Request for Information for U.S. National Science Foundation to establish NSF Tech Accelerators
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to establish NSF Tech Accelerators. This initiative aims to enhance the transformation of basic research into scalable, market-ready deep technologies, strengthening the U.S. economy and national security. Organizations interested in becoming an NSF Tech Accelerator must respond to this RFI to be eligible for future competitive Other Transaction (OT) contract opportunities. Responses are due by July 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
Purpose & Initiative
The NSF Tech Accelerators initiative seeks to create new or leverage existing organizations that invest in teams to advance deep-tech ideas from the lab to the market. The focus is on deep-tech areas currently under-invested at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with a goal to "crowd in" investment from venture and other funders. Successful Accelerators will require significant cost-sharing in later stages. NSF envisions partnerships with strong technical domain expertise, understanding of the investment landscape, and operational agility.
RFI Scope & Key Inquiries
This RFI specifically seeks input on:
- The NSF Tech Accelerator program model, addressing unmet needs in the deep-tech lab-to-market ecosystem.
- Optimal organizational structures and necessary stakeholders for effective engagement.
- Suitable deep-tech areas where NSF investment can be uniquely catalytic. Initial topics identified include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Materials Technology (MaterialsTech), Ocean Technology (OceanTech), and Scientific Instrumentation (SciTech).
Program Model & Contract Details
The proposed program model includes three stages: Design (up to 12 months, $500k), Build (up to 24 months, $5M), and Scale (up to 36 months, $10M, requiring significant non-federal cost-sharing). NSF contemplates a competitive, multi-step Other Transaction (OT) contract formation process, intending to select four organizations, one for each initial deep-tech topic.
Submission & Eligibility
This is an RFI for market research and planning purposes; it is not a request for proposals. Organizations interested in becoming an NSF Tech Accelerator must submit a response to this RFI to be considered for future proposal invitations. Responses must be submitted via the Other Transaction submission system. A prospective NSF Tech Accelerator must be a domestic entity and can respond to only one of the initial topics. Individuals and organizations providing general feedback should respond to specific sections of the RFI form.
Key Dates & Contact
- Response Due Date: July 14, 2026, 4 p.m. ET
- Informational Webinar: June 5, 2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m. ET (Registration link provided in the RFI description)
- Contact: Tech-Accelerators (tech-accelerators@nsf.gov)