Topical Workshops, Symposiums, and Conferences (TWSC-24) in Space and Earth Sciences and Technology

The goal of the Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entitled, “Topical Workshops, Symposiums, and Conferences (TWSC-24) in Space and Earth Sciences and Technology”, is to contribute to SMD's science, technology, and exploration research goals, such as those described by the NASA 2022 Strategic Plan. TWSC aligns to the 2022 Plan’s Goal Statement: “NASA’s enduring purpose is scientific discovery and exploration for the benefit of the United States and all of humanity. NASA seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space. Finding answers to these profound science questions requires support for national priorities in science and exploration, enhancing new opportunities for cross-disciplinary science, and expanding the societal benefits of our science programs.” TWSC award sizes will vary from amounts in the low thousands of dollars—for example to cover travel and registration to a third-party’s event — to $750,000 or more for a large event.

TWSC welcomes proposals for large and small meetings, retreats, seminars, symposiums, workshops, or other events, including asynchronous and virtual workshops, etc. The purpose of TWSC events may be 1) to disseminate technical information beyond NASA and SMD; or 2) to facilitate research networks and/or research administration capabilities at entities not previously funded by NASA. Participation is open to U.S. organizations or institutions, including minority serving educational and not-for-profit institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), NASA Centers, and other Government agencies. See the NOFO’s Section 3, for detailed eligibility information.

TWSC has no dedicated funding, so proposers are directed to first contact a NASA division, office, or program that may have funding before preparing a proposal. For more details about how to identify and contact possible funders in SMD see Section 7.1. TWSC does not accept Notices of Intent (NOI). Instead, potential proposers must prepare an “Inquiry Email” as described in the NOFO’s Section 4.2.1, and receive an email response from an SMD Program Officer(s), TWSC point of contact, or Division Director prior to submitting a full proposal.

TWSC primarily awards grants made under the authority of 2 CFR 200. When NASA and other federal civil servants or employees of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) propose to TWSC, the event that they proposed may be subject to limitations described in Sections 4.14, "Within NASA, Inter-Agency and NASA-as Primary Sponsor Awards", and 2.6.1, “Non-Assistance Proposals and Awards and Assistance Awards that Propose Work or Activities by NASA or JPL or Other Federal Entities”. TWSC is authorized by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, P.L. 111-314 and National Space Program 42 U.S.C. §§ 2451-2484 (1976) P.L. 85-568.

All interested parties must read the NOFO carefully. All proposals to TWSC must comply with the requirements, constraints, and guidelines contained within the NOFO. Any costs incurred in preparing submissions in response to this email or to the full NOFO are incurred completely at the submitter's own risk. To find TWSC’s full text, visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and select “Solicitations” at the top of the page, and on the next page in the search box, input the number “NNH24ZDA002N” or use the short URL listed above. In the event of any lapse in NASA operations, please visit NSPIRES for further information.

General questions concerning TWSC may be directed via email to the general coordinating point of contact (GPOC) at mary.f.sladek@nasa.gov. The GPOC has no funding and may not authorize the submission of a TWSC proposal. The NOFO lists additional contacts who may assist with questions and referrals in Astrophysics, Biological and Physical Science, Earth Science, Exploration Science Strategy and Integration Office, Heliophysics, Open Science, Planetary Science, and Science Engagement and Partnerships.

*NOTE: Applications to this NOFO are reviewed on a rolling or proposal-by-proposal basis. Period of performance (POP) start dates will vary, but typically POPs start dates should be no earlier than 6 months after the proposal submission date. Submitted proposals with a POP start that is 90 days or fewer following the submission date, may be returned as noncompliant unless authorized prior to submission by the reviewing program(s).