The Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) of NASA has updated its solicitations page as of March 6, 2026, serving as a comprehensive portal for innovators, researchers, and organizations eager to collaborate with NASA’s aeronautical experts and contribute to the advancement of air transportation systems. This dynamic platform compiles a wide array of opportunities, from major funding announcements to specialized research challenges, all designed to foster breakthroughs in aviation.
At the heart of NASA’s collaboration strategy lies the Web-based NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System, widely known as NSPIRES. This online system is the primary conduit for official announcements regarding research participation. Prospective partners are strongly encouraged to visit the NSPIRES website, establish an account, and subscribe to automated email announcements to stay abreast of the latest opportunities. Beyond formal solicitations, the ARMD page also features other avenues for engagement, including Requests for Information (RFIs) and academic research contests, underscoring NASA’s multifaceted approach to fostering innovation.
Driving the Future of Aerospace: The ARMD Mission
The Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) is a cornerstone of NASA’s broader mission, specifically tasked with pioneering research that enables safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly air transportation. Its work spans a diverse portfolio, including advanced air mobility (AAM), sustainable aviation, supersonic flight, and autonomous systems. The solicitations detailed on this page are direct reflections of ARMD’s strategic objectives, seeking to leverage external expertise to accelerate research and development in critical areas. By inviting external partners—from academic institutions and industry giants to small businesses and non-profit organizations—NASA aims to create a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, sharing knowledge and resources to tackle complex challenges that no single entity could address alone. This collaborative model is essential for translating cutting-edge scientific discovery into practical applications that benefit the public and bolster the nation’s leadership in aerospace.
Key Deadlines and Opportunities: March 2026 Focus
The current update highlights two critical upcoming deadlines in March 2026 related to the NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs (NAS_Hub) initiative:
- March 12, 2026: Deadline to respond to the Call for Peer Reviewers for NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs proposals.
- March 23, 2026: NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs Proposal submission deadline.
These dates underscore a significant push by NASA to address a growing national imperative: the development of a robust skilled technical workforce essential for the expanding space economy and renewed human space exploration priorities.
The NAS_Hub Initiative: Building the Next Generation Aerospace Workforce
The rapid expansion of the space economy, coupled with renewed national priorities in human space exploration, has created an urgent and unprecedented demand for a robust skilled technical workforce. This workforce comprises individuals in critical science- and engineering-based roles who possess specialized skills but may not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree. These are the technicians, machinists, welders, operators, and specialists who are indispensable for design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and maintenance across the aerospace and defense sectors. Recognizing a nationwide shortage in these vital areas, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement has launched the NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs (NAS_Hub) initiative.
The primary objective of the NAS_Hub program is to establish state or regionally focused hubs that will serve as strategic centers for developing and sustaining a skilled technical workforce directly aligned with the evolving needs of the aerospace industry and NASA’s mission. Over a three-year performance period, these hubs are envisioned as focal points for aligning diverse partners across education, workforce development, industry, and government to accelerate workforce readiness. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between educational offerings and industry demands, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals.
NAS_Hubs: A Collaborative Ecosystem for Workforce Development
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, NASA is actively seeking lead organizations to establish these critical hubs. The selected entities will be responsible for creating collaborative frameworks that foster innovative training programs, curriculum development, and experiential learning opportunities. These hubs are expected to:
- Identify and Forecast Needs: Work closely with regional aerospace industries and NASA centers to identify current and future skilled technical workforce needs.
- Develop Targeted Training: Design and implement hands-on training programs, apprenticeships, and certifications that provide participants with the specific skills required for aerospace roles.
- Build Partnerships: Forge strong alliances among K-12 institutions, community colleges, technical schools, universities, industry partners, and state/local government agencies.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Actively recruit and support a diverse talent pool, including underrepresented groups, to ensure the aerospace workforce reflects the nation’s demographics.
- Facilitate Career Pathways: Create clear pathways from education and training to employment within the aerospace sector.
