Introduction

CfP_header_VLA_VLBA_GBT.png

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) invites scientists to participate in the Semester 2026B Call for Proposals for the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), High Sensitivity Array (HSA), and Global mm VLBI Array (GMVA).

The submission deadline for Semester 2026B proposals is Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at 17:00 EST (22:00 UTC).

Starting in 26B Large proposals can be submitted to the GBT every semester (see What's New in 26B).

For the VLA, the C-configuration will be available. It is anticipated there will be around 1200 hours on the VLA, 2600 hours on the GBT, and 755 hours on the VLBA available for science observing. Opportunities for Joint proposals will be available for ALMA, JWST, HST, Swift, Chandra, XMM-Newton, and IXPE. Joint Proposals with ALMA or JWST need to be submitted to the facility requesting the larger amount of observing time.

The array configurations available for joint ALMA/VLA will be: ALMA C-1 to C-8 and VLA C-configuration.

The NRAO 2026B Call for Proposals is for observations with the VLA, GBT, and VLBA/HSA/GMVA.  

A detailed timeline for the 26B Proposal Call is available here and summarized in the table below:

 
Date Action
07 January 2026 NRAO Call for Proposals
04 February 2026 NRAO Proposal Deadline @ 17:00 EST
05 March 2026 Individual Science Reviews Completed
20 March 2026 Science Review Panel (SRP)  Meetings Completed
16-17 April 2026 Telescope time allocation committee (TAC) meeting
15 May 2026 Disposition Letters Sent

Connect with NRAO

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory and NSF Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.