NAWCAD Patuxent River Education Outreach Grant Program | Apply Online

FAQs: NAWCAD Patuxent River Education Outreach Grant Program (NAWCAD 12 0003)

What is the NAWCAD Patuxent River Education Outreach Grant Program?

It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by NAVAIR under Funding Opportunity Number NAWCAD 12 0003. The program is focused on one specific STEM education deliverable: setting up and implementing one National Flight Academy Aviation Classroom Experience (NFA ACE) lab in a local middle or high school.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

The goal is to boost student engagement and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math by creating an aviation-themed, simulation-driven learning environment and integrating it into a school setting in a way that strengthens traditional math and science instruction through hands-on, experiential learning.

Is this grant meant to fund general STEM activities?

No. Based on the description provided, the program is narrowly aimed at establishing a complete NFA ACE lab package and implementing it in a school. It is not described as a general STEM enrichment or broad STEM program grant.

What is the NFA ACE curriculum?

NFA ACE is described as an immersive and integrated classroom experience built around interactive flight simulation. It is intended to spark student interest in STEM fields while reinforcing core competencies students are expected to learn in standard coursework, especially math and science fundamentals.

How does the program approach STEM learning?

The approach emphasizes experiential learning in a lab environment that blends digital media, game-like virtual world elements, and simulation technologies. Students work through realistic aviation scenarios that require critical thinking and problem-solving, helping connect abstract STEM concepts to concrete tasks.

What does the ACE lab package include?

The package is described as including technology and implementation support, with core components such as a mission delivery software suite and instructional materials, three dual-seat cockpit simulators, one air traffic control workstation, student desktop PC workstations, and room scenic or immersive design elements to create a more realistic environment.

Does the grant include teacher training?

Yes. The package includes on-site teacher training and ongoing teacher development, reflecting that adoption depends on both equipment installation and preparing educators to use the tools effectively and align activities with classroom objectives.

How many labs is this grant expected to fund?

The opportunity description indicates it is focused on setting up and implementing one NFA ACE lab in a local middle or high school.

How many awards are expected to be made?

The announcement anticipates making one award, meaning a single selected applicant would be funded to implement the one ACE lab.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding is $250,000. The award ceiling is $250,000, and the award floor is $0, as listed in the opportunity summary.

Is cost sharing or a matching contribution required?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.

Are colleges and universities eligible applicants?

No. The eligibility description explicitly excludes institutions of higher education.

What kind of experience is an applicant expected to demonstrate?

Applicants are expected to demonstrate capability and relevant experience, particularly in STEM-related programming, based on the stated expectations in the opportunity description.

What must be included in the proposal package?

The submission requirements described include: (1) an executive summary of no more than one page, (2) a description of the organization and its qualifications, (3) a description of past STEM experience, (4) a plan (10 pages or less) describing how the NFA ACE will be integrated into a local middle or high school, and (5) an itemized budget.

Are there page limits for the narrative sections?

Yes. The executive summary is limited to one page, and the integration plan is limited to 10 pages or less, as stated in the submission requirements.

What is the integration plan expected to address?

It is described as a plan explaining how the NFA ACE will be integrated into a local middle or high school. The opportunity framing suggests reviewers want a clear and feasible implementation roadmap tied to strengthening traditional math and science instruction through the ACE lab environment.

What does the budget need to look like?

The requirements call for an itemized budget. No additional budget format details are provided in the information given.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

Key dates listed show it was posted and created on Sep 4, 2012, and closed on Sep 11, 2012.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The closing date provided is Sep 11, 2012, and an archive date of Oct 11, 2012 is also listed.

Who can be contacted for questions or issues accessing the full announcement?

The listed point of contact is Jeffrey Boyce, Contract Specialist. The phone number provided is 301 737 2657.

Which federal organization administers this grant?

The opportunity is administered by NAVAIR, as stated in the description.

What makes this grant different from other STEM education grants?

Based on the information provided, the program is unusually specific: it is aimed at installing and implementing a complete NFA ACE lab package (including simulators, software, workstations, immersive design elements, and teacher training) rather than funding a broad range of STEM activities.