Eligibility and Partnership Requirements for NAS_Hubs
NASA emphasizes a broad and inclusive approach to eligibility for the NAS_Hub initiative. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations, such as:
- Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (including community colleges and technical schools)
- Non-profit organizations
- State and local government entities
- For-profit companies with relevant expertise in workforce development
Crucially, proposals must demonstrate a robust commitment to collaboration, requiring partnerships with, at a minimum, representatives from educational institutions, industry, and government. This multi-stakeholder model is designed to ensure that the hubs are responsive to actual industry needs, benefit from academic rigor, and receive crucial support from public sector resources. The expectation is that these partnerships will create sustainable models for workforce development that extend beyond the initial funding period.
Applying for NAS_Hub Opportunities
All proposals for the NAS_Hub initiative must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES. A prerequisite for submission is registration in NSPIRES and an active registration with SAM.gov (System for Award Management), ensuring compliance with federal contracting standards. This streamlined electronic submission process aims to facilitate accessibility and efficiency for all applicants.
Engaging the Expert Community: Call for Peer Reviewers
Integral to the integrity and success of the NAS_Hub initiative, and indeed all NASA solicitations, is a rigorous peer review process. NASA Research and Education Support Services has issued an urgent call for individuals willing to serve as peer reviewers for the NAS_Hub proposals. Peer review is unequivocally a critical component of NASA’s decision-making process for awarding projects. By engaging individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of expertise, the review process is designed to identify the highest quality projects that promise the greatest impact.
The peer review process for NAS_Hub proposals will unfold in two distinct stages. Initially, proposals will undergo individual, anonymous online reviews, allowing experts to thoroughly assess submissions based on established criteria. Following this online phase, a panel will convene to engage in collaborative discussions, evaluate the proposals collectively, and ultimately identify those recommended for funding. This two-tiered approach ensures both independent scrutiny and collaborative deliberation, leading to well-informed funding decisions.
Prospective reviewers should note two mandatory training sessions:
- March 30, 2026: Mandatory training for those selected as online reviewers.
- April 16, 2026: Mandatory training for those selected as Virtual Panelists.
It is important to understand that expressing willingness to serve as a peer reviewer does not guarantee selection. Reviewer selection is meticulously based on the subject matter of the proposals received, ensuring that each submission is evaluated by individuals with the most relevant expertise. Selected reviewers will receive detailed instructions via email. Interested individuals are urged to complete the NAS_Hub Reviewer Response Form via the provided link no later than March 12, 2026. Inquiries regarding this request can be directed to [email protected].
Support and Engagement for Prospective Proposers
NASA is committed to providing comprehensive support to all prospective applicants for the NAS_Hub opportunity. To facilitate understanding and address questions, the agency has already hosted an interactive pre-proposal webinar on February 18, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET. This session offered an in-depth overview of the funding opportunity, covering program goals, eligibility requirements, proposal preparation guidance, and submission tips. Proposers also had the invaluable opportunity to receive technical assistance and clarification directly from NASA staff. Recordings and presentation materials from the webinar are made available on the NAS_Hub landing page in NSPIRES for those who could not attend the live session.
In a further effort to support applicants, NASA will host an Office Hours session on March 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET. This session represents the final opportunity for proposers to ask questions and receive clarification prior to the proposal deadline. Such direct engagement opportunities are critical for ensuring that all applicants have the necessary information to submit competitive proposals.
For technical assistance with the NSPIRES system itself, the NSPIRES Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET, at (202) 479-9376 or via email at [email protected]. Program-specific inquiries for NAS_Hub can be directed to Maria Arredondo, Next Gen STEM Program Manager at NASA Office of STEM Engagement, Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters, via email at [email protected].
Broader Horizons: Past and Ongoing ARMD Opportunities
Beyond the immediate focus on NAS_Hubs, the ARMD solicitations page provides a window into NASA’s continuous engagement with external partners across a spectrum of aeronautical research areas. This includes a review of past Requests for Information (RFIs) and ongoing fellowship opportunities, demonstrating the breadth of ARMD’s collaborative ecosystem.
Requests for Information (RFIs): Shaping Future Research
RFIs are crucial tools for NASA to conduct market research, gather technical insights, and gauge community interest before issuing formal solicitations. They play a pivotal role in shaping future research directions and partnership strategies.
