The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant is designed to support innovative research projects that explore the feasibility of visionary space concepts. This grant provides funding for a nine-month research period to investigate new ideas that could transform future NASA missions. The application process involves two steps: an initial proposal open to all eligible applicants, and a more detailed proposal for those invited to proceed.
Who it's for: This grant is open to all types of U.S. organizations, including universities, research institutions, 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 or leaders, but they won't receive funding from NASA.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to register in NSPIRES
- Not obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Lack of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
- Not registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Missing submission deadlines
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 deadlines
- Regularly check NSPIRES for updates
- Participate in the virtual forum for additional guidance
- Foreign organizations must comply with NASA's policy on foreign participation
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
All categories of U.S. organizations are eligible to apply, which includes universities, research institutions, and private companies. Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members can be affiliated with any U.S. organization. Non-U.S. organizations may participate as partners or lead studies, but they will not receive funding from NASA and must adhere to NASA's policy on foreign participation.
Overview
This grant is open to all types of U.S. organizations, including universities, research institutions, 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 or leaders, but they won't receive funding from NASA.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to register in NSPIRES
- Not obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Lack of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
- Not registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Missing submission deadlines
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to explore the feasibility and viability of innovative space concepts over a nine-month period. This includes research activities, development of new technologies, and other project-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
- Last Updated
- Sep 28, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register in NSPIRES
- Obtain Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Obtain Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
- Register in System for Award Management (SAM)
- Submit Step A proposal through NSPIRES
- Prepare Step B proposal if invited
- Attend virtual forum on October 7, 2026
- Submit questions by October 6, 2026