Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions proposing multi-institutional, team-based solar system exploration research. Applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions, though non-U.S. organizations may participate under specific no-exchange-of-funds policies. Proposals must address innovative research on the Moon's nature and near-space environment to support Artemis human exploration. "Mars forward" proposals using lunar research to inform Mars exploration approaches are also welcomed.
The research must be fundamental to understanding lunar science and enabling future human missions. Proposals are submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system and undergo dual anonymous peer review. Organizations should review current CAN-4 Institute Teams to identify complementary research areas.
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Program description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD) have released the fifth Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN-5) as NNH26ZDA016C.
SSERVI CAN-5 (NNH26ZDA016C) invites the submission of multi-institutional team-based proposals for research as participating members of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). Proposals must clearly articulate an innovative research program addressing basic and/or applied research fundamental to understanding the nature of the Moon and its near space environment to enable future human exploration of the Moon with Artemis. “Mars forward” proposals that use lunar-focused research to develop approaches to Mars exploration also are welcome.
Though the SSERVI CAN is synopsized on Grants.gov, applications can only be submitted via NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at URL https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZDA016C.
A two-step process will be used for proposal submission, in which only proposers that submit a Step-1 proposal will be eligible to submit a Step-2 proposal. Step-1 proposals are due September 29, 2026, and Step-2 proposals are due December 4, 2026.
Proposals to this CAN must be anonymous and will be reviewed using dual anonymous peer review (DAPR). Step-2 (full) proposals will be divided into two Volumes. Volume A consists of the anonymous proposal material, while Volume B contains the non-anonymous material. Proposal review, selection, and award will be implemented according to the guidelines set forth in Sections F and G of the funding announcement. Proposed research that complements current CAN-4 Institute Teams, and/or addresses important research areas not currently covered in the Institute will be given strong consideration (see: http://sservi.nasa.gov/sserviteams/).
Section D.1.4 “Step-2 Proposal Content” provides important information regarding restrictions and deadlines for Principal Investigator and other key personnel changes and other key date placeholders.
Clarification questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted via email no later than 14 calendar days prior to the Step-2 proposal due date to HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov. Depending on the nature of the question(s), NASA may respond on an individual basis by email or may post questions and answers (Q&A) no later than 10 days before the Step-2 deadline on the final SSERVI CAN-5 NSPIRES landing page. Posted Q&As are intended to address inquiries of broader interest and general clarification and will be edited to preserve the anonymity of persons and institutions who submit questions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Step-1 Proposal (abbreviated)
- Step-2 Proposal Volume A (anonymous research material)
- Step-2 Proposal Volume B (non-anonymous institutional material)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional commitment letters
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Caleb Schuler Grantor
- 📧 HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov
- 📞 2406169381
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 43.001 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$243,555,196
-
$139,591,380
-
$137,783,105
-
$104,843,521
-
$104,153,585
-
$97,031,502
-
$87,578,015
-
$74,314,104
-
$59,639,440
-
$55,593,686
Top States by Funding
- MD 17 awards $691.5M
- CA 17 awards $367.5M
- TX 6 awards $213.9M
- AL 4 awards $201.8M
- DC 5 awards $182.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 43.001). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $921,764,932 | |
| 2025 | $1,189,411,503 | |
| 2026 est. | $907,114,426 |
FAQ
Who can submit proposals to SSERVI CAN-5?
U.S. institutions and multi-institutional teams can apply. Non-U.S. organizations may participate under specific no-exchange-of-funds agreements. Consult NASA's GCAM for details on international participation.
What is the deadline for full proposals?
Step-1 proposals are due September 29, 2026. Step-2 (full) proposals are due December 4, 2026. Only Step-1 submitters are eligible for Step-2.
What research topics are supported?
Proposals must address lunar science and near-space environment research supporting Artemis exploration. "Mars forward" proposals using lunar research to develop Mars approaches are also welcome.
What is the review process?
Proposals undergo dual anonymous peer review (DAPR). Step-2 proposals have two volumes: Volume A (anonymous research material) and Volume B (non-anonymous institutional material).
Where do I submit my application?
Submit through NASA's NSPIRES system at https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZDA016C, not Grants.gov. Use email (HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov) for clarification questions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with current CAN-4 Institute Teams or address gaps in existing coverage for stronger competitiveness.
- Ensure your proposal addresses fundamental questions about the Moon or Mars exploration enabled by lunar science.
- Prepare detailed institutional information for Volume B; this material supports institutional capability assessment and credibility.
- Submit Step-1 on time to maintain eligibility for the full Step-2 submission.
- Request clarification on anonymous review requirements early; questions must be submitted 14 days before the Step-2 deadline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals that lack clear connection to Artemis lunar exploration or Mars development goals. Failing to identify how research complements or fills gaps in current CAN-4 Institute Teams. Submitting through Grants.gov instead of NASA NSPIRES.
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