ROA 2010 D.2 ERA Project System Analysis (ERA2) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is ROA 2010 D.2 ERA Project System Analysis (ERA2)?

ROA 2010 D.2 ERA Project System Analysis (ERA2) is a NASA Headquarters grant opportunity released under NASA's broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Research Opportunities in Aeronautics" (ROA). It supports foundational and systems-level research aligned with NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD).

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

The associated Funding Opportunity Number is NNH10ZEA001N.

3) Is this a procurement for a specific product or service?

No. The opportunity is framed as a broad agency announcement (BAA) consistent with FAR 35.016 and NFS 1835.016. That means NASA is seeking a range of innovative research ideas, rather than purchasing a single predefined product or service.

4) What type of award does NASA expect to use?

Awards are expected to be made using cooperative agreements. NASA also states that it retains discretion to choose the appropriate award instrument for selected proposals.

5) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

6) How is the ROA solicitation organized?

The ROA is organized by program elements, with key details (topic descriptions, deadlines, evaluation criteria, and points of contact) provided in appendices tied to each program element. Applicants are expected to submit to the most relevant program element.

7) What should applicants pay special attention to when preparing an ERA2 system analysis proposal?

Applicants should pay close attention to the specific appendix tied to the ERA2 system analysis topic area, because the appendix is where the correct topic description, submission instructions, deadlines, evaluation criteria, and points of contact are provided.

8) What ARMD program areas does the ROA umbrella solicitation cover?

The ROA umbrella solicitation covers five major ARMD programs: Airspace Systems Program, Aviation Safety Program, Fundamental Aeronautics Program, Integrated Systems Research Program, and Aeronautics Test Program.

9) What is the focus of the Airspace Systems Program under ROA?

The Airspace Systems Program targets air traffic management research needed for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), as defined by the Joint Planning and Development Office.

10) What is the focus of the Aviation Safety Program under ROA?

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

11) What is the focus of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program under ROA?

The Fundamental Aeronautics Program emphasizes long-term, high-impact research across all flight regimes to generate data, knowledge, and design tools applicable to many types of air vehicles in any atmosphere and at any speed.

12) What is the focus of the Integrated Systems Research Program under ROA?

The Integrated Systems Research Program evaluates and demonstrates promising concepts and technologies at an integrated system level in relevant environments.

13) What is the focus of the Aeronautics Test Program under ROA?

The Aeronautics Test Program is centered on maintaining and advancing national testing capabilities through strong facilities, platforms, instrumentation, and test technologies.

14) How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is electronic only, using NASA's NSPIRES system or Grants.gov.

15) Who is allowed to submit the proposal on behalf of an organization?

Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. Submission is not limited to only the principal investigator.

16) What registrations are required to submit?

Organizations intending to apply must be registered in NSPIRES and must designate authorized representatives. Principal investigators and co-investigators also have participant registration requirements within the electronic systems used for submission.

17) Why does NASA recommend starting the registration process early?

NASA explicitly encourages organizations to begin registration and system familiarization early to avoid last-minute submission problems in NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

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

19) Are there any notable eligibility exceptions?

Yes. The notice calls out notable exceptions for government organizations and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

20) If the opportunity is listed on external platforms, does that affect how NASA makes awards?

No. NASA notes that even if the opportunity is posted on platforms like FedBizOpps or Grants.gov, the agency retains discretion to choose the appropriate award instrument for selected proposals.

21) What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity record lists a posted/creation date of July 26, 2011; an original and current closing date of September 12, 2011; and an archive date of October 12, 2011.

22) Where can applicants find the deadlines and evaluation criteria for their specific topic?

Deadlines and evaluation criteria are provided in the appendices for the relevant program element within the ROA NRA.

23) Who should be contacted for general questions about NRA policies and procedures?

General questions about NRA policies and procedures are directed to Tony Strazisar at NASA Headquarters via email at NASA-roa@nasa.gov.

24) Are there other points of contact mentioned for help?

Yes. The notice references additional contacts for access issues and for program-element support, including the project manager and NRA management staff listed in the announcement.

25) What is the main practical takeaway for applicants?

The main practical requirement is to submit to the most relevant ROA program element and follow the exact appendix instructions for the ERA2 system analysis topic, including the correct destination, deadlines, evaluation criteria, and points of contact, while allowing enough time for NSPIRES/Grants.gov registration and authorization.