ROA 2008 A.4 Supersonics Project (SUP2) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ROA 2008 A.4 Supersonics Project (SUP2) opportunity?

ROA 2008 A.4 Supersonics Project (SUP2) is a program element under NASA Headquarters broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH08ZEA001N, titled Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA). The ROA is intended to fund foundational, early-stage aeronautics research that supports NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). SUP2 is labeled as a supersonics-focused element, but it is part of a larger umbrella solicitation that covers a wide range of fundamental aeronautics research aligned with ARMD priorities.

What is the overall purpose of the ROA (NNH08ZEA001N)?

The overall purpose of the ROA is to support long-term U.S. aeronautics capabilities by funding early-stage, foundational research. NASA expects the resulting knowledge, data, and tools to strengthen aeronautics research and development over the long term.

Is SUP2 a standalone solicitation or part of a broader NASA announcement?

SUP2 is not standalone. It is one element within the broader NRA NNH08ZEA001N (Research Opportunities in Aeronautics). Applicants are expected to target the specific program element that best matches the proposed work.

Which major ARMD programs are included under this NRA?

The NRA spans four major ARMD programs: the Airspace Systems Program, the Aviation Safety Program, the Fundamental Aeronautics Program, and the Aeronautics Test Program (ATP).

How does SUP2 relate to the ARMD programs listed in the ROA?

While SUP2 is described as a supersonics-focused element, it aligns naturally with the Fundamental Aeronautics Program, which emphasizes long-horizon, cutting-edge research across all flight regimes and aims to produce broadly usable data, design methods, and analysis tools.

Where are the detailed requirements and instructions for SUP2?

The detailed requirements are contained in the appendices for each program element. These appendices include the exact proposal due dates (which can vary by element), any element-specific evaluation criteria beyond general NRA expectations, and the appropriate technical points of contact (including Program Officers and Contracting Officers). Applicants interested in SUP2 are expected to use the SUP2 appendix materials associated with NNH08ZEA001N.

Do different program elements have different deadlines?

Yes. The opportunity notes that proposal due dates can differ by program element, and the appendices identify the exact due date for each element.

What are the posted, closing, and archive dates shown in the public listing?

The public listing shows a posted date of April 17, 2008, an original and current closing date of May 29, 2008, and an archive date of June 28, 2008.

How do proposals need to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically through either NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or Grants.gov.

Who is required to submit the final proposal in NSPIRES or Grants.gov?

The final submission must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization (the authorized organizational representative).

Why does NASA emphasize early registration and system familiarization?

NASA emphasizes early registration because both NSPIRES and Grants.gov require organization and investigator profiles to be set up correctly in advance, including identifying the authorized organizational representative who is permitted to submit on the organization's behalf.

How can applicants locate individual program elements (like SUP2) in Grants.gov?

Applicants are instructed to use Grants.gov Advanced Search and enter the base opportunity number NNH08ZEA001N followed by a wildcard. This returns the list of posted elements and allows applicants to download the correct application package for the element they want, such as SUP2.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broadly open. Participation is generally open to educational institutions, private industry, and nonprofit organizations. The listing indicates an unrestricted applicant pool, subject to any clarifications in the full text. The notice also mentions an exception for government organizations and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

Are government organizations and FFRDCs allowed to participate?

The notice indicates there is an exception noted for government organizations and FFRDCs. Any restrictions or special conditions are expected to be clarified in the full solicitation text and/or the relevant program element appendix.

What types of funding instruments might NASA use for awards?

NASA indicates awards could be made using grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other procurement instruments. NASA also reserves the right to choose the appropriate instrument for any selected proposal.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement listed for this opportunity.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

How is this opportunity categorized from an acquisition/solicitation standpoint?

The opportunity is described as a broad agency announcement under FAR 35.016 and NFS 1835.016. This signals that NASA is seeking research ideas and approaches rather than purchasing a pre-specified commercial product.

Who should applicants contact for general NRA policies and procedures?

For general NRA policies and procedures, applicants are directed to contact Jay Dryer, Senior Technical Advisor at NASA Headquarters ARMD, via NASA_roa@nasa.gov.

Who should applicants contact for element-specific (SUP2) questions?

Element-specific questions are intended to be handled through the Program Officers listed in the element's summary information (as provided in the program element materials/appendix).

What is the relationship between this ROA and the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)?

The Airspace Systems Program under the ROA is tied closely to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) effort and emphasizes air traffic management research needs identified by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO).

What kinds of research themes are associated with the Aviation Safety Program under this NRA?

The Aviation Safety Program focuses on anticipating and reducing risks for both existing and emerging vehicles operating in today's and tomorrow's air transportation environment.

What does the Aeronautics Test Program (ATP) emphasize under this NRA?

The Aeronautics Test Program supports the health and modernization of national test capabilities, including facility and platform readiness and the development of improved instrumentation and test techniques.

Why does the solicitation instruct applicants to rely on the element appendix and not only the high-level ROA description?

Because the appendices contain the element-specific due dates, evaluation criteria, and the correct technical and contracting points of contact, applicants targeting SUP2 are expected to follow the instructions and criteria in the SUP2 appendix rather than relying only on the umbrella ROA summary.