# Request for Information (RFI): Identifying the Next Generation of NSF X-Labs Topics

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/nsfxlabsrfisep2026

- Solicitation number: NSF-XLABS-RFI-SEP2026
- Notice type: Special notice
- Status: Closed. Deadline was October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
- Department: National Science Foundation
- Contracting office: Directorate for Technology, Innovation, & Partnerships (491500)
- NAICS: 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Product or service code: AJ11 General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research
- Place of performance: Alexandria, Virginia
- County: City of Alexandria (FIPS 51510). https://abierto.us/counties/city-of-alexandria-va-51510
- City: Alexandria. https://abierto.us/cities/alexandria-va-5101000
- First posted: September 16, 2026
- Last posted: September 16, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/bafd3caf995c454692e864795143a545/view

## Description

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to obtain public input on scientific and technological opportunities that could become future topics for the NSF X-Labs Initiative.

NSF seeks information on high impact platform technology opportunities, critical technical bottlenecks, enabling infrastructure, potential partnerships, and conditions under which dedicated X-Labs teams could accelerate scientific and technological breakthroughs. This RFI is for planning and information gathering purposes only. It is not a solicitation, funding opportunity, or request for proposals, and NSF will not make an award based on responses to this RFI. Responses are due October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

## Publications

- September 16, 2026: Special notice, due October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Notice bafd3caf995c454692e864795143a545. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/bafd3caf995c454692e864795143a545/view

## Points of contact

- X-Labs, XLabs@nsf.gov

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/nsfxlabsrfisep2026.