The United States Space Force (USSF) is establishing Space Strategic Technology Institutes (SSTIs) to address space science and technology (S&T) challenges through a network of partnered universities.[1] The USSF goal is for the SSTIs to facilitate joint applied research and focus it on transformational space domain technology breakthroughs and developments that lead to the advancement of capabilities that can be transitioned and integrated into current and future USSF and U.S. Government space capabilities. It is highly desired for the research to lead to testbeds, high fidelity modeling and simulations, demonstrations, and prototypes. The research is expected to transition technology to higher technology readiness levels throughout the period of performance and out years will be awarded based on an evaluation of this ability.

The Advanced Space Power and Propulsion (ASPP) SSTI will comprise a team of at least three universities (including the lead university). The team of universities in the ASPP SSTI are encouraged to collaborate with other institutions of higher education, for-profit entities (within the NAICS 541715), non-profit entities, state, local, and tribal government, and small business enterprise to address space research, development, and demonstration needs.

USSF plans to make the full award to the lead university submitting the proposal. This research institution will manage the research of any ASPP subtopics, such as those described in section C. The lead institution is responsible for distributing funds to team member institutions via subawards. At least 50% of SSTI awarded funds are required to go to the supporting institutions. It is also permissible for team member institutions to issue further subawards.

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