NASA Issues RFP for Novel Aerospace Tech Platforms Under NIAC Program Phase 1

NASA has asked industry to submit proposals for the initial phase of a program that seeks to develop novel platforms designed for future aerospace missions.

The space agency said Wednesday it will award $125,000 in grants over a nine-month period to selected projects under Phase 1 of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program.

NASA will select up to 16 proposals and make contract awards on May 9, 2017, according to the solicitation.

NASA issued the solicitation after it awarded Phase 1 contracts to 13 selected projects in April.

Fully-open and invitation-only proposals are respectively due on Sept. 15 and Oct. 18.

NASA said Phase 1 awardees can apply for up to $500,000 in awards under NIAC program’s second phase to further develop their concepts for another two years.

The agency will also hold a virtual question-and-answer forum on Aug. 18 to discuss the solicitation for the program’s first phase.