Research Opportunities in Aeronautics 2008 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA Research Opportunities in Aeronautics 2008 (NNH08ZEA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled Research Opportunities in Aeronautics 2008, solicitation number NNH08ZEA001N. It was issued by NASA Headquarters to support foundational aeronautics research aligned with the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD).

Is this a grant, a contract, or something else?

The solicitation is a broad agency announcement (BAA) under FAR 35.016 and NFS 1835.016. It lists multiple possible award mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other procurement instruments. NASA retains discretion to select the most appropriate instrument for proposals it chooses to fund.

What kinds of research is NASA looking for?

NASA is seeking a range of innovative, fundamental aeronautics research ideas rather than a single predefined product or service. The research must align with one of the ARMD program areas and an appropriate program element within the solicitation appendices.

Which ARMD programs are included in this NRA?

The NRA invites proposals aligned with four ARMD programs:

• Airspace Systems Program (air traffic management research tied to NextGen priorities defined by the JPDO)
• Aviation Safety Program (proactive safety risk reduction for existing and emerging aircraft)
• Fundamental Aeronautics Program (longer-term, cutting-edge research across all flight regimes)
• Aeronautics Test Program (maintaining and advancing aeronautics test facilities, platforms, instrumentation, and technologies)

What is the Airspace Systems Program focused on?

The Airspace Systems Program targets air traffic management research connected to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) priorities identified by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), emphasizing improvements in management of the national airspace.

What is the Aviation Safety Program focused on?

The Aviation Safety Program focuses on proactively addressing safety risks for both current and emerging aircraft operating in present and future air transportation environments.

What is the Fundamental Aeronautics Program focused on?

The Fundamental Aeronautics Program supports longer-term, cutting-edge research across all flight regimes. The goal is to generate data, knowledge, and design tools with broad applicability across many air vehicle types, in any atmosphere and at any speed.

What is the Aeronautics Test Program focused on?

The Aeronautics Test Program concentrates on sustaining and improving the nation's aeronautics testing capabilities by keeping critical facilities and platforms healthy and by developing new test instrumentation and test technologies.

How do I know which topic or program element to apply to?

Applicants must submit to the most relevant program element within the four program areas. The detailed topics, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, points of contact, and specific due dates are provided in the NRA appendices for each program element or thrust area.

Is there one deadline for the entire solicitation?

No. Proposal due dates were scheduled on a rolling basis, beginning May 1, 2008 and continuing through April 30, 2009. The exact due date depends on the specific topic area/program element listed in the appendices.

Where can I find the full announcement and its program elements?

The NRA was expected to be accessible through the NASA Research Opportunities site in NSPIRES (nspires.nasaprs.com) under Open Solicitations. Corresponding program elements were also searchable and downloadable through Grants.gov.

How can I find this opportunity on Grants.gov?

On Grants.gov, you can use Advanced Search and enter the solicitation number NNH08ZEA001N to locate the posted program elements and download the correct application package for the specific element you intend to pursue.

How do I submit an application?

Submission is electronic and can be made through NSPIRES or Grants.gov. Regardless of the system used, NASA emphasized starting registration and data entry early to avoid last-minute access or compliance problems.

Who is allowed to officially submit the proposal?

Proposals must be officially submitted by an authorized organizational representative, not only by the principal investigator (PI).

Do we need to register in NSPIRES before applying?

Yes. Any organization intending to apply must register in NSPIRES in advance and identify its authorized representative(s).

Do principal investigators and team members need to register too?

Yes. Principal investigators and other team members (such as co-investigators) have registration and profile requirements that may vary depending on whether submission is made through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to most organization types, including universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations.

Are any organizations excluded from eligibility?

Yes. The solicitation states that government organizations and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are excluded from participation.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the provided information for this opportunity.

What kind of funding is this considered?

The opportunity was categorized as discretionary funding.

Where are the evaluation criteria and proposal requirements described?

Evaluation criteria, proposal requirements, detailed topics, points of contact, and due dates are provided in the NRA appendices for each program element or thrust area.

Who should I contact for questions about a specific topic?

Topic-specific questions were to be directed to the relevant program contacts listed for each program element once those elements were posted.

Who is the general point of contact for NRA policies and procedures?

For general questions about NRA policies and procedures, NASA identified Jay Dryer, Senior Technical Advisor at NASA Headquarters ARMD. The contact email provided is NASA_roa@nasa.gov.

When was this opportunity posted and when was it archived?

The posting date was February 22, 2008. The archive date was listed as February 15, 2009.

When was the announcement expected to be accessible in NSPIRES?

The announcement was expected to be accessible around March 3, 2008 through the NASA Research Opportunities site in NSPIRES under Open Solicitations.

Why does NASA call this a broad agency announcement (BAA)?

It is structured as a BAA because NASA is looking for a range of innovative research ideas in foundational aeronautics, rather than procuring a single, predetermined deliverable. This structure also allows NASA to choose the most appropriate award instrument for selected proposals.