[NASA Headquarters](https://www.nasa.gov/)

July 15, 2025 (Step A proposal) | October 7, 2025 (Step B, by invitation)

Up to $175,000 per award (Phase I); ~12 awards expected; 9-month period of performance

Supports visionary, early-stage concepts for space and aeronautics that could transform future NASA missions.

Step A is open to all; Step B is by invitation only.

--- ## Description The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program seeks proposals for innovative, technically credible, and transformative early-stage concepts that could significantly advance NASA's future missions in space and aeronautics. The program supports studies of visionary ideas that are still in the earliest phases of development, with the potential to enable entirely new capabilities or approaches. Selected projects will investigate the feasibility and impact of these concepts and lay the groundwork for further development in later NIAC phases. --- ## Due Dates - Step A Proposal Deadline: July 15, 2025, 5:00 PM Eastern - Step B Proposal Deadline (by invitation only): October 7, 2025, 5:00 PM Eastern - Anticipated Notification of Selection: January 15, 2026 Step A proposals are open to all eligible applicants; only those invited may submit a Step B proposal. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award for Phase I: $175,000 per project - Estimated number of awards: ~12 - Project duration: Up to 9 months - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - Open to all categories of U.S. organizations, including: - Educational institutions - Nonprofits - For-profit organizations - Government agencies - Non-U.S. organizations may participate as partners or lead on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, subject to NASA’s foreign participation policies. - See the full solicitation for detailed eligibility requirements. --- ## Application Process - **Step A:** Submit a brief initial proposal through the [NSPIRES system](https://nspires.nasaprs.com/). - **Step B:** If invited, submit a more detailed proposal by October 7, 2025. - All proposals must be submitted electronically by an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). - Applicants should ensure their organization is registered in NSPIRES and familiarize themselves with the submission process well in advance. - Detailed instructions and required templates are available in the solicitation documents on NSPIRES. --- ## Additional Information - This opportunity is part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s SpaceTech REDDI 2025 NASA Research Announcement. - Proposers are encouraged to monitor the [NSPIRES solicitation page](https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={6602ED2F-370B-1666-79E9-795B71D6730D}&path=&method=init) for updates, FAQs, and amendments. - The [NIAC Overview page](https://www.nasa.gov/stmd-the-nasa-innovative-advanced-concepts-niac/) provides background on the program. - A Proposers’ Virtual Forum was held on June 25, 2025; [recordings and slides are available](https://youtu.be/eCyktfiawgc). --- ## External Links - [Solicitation and Application Portal (NSPIRES)](https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={6602ED2F-370B-1666-79E9-795B71D6730D}&path=&method=init) - [Official Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359863) - [NIAC Program Overview](https://www.nasa.gov/stmd-the-nasa-innovative-advanced-concepts-niac/) - [Space Technology Mission Directorate](https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate/) - [FY 2025 SpaceTech REDDI Announcement Document](https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument?cmdocumentid=1076054&solicitationId={6602ED2F-370B-1666-79E9-795B71D6730D}&viewSolicitationDocument=1) - [2026 NIAC Phase I Solicitation Document](https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument?cmdocumentid=1080308&solicitationId={6602ED2F-370B-1666-79E9-795B71D6730D}&viewSolicitationDocument=1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------| | John Nelson | NIAC Program Executive, STMD | [hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov](mailto:hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov) | 202-358-0987 | For technical, programmatic, or submission questions, contact the NIAC team at the email above. Responses may be included in the program FAQ.

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

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