NAI Minority Institution Research Support (MIRS) Program Solicitation Released

Release Date: July 9, 2010
Notices of Intent Due: August 6, 2010
Proposals Due: October 7, 2010
Selection Announcement: December 21, 2010
Identification Number: NNA10339208C

On July 9, 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center released a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) for the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) Minority Institution Research Support (MIRS) Program. The full text of the CAN solicitation is available at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.

The NAI MIRS Program is intended to help train a new generation of researchers in astrobiology and to increase diversity within the astrobiology community. This solicitation seeks proposals to continue the process of recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by involving faculty and students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in astrobiology research.

Under this CAN, NASA Ames is soliciting proposals from accredited US institutions of higher education, non-profit higher education professional organizations, and consortia of those types of organizations and institutions. Proposals from MSIs and non-profit organizations serving underrepresented students are strongly encouraged. Other organizations, including for-profit organizations, with a demonstrable capability to engage minority populations are also eligible to propose.

The period of performance for the award resulting from this solicitation is a maximum of four years. NASA expects to award one Cooperative Agreement to take effect on February 1, 2011. The estimated total value of the award is projected to be $0.8M – $1.0M.