NASA Astrobiology Program

Proposal opportunity: NASA Astrobiology Institute

By Keith Cowing
October 11, 2011

On October 11, 2011, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (NNH12ZDA002C) soliciting new institutional members to the NASA Astrobiology Institute. NASA announces, through the release of this Cooperative Agreement Notice, an opportunity for the submission of team-based proposals for membership in the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Proposers 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 ( http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/about/#mission). NASA is seeking both proposals responding to the long-term goals and objectives given in the Astrobiology Roadmap ( http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/) and proposals focused on ensuring that the astrobiology science portfolio is prepared to respond to the challenge of planning and implementing these missions. Accordingly, proposals that place emphasis on research that will help prepare for current or future flight programs directed at astrobiological targets are encouraged.

It is anticipated that $6-8M will be available for this selection in the first award year, leading to the award of approximately 4-5 Cooperative Agreements, 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. Upon its release date, this Cooperative Agreement Notice will be available electronically from http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select “Solicitations” then select “Open Solicitations” then select “NNH12ZDA002C”).

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are due November 21, 2011, and proposals are due January 31, 2012.

Additional information on the NASA Astrobiology Institute may be obtained from: Dr. Carl Pilcher, Director, NASA Astrobiology Insitute, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035; Telephone: (650) 604-0022; E-mail: [email protected]. Additional information on this Notice and the overall NASA Astrobiology Program may be obtained from: Dr. Mary Voytek, Senior Scientist for Astrobiology, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546; Telephone: (202) 358-1577; E-mail: [email protected].

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