NSF ASCEND Engine in Colorado and Wyoming

Request for Information

Colorado & Wyoming’s Hub for Resilience Innovation

The ASCEND Framework

ASCEND stands for Advanced Sensing and Computation for Environmental Decision Support. This concept is the lens through which we build our programs and focus our investments.
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How to Respond to the RFI

Please refer to the linked documents for instructions on how to complete sections 1-3.

Question 1 is required; all other questions are optional, though we encourage you to submit as complete a response as possible.

Submit responses by Friday, July 18 via email to Alan Rudolph and Sam Malloy (emails in linked documents)

Technical Areas and Programs

We are looking for responses related to three technical areas:

Advanced Sensing – advances in low-cost, distributed sensor networks, aerial space and field-based remote sensing, and repositories of environmental information.

Computational Analytics – blending of physics-based and data-driven approaches (e.g., “scientific”, “knowledge-guided”, or “physics-constrained” machine learning).
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Decision Support – mechanisms from which data and understanding are translated into real-world applications.

In the program areas of:

- Wildfire in Power/Water Systems
- Soil Health Testbeds
- Open ASCEND-Related Topics

NSF ASCEND Engine RFI FAQ

How does a Request for Information (RFI) differ from a Request for Proposals (RFP)?

An RFI is a request for information on assets and capabilities. It is not a proposal for funding. Cost information can be included as part of assessing capabilities and assets. The RFI is not a commitment of resources to respondents. We do intend to use the information for contracting projects and opportunities in 2026.

If I have an asset or capability that is not in wildfire response or soil health, can I submit a response?

Yes, Category C is for other assets or capabilities that apply to other ASCEND mission focus (e.g., air quality, water quality and availability).

Do I have to identify as either a Performer or Partner?

Yes, each response should select to respond as a Performer or Partner. An applicant can submit separate RFI responses under each category but has to select one in each submission.

What is the scope and timeframe for responses in the RFI?

The RFI is focused on information for the Emergent phase of the NSF Engine award which is 3 years and up to $45M. The investments we intend to make will mature R&D and Translation projects toward commercialization in the Emergent phase. It is expected that participants and partners will contribute to the investment with cost share.

Do I have to Respond to All of the Technical Areas in the RFI?

No, you can response to one or all of the Technical Areas. Note that performers are directed to Technical Areas 1 (Advanced Sensing) and 2 (Computation and Analytics) while Partners are directed to Technical Area 3 (Decision Support and Infrastructure/Testbeds).

respond to the RFI

Info Session Video

Requests for Information

This request for information (RFI) is being issued to understand capabilities, interests, and associated rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs for programs that address ASCEND technical areas and their integration toward decision support tools, products, and services that can be commercialized.

DISCLAIMER: This is not a request for proposals. Submitting a response to this RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the NSF ASCEND Engine will solicit you for procurement of capabilities or services in the future. Please mark any proprietary materials as appropriate.