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ACERO RFI (Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations): This RFI, which closed on October 15, 2023, sought to identify technologies addressing critical challenges faced by the wildland firefighting community. NASA specifically looked for information on data collection, airborne connectivity and communications solutions, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management, aircraft operations, and autonomy. The insights gleaned from this RFI will support the development of a partnership strategy for future collaborative demonstrations in emergency response operations. The focus on U.S. companies for submissions highlighted the strategic national interest in leveraging domestic innovation for critical public safety applications. The ACERO project aims to enhance the effectiveness and safety of aerial assets in challenging environments, representing a significant step in applying NASA’s aeronautical expertise to real-world humanitarian and environmental challenges.
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Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) RFI: Closing on February 1, 2025, this RFI was designed to gather market research from public, private, and academic organizations regarding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). NASA sought to determine technical needs and community interests that could inform future solicitations for AAM research and development. AAM envisions a safe, accessible, and affordable air transportation system for passengers and cargo, utilizing revolutionary aircraft designs and operational concepts in urban and rural environments. This RFI was explicitly noted as "just one avenue of multiple planned opportunities" for formal feedback and participation in NASA’s AAM mission-related efforts, signaling NASA’s sustained, long-term commitment to enabling this transformative mode of transportation. The insights from such RFIs are foundational to establishing the regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and technological advancements necessary for AAM to become a widespread reality.
Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) Fellowship Opportunities
The ARMD also supports the development of the next generation of aerospace researchers through fellowship opportunities. The ROA-2025 NRA Amendment 1, for example, solicited proposals from accredited U.S. institutions for research training grants designed to support independently conceived research projects by highly qualified graduate students. These fellowships are critical for advancing NASA’s mission by fostering innovation and generating measurable research results aligned with NASA’s current and future science and technology goals.
A key focus area for these opportunities was NASA’s Hypersonic Technology project, aiming to push the boundaries of high-speed flight. However, it is important for the community to note that due to Fiscal Year 2026 budget changes, opportunities originally described in this announcement pertaining to the Transformational Tools & Technologies project were cancelled. This highlights the dynamic nature of research funding and the need for applicants to stay updated with amendments and changes. Proposals citing the cancelled project will not be evaluated.
Applicants were required to submit a detailed budget breakdown for each proposal, outlining the allocation of award funds by year. Pre-proposal teleconferences were held to assist potential proposers, with links posted on NSPIRES. Proposals for these fellowships were due by 5 p.m. EDT on June 11, 2025. These fellowships represent a direct investment in human capital, nurturing the talent that will drive future aerospace advancements.
General ARMD Research Opportunities (NRA Process)
Competition for NRA (NASA Research Announcement) awards is open to both academia and industry, reflecting NASA’s commitment to harnessing expertise from all sectors. The current open solicitations for ARMD Research Opportunities include ROA-2024 and ROA-2025. The NRA process is a cornerstone of how NASA funds innovative, high-risk, high-reward research that aligns with its strategic goals. Generally, the NRA process involves:
- Broad Scope: Seeking innovative proposals across a wide range of aeronautical disciplines.
- Competitive Review: Proposals undergo a rigorous, merit-based peer review process.
- Open Access: Opportunities are typically open to a diverse range of organizations, fostering broad participation.
- Focus on Impact: Prioritizing research that promises significant contributions to ARMD’s mission and the broader aviation community.
- Iterative Process: NRAs are often released annually or on a regular cycle, allowing for continuous engagement and adaptation to emerging research needs.
The Broader Impact and Strategic Vision
The solicitations and calls for collaboration from NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate collectively represent a robust strategy to maintain and advance U.S. leadership in global aviation. By systematically engaging with external partners, investing in workforce development through initiatives like NAS_Hubs, and continually seeking innovative research through RFIs and fellowships, NASA is actively shaping the future of air transportation. These efforts are not merely about technological advancement; they are about fostering economic growth, enhancing national security, and ensuring that the benefits of aerospace innovation are widely accessible and sustainable. The consistent update of the ARMD solicitations page underscores NASA’s ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration, inviting the global scientific and engineering community to join in the monumental task of enabling the next generation of air travel.
