The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant is designed to support innovative research ideas that could transform future space missions. This grant provides funding to explore the feasibility of visionary concepts over a nine-month period. The process involves submitting an initial proposal, with the possibility of being invited to submit a more detailed proposal.
Who it's for: This grant is open to all U.S. organizations, including universities, non-profits, and private companies. Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members can be affiliated with any U.S. organization. Non-U.S. organizations can participate as partners, but they cannot receive funding directly.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to register in NSPIRES
- Incomplete registration in SAM
- Missing UEI or CAGE code
- Late proposal submission
- Non-compliance with NASA's policy on foreign participation
What You May Need
- Registration in NSPIRES
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
- System for Award Management (SAM) registration
- Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) submission
- Step A proposal
- Step B proposal (if invited)
- Access to NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual
Cautions
- Ensure all registrations are completed well before the deadline.
- Monitor NSPIRES for updates and additional information.
- Participate in the virtual forum for guidance.
- Adhere to NASA's foreign participation policies.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
All categories of U.S. organizations are eligible to apply for this grant. This includes universities, non-profits, and private companies. Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members can be from any U.S. organization. Non-U.S. organizations can participate as partners on a no-exchange of funds basis, but they must adhere to NASA's policy on foreign participation.
Overview
This grant is open to all U.S. organizations, including universities, non-profits, and private companies. Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members can be affiliated with any U.S. organization. Non-U.S. organizations can participate as partners, but they cannot receive funding directly.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to register in NSPIRES
- Incomplete registration in SAM
- Missing UEI or CAGE code
- Late proposal submission
- Non-compliance with NASA's policy on foreign participation
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to explore the feasibility and viability of innovative concepts that could impact future space missions. This includes research activities, development of prototypes, and other related expenses.
Expected Awards
16
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
- Deadline
- Oct 28, 2026(27 days)
- Archive Date
- Nov 27, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register your organization in NSPIRES.
- Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
- Get a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.
- Register in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Submit a Step A proposal through NSPIRES.
- Prepare for a potential Step B proposal if invited.
- Attend the virtual forum on October 7, 2026.
- Submit questions by October 6, 2026, if needed.