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

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, is soliciting proposals for the NSF X-Labs Other Transaction Agreement Solutions Offering (OTASO). This initiative is an outcomes-driven effort to build and accelerate novel platform technologies designed to unlock new sectors, advance use-inspired scientific breakthroughs, and support U.S. leadership in science and technology. Domestic entities are invited to propose the establishment of full-time, interdisciplinary research and development teams that possess the operational autonomy and technical expertise necessary to pursue missions aligned with specific NSF X-Labs Topic Announcements.

This requirement is identified under NAICS code 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) and PSC AJ12 for GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH. No set-aside (NONE) is designated for this solicitation. This notice, identified by solicitation number NSF-OTASO-FY26-XLabsInitative, is for Other Transaction (OT) contract awards rather than FAR-based procurement contracts or financial assistance. Evaluation of submissions will follow the procedures and criteria established in the OTASO and any applicable Topic Announcements.

The performance location is Alexandria, Virginia, and the response deadline is May 14, 2028. The solicitation was published and last updated on May 14, 2026. Supporting documentation includes four PDF attachments, consisting of two versions of the primary solicitation document and two versions of Attachment A. While the NSF anticipates making one or more awards, this posting does not obligate the government to make an award or pay for any information submitted in response to the notice.