NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

Closed Posted

Opportunity number
NNH25ZTR001N-26NIAC-A1
Agency
Applications due
Award size
Up to $175,000

Opportunity facts

Assistance listings
Funding instrument
Grant
Category
  • Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Eligible applicants
  • Other
  • Unrestricted
Full announcement

Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

Written by GovTribe AI ·

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant opportunity, issued by NASA Headquarters, seeks innovative research proposals for visionary yet credible advanced space technology concepts. The program is part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate's SpaceTech REDDI 2025 initiative and is open to all U.S. organizations, with non-U.S. organizations permitted to partner on a no-exchange of funds basis. The grant follows a two-step proposal process: a brief Step A proposal due on July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern, followed by an expanded Step B proposal by invitation only. Proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative, with NASA evaluating concepts for their potential to advance space exploration technologies. Technical questions and inquiries should be directed to hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov, with responses potentially published in a FAQ document to maintain questioner anonymity.

While specific award amounts are not explicitly stated, NASA's Space Technology program typically provides project grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000, with performance periods between nine months and three years. The NIAC Phase I grants are designed to support early-stage feasibility studies of innovative aerospace technologies, with potential focus areas including spacecraft systems, propulsion technologies, materials science, robotics, and autonomous systems. Performance will likely involve research conducted at the awardee's facilities, with the ultimate goal of developing transformative technologies that could significantly advance NASA's space exploration capabilities. The program emphasizes high-risk, high-reward research that could potentially revolutionize future space missions and maintain U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation.

Synopsis

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters, has released a solicitation, titled "NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I," as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled "Space Technology REsearch, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI 2025)," on June 13, 2025.

Complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:

1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/

2. Select "Solicitations"

3. Select "Open Solicitations"

4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI 2025) NNH25ZTR001N"

5. Select "List of Open Program Elements"

6. Select "NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I, NNH25ZTR001N-26NIAC_A1"

7. Select "NIAC Phase I Solicitation Document" under Announcement Documents

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III awards. This Phase I appendix solicits proposals for studying visionary, yet credible, advanced concepts in the NIAC Program. There are two steps to the Phase I proposal process; a brief Step A proposal open to all applicants, and an expanded Step B for those who are invited. The Step A proposal is due on July 15, 2025 (5:00 PM Eastern) and the Step B proposal (by invitation only) is due on October 07, 2025 (Target), 5:00 PM Eastern.


This is an Open Announcement. All categories of U.S. organizations may apply. Non-U.S. organizations may partner in, or lead, NIAC studies on a no-exchange of funds basis, and subject to NASA's policy on foreign participation (see REDDI NRA for additional information).


All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Detailed submission instructions are provided in the SpaceTech REDDI 2025 NRA, as well as the NASA Proposer's Guide. Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline.


Any updates to this Appendix will be posted on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) page for this Appendix (https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/). Offerors are encouraged to regularly refer to this website for updates and other information relative to this Appendix. Proposers are encouraged to submit their questions regarding this Appendix to hq- niac@mail.nasa.gov.

Interested proposers should monitor the NSPIRES website or subscribe to the electronic notification system there for release of the SpaceTech-REDDI-2025 Appendices.


Technical, programmatic, and procurement comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to hq- niac@mail.nasa.gov. Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the Appendix; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.

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