COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NOTICE NASA ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE CYCLE 7 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this NASA funding opportunity?

This is the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) Cycle 7 Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN), funding opportunity number NNH13ZDA017C (Amendment 1). NASA is soliciting team-based research proposals in astrobiology and related fields.

What is the main purpose of NAI Cycle 7?

Cycle 7 is intended to bring new, focused interdisciplinary teams into the NAI. NASA is aiming to keep the institute broadly multidisciplinary while avoiding duplication of expertise already represented by continuing teams. In practice, NASA is looking for strong, collaborative teams whose research strengths complement the existing NAI portfolio and help sustain a balanced institute-wide program.

Why is NASA selecting new teams in Cycle 7?

Cycle 7 is specifically intended to select new teams that will replace those chosen in Cycle 5, because the Cycle 5 teams are reaching the end of their five-year cooperative agreements.

What funding mechanism is being used?

The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. This typically indicates NASA expects substantial programmatic involvement and coordination during the period of performance.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing associated with the opportunity is 43.001 (Science).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated in the information provided.

Is eligibility limited to certain organization types?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full solicitation text.

Where do applicants get the full solicitation and requirements?

Applicants are directed to obtain the complete CAN through NASA NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com. The full solicitation is where the detailed requirements, proposal structure for Step 1 and Step 2, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions are provided.

Is this a multi-step application process?

Yes. The notice references Step 1 and Step 2 proposals and provides separate due dates for each step. The specific proposal structure for each step is described in the full CAN available in NSPIRES.

What are the Step 1 and Step 2 proposal deadlines?

The Step 1 proposal due date is November 18, 2013. The Step 2 proposal due date is February 19, 2014.

Why were the due dates changed (what does the amendment cover)?

This notice is an amendment driven by schedule disruptions from the U.S. Government shutdown. With normal operations restored, NASA revised the proposal timeline to ensure that government-affiliated proposers have adequate time to prepare submissions.

What was the original closing date, and what is the updated Step 1 closing date?

The record notes an original closing date of November 4, 2013. The current closing date for Step 1 is November 18, 2013.

When was this opportunity posted, and when is it archived?

The opportunity was posted on September 24, 2013. The archive date is October 22, 2014.

Was there a preproposal conference?

Yes. The record notes a preproposal conference held on September 30, 2013.

Where will NASA post the amendment and updates?

NASA indicated the amendment would be posted on or about October 18, 2013 on the NASA research opportunity homepage and on the NAI CAN page within NSPIRES.

Who is the programmatic point of contact for questions about the solicitation?

For programmatic questions, NASA provided Dr. Mary Voytek, Senior Scientist for Astrobiology in NASA's Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. Phone: 202-358-1577. Email: mary.voytek-1@nasa.gov.

Who can help if we have trouble accessing the announcement or need general CAN support?

The notice lists CAN7@nasa.gov and nais.support@nasa.gov as additional contacts for help accessing the full announcement or for general CAN-related support.

What types of teams is NASA trying to attract?

NASA is seeking new, focused interdisciplinary teams that are strong and collaborative. The emphasis is on teams whose strengths complement (rather than duplicate) the expertise of continuing NAI teams and that contribute to a balanced institute-wide astrobiology program.

What details are not included in the summary and must be confirmed in NSPIRES?

The summary points applicants to NSPIRES for the full solicitation. Items that would be laid out there include detailed eligibility clarifications, required proposal content and formatting for Step 1 and Step 2, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions.