D.2 Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project | NNH19ZEA001N TTT

FAQs: NASA ROA 2019 NRA Appendix D.2 (Transformational Tools and Technologies - TTT) - Amendment 2

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Amendment 2 to the Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2019 NASA Research Announcement (NRA). It invites research proposals under Appendix D.2 for the Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project, Funding Opportunity Number NNH19ZEA001N.

2) Which NASA organization is sponsoring and administering it?

The opportunity is issued by NASA through ARMD and is administered through NASA Headquarters, with detailed instructions and proposal submission handled through NSPIRES.

3) What is the main purpose of the TTT Project?

The TTT Project aims to advance next-generation computational and experimental tools that can significantly change how the aviation community analyzes, designs, and validates advanced aircraft and propulsion concepts. The focus is on creating first-of-a-kind capabilities that improve the ability to analyze, understand, and predict aviation concept performance.

4) Is the goal incremental improvement or something more?

The stated intent is not just incremental improvement. NASA is seeking tools and methods that can shorten the time from early concept work to defensible performance predictions, helping accelerate the design and introduction of advanced aviation concepts aligned with ARMD strategic thrusts.

5) What kinds of tool development does TTT emphasize?

A major emphasis is on developing new computer-based tools, advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models, and the supporting scientific knowledge needed to make those tools credible and broadly useful.

6) Does the opportunity include experimental research as well as computational work?

Yes. In addition to computation-focused work, the description notes broadly enabling technologies that cut across ARMD outcomes, including experimental methods and innovative controls approaches.

7) How is the solicitation organized technically?

The solicitation is framed around seven subtopic areas. The posting also indicates an expectation of about seven awards.

8) What is meant by "transformational tools and technologies" in this context?

Based on the description provided, "transformational" refers to capabilities that meaningfully improve prediction and validation for advanced aviation concepts, including credible analysis tools, validated modeling approaches, and methods that speed the path from early design ideas to defensible performance assessments.

9) What technical areas are highlighted under Materials and Structures?

The Materials and Structures discipline highlights improved multifunctional and high-temperature materials for both airframe and engine applications, along with integrated multiscale modeling and simulation tools to strengthen validated, first-principles approaches to materials and structural modeling.

10) What is the intent of integrated multiscale modeling and simulation in this opportunity?

The stated intent is to strengthen validated, first-principles approaches (as opposed to purely empirical methods), reduce reliance on empirical extrapolation, and improve confidence when extending models to new designs and operating conditions.

11) Does NASA mention broader toolchains or ecosystems beyond individual models?

Yes. The description notes that investments in specific models and a broader cyber-physical-social ecosystem framework are expected to align with findings from NASA's 2040 Vision study. This signals interest in toolchains and ecosystems that support collaboration, data sharing, validation practices, and integration across organizations.

12) What kinds of multifunctional materials or adaptive structures are mentioned?

The solicitation highlights multifunctional materials and adaptive structures that can serve lightweight actuation and mechanical component needs for reconfigurable aircraft concepts, spanning both airframe and engine components. Examples include tribological components and components that combine structural functionality with energy storage and thermal management.

13) What is the value proposition NASA is pointing to for multifunctional structures?

The described value proposition is weight reduction and component integration: enabling novel configurations that meet multiple performance requirements at once, rather than treating structures, actuation, heat management, and related needs as separate subsystems with separate mass and complexity penalties.

14) What systems and integration capabilities does the opportunity emphasize?

It emphasizes improvements to multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) and broader systems analysis tools to better enable multi-disciplinary integration across aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, materials behavior, and operations.

15) Is NASA looking for tools tied to one vehicle concept, or more broadly applicable capabilities?

NASA positions these advances as foundational capabilities intended to support concept development and benefits assessment across multiple ARMD programs and disciplines, rather than being narrowly tied to a single vehicle concept or a single technical community.

16) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH19ZEA001N.

17) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 43.002.

18) What types of funding instruments are allowed?

The opportunity allows cooperative agreements and other instruments, and it is listed as discretionary.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full text of the solicitation.

20) Where are the official details and submission instructions located?

Details and proposal submission are handled via NSPIRES. Applicants are expected to rely on the full NASA solicitation text in NSPIRES for complete requirements and any subtopic-specific guidance.

21) What were the key due dates shown in the listing?

The Notices of Intent were due April 2, 2020, and the original closing date for full proposals was April 27, 2020.

22) How many awards does NASA expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of about seven awards.

23) Is there a stated maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the ceiling is not specified in the summary record. Applicants are expected to rely on the full NASA solicitation text in NSPIRES for funding ranges, constraints, and any subtopic-specific limits.

24) What should applicants do if they need budget ranges or constraints?

Because the summary record does not specify an award ceiling, applicants should consult the full solicitation text in NSPIRES for the authoritative funding information, constraints, and guidance by subtopic.

25) What kinds of outcomes does NASA appear to value for this program?

Based on the description provided, NASA values credible and broadly useful modeling and analysis tools, validated first-principles approaches (especially for materials and structures), improved experimental methods and controls approaches where applicable, and integrated system-level capabilities (such as MDAO) that support consistent end-to-end assessment of advanced aviation concepts.