2025 Call for Proposals, rolling submission

The Astraeus Space Institute (ASI) at UF seeks to support team formation and proposal development efforts for UF Principal Investigators targeting large space mission proposals and projects within the next three years. The primary goal is to best position UF-led teams to win grants to conceive, build and conduct large-scale space projects, such as NASA Astrophysics Pioneers and Explorers, Planetary Sciences Discovery, New Frontiers, Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) or other landers, DoD-funded missions, or similar projects costing ~$10 million or more. While these missions are examples, any space-related, larger mission concept will be considered. 

Astraeus is soliciting proposals from UF Principal Investigators to support development of future space-focused proposals. We will prioritize selection based on the following criteria:

• Those that identify a specific U.S. federal solicitation supporting a PI-led space mission or space-focused project with an expected proposal due date no later than October 2028.
  • We will prioritize those supporting earlier future proposal due dates relative to later ones.
  • While we will prioritize future proposals that are led by a UF PI and team, those that support a UF sub-proposal with an external leading PI will also be considered.
• Those that expect to fund a future project valued at roughly $10M or more.
• Those that describe a clear need for seed funding to support such a future proposal.

The ASI LaMPS grant may fund a range of activities that better-position a UF PI and their team to win an upcoming grant proposal. These activities can include for example (a) research to answer a key science or technology question needed prior to the submission of the large grant proposal, (b) travel for team meetings or visits to potential vendors or collaborators, (c) generation of informative graphics or layout design for the future large proposal, (d) copy-editing and proposal peer review, (e) program management activities needed to assemble the future proposal, such as schedules and budget development. Some of these requests may be fulfilled through contributions by Astraeus staff rather than through direct funding. If selected, Astraeus will meet with the PI to discuss how exactly we can best provide the support needed. 

The total duration of an ASI LaMPS grant shall be 9 months or less.

 Proposals are limited to two pages and should contain the following content:

• PI name, department, and college. 
• A description of the science driving the mission or project.
• The specific existing or anticipated proposal call, with links to agency information. 
• List of existing and potential team members, including those from other institutions, and their expected (or potential) role in the future project.
• A bulleted list of tasks that will be performed under the LaMPS grant and an associated schedule for the team and future proposal development. 
• A rough order of magnitude cost (ROM) for the proposed set of tasks.

Astraeus is very interested in creating a vision and action plan for UF leadership in large missions. All concepts will be considered. LaMPS proposal submission will be rolling, meaning that UF PIs may submit proposals to Astraeus when the need for support arises. ASI expects to fund approximately 3-4 LaMPS projects per year at a level of roughly $25,000 per project.

Please submit a 2-page PDF to space@research.ufl.edu

Please direct any questions regarding this solicitation to Dr. John Conklin jwconklin@ufl.edu

The NIAC program supports visionary research ideas through multiple progressive phases of study.

Phase I studies are efforts up to 9 months to explore the overall viability and advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Eligible recipients of Phase I awards can propose for a follow-on Phase II study.

Phase II develops concepts for up to two years. Researchers must prepare a roadmap for further development, but are not expected to fully advance the technologies to a level required for NASA or commercial transition.

Phase III continues the exploration and development for another two years. The final phase is designed to strategically transition NIAC concepts with the highest potential impact for NASA, other government agencies or commercial partners.

For complete information, guidelines and announcements regarding NIAC solicitations, visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

CURRENT & UPCOMING SOLICITATIONS ​​
 

• 2025 Phase I Solicitation
  Release: June 2024
  Selections Announced: January 2025
• 2025 Phase II Solicitation
  Release: Mid-January 2025
  Selections Announced: Late April 2025
• 2026 Phase I Solicitation (planned)
  Release: Early June 2025
  Proposer’s Virtual Forum: Mid-June 2025
  Selections Announced: Early-January 2026

GENERAL TENTATIVE FUNDING & DATES

Phase I

• $175,000 for a nine-month study
• 12 to 18 awards per year (planned)
• Release: Early June
  Step A Proposals Due: Early July
  Invitations Issued: Early August 2023
  Step B Proposals Due: Early September
  Selections Announced: Early January

Phase II

• $600,000 for a two-year study
• Six to eight awards per year (planned)
• Release: Mid January
  Proposals Due: Mid-February
  Selections Announced: Early April

Phase III

• $2 million for a two-year study
• One award per year (planned)
• Release: Early February
  Mandatory Preliminary Proposals Due: Early March
  Invitations to Submit a Full Proposal: Early April
  Proposals Due: Late May

GET STARTED

1. Think up an innovative concept that will change the way NASA does business; explain why NASA needs your concept.
2. Watch for the release of NIAC solicitations on NSPIRES.
3. Pay extra attention to the proposal preparation instructions.
4. Put your concept into a specific aerospace architecture, mission or system.
5. Contact hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov with additional questions.