NASA SBIR/STTR Program
Q&A Hub: 2026 Appendices 26A SBIR, 26B SBIR & 26B STTR
Do you have technical questions about subtopics released in Appendices 26A SBIR, 26B SBIR, and 26B STTR? You’re in the right place.
NASA is accepting your questions clarifying the technical content of subtopics through the forms linked below and will publish responses from our subject matter experts here on a rolling basis. We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back for updates – your question may already have been asked and answered.
You may submit your questions using the below forms through May 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Asking questions early is instrumental in helping us provide you with the appropriate answer quickly, leaving you more time for your proposal. You also will need to select the relevant subtopic to help us deliver your questions to the appropriate subject matter expert.
Please note that this method is the only way to receive responses to technical appendix-related questions, as we are now in a communications blackout period, and NASA personnel cannot discuss the appendix subtopics with firms.
For general questions about the solicitation requirements or ProSAMS issues, please continue to contact the NASA SBIR/STTR Help Desk (agency-sbir@mail.nasa.gov).
Technical Question Submission Forms by Appendix:
Note:
In an effort to answer as many questions as possible, some questions may be reworded to ensure the request is for technical clarification, not proposal guidance; to remove proprietary information; and/or to summarize multiple related questions.
NASA cannot provide guidance on proposal preparation or feedback on proposal ideas. Therefore, we will not answer these types of questions (e.g., “I have X technology. Can you direct me to the appropriate subtopic?” “Is my specific technology, X, a high priority for this subtopic/NASA?”)
26A SBIR Q&A
Submit your technical questions for 26A SBIR here.
26B SBIR Q&A
Submit your technical questions for 26B SBIR here.
26B STTR Q&A
Submit your technical questions for 26B STTR here.
Questions and Answers by Subtopic:
Q1: The subtopic specifies several quantitative ranges for segmented aperture primary mirrors. Could you clarify how firm each is for Phase I scoping? Segment size 1.5 to 3.5 m: are small excursions (1.0 to 1.4 m or 3.6 to 4.0 m) responsive? Aperture 6 to 16 m segmented: is ±4 m flexibility allowed? Areal density 15 to 150 kg per square meter: are modest excursions (say ±10) in scope? First mode greater than 150 Hz: given JWST 16 Hz SOA, are designs at 80 to 150 Hz in scope?
A1: UVO Observatories need segments in this size range that are lightweight, stiff (> 150 Hz), smooth (< 5 nm rms) and with < 5 ppb/K CTE homogeneity. SBIR is soliciting technical solutions that can provide such a mirror. It is expected that any demonstration will be at the subscale level – consistent with Phase 1 or Phase 2 budgets.
There are multiple opto-mechanical challenges to achieving a 6 to 16-m segmented aperture mirror with diffraction limited performance of ~ 300 nm: Deployments, Structural Mechanical and Thermal Stability, Stiffness, Vibration Mitigation, Active Control, etc.
The best way to answer this is to say that the primary mirror cannot exceed about 4500 kg. So, a 6-m mirror needs areal density of < 150 kg/m2. A 16-m mirror needs < 20 kg/m2.
Webb’s mirror segment’s first mode was ~ 220 Hz. The entire primary mirror was about 16HZ. HWO wants segments to be > 150 Hz. I want the whole PM to be as stiff as possible.
Q1: Is simulation and analysis of propellantless momentum management methods within scope of this subtopic? Is hardware development expected for Phase I and/or Phase II?
A1: Yes, it is within scope and hardware development would definitely be desired in Phase II if not preliminary in Phase I.
Q1: Are there specific remote sensing use cases where rapid beam pointing or scanning performance is considered a key limitation today?
A1: Pertaining to the lidar aspect, the solicitation specifically focuses on the solicitation specifically focuses on non-mechanical scanner technology. Rapid and continuous beam pointing remains a significant limitation for non-mechanical scanners. 3D Mapping and Hazard Detection instruments listed in the solicitation can benefit from robust, rapid scanners.
Questions Out of Scope
These are questions that were submitted to the Q&A forms that are not technical clarification questions for posted subtopics. If you have any questions like these pertaining to the submission process or other non-technical questions, please submit them to our Help Desk (agency-sbir@mail.nasa.gov). If you do not see your question listed above or below, we deemed that question to contain sensitive or proprietary information that cannot be shared publicly and will not be providing a response since all responses in the Q&A must be public.
Q: If a proposer already has material feasibility and fabrication capability for a high-temperature acoustic liner, would NASA expect Phase I to focus more on design optimization and validation, rather than on basic proof of concept?
A: To ensure fairness, NASA cannot help you scope the work and deliverables planned in your proposal. As described on the NASA SBIR/STTR website, Phase I is the jumping off point for most small businesses and research institutions working with the program. It is known as the “idea generation” phase, during which small businesses (and their research institution partners in STTR) establish the scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed innovation. You can also refer to the “Desired Deliverables of Phase I” section under the relevant subtopic in the solicitation for guidance.