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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA D.5 University Leadership Initiative (ULI)

1) What is the D.5 University Leadership Initiative (ULI)?

The D.5 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity that was released as part of Amendment 2 to the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2016 NASA Research Announcement (NRA). It adds a dedicated topic in Appendix D.5 focused on strengthening university-driven leadership in aeronautics research and building the future aerospace talent pipeline.

2) Which NASA organization is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered under NASA Headquarters through NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), via the ROA 2016 NRA and its Amendment 2.

3) Where was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted in NASA's NSPIRES system on April 25, 2016.

4) What is the main purpose of the ULI?

The ULI is intended to strengthen university-led leadership in aeronautics research while also developing education and workforce outcomes that support the next generation of aerospace engineers and researchers.

5) What makes this opportunity different from a typical narrowly-scoped research task?

Rather than only responding to narrowly defined technical tasks, proposers are expected to identify important technical challenges themselves and propose research activities that advance NASA ARMD's aeronautics objectives. The emphasis is on universities taking a strategic role in shaping and executing research aligned with NASA priorities.

6) What should proposed research align with?

Proposed research is expected to align with the ARMD Strategic Implementation Plan, particularly its six strategic thrusts. Proposals should clearly map to ARMD priorities and long-term aeronautics directions.

7) How many topic areas does the solicitation seek proposals in?

The solicitation explicitly seeks proposals across six topic areas, each corresponding to one of ARMD's six strategic thrusts.

8) Does NASA want a particular type of research portfolio through ULI?

Yes. The text indicates NASA is looking for a balanced portfolio of university-led work that maps clearly to the directorate's main long-term aeronautics directions, across the six thrust-aligned topic areas.

9) What type of funding instrument is this?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

10) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 43.002.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), with an important caveat that applicants must follow any additional eligibility clarifications provided in the full solicitation text.

12) Even with unrestricted eligibility, who is the program mainly aimed at?

The emphasis is clearly on universities and university-led teams or partnerships, reflecting the initiative's purpose of combining research leadership with education and workforce development outcomes.

13) Are partnerships or teaming arrangements relevant to this opportunity?

The opportunity description references "universities and university-led partnerships" and notes that details such as teaming expectations would be found in the full ROA 2016 NRA documentation and Appendix D.5 in NSPIRES.

14) What are the key submission deadlines mentioned?

Two deadlines are listed: Notices of Intent (NOIs) were due May 5, 2016, and Step-A proposals were due June 7, 2016.

15) Is the listed closing date different from the original closing date?

No. The description indicates the original and current closing date listed are the same for the Step-A proposal deadline (June 7, 2016).

16) What is a Notice of Intent (NOI) deadline for in this context?

The information provided only states that an NOI was due May 5, 2016 as part of the submission process. Specific requirements for the NOI would need to be confirmed in the full solicitation.

17) What is meant by a "Step-A proposal"?

The listing indicates a step-based submission process that includes a Step-A proposal due June 7, 2016. The public listing does not provide the mechanics of the step-based process, so applicants would need to consult the full ROA 2016 NRA and Appendix D.5 details in NSPIRES.

18) Does the public listing provide the award ceiling?

No. The public listing does not specify an award ceiling.

19) Does the public listing state the expected number of awards?

No. The public listing does not provide the expected number of awards.

20) Where should applicants look for details like funding levels, performance period, evaluation criteria, and selection steps?

Applicants are directed to consult the full ROA 2016 NRA documentation and Appendix D.5 details in NSPIRES for information such as anticipated funding levels, period of performance, evaluation criteria, teaming expectations, and any step-based selection process requirements.

21) What outcomes does NASA appear to be seeking besides technical research results?

In addition to high-impact aeronautics R&D aligned with ARMD priorities, the initiative deliberately promotes education and training outcomes intended to build the talent pipeline for future aeronautics engineers and researchers.

22) In one sentence, what is this opportunity trying to accomplish?

It is a university-centered aeronautics R&D grant opportunity aimed at producing high-impact research tied to ARMD's six strategic thrusts while strengthening university research leadership and workforce development for the next generation of aerospace professionals.