Developing Local Knowledge for Advanced Air Mobility (DLK)

NASA has identified a clear and pressing need for education of both local decision makers and the local flying and nonflying public to enable AAM operations to commence in a timely manner. The goal of this research effort is to develop a robust and cost-conscious capability to support local organizations and local decision makers with materials that support community education, engagement, and outreach for AAM. Our effort titled Developing Local Knowledge (DLK) for AAM will build on 1) our long history supporting NASA and FAA aviation research; 2) our knowledge of NASA, FAA, academic, and industry research for AAM; and 3) our longstanding ties to the local community. DLK will enable and enhance the ability for local, regional, and state agencies to provide community education, engagement, and outreach for AAM tailored for their constituencies.

The DLK effort directly supports NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) AAM mission its contributing projects. While the focus of this work is on developing materials to support local community education for AAM, the methods, tools, and materials also support education of the public regarding NASA’s role in aviation research and development, and aviation research being conducted under ARMD programs and projects.

NASA is seeking energize small-business involvement in supporting local community AAM planning efforts. The target market for our Phase I DLK effort will be a local community partner (public agency) that is a stakeholder in the AAM ecosystem. We will also identify and engage with a regional AAM stakeholder during the Phase I effort.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.