NASA Announces NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

Appendix 80HQTR23NOA01-24NIAC_A1 seeks NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I proposals for early stage feasibility studies of visionary concepts that address national, government, and commercial aerospace goals.

Concepts are solicited from any field of study that offers a radically different approach or disruptive innovation that may significantly enhance or enable new human or robotic science and exploration missions. Comparatively high risk and far-term, NIAC concepts are transformational investments in future NASA and commercial capabilities. Concepts must demonstrate an unexplored and highly innovate approach framed within a representative mission that clearly identifies scientific or technical advancements and associated benefits compared to current capabilities. The entry Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for Phase I concepts should be TRL 2 or lower.

Eligibility: All categories of U.S organizations may apply. Non-U.S. organizations may partner in, or lead, NIAC studies on a no-exchange of funds basis, and subject to NASA’s policy on foreign participation.

Key Dates:

Release: — June 1, 2023
Proposer’s Virtual Forum: — June 8, 2023, 1:00-3:00pm ET
Step A Proposal Due: — June 28, 2023, 5:00pm ET
Step B Invitations Issued: — August 1, 2023 (Target)
Step B Proposal Due: — September 7, 2023 (Target), 5:00pm ET
Selection Announcement: — January 4, 2024 (Target)
Award: — April 1, 2024 (Target)

Award Details:

Approximate Award Duration: 9 months
Expected Typical Award Amount: Not to exceed $175,000.
Expected Number of Awards: 12-16

To view the solicitation and instructions on how to submit a response, visit:
https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={2CD12700-25AC-C58C-7297-60C00036C5A6}&path=&method=init