Game Changing Opportunities In Technology Development | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA STMD GCD - Advanced Energy Storage Systems (SpaceTech REDDI 2014)

1) What is the name of this NASA funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Game Changing Opportunities in Technology Development" under the SpaceTech REDDI 2014 NASA Research Announcement (NRA). The specific appendix/topic described here is "Advanced Energy Storage Systems."

2) Which NASA office and program are sponsoring this opportunity?

NASA Headquarters, through the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), is sponsoring the opportunity under the Game Changing Development (GCD) Program.

3) What solicitation and program element identifiers should applicants look for?

The broader solicitation is SpaceTech REDDI 2014, NASA Research Announcement NNH14ZOA001N. The specific program element for this topic is NNH14ZOA001N 14GCD C1 (Advanced Energy Storage Systems).

4) What is NASA trying to accomplish with this energy storage topic?

NASA is seeking to mature "game changing" energy storage technologies that can enable future space exploration missions. The emphasis is on transformational approaches that raise specific energy while still meeting space hardware realities such as strong safety characteristics, high reliability, and long cycle life.

5) What technology readiness levels (TRLs) are targeted?

The opportunity targets the mid technology readiness range, roughly TRL 3 to TRL 5. This means the work should be beyond basic research, but not yet fully flight-ready.

6) How is the effort structured (phases and down-selection)?

NASA describes a phased acquisition strategy with down-selection:

• Phase I: Component testing and analysis, up to about 8 months.
• Phase II: Build an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) hardware version, up to about 12 months.
• Phase III: Prototype hardware, up to about 15 months.

Later phases are expected to build directly on earlier phase results. NASA indicates Phase I awardees are expected to be best positioned to win subsequent phases, but proposals from any responsible source may be considered for later phases if they can demonstrate comparable design maturity.

7) Can an organization propose directly to Phase II or Phase III without participating in Phase I?

NASA states proposals for later phases from any responsible source can be considered. However, teams that did not perform earlier phases must convincingly demonstrate a design maturity comparable to teams that completed earlier phases. If that maturity is not clearly shown, the proposal can be ruled unacceptable without further review.

8) Will NASA issue a brand-new full solicitation for each later phase?

NASA indicates it does not plan to issue a brand-new full solicitation for each later phase. Instead, NASA would send request letters to guide proposal content and evaluation for those phases, and would synopsis each phase.

9) What are the technical categories in this appendix?

NASA splits the research into two categories:

• Category One: High Specific Energy System Level Concepts - Battery systems built around high-energy cell chemistries, focusing on the battery at the system level and aiming for around 200 Whr/kg and above, while meeting space-appropriate safety and lifecycle needs.
• Category Two: Very High Specific Energy Devices - Concepts aimed at exceeding capabilities commonly associated with lithium-based chemistries (noted as about 400 Whr/kg), with expectations to address cycle life and safety suitable for space operations.

10) Is maximizing energy density the only goal?

No. NASA signals that energy density alone is not sufficient. Proposals are expected to show a credible path to a complete, robust energy storage solution that can survive operational constraints of spacecraft and exploration systems, including safety, reliability, and long cycle life.

11) What performance targets are mentioned for specific energy?

For Category One, NASA references battery system level concepts aiming for around 200 Whr/kg and above. For Category Two, NASA references concepts that could exceed lithium-based chemistry capabilities noted at about 400 Whr/kg.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to U.S. organizations, as described in the opportunity summary provided.

13) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

14) What kinds of awards or instruments might NASA use?

The opportunity lists multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, and procurement contracts. NASA may choose the mechanism that best fits the work and the level of agency involvement.

15) How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative. Applicants are urged to register early and not wait until the deadline to upload materials.

16) Where do applicants find the full appendix and instructions?

NASA directs applicants to NSPIRES. Applicants should navigate through the SpaceTech REDDI 2014 solicitation (NNH14ZOA001N) and select the open program element NNH14ZOA001N 14GCD C1 (Advanced Energy Storage Systems).

17) What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The posted date is April 9, 2014. The closing date listed (original and current) is May 27, 2014.

18) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 43.009 (NASA Cross Agency Support).

19) How can applicants ask questions about the opportunity?

Questions are handled by email through HQ_STMD_GCDC1@mail.nasa.gov. NASA may publish answers in an FAQ on the NSPIRES page while keeping the identities of questioners anonymous.

20) Who are the named points of contact and what are their roles?

The named points of contact include a contracting officer, Drena J. McIntosh, for procurement-related questions, and a program executive, Ryan Stephan, for technical questions.

21) Where can applicants get help with Grants.gov access issues?

Additional technical help for Grants.gov access issues is available through the Grants.gov Contact Center.

22) What is an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) in the context of this opportunity?

In this phased approach, Phase II emphasizes building an Engineering Development Unit (EDU) hardware version. The EDU is presented as a hardware build step between Phase I component testing/analysis and Phase III prototype hardware.

23) What does NASA mean by "mid TRL" work here?

NASA describes the target as roughly TRL 3 to TRL 5, positioned after basic research but before fully flight-ready development. The phases (component testing/analysis, then EDU hardware, then prototype hardware) reflect that progression.

24) What should outside entrants emphasize if applying to a later phase?

NASA emphasizes that outside entrants must clearly demonstrate design maturity comparable to teams that have already completed earlier phases. If that maturity is not clearly demonstrated, NASA may deem the proposal unacceptable without further review.