ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ASTROPHYSICS SMALL EXPLORER MISSION | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this NASA grant opportunity?

This opportunity is the NASA Astrophysics Explorer 2014 Small Explorer (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity (AO), issued by NASA Headquarters through the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH14ZDA013O.

What type of effort is NASA seeking under this AO?

NASA is seeking complete small satellite astrophysics mission concepts. The program is Principal Investigator (PI)-led, meaning a PI and their team lead the proposed mission concept.

What science goals does this SMEX opportunity support?

The AO supports astrophysics research aligned with NASA goals, including work that helps explain how the universe works, how it began and evolved, and how to search for life on planets around other stars.

Is NASA expecting to select more than one SMEX mission?

NASA indicated it expects to select one SMEX mission for advancement into Phase B and then on into later mission phases.

When was the solicitation open?

The solicitation was open for proposals from September 17, 2014 through December 18, 2014.

Was a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Propose required?

A Notice of Intent to Propose was required or requested, and it was due on October 15, 2014.

Where could proposers access the full announcement and appendices?

The full announcement text and all appendices were made available electronically via NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.

Was there a preproposal conference?

NASA planned a preproposal conference in early October. Details were to be posted at the Explorers acquisition site: http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX.

What was the purpose of the preproposal conference?

The preproposal conference was intended to provide prospective teams an opportunity to hear clarifications and ask questions before finalizing submissions.

Who was eligible to participate?

Eligibility was broad and essentially unrestricted across organization types, with participation open to U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

What kinds of organizations were specifically mentioned as eligible examples?

Examples listed include universities and other educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other government agencies.

What funding instruments were associated with this opportunity?

The funding mechanisms identified include grants and cooperative agreements.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing notes there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 43.001 (Science).

Did NASA note any important changes in this AO compared to prior solicitations?

Yes. NASA emphasized that the AO includes multiple changes compared to prior Explorers Program announcements and compared to the earlier draft version of the 2014 SMEX AO.

What did NASA advise proposers to do in light of those changes?

NASA cautioned proposers to read the final AO carefully and ensure proposals meet all stated requirements, constraints, and guidelines.

Who was the point of contact for questions about the AO?

Questions and comments were directed to the Astrophysics Explorers Program Scientist, Dr. Wilton T. Sanders.

How would NASA provide responses to proposer questions?

NASA indicated that responses would be provided by email and also posted publicly to the program FAQ page on the Explorers acquisition website.

Would proposer identities be disclosed when questions were posted publicly?

No. NASA stated that anonymity would be preserved for those submitting questions.

What acquisition/solicitation framework did NASA cite for this announcement?

The notice states that it constitutes a NASA Research Announcement consistent with FAR 6.102(d)(2).

Were there related opportunities mentioned alongside this SMEX AO?

Yes. NASA noted this SMEX AO was released alongside other opportunities in the broader Astrophysics Explorer ecosystem.

What is the related Mission of Opportunity (MO) solicitation mentioned?

NASA referenced an Astrophysics Explorer Mission of Opportunity (MO) solicitation through the SALMON-2 AO, Funding Opportunity Number NNH12ZDA006O.

What is the related U.S. Participating Investigator opportunity mentioned?

NASA referenced an Astrophysics Explorer U.S. Participating Investigator (APEX USPI) solicitation through ROSES-14, identified as NNH14ZDA001N.

How do these related opportunities differ from proposing a full SMEX mission?

Based on NASA's framing, teams could pursue different roles or pathways: proposing a complete Small Explorer mission under the SMEX AO, contributing via a Mission of Opportunity solicitation, or participating as investigators through ROSES.

Where would updates and clarifications be posted for this SMEX AO?

NASA indicated information such as preproposal conference details and posted Q&A/FAQ items would be available via the Explorers acquisition website (http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX), and the full AO and appendices were available via NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com/).