The NAI Cooperative Agreement Notice Cycle 6 is an opportunity for the submission of team-based proposals for membership in the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Proposers will be required to clearly articulate an innovative, interdisciplinary research program in astrobiology, together with plans to advance the full scope of NAI objectives as defined in the Institute’s Mission Statement.

NASA is seeking both proposals responding to the long-term goals and objectives given in the Astrobiology Roadmap as well as proposals focused on ensuring that the astrobiology science portfolio is prepared to respond to the challenge of planning and implementing spaceflight missions to targets of astrobiological interest. Accordingly, proposals that place emphasis on research that will help prepare for current or future flight programs directed at astrobiological targets are encouraged.

Participation in this solicitation is open to all categories of organizations, domestic and non-U.S., including industry, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies. It is anticipated that $6-8M will be available for this selection in the first award year, leading to the award of approximately 4-5 Cooperative Agreements, each of 5 years duration.

The Cooperative Agreement Notice is now available electronically from the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System, or NSPIRES (select “Solicitations” then select “Open Solicitations” then select “NNH12ZDA002C”).

Notices of Intent are due November 21, 2011, and proposals are due February 15, 2012. A pre-proposal briefing for prospective proposers will be held on November 2, 2011 at 11am PDT (2pm EDT). The briefing will be organized as a “virtual conference,” with participation available to anyone with internet access. A link to information about the pre-proposal briefing is contained in the Cooperative Agreement Notice.