFF, and recruitment efforts. NASA has found that partnering with other organizations with similar interests and complementary goals in supporting STEM exposure has been a successful way to respond and adapt to the needs of this diverse and growing community.

Scope

This request will be open for at least 45 days following the date of release of this announcement. All proposals must be received by11:59 pm Eastern time, on January 31, 2023, to be considered. The successful Proposer will agree to coordinate any involvement for outreach (informal education) programs and summer camps with NASA consistent with the resulting Space Act Agreement.

Partner responsibilities include at a minimum:

• Between the first week of June and the last week of August each year during the term of the Agreement, provide weeklong camp sessions primarily intended for students in middle and junior high school (ages 11 to 16 years) allowing for other age groups as program interest diversifies.


• Coordinate all activities on NASA WFF property with the Wallops Office of Communications (the Office of Communications will, in turn, coordinate activities with relevant organizations on Wallops and ensure outreach activities do not impact mission activities).


• Provide scheduling requests 30 days in advance of all WFF tours and lecture sessions, which are subject to approval by the Office of Communications prior to conduct of any activities.


• Meet annually with NASA WFF Office of Communication in advance of scheduling programs. While not anticipated, NASA support may vary depending on the availability of staff to support and scheduled missions, underscoring the need to have a plan for executing outreach programs from time to time with minimal NASA support.


• Provide one adult staff for each 10 youth participants at all times while on GSFC WFF premises.


• Offer technical and scientific expertise in topics such as astronomy, weather, rocketry, robotics, computer, model rocket launches, space mission simulations, robotic activities, problem solving exercises, aircraft tours, and weather balloon launches.


• Transport participants to and from WFF and provide for oversight of participants while at WFF to ensure their health and safety at all times.


• Arrange accommodation for any student that requires special accommodations and notify the GSFC WFF representative sufficiently in advance to enable WFF’s assessment of its ability to assist with such special accommodations.


• Provide adequate staff to support all academy activities with limited support for WFF personnel.


• Ensure that all rules applicable to any person while at WFF and all instructions provided by the WFF representatives, are observed by the participants and staff while at WFF.