§ 1260.17 - Evaluation and selection of unsolicited proposals.

(a) Unsolicited proposals are for new and innovative ideas. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 48 CFR Subpart 15.6 and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) 48 CFR Subpart 1815.6 set out NASA's procedures for their submission and evaluation. Consult “Guidance for the Preparation and Submission of Unsolicited Proposals” (see http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/library/unSol-Prop.html) for additional information. NASA recommends contact with NASA technical personnel before submission of an unsolicited proposal to determine if preparation is warranted. These discussions should be limited to understanding NASA's need for research and do not jeopardize the unsolicited status of any subsequently submitted proposal.

(b) NASA will evaluate unsolicited proposals the same whether awarded as grants or contracts. However, the requirement to synopsize set out in FAR Part 5 does not apply to grants.

(c) All unsolicited proposals recommended for acceptance as grants shall be supported by a Justification for Acceptance of an Unsolicited Proposal (JAUP) prepared by the cognizant technical office. The JAUP shall be submitted for the approval of the grant officer after review and concurrence at a level above the technical officer. However, review and concurrence are not required for technical officers at a division chief or higher level. The grant officer's signature awarding the grant constitutes approval of the JAUP.

(d) If an unsolicited proposal will not be funded, NASA will notify in writing the organization or person that submitted it.The method of notification is at the discretion of the grant officer. Proposals will be returned only when requested.

(e) Because unsolicited proposals are awarded without competition, written justifications for equipment and travel shall be submitted by the technical office to the grant officer when more than half of the proposed budget is for equipment, travel, and their associated indirect costs. The grant officer's signature awarding the grant constitutes approval of the justification.