ROA 2010 A.2 Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW1) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROA 2010 A.2 Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW1) - NASA

What is "ROA 2010 A.2 Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW1)"?

ROA 2010 A.2 Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW1) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released under the broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) called Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA), identified as NNH10ZEA001N. The purpose of the ROA NRA is to fund foundational and system-level aeronautics research that supports NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD).

Is SFW1 a standalone solicitation, or part of a larger NASA announcement?

SFW1 is part of the larger ROA NRA structure. The main NRA provides overall solicitation rules and procedures, while the appendices tied to each program element provide the topic-specific scope, expectations, proposal due dates, evaluation criteria, and points of contact that determine how and where proposals should be submitted and reviewed.

What is the overall goal of the ROA NRA?

The ROA NRA is designed to attract fundamental research proposals across NASA ARMD and to support both (1) advances in underlying science, methods, and tools used to design and operate aircraft, and (2) maturation of promising concepts at a system level.

Which ARMD programs are included under the ROA NRA?

Based on the opportunity description, the ROA NRA spans five major ARMD programs:

• Airspace Systems
• Aviation Safety
• Fundamental Aeronautics
• Integrated Systems Research
• Aeronautics Test

What kinds of research does the Airspace Systems Program support?

The Airspace Systems Program focuses on air traffic management needs aligned with the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) as defined by the Joint Planning and Development Office. Proposals in this area typically address improved capacity, efficiency, and integration of future airspace operations.

What kinds of research does the Aviation Safety Program support?

The Aviation Safety Program targets proactive approaches to safety risks affecting both current and emerging aircraft in today's and tomorrow's air transportation system.

What kinds of research does the Fundamental Aeronautics Program support?

The Fundamental Aeronautics Program emphasizes longer-term, cutting-edge research across flight regimes to produce new data, knowledge, and design methods broadly applicable to air vehicles.

What kinds of research does the Integrated Systems Research Program support?

The Integrated Systems Research Program focuses on integrated, real-world demonstrations and assessments of benefits in relevant environments, helping bridge the gap between promising technology and operational credibility.

What kinds of research does the Aeronautics Test Program support?

The Aeronautics Test Program supports the health and capability of national aeronautics test infrastructure, including facilities, platforms, instrumentation, and test techniques.

Where do I find the specific topic scope and submission instructions for SFW1?

The opportunity indicates that applicants must submit to the most relevant program element described in the NRA appendices. Those appendices contain the actionable, topic-specific instructions, including scope, proposal due dates, evaluation criteria, and the correct points of contact for the element.

How does NASA determine where my proposal fits within ROA?

The opportunity description states that the main NRA sets general policies and procedures, while the appendices determine where a proposal fits and how it will be reviewed. Applicants are expected to target the most relevant program element described in the appendices.

Are proposal submissions electronic?

Yes. Submissions are electronic and may be made through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov, according to the opportunity description.

Who is allowed to officially submit the proposal?

The opportunity states that proposals must be officially submitted by an authorized organizational representative (AOR), not only by the principal investigator.

Do organizations need to register before submitting?

Yes. Any organization intending to propose must be registered in NSPIRES, including identification of the organization's authorized representative(s).

Do individual investigators and team members need NSPIRES registrations?

The opportunity indicates that investigators and team members typically need their own system registrations, and NASA encourages starting the registration process early to avoid last-minute access or validation issues.

Who is eligible to apply?

Participation is broadly open to universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations, according to the opportunity description.

Are there any organizations that are excluded from applying?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly notes exclusions for government organizations and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), unless otherwise clarified in the solicitation text.

What type of award instrument is expected?

The listing characterizes the award instrument type as a cooperative agreement.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

How is this opportunity categorized from a federal procurement perspective?

NASA frames the solicitation as a broad agency announcement under FAR 35.016 and NFS 1835.016, and categorizes it as discretionary funding supporting science, technology, and other research and development.

Can NASA change the award instrument type?

Yes. The opportunity states that NASA reserves the right to choose the most appropriate award instrument for any selected proposal, regardless of where the opportunity notice is posted.

When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The opportunity record provides the following dates:

• Posted date: October 13, 2010
• Closing date (original and current): November 30, 2010
• Archive date: December 30, 2010

Who should I contact for general questions about NRA policies and procedures?

General questions on NRA policies and procedures were directed to Tony Strazisar at roa@nasa.gov.

Who are the program-element or solicitation contacts referenced in the opportunity record?

The opportunity references the following roles and contacts in connection with program elements and procurement:

• Principal Investigator: Ruben Delrosario
• Project Scientist: Rich Wahls
• NRA Manager: Kim Pham
• Procurement point of contact: Melissa Merrill (melissa.a.merrill@nasa.gov)

Does NASA prefer questions by phone or in writing?

The opportunity states that NASA requests questions be submitted in writing.

Where are the specific Program Officers and Contracting Officers listed?

The opportunity indicates that as topic areas are released, additional details for program elements become available, and the specific Program Officers and Contracting Officers are listed in each element's summary information.