  We estimate the relative likelihood of success in the searches for primitive
versus intelligent life on other planets. Taking into account the larger search
volume for detectable artificial electromagnetic signals, we conclude that both
searches should be performed concurrently, albeit with significantly more
funding dedicated to primitive life. Based on the current federal funding
allocated to the search for biosignatures, our analysis suggests that the
search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) may merit a federal funding
level of at least $\$10$ million per year, assuming that the average lifetime
of technological species exceeds a millennium.
