DRAFT EXPLORER 2010 MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM ELEMENT APPENDIX PEA | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this NASA opportunity about?

This posting is a public review request for a draft set of solicitation instructions called the Draft Explorer 2010 Missions of Opportunity (MO) Program Element Appendix (PEA). NASA Headquarters, through the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), released the draft so the science and engineering community could review it, ask questions, and provide comments before anything is finalized.

2) Is this a call for proposals right now?

No. Based on the information provided, the near-term action is to submit questions and comments on the draft appendix. It is not described as an active proposal submission period for a finalized solicitation.

3) What does "Missions of Opportunity (MO)" mean here?

In this context, "Missions of Opportunity" refers to standalone opportunities to contribute a space science investigation that fits within the Explorer Program structure and priorities, rather than proposing a full flagship-scale mission.

4) What is the Explorer Program?

The Explorer Program is a NASA program built around Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations.

5) Which science areas does this draft appendix target?

The focus areas are within NASA SMD's astrophysics and heliophysics programs.

6) What kinds of scientific goals are relevant under heliophysics?

Heliophysics concepts are described as those that improve understanding of the Sun and how it affects Earth and the broader solar system.

7) What kinds of scientific goals are relevant under astrophysics?

Astrophysics concepts are described as those that deepen knowledge of the universe, including its origin, structure, evolution, and ultimate fate, along with the search for Earth-like planets.

8) How does this draft appendix relate to SALMON?

The Draft Explorer 2010 MO PEA is tied to the Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice (SALMON) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) process.

9) Who is eligible to participate or provide input?

Eligibility is described as intentionally broad and "unrestricted" in the source summary, covering all categories of organizations and institutions, whether U.S. or non-U.S. Examples listed include universities and other educational organizations, private industry, nonprofit institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other government agencies, subject to any clarifications in the full text.

10) Are non-U.S. organizations included in the eligible community?

Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations and institutions, subject to any details or constraints that might appear in the full draft text.

11) What funding instruments are associated with this opportunity?

The funding instruments listed in the source summary include cooperative agreements and grants.

12) Is there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated in the source summary.

13) What are the important dates for this draft release?

The draft was posted on June 24, 2010. The comment window closed on July 16, 2010 (listed as both the original and current closing date). The archive date for the listing is June 24, 2011.

14) What should interested parties do during the comment period?

Interested parties should review the draft solicitation instructions and provide questions and comments to NASA within the stated window, using the submission methods and contact details provided.

15) Was a workshop or bidders conference planned for this draft?

Yes. NASA scheduled an Explorer Program Workshop, including a Potential Bidders Conference, for Tuesday, July 13, 2010 in the Washington, DC area. The stated purpose was to walk through the draft Explorer 2010 MO PEA, explain expectations, and answer community questions.

16) Where were the draft text and related details expected to be posted?

The full draft text was scheduled to be posted on NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/. Additional acquisition and workshop details were hosted on the Explorer Program Acquisition website at http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/EX/.

17) Does releasing the draft appendix guarantee NASA will issue a final appendix or solicit proposals?

No. NASA explicitly stated that releasing the draft PEA does not obligate NASA to issue a final Explorer 2010 MO PEA or to solicit proposals at all.

18) Are costs incurred preparing responses to the draft reimbursable?

No. NASA stated that any costs incurred by prospective investigators while preparing responses to these draft materials are entirely at the submitters' own risk.

19) How do I submit questions and comments on the draft?

NASA directed that questions and comments be submitted in writing or by email to the Explorer Program Acquisition Scientist, Dr. Barbara L. Giles, referencing "Explorer EX AO."

20) What email address should be used for submitting comments?

Comments were to be emailed to HQ-Explorers@mail.nasa.gov with the subject line "Explorer EX AO."

21) What mailing address was provided for written submissions?

A mailing address within the Heliophysics Division at NASA SMD in Washington, DC was listed for written responses (as described in the provided summary).

22) Will NASA publish answers to questions from the community?

Yes. NASA noted that responses to inquiries would be provided by email and posted weekly to the FAQ section of the Explorer acquisition website.

23) Will the identity of people or institutions asking questions be made public?

No. NASA stated that anonymity for individuals or institutions submitting questions would be preserved.

24) Are there additional contact emails besides the main comments inbox?

Yes. Additional contact emails provided include barbara.giles@nasa.gov and NAIS Support at nais.support@nasa.gov for help accessing the announcement electronically.

25) What is the funding opportunity number for this listing?

The funding opportunity number is NNH10ZDA009J.

26) What is the opportunity category and activity category?

The opportunity category is discretionary. The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

27) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is listed as 00.000 (not elsewhere classified).

28) Where should I look for workshop logistics and acquisition updates?

NASA indicated that additional acquisition and workshop details, including conference logistics, were posted on the Explorer Program Acquisition website: http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/EX/.

29) Where can I find the announcement electronically and get access help?

The draft text was scheduled to be posted on NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com/). For help accessing the announcement electronically, NAIS Support was provided as a contact at nais.support@nasa.gov.

30) What should I include in the subject line or reference when contacting NASA about this draft?

NASA requested that submissions reference "Explorer EX AO" and that the email subject line be "Explorer EX AO."