Catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of NAD from nicotinic acid, the ATP-dependent synthesis of beta-nicotinate D-ribonucleotide from nicotinate and 5-phospho-D-ribose 1-phosphate (PubMed:9521740). Essential for growth under anaerobic conditions (PubMed:12062417). 5-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1-diphosphate + ATP + H2O + nicotinate = ADP + diphosphate + nicotinate beta-D-ribonucleotide + phosphate Cofactor biosynthesis; NAD(+) biosynthesis; nicotinate D-ribonucleotide from nicotinate: step 1/1. Transiently phosphorylated on a His residue during the reaction cycle (By similarity). Phosphorylation strongly increases the affinity for substrates and increases the rate of nicotinate D-ribonucleotide production (PubMed:9521740). Dephosphorylation regenerates the low-affinity form of the enzyme, leading to product release (By similarity). Present with 32100 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the NAPRTase family.