NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI ) CAN Frequently Asked Questions

NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) plays a pivotal role in advancing planetary science, technology development, and human‑space‑flight research. To streamline participation and ensure transparency, the Institute released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document tied to Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)‑5. This FAQ clarifies eligibility, proposal expectations, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements for the multi‑institutional teams that will shape the next decade of lunar and planetary exploration. Below, we distill the most critical points from the SSERVI CAN‑5 FAQ, providing a concise guide for researchers, educators, and industry partners interested in joining the Institute.

What Happened

In early 2024, NASA issued CAN‑5, the latest solicitation inviting collaborative proposals to become participating members of SSERVI. The notice emphasizes team‑based research that integrates scientific inquiry with technology development, targeting both near‑term lunar missions and longer‑term Mars and deep‑space objectives. To accompany the solicitation, SSERVI published a comprehensive FAQ that addresses common uncertainties about the application process, partnership structures, and deliverables.

The FAQ was drafted after a series of stakeholder webinars and public comment periods, reflecting feedback from universities, national labs, private companies, and international partners. By consolidating this information into a single, searchable document, NASA aims to reduce administrative overhead, accelerate proposal preparation, and foster a more inclusive research ecosystem across the United States and beyond.

Key Details

Eligibility is broad but specific: any U.S.‑based institution—whether a university, nonprofit, or private company—may submit a proposal, provided the team includes at least three distinct organizations and demonstrates a clear plan for interdisciplinary collaboration. Proposals must outline an innovative research thrust that aligns with SSERVI’s strategic themes, such as lunar surface operations, in‑situ resource utilization, or autonomous robotics for planetary exploration. Funding ceilings are set at $5 million over a five‑year performance period, with the possibility of supplemental awards for high‑impact milestones.

The FAQ also clarifies the review timeline. After submission, proposals undergo a two‑stage evaluation: an initial technical merit review by a panel of subject‑matter experts, followed by a cost‑realism assessment conducted by NASA’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance. Successful teams will receive a Cooperative Agreement rather than a traditional contract, granting them greater flexibility to manage sub‑awards, share data, and engage in public‑outreach activities. Reporting requirements include annual technical progress reports, quarterly financial statements, and a final comprehensive assessment at the end of the award period.

Background

SSERVI was established in 2014 as a virtual institute to coordinate and amplify research efforts across the lunar and planetary science communities. By leveraging a distributed network of institutions, the Institute can rapidly respond to emerging science questions and technology gaps identified by NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The Cooperative Agreement Notice system, including CAN‑5, is a core mechanism that formalizes these collaborations, ensuring that research outputs are aligned with mission objectives and that resources are allocated efficiently.

The transition to CAN‑5 marks the Institute’s fifth major solicitation cycle. Each cycle builds on lessons learned from previous rounds, incorporating advances in data sharing, open‑source software, and cross‑disciplinary training. The FAQ reflects this evolution, emphasizing open data policies, mandatory inclusion of early‑career researchers, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics in proposal evaluations.

Why It Matters

Understanding the FAQ is essential for prospective participants because it demystifies the procedural hurdles that can deter innovative teams from applying. Clear guidance on eligibility, budgeting, and deliverables reduces the risk of non‑compliance and helps applicants allocate their effort toward scientific excellence rather than administrative guesswork. Moreover, the FAQ’s emphasis on collaborative structures encourages the formation of consortia that combine complementary expertise—such as planetary geologists working alongside robotics engineers—to tackle complex exploration challenges.

Beyond administrative clarity, the FAQ underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering a resilient research ecosystem that can adapt to shifting mission priorities. By outlining expectations for data management, technology transfer, and public outreach, the document ensures that research outcomes are not siloed but instead contribute to the broader goals of lunar habitation, Mars preparation, and deep‑space discovery. This alignment accelerates the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into flight‑ready capabilities.

What Happens Next

Following the release of the FAQ, NASA will host a series of virtual “Ask the Program Manager” sessions to address any lingering questions and provide real‑time feedback on draft proposals. Interested institutions are encouraged to form their consortia, develop a cohesive research plan, and submit their applications by the deadline indicated in CAN‑5 (typically late summer). Once the review process concludes, award notices are expected to be issued in early 2025, with the first funded projects commencing shortly thereafter.

Looking ahead, the Institute plans to monitor the performance of CAN‑5 awardees through a structured evaluation framework that measures scientific impact, technology readiness, and workforce development. Findings from this assessment will feed into the next solicitation cycle, ensuring continuous improvement of the SSERVI model. Stakeholders are also invited to contribute to an evolving FAQ repository, keeping the guidance current as policies and mission needs evolve.

In summary, the SSERVI CAN‑5 FAQ provides a vital roadmap for researchers eager to contribute to humanity’s next steps on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By clarifying eligibility, funding limits, review procedures, and reporting obligations, the FAQ empowers multidisciplinary teams to focus on groundbreaking science and technology. As NASA prepares to launch a new wave of exploration initiatives, the Institute’s collaborative framework—underpinned by transparent guidance—will be instrumental in turning visionary concepts into operational realities.