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.