Request for Information (RFI) and Industry Day for NASA ARMD Aeronautics Flight Accelerator

Quick Summary

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for its Aeronautics Flight Accelerator (AFA) initiative. NASA seeks information from U.S. industry, academia, and government organizations on potential partnerships for research, development, and flight testing of revolutionary aeronautics technologies. The goal is to accelerate U.S. competitiveness through rapid, cost-effective flight experimentation. Responses are due May 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Scope of Work

NASA is looking for technologies, concepts, and flight test campaigns suitable for cost-shared maturation, leading to flight within three years (FY26-FY28). Areas of interest include subsonic (vertical lift), supersonic, and hypersonic flight technologies, encompassing propulsion, airframe concepts, integrated systems, power systems, GNC, avionics, sensors, advanced instrumentation, materials, autonomy, airspace operations, and communication technologies. The AFA aims to leverage NASA's capabilities, expertise, and facilities to shorten the path from concept to flight.

Partnership Details

NASA is considering Funded Space Act Agreements, SBIR/STTR Phase III, and similar partnership mechanisms, expecting some level of cost-sharing from respondents. NASA's contribution may include in-kind resources like expertise, flight assets, test facilities, and potentially capital. Projects should incorporate adequate ground testing and integration planning, with flight testing beginning no later than the third year. Participation is limited to U.S.-based respondents.

RFI Response Requirements

Respondents should provide information across 12 topics, including: Technology/Concept Overview (seeking revolutionary approaches), Market analysis, Mission and Operational Objectives, Technical Objectives (including challenges where NASA's help is desired), U.S. Economic Benefits, NASA Collaboration Requirements (desired support like indemnification, SME collaboration, facility access, airworthiness approvals), Airworthiness/Flight/Safety Oversight plans, Applications and Transition, Experience and Capabilities, Procurement Mechanism Preferences, Data Rights and Intellectual Property, and Level of Interest, Partnership and Investment (including expected investment magnitude and cost share percentage).

Responses must be single-spaced, 12-point font (8-point for charts/tables), 1-inch margins, maximum 8 pages, and submitted electronically in PDF format. Email submissions to Jenni Schnarr (jennifer.schnarr@nasa.gov) with the subject line "AFA RFI Response – [Organization Name]". Do not submit confidential, proprietary, or export-controlled information unless clearly marked.

Industry Day & Clarifications

An Industry Day was held on April 23, 2026, at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, providing an overview of AFA objectives, flight assets, and technical capabilities. NASA has provided charts from the Industry Day and a Q&A document addressing topics such as desired outcomes, available NASA resources (SMEs, test facilities, aircraft, ranges), success definition, airworthiness requirements (risk-based, not checklist), FAA collaboration, instrumentation support, and data rights (NASA typically seeks a Government-purpose license). The RFI submittal date was not extended by Amendment 004.

Important Notes

This is an RFI for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by NASA. NASA will not pay for information provided. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any subsequent solicitations.