NASA to Release Cooperative Agreement Notice for Membership in the NASA Astrobiology Institute

NASA intends to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN, Cycle-5) soliciting new institutional members to the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). The CAN will be released early in 2008, and proposals will be due approximately 90 days later.

NAI CAN Cycle-5 is responsive to the recommendations of the recent NRC study (Assessment of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, 2007, http://www7.nationalacademies.org/ssb/). Proposals will be required to clearly articulate an innovative, interdisciplinary, astrobiology research program, together with plans to advance the full scope of NAI objectives as defined in the Institute’s Mission Statement (see NAI website: http://nai.nasa.gov/). NASA anticipates making $4-11M per year available for this selection, leading to 4-8 awards, each of 5 years duration. Participation in this solicitation is open to all categories of organizations, domestic and non-U.S., including industry, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies.

For further information please contact: Dr. Carl Pilcher, Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute, Mail Stop 247-6, Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000; Phone: 650-604-0022; E-mail: [email protected].