D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2) | NNH24ZEA001N ULI2

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH24ZEA001N ULI2

D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2) is a NASA Headquarters aeronautics research funding opportunity that supports university-led teams in taking a true leadership role, not only in the technical work but also in how the research effort is organized and managed. The core idea is that universities propose compelling, high-impact technical challenges in aeronautics, map out multidisciplinary solution approaches, set up credible peer review mechanisms to keep quality high, and use creative teaming structures to strengthen overall research impact. The award instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically implies meaningful NASA involvement during the period of performance compared with a standard grant. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 43.002 and is open to eligible applicants without restriction as stated in the notice.

The solicitation is framed around six specific topic areas aligned to NASA aeronautics strategic thrusts, and proposals are expected to fit within one of these areas as detailed in Appendix D.4. The topics are: (1) Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations (Strategic Thrust 1), which focuses on scaling aviation safely and efficiently as global demand and operational complexity increase; (2) Innovation in Commercial High-Speed Aircraft (Strategic Thrust 2), aimed at advancing concepts and enabling technologies for the next generation of faster commercial air transport; (3) Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports (Strategic Thrust 3), centered on major improvements in efficiency for subsonic aircraft, often involving aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, materials, and operations; (4) Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles (Strategic Thrust 4), addressing helicopters and emerging vertical lift concepts with emphasis on safety, noise reduction, and cost practicality; (5) In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance (Strategic Thrust 5), focused on timely, system-level approaches to safety assurance across an evolving aviation ecosystem; and (6) Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation (Strategic Thrust 6), which targets autonomy that can be trusted, verified, and integrated safely as aviation becomes more automated.

ULI2 uses a two-step submission and evaluation process designed to screen concepts before full proposals are invited. Step A is mandatory and consists of a short proposal; it is due on June 26, 2025 (the original closing date listed). NASA will review and rate Step A submissions, and only the highest-rated teams will be invited to submit Step B proposals. This structure means teams should treat Step A as a competitive down-select, clearly communicating the novelty of the challenge, why the team is positioned to lead it, how multiple disciplines will be integrated, and how the project will be managed and reviewed to produce credible outcomes.

All submissions must be filed electronically through NASA NSPIRES at https://nspires.nasaprs.com, which is NASA's standard portal for proposal submission and related administrative requirements. To help applicants understand expectations and logistics, NASA is also hosting an Applicants Workshop on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, with details posted at https://uli.arc.nasa.gov/applicants-workshops/workshop9. In addition, NASA maintains an interested partners list for this ULI at https://uli.arc.nasa.gov/partners to help teams find collaborators and build stronger consortia. Organizations or individuals who want to be listed as an interested lead or partner are instructed to email hq-univpartnerships@mail.nasa.gov with "ULI Partnerships" in the subject line and to include the specific information requested for the table on the partners webpage.

Administrative details provided in the opportunity record include the funding opportunity number NNH24ZEA001N (ULI2), opportunity category listed as discretionary, funding activity category of science and technology and other research and development, and a creation date of March 31, 2025. The listing does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards in the provided excerpt, so applicants should rely on the full NRA text and Appendix D.4 for budget ranges, period of performance, evaluation criteria, and any additional compliance requirements.

• The NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2)" 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 2025-03-31.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-06-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for NNH24ZEA001N ULI2

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: