There are two types of NPR: player-controlled (PC) and computer-controlled (CC).
CC are invisible to you outside of designer mode (looking at them is what designer mode is for), other than IIRC seeing event notifications for them when you're in SM mode. They are controlled by the AI, and can't progress from industrial to trans-Newtonian. They also have some special rules applied to them, such as not keeping track of fuel usage.
PC are on exactly the same footing as a player race from the point of view of the game. The only difference is in interpretation - they're not "your" race. You as the human have to control them etc. - this is what the "set default race" functionality is for. They're a legacy from before CC races were introduced into Aurora. If you read the original (Starfire) Rigellian Diaries, ALL of the races there (including the Bugs) are PC.
So as Erik says you should be able to make conventional NPR, but they will be PC and you will have to role play/control them (including their expansion into the solar system) - if you don't then they won't even be able to go buy the tv to watch (since they're not CC)
If Marc is correct then you can't make CC NPR at all.
John