For a proposal to be considered a valid unsolicited proposal, the submission must—

Be innovative and unique;

Be independently originated and developed by the recipient;

Be prepared without Government supervision, endorsement, direction or direct Government involvement;

Include sufficient technical and cost detail to permit a determination that Government support could be worthwhile and the proposed work could benefit the agency's research and development or other mission responsibilities; and

Not be an advance proposal for a known agency requirement that can be acquired by competitive methods.

For each unsolicited proposal selected for award, the cognizant technical office will prepare and furnish to the Agreement Officer, a justification for acceptance of an unsolicited proposal (JAUP). The JAUP shall be submitted for the approval of the agreement officer after review and concurrence at a level above the technical officer. The evaluator shall consider the following factors, in addition to any others appropriate for the particular proposal:

Unique and innovative methods, approaches or concepts demonstrated by the proposal.

Overall scientific or technical merits of the proposal.

The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives.

The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives.

Current, open solicitations under which the unsolicited proposal could be evaluated.

Unsolicited proposals shall be handled in accordance with NFS 1815.606, “Agency Procedures”.

Unsolicited proposals from foreign sources are subject to NPD 1360.2, “Development of International Cooperation in Space and Aeronautics Programs”.

There is no requirement for a public announcement of the award of a cooperative agreement. In addition, there is no requirement for announcement of awards resulting from unsolicited proposals. However, in those instances where a public announcement is planned and the award is the result of an unsolicited proposal, in addition to the requirements of NFS 1805.303-71(a)(3), NASA personnel must take measures that ensure protection of the data and intellectual property rights of submitters of unsolicited proposals as provided by FAR 5.202(a)(8).

Additional information regarding unsolicited proposals is available in the handbook entitled, “Guidance for the Preparation and Submission of Unsolicited Proposals”, which is available on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service Website at: http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/library/unSol-Prop.html.