NASA Research Announcement (NRA) - Development Plan for Open Fan Flight Demonstration

NASA Glenn Research Center is seeking proposals under NRA 80GRC026R0002 to develop a comprehensive flight demonstration plan for an open fan propulsion system targeting future single-aisle aircraft with a 150–180 passenger capacity, a 3,500 nm design range, cruise Mach 0.78–0.82, and a 118 ft wingspan constraint. The goal is to define technical requirements, assess feasibility, and establish a roadmap for transitioning the open fan concept into a viable fleet-ready system for introduction between 2035 and 2040. Proposals must address aerodynamic integration, structural impacts, noise and emissions, propulsion reliability, and include a detailed final plan with investment strategies, market analysis, a technology evolution roadmap, and a risk documentation package using a 5x5 Likelihood/Consequence scoring method for the top 10 risks. The contract features a hybrid structure with two CLINs: CLIN 01 under a Firm Fixed Price arrangement and CLIN 02 under Cost Plus Fixed Fee, requiring detailed budget justifications using the provided Hybrid Cost Price Proposal Template. Offerors must demonstrate relevant past experience within the last three years or be disqualified, and proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, which is significantly more important than cost, using a best-value selection process where higher-priced proposals may be selected if technical superiority justifies the difference. All submissions must be delivered electronically via NASA’s EFSS Box portal by August 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT, in a single zipped package containing a searchable, unlocked PDF technical volume, Excel-based pricing exhibits, a completed Eligibility Certification Form, and signed model contract documents. Proposals must include a Data Rights Assertion Table to define limited or restricted rights for technical data or software developed at private expense, and must comply with NASA data marking standards using Data Matrix symbols as specified in NASA-HDBK-6003 and NASA-STD-6002, with machine and human-readable identification required unless waived. Technical and progress reports must be submitted monthly in narrative form and quarterly with analytical interpretations, using the NASA BOX system for all deliverable transfers, and final acceptance occurs at the destination per F.O.B. Destination terms. Contractors must be U.S.-organized, majority-owned by U.S. nationals, and comply with export controls, including ITAR and EAR, and may be subject to emergency response