Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations pursuing visionary, early-stage space technology research. U.S. organizations of all types may apply as the lead organization. Principal Investigators may be affiliated with any U.S. organization. Non-U.S. organizations may participate as partners on a no-exchange-of-funds basis.
The Phase I program operates in two steps: a brief Step A proposal (open to all), followed by an invited Step B for selected applicants. This is a 9-month feasibility study focused on exploring concept viability.
All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative. Applicants must register in NSPIRES, obtain a UEI (formerly DUNS), secure a CAGE code, and register in SAM before submission.
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Program description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of 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 – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about September 28, 2026. Once the Appendix is posted, 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”
4. Select “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N”
5. Select “List of Open Program Elements”
6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase I- NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1″
7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Solicitation Document” under Announcement Documents.
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through multiple Phases of awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. There are two steps to the Phase I proposal process; a brief Step A proposal open to all eligible applicants, and an expanded Step B for those who are invited.
All categories of U.S organizations may apply to Appendix NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1. NIAC Principal Investigators (PIs), also known as NIAC Fellows, and team members may be affiliated with any type of U.S organization. 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 Section B.3 of SpaceTech-REDDI-2026).
All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Detailed submission instructions are provided in the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 NRA, as well as the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual available here: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-operations-management/.
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.
Please note that registration in NSPIRES cannot be completed until each applicable institution obtains a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) (previously Data Universal Number (DUNS)), obtains a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and registers in the System for Award Management (SAM). Please provide sufficient time to ensure completion of this step prior to the submission deadlines.
NIAC will host a virtual forum that will address key aspects of this Phase I Appendix. The date and time for this forum is October 7, 2026 from 1-3PM ET. The agenda for the virtual forum and other related information and material, including the link information, 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 by close of business on October 6, 2026 to https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/dbmt or 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-2026 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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Step A proposal (brief concept proposal)
- Organizational information and authorized representative certification
- Budget (for Step B if invited)
- Proposal submitted through NSPIRES
Program contact
- 👤 Benjamin J Goodman Senior Scientist
- 📧 hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov
- 📞 202-479-9030
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 43.012 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$16,999,769
-
$15,317,947
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
-
$14,999,835
-
$14,500,000
-
$13,500,000
-
$5,894,551
-
$4,747,599
-
$4,498,166
Top States by Funding
- CA 22 awards $44.8M
- GA 6 awards $26.6M
- TX 10 awards $23.8M
- CO 5 awards $20.2M
- PA 7 awards $20.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 43.012). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $68,553,702 | |
| 2025 | $62,203,060 | |
| 2026 est. | $55,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can be the Principal Investigator on a NIAC Phase I proposal?
The PI may be affiliated with any type of U.S. organization. Team members can also work for any U.S. organization type. Non-U.S. partners may contribute on a no-exchange-of-funds basis.
What is the Phase I timeline and structure?
Phase I is a 9-month effort divided into two steps: Step A (brief proposal open to all) and Step B (expanded proposal for invited applicants only).
How much can we request for Phase I?
Phase I awards are typically $225,000 for the 9-month effort.
What registration steps are required before applying?
Obtain a UEI, register in SAM, secure a CAGE code, and register in NSPIRES. Allow sufficient lead time for these steps.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is October 28, 2026. A virtual forum is scheduled for October 7, 2026.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start registration early. UEI, SAM, and CAGE code processes can take weeks; do not wait until the last minute.
- Read the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 NRA in full. Phase I eligibility and submission details are in the main announcement, not just the NIAC appendix.
- Focus Step A on concept innovation and feasibility. Reviewers prioritize originality and clear explanation of the research approach.
- Attend the October 7 virtual forum. NASA will clarify expectations and answer questions directly.
- Submit through NSPIRES well before the deadline. Electronic submissions sometimes encounter system delays.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicant organization was not registered in NSPIRES or lacked required SAM/UEI registration. Step A proposal lacked clear feasibility assessment or overpromised results for 9 months. Proposed concept was incremental improvement rather than visionary or innovative approach.
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