The NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is offering a grant for Fundamental Space Biology research in Animal Physiology.

Proposals are solicited by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) Advanced Capabilities Division for investigations that address systemic and targeted molecular physiological effects of acute and/or chronic exposure to gravitational changes. Research into the effects across various gravity vector loads is also solicited. Examples of gravity dependent physiological variables include, but not limited to, cell development, stress, muscle, bone and immune pathways. This call is for ground-based research that may eventually lead to research on the International Space Station (ISS).

Notices of Intent are due on June 26, 2009, and proposals are due on August 26, 2009. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization.

Proposals must be submitted electronically. Proposers should submit proposals via NASA’s proposal data system, NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) (http://nspires.nasaprs.com ). Until further notice, proposers will be unable to submit proposals intended for NASA through Grants.gov.

Participation is open to all categories of organizations, including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies. Electronic proposals may be submitted via the NASA Proposal data system NSPIRES. Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to this NRA must be registered with NSPIRES, and such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the electronic proposal. Instructions on how to register in NSPIRES is described in the NRA. Each electronic proposal system places requirements on the registration of principal investigators and other participants (e.g. co-investigators). Potential proposers and proposing organizations are urged to access the system(s) well in advance of the proposal due date(s) of interest to familiarize themselves with its structure and enter the requested information. Questions in regards to responding to this NRA may be addressed to the contacts referenced in the full solicitation document.

This is a broad agency announcement as specified in FAR 6.102 (d)(2). Notwithstanding the posting of this opportunity at FedBizOpps.gov, nspires.nasaprs.com, or Grants.gov, NASA reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for each proposal selected pursuant to this announcement.