NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I: Forum 7 October
30 September 2026
Step A Proposals Due 28 October
The opportunity NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I seeks proposals for early-stage feasibility studies of visionary concepts that address national, government, and commercial aerospace goals. Concepts are solicited from any field of study that offers a radically different approach or disruptive innovation that may significantly enhance or enable new human or robotic science and exploration missions. Comparatively high risk and far-term, NIAC concepts are transformational investments in future NASA and commercial capabilities. Concepts must demonstrate an unexplored and highly innovative approach framed within a representative mission that clearly identifies scientific or technical advancements and associated benefits compared to current capabilities. The entry Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for Phase I concepts should be TRL 2 or lower.
Eligibility: All categories of U.S. organizations may apply. Non-U.S. organizations may partner in, but may not lead, NIAC studies on a no-exchange of funds basis, and subject to NASA’s policy on foreign participation.
Key Dates:
- Appendix Released: 28 September 2026
- Proposer’s Virtual Forum: 7 October 2026
- Step A Proposals Due: 28 October 2026
- Step B Invitations Issued: 8 December 2026
- Step B Proposals Due: 13 January 2027
- Anticipated Notification of Selection: April 2027 (Target)
- Anticipated Award: July 2027 (Target)
Award Details:
- Approximate Award Duration: 9 months
- Expected Typical Award Amount: Not to exceed $225,000.
- Expected Number of Awards: 12-16
Program Office Contact:
Dr. Phillip Williams, Acting NIAC Program Executive, Research and Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov
To view the solicitation and instructions on how to submit a response, visit the solicitation webpage.
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