GovExec discusses the NASA exploration office's new procurement strategy:

To a crowd of about 300 [industry representatives], representing companies large and small, Steidle and several key managers explained the organizational framework and operating principles of enterprise. Everything is to focus on developing technology for human and robotic exploration and the transportation systems needed to carry out those missions. The officials did not offer specifics on contemplated contract actions and business opportunities. "We do not have a lot of products yet," said Steidle, "but we have an idea of where we want to go and what we want to do."

The office has taken over about 140 technology programs from across the agency and is reviewing them for realignment. Without giving specifics, Steidle said technology programs that do not fit the new vision will be refocused to fit, transferred to other NASA offices, or eliminated. He also said he expects to restart some old programs and start some new ones...

...Using a similar [i.e.: prize] approach, Sponberg said, NASA can find novel or low-cost solutions to its engineering problems. The contests would give the space agency access to innovators it may not reach otherwise as it strives to fill White House orders for a sustainable and affordable program of robotic and human missions throughout the solar system.

Instead of soliciting proposals for a grant or contract award, NASA will state its technical goals without prescriptions for achieving them. In each challenge, multiple teams will integrate, test and fly various approaches to a certain goal. "As multiple teams succeed or fail in going after a challenge, the competitive process will distinguish between those technologies that can be imagined and those that can be practically developed," Sponberg said.