Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5)
Applications close Dec 4, 2026
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- Agency
- Caleb Schuler Grantor
- Opportunity number
- NNH26ZDA016C
- Posted
- Sep 1, 2026
- Closes
- Dec 4, 2026
- Cost sharing required
- false
About this opportunity
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD) have released the fifth Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN-5) as NNH26ZDA016C.
SSERVI CAN-5 (NNH26ZDA016C) invites the submission of multi-institutional team-based proposals for research as participating members of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). Proposals must clearly articulate an innovative research program addressing basic and/or applied research fundamental to understanding the nature of the Moon and its near space environment to enable future human exploration of the Moon with Artemis. “Mars forward” proposals that use lunar-focused research to develop approaches to Mars exploration also are welcome.
Though the SSERVI CAN is synopsized on Grants.gov, applications can only be submitted via NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at URL https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZDA016C.
A two-step process will be used for proposal submission, in which only proposers that submit a Step-1 proposal will be eligible to submit a Step-2 proposal. Step-1 proposals are due September 29, 2026, and Step-2 proposals are due December 4, 2026.
Proposals to this CAN must be anonymous and will be reviewed using dual anonymous peer review (DAPR). Step-2 (full) proposals will be divided into two Volumes. Volume A consists of the anonymous proposal material, while Volume B contains the non-anonymous material. Proposal review, selection, and award will be implemented according to the guidelines set forth in Sections F and G of the funding announcement. Proposed research that complements current CAN-4 Institute Teams, and/or addresses important research areas not currently covered in the Institute will be given strong consideration (see: http://sservi.nasa.gov/sserviteams/).
Section D.1.4 “Step-2 Proposal Content” provides important information regarding restrictions and deadlines for Principal Investigator and other key personnel changes and other key date placeholders.
Clarification questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted via email no later than 14 calendar days prior to the Step-2 proposal due date to HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov. Depending on the nature of the question(s), NASA may respond on an individual basis by email or may post questions and answers (Q&A) no later than 10 days before the Step-2 deadline on the final SSERVI CAN-5 NSPIRES landing page. Posted Q&As are intended to address inquiries of broader interest and general clarification and will be edited to preserve the anonymity of persons and institutions who submit questions.
Who can apply
Proposers must be affiliated with an institution at nspires.nasaprs.com/ and, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Organizations outside the U.S. that propose on the basis of a policy of no-exchange-of-funds; consult the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) (https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations) for specific details. Some NRAs may be issued jointly with a non-U.S. organization, e.g., those concerning guest observing programs for jointly sponsored space science programs, that will contain additional special guidelines for non-U.S. participants. Also reference the GCAM for special instructions for proposals from non-U.S. organizations that involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.
How to apply
- 1Register your organization
Applications are submitted by your institution, not individuals. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration (with a UEI) and a Grants.gov account with an Authorized Organization Representative.
- 2Read the full notice
Open the official notice for the complete eligibility rules, review criteria, page limits, and required forms. Applications close Dec 4, 2026.
- 3Download the application package
From the Grants.gov opportunity page, download the package (or apply via your agency's system where required) and prepare each component.
- 4Build and submit
Prepare the budget and narrative, route for institutional sign-off, and submit before the deadline: GrantsManager can track every step for you.
Agency contact: Caleb Schuler Grantor · HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov
Details are pulled from Grants.gov and can change, always confirm against the official notice. GrantsManager isn't affiliated with these agencies.
Resources for applying
All NASA grants and resources- NSPIRES guide
How to submit a NASA proposal through NSPIRES: individual and organization registration, ROSES program elements, notices of intent and Step-1 proposals, team member confirmations, and submission.
- Proposal submission checklist
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- Grant Letter of Intent Template
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- F&A & MTDC calculator
Build the Modified Total Direct Cost base, apply your F&A rate, and see total direct costs, indirect costs, and the full award total, with the usual MTDC exclusions handled.
- Grant burn rate
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- NASA NSPIRES
NASA proposal submission for ROSES and other solicitations.
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