NASA Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The opportunity is titled "NASA Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions." It is part of the Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) 2013 NASA Research Announcement (NRA) issued by NASA Johnson Space Center.

2) What is the core purpose of this grant opportunity?

The purpose is to fund applied research that directly supports NASA's Human Research Program (HRP). The emphasis is on practical countermeasures, knowledge, technologies, and tools that help keep astronauts safe, healthy, and effective during spaceflight and longer exploration missions.

3) What kind of solicitation is this (procurement vs. research announcement)?

This is a broad agency announcement (BAA) under FAR 6.102(d)(2). That means NASA is seeking a wide range of meritorious research ideas aligned with defined program needs, rather than procuring one specific product or service.

4) Which NASA program is this opportunity intended to support?

It is intended to support NASA's Human Research Program (HRP), including work that advances operationally useful countermeasures and capabilities for astronauts.

5) How is the research scope organized within HRP?

The work is organized around HRP's six main Elements:

• Space Radiation
• Human Health and Countermeasures
• Exploration Medical Capability
• Behavioral Health and Performance
• Space Human Factors and Habitability
• International Space Station Medical Project

6) What research disciplines or focus areas are highlighted?

The solicitation highlights fourteen supporting research disciplines/focus areas:

• Behavioral Health and Performance
• Bone
• Cardiovascular
• Extravehicular Activity
• Immunology
• Medical Capabilities
• Muscle
• Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Radiation
• Sensorimotor
• Advanced Food Technology
• Advanced Environmental Health
• Space Human Factors Engineering

7) What types of spaceflight risks does NASA want proposals to address?

Based on the description, NASA is looking for research addressing known risks to human spaceflight, including (but not limited to) radiation exposure; physiological deconditioning such as bone and muscle loss; immune and cardiovascular changes; medication use and effectiveness in space; performance and team dynamics; human factors and habitat design; EVA-related health risks; and the systems and medical capabilities needed to diagnose and treat health issues during missions.

8) What role does the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) play in this opportunity?

NSBRI is identified as a notable partner: a nonprofit selected by NASA to advance space biomedical research and countermeasure development using an integrated team approach. NSBRI works with HRP under a cooperative agreement, and the NRA encourages research that can translate into operationally useful countermeasures and capabilities for astronauts.

9) What funding instrument will NASA use for awards?

Funding is provided through grants. NASA also reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for selected proposals.

10) What is the typical annual funding range per award?

Typical annual award sizes range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (such as focused data analysis) up to about $450,000 per year for more extensive work (such as developing scientific hardware or more complex research activities).

11) How much total funding is available?

NASA indicates the amount available varies by program element, ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars per element. The number of projects selected may range from a few to potentially a dozen depending on priorities, proposal quality, and fit to the objectives described in the element-specific appendices.

12) How long can projects run (period of performance)?

Periods of performance can run from one to five years, allowing anything from short, targeted studies to multi-year development and validation efforts.

13) Can the funding levels or performance periods differ from these general guidelines?

Yes. The solicitation notes that deviations from the general guidelines would be specified in the program element descriptions in the appendices.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open across categories of U.S. institutions. The opportunity also allows teaming with universities, federal laboratories, private sector partners, and state or local government labs, with the applicant organization responsible for overall project management and administration as proposed.

15) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

16) Are international collaborations allowed?

Yes, international collaboration is permitted under NASA policy on a cooperative, no-exchange-of-funds basis. Non-U.S. organizations can participate, but NASA generally does not provide them funding through this mechanism.

17) Where do applicants find the solicitation and submit proposals?

Applications are handled through NASA's NSPIRES system at http://nspires.nasaprs.com. The HERO NRA and its appendices are posted there, and proposers are expected to submit required materials through NSPIRES.

18) What submission process should applicants expect (one-step vs. two-step)?

The announcement anticipates that most program elements will use a two-step submission process (typically a preliminary submission followed by an invitation for a full proposal). Some elements may use a one-step process.

19) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent are requested electronically.

20) What happens if a proposal does not follow the formatting or compliance requirements?

Proposers are expected to follow the formatting and compliance requirements in the solicitation. Nonconforming proposals can be declared noncompliant and treated accordingly under the NASA FAR Supplement guidance referenced in the notice.

21) What were the key dates for this NRA open period?

Proposal due dates were staggered across the open period. The first due date listed was September 4, 2013. The overall open window ran from around July 30, 2013 through July 2014, with a final closing date shown as September 4, 2014.

22) How can applicants keep up with amendments or newly added program elements?

NASA encourages applicants to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to HEOMD notifications for amendments and newly added program elements during the open period.

23) Who should be contacted for contracting or solicitation-specific questions?

Contracting and solicitation-specific questions are directed to the contracting officer, Dana Altmon Cary.

24) Who should be contacted for programmatic questions about the Human Research Program (HRP)?

Programmatic questions about HRP can be directed to Mark Shelhamer, HRP Chief Scientist.

25) Who should be contacted for NSBRI programmatic information?

Questions related to NSBRI programmatic information can be directed to Graham Scott at NSBRI.

26) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNJ13ZSA002N.

27) What is the CFDA number and program listing for this opportunity?

The opportunity lists CFDA 43.003 (Exploration).

28) What general category does this opportunity fall under?

It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

29) Does NASA guarantee an award if a proposal is submitted?

No. Awards are made at NASA's discretion.

30) Why do the element-specific appendices matter?

The appendices define the element-specific objectives and can include details that affect funding levels, timelines, and submission approach (one-step vs. two-step). The main notice indicates that exceptions or deviations from general guidelines would be spelled out in those element descriptions.