Call for Applications: NASA-DARES (Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy) Task Force 1

Self-Nominations Invited for Task Force 1 (TF1): Development of NASA-DARES 2025: The 2025 NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy 

Opportunity Number: NNH25ZDA002L 

Application Deadline: Friday, April 11th, 2025 11:59 PM EDT 

Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI 

File Name for Detailed Instructions: How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf)

The NASA Astrobiology Program is seeking a panel of 12-14 subject matter experts and 1 early-career executive secretary (early-career being defined as within 5 years of terminal degree) for NASA DARES (NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy) Task Force 1 (TF1). TF1 will liaise with leadership from the Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD) Astrobiology Program and the internal-to-NASA Astrobiology Federation to perform three tasks over three virtual panel review days in April-May 2025 and a two-day hybrid community workshop in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in late May 2025. Additional ad hoc virtual meetings, e.g., telecons, may be required. 

A Group Lead for TF1 will be responsible for facilitating discussions, resolving conflicts that may arise over the course of the TF1, leading briefings to NASA, and coordinating inputs to draft the RFI Findings Report. The executive secretary will support the Group Lead as needed and assist with duties such as scheduling meetings, note-taking, and documentation during TF1 discussions. The Executive Secretary also may participate in discussions. NOTE: An exceptionally qualified early career candidate may apply and possibly be selected as a panel member. 

Application Instructions Basics 

Interested individuals are directed to read the file called How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf) and then fill out the application at https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI no later than 11 April 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. All applications to NASA-DARES TF1 must be submitted in an electronic format via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). The application must contain the following information: 

1. A 2-page NASA biographical sketch that includes the respondent’s relevant professional experiences, positions, and a bibliography of publications. 
2. A 2-page cover letter indicating interest in and qualifications for serving on NASA-DARES Task Force 1, including relevant descriptions of scientific, technical, and management experience on relevant prior efforts. Applicants who are willing to serve as Group Lead should clearly note their desire to serve in that role and include, within descriptions of expertise and skills, rationale for why they are best suited for that role.  
3. Completion of Program Specific Questions outlined in Appendix A. 

On behalf of selected eligible participants, a support contract, the NASA Research and Education Support Services (NRESS), will work directly with TF1 members regarding available support for travel and honorarium. The level of travel and honorarium will conform to the terms of the NRESS contract with NASA. Civil servants are eligible to apply; however, NRESS cannot pay for civil servant travel, etc. Please refer to “Section 2. Eligibility Requirements” for a detailed description of eligible applicants. 

After reading, the file How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf) under “Other Documents” on the right side of the NSPIRES landing page: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI, please email questions concerning to hq-rfiastrobio@mail.nasa.gov to reach both organizers, Drs. Rachel L. Harris and David Grinspoon. This email address is not to be used for the submissions of applications/nominations to NASA-DARES Task Force 1.

WARNING: Any emails with attachments sent to the organizers’ email address will not be considered and will be deleted for security reasons.