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

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH19ZEA001N TTT

NASA, through its Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), issued Amendment 2 to the Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2019 NRA, inviting research proposals under Appendix D.2 for the Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project (Funding Opportunity Number NNH19ZEA001N). The purpose of this opportunity is to push forward next-generation computational and experimental tools that can meaningfully change how the aviation community analyzes, designs, and validates advanced aircraft and propulsion concepts. The solicitation is framed around seven subtopic areas, with an expectation of about seven awards, and it is administered through NASA Headquarters with details and submission handled via NSPIRES.

At its core, the TTT Project is aimed at building first-of-a-kind capabilities that improve the ability to analyze, understand, and predict aviation concept performance. 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. The intent is not just incremental improvement, but tools and methods that can shorten the time from early concept to defensible performance predictions, helping NASA and the wider research community accelerate the design and introduction of advanced aviation concepts aligned with ARMD strategic thrusts.

Beyond computation, TTT also supports broadly enabling technologies that cut across ARMD outcomes, including experimental methods and innovative controls approaches. A substantial portion of the description focuses on the Materials and Structures discipline, which targets improved multifunctional and high-temperature materials for both airframe and engine applications. This includes work on integrated multiscale modeling and simulation tools to strengthen validated, first-principles approaches to materials and structural modeling, reducing reliance on purely empirical methods and improving confidence when extrapolating to new designs and operating conditions. The solicitation also 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, signaling interest in toolchains and ecosystems that support collaboration, data sharing, validation practices, and integration across organizations.

The materials and structures thrust also highlights development of 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 called out include tribological components as well as components that combine structural functionality with energy storage and thermal management. The underlying 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.

On the systems side, the opportunity stresses improving multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) and broader systems analysis tools to better enable multi-disciplinary integration. In practice, that points to methods and software that can connect aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, materials behavior, and operations into more consistent end-to-end assessments. NASA positions these advances as foundational capabilities that will 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.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is listed as discretionary and allows cooperative agreements and other instruments. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full text. The CFDA number is 43.002, and the original closing date for full proposals was April 27, 2020, with Notices of Intent due April 2, 2020. Notably, the listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates that the ceiling is not specified in the summary record and applicants should rely on the full NASA solicitation text in NSPIRES for funding ranges, constraints, and subtopic-specific guidance.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "D.2 Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.002.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 06, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 27, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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