HERO Appendix A: NASA Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions | 80JSC019N0001 FLAGSHIP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is HERO Appendix A for this opportunity?

HERO Appendix A is titled "NASA Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions." It is a NASA Johnson Space Center funding opportunity released under the Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) umbrella solicitation (NRA 80JSC019N0001).

2) What is the specific solicited research response area (topic label) for this appendix?

This specific appendix corresponds to the solicited research response area labeled 80JSC019N0001-FLAGSHIP.

3) What is the overall focus of the research NASA is seeking?

The focus is applied research that directly supports NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) goals and objectives related to keeping astronauts healthy and capable during space exploration missions.

4) Which NASA program's goals and objectives does this work support?

The work is framed as directly supporting NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) goals and objectives.

5) How many targeted topic areas are included in this solicitation?

The solicitation is looking for proposals in two targeted topic areas.

6) What is the first targeted topic area?

The first topic area centers on understanding how partial gravity levels between 0 and 1 g, specifically those created during parabolic flight maneuvers, affect the human neurovestibular and sensorimotor systems.

7) What kinds of human performance issues are relevant to the partial-gravity topic?

NASA highlights disruptions and performance-critical functions such as balance, orientation, motion perception, coordination, and other functions tied to how the brain and body handle changes in gravitational load.

8) Why is partial-gravity research important for space exploration missions?

This work is relevant for mission phases where crews transition between gravity environments (for example, microgravity to lunar gravity) and still need to maintain safe operational performance.

9) What is the second targeted topic area?

The second topic area is "space radiobiology tissue sharing" research.

10) What does "space radiobiology tissue sharing" emphasize in this solicitation?

The emphasis is on studies that propose using archived tissue samples or samples already being collected through ongoing experiments.

11) Why does NASA encourage use of archived or already-collected tissue samples?

Using existing biological materials can extract new scientific value while reducing duplication, lowering costs, and speeding progress on questions tied to radiation risks and biological responses in spaceflight-relevant conditions.

12) What funding instruments does NASA plan to use for awards?

Funding is offered through grants and cooperative agreements.

13) How is this opportunity categorized for funding purposes?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary research and development within science and technology (CFDA 43.003).

14) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?

The notice lists an award ceiling of $400,000.

15) How many awards does NASA anticipate making?

NASA anticipates about five awards.

16) Does the information provided specify project duration or period of performance?

No. The text provided does not describe project durations. Applicants are expected to align scope, milestones, and deliverables with NASA HRP needs and the management approach required under the chosen instrument type.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted across U.S. institutions, meaning all categories of U.S. organizations may apply (for example, universities, nonprofits, companies, and government-affiliated labs), subject to any clarifications in the full solicitation.

18) Are collaborations allowed, and what types of partners can be involved?

Yes. Principal Investigators are allowed to collaborate widely, including with universities, federal laboratories, private-sector partners, and state or local government labs.

19) In a collaboration, who is responsible for project administration and compliance?

In collaborative arrangements, the submitting organization remains responsible for overall project administration and for executing the project in accordance with the management plan described in the proposal.

20) Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Collaborations with non-U.S. organizations are possible only on a cooperative, no-exchange-of-funds basis. This typically means international partners may contribute expertise or resources, but NASA funds cannot be passed through to them.

21) What is the proposal process structure?

The application process follows a two-step structure. Step-1 proposals are submitted first, and only those invited by NASA proceed to Step-2.

22) What were the Step-1 and Step-2 due dates listed?

Step-1 proposals were due on September 5, 2019. Step-2 proposals (for invited applicants) were due on December 2, 2019.

23) Is there a pre-proposers conference for this opportunity?

Yes. NASA scheduled a virtual pre-proposers conference for August 16, 2019.

24) What is the purpose of the virtual pre-proposers conference?

It is intended to help potential applicants understand the technical scope, submission expectations, and how proposals will be evaluated.

25) Where can applicants find the full Appendix A documentation and related materials?

Full Appendix A documentation and related materials were made available through the HERO appendix link and through NASA's research opportunities homepage.

26) What system is used for proposal submission and updates?

Posting and updates are typically managed via NSPIRES, NASA's proposal submission and review system.

27) What does the research need to support in practical mission terms?

For the partial-gravity topic, NASA is interested in research that explains how the brain and body respond to gravitational changes that can affect orientation, balance, motion perception, and coordination, especially during transitions between gravity environments where safe operational performance is critical.

28) What is NASA trying to accomplish by including tissue-sharing radiobiology as a targeted area?

NASA is encouraging investigators to generate additional scientific value from existing tissue resources (archived or already being collected), which can reduce duplication and accelerate progress on radiation-risk and biological-response questions relevant to spaceflight conditions.