Cooperative Agreement Notice for Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II)

The Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) cooperative agreement aims to support research programs in the Sciences and Exploration Directorate (SED) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The agreement will focus on scientific research, strengthening the cooperative relationship between the recipient and Government scientists in the SED, and increasing the involvement of the external science community in the pursuit of NASA goals. The research areas include Earth system characterization, informational and computational sciences, technology development, and encouraging maturation of products and methodologies that can benefit society. The agreement will allow for substantial programmatic involvement in the form of collaboration between GSFC and the proposer, as well as joint development of research objectives. • The GESTAR II recipient will conduct research collaboratively with organizational elements within the Goddard SED (Code 600). • The research may involve analysis of data from operating and past missions, and modeling and design of missions planned or under development. • The GESTAR II recipient will maintain a free scientific research environment where challenging scientific results consistent with program goals, based on measured data and proper scientific methods are allowed, respected, and not subject to censorship. • The recipient will provide organization and staffing flexibility to adapt to evolving research program needs. • The recipient will increase the involvement of minority and women scientists in Earth Science research. • The recipient will establish an environment for open and impactful scientific research, and free professional advancement of participating GESTAR II scientists, especially for scientists with less than 10 years of experience past obtaining their Ph.D. degree. • The recipient will facilitate access to collaborative visitors and to student talent and provide opportunities for their participation in NASA programs. • The recipient will make the maximum use of available facilities and high-end computing capabilities.