U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) X-Labs Initiative

Background
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), is launching the NSF X-Labs Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO). This initiative aims to build and accelerate novel platform technologies that can unlock new sectors and advance scientific breakthroughs, thereby supporting U.S. leadership in science and technology.

The NSF X-Labs initiative seeks proposals from domestic entities capable of forming full-time, interdisciplinary R&D teams with the necessary operational autonomy and technical expertise to pursue ambitious missions aligned with NSF X-Labs Topic Announcements.

Work Details
The NSF X-Labs initiative has several strategic objectives:

1) Build Sector-Defining Platforms - Develop novel platform technologies that serve as foundations for future innovations and scientific breakthroughs.

2) Develop New Organizational Research Structures - Create organizations with the flexibility to tackle large-scale scientific advancements through partnerships across industry, philanthropy, and academia.

Proposals must specify a Mission that aligns with current Topics released by NSF, detailing how their work will reshape entire fields of research or technology sectors. Teams are expected to achieve significant R&D outcomes beyond traditional outputs like publications, including foundational technologies enabling downstream breakthroughs, solving technological challenges, and developing early-stage prototypes not funded by industry.

Period of Performance
The anticipated contract includes a Phase 0 lasting approximately 9 to 12 months, followed by a Phase 1 lasting approximately 24 to 36 months after a Go/No Go selection. There may be potential renewals for Phase 2 based on performance.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the United States.