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Explorer 2011 Announcement of Opportunity (AO) - FAQs

1) What is the NASA Explorer 2011 Announcement of Opportunity (AO)?

The Explorer 2011 AO is NASA's solicitation for proposals for Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science missions under the Explorer Program. It is issued by NASA Headquarters through the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and is intended to fund a complete investigation where a PI and team lead the mission concept, science return, and overall execution within NASA program rules.

2) What is the funding opportunity number for this solicitation?

The funding opportunity number is NNH11ZDA002O.

3) Who is issuing this AO within NASA?

The AO is issued by NASA Headquarters through the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

4) What types of missions does the Explorer Program support?

The Explorer Program supports PI-led space science missions. That means the proposing team is responsible for proposing a complete investigation and for leading the mission concept, expected science return, and overall execution while complying with NASA program rules.

5) What scientific areas are in scope for the Explorer 2011 AO?

The scientific scope is focused on two major SMD areas: astrophysics and heliophysics.

6) What kinds of heliophysics investigations fit this AO?

Heliophysics proposals should aim to improve understanding of the Sun and its influence on Earth and the broader solar system.

7) What kinds of astrophysics investigations fit this AO?

Astrophysics proposals should investigate fundamental questions about the universe, including its origin, structure, evolution, and fate, as well as the search for Earth-like planets.

8) What NASA planning document should proposals align with?

Proposers are directed to build their science case around the objectives in SMD's 2010 Science Plan and to align with NASA science priorities.

9) When was the solicitation released and when are proposals due?

The solicitation window runs from November 1, 2010 (release date) through February 16, 2011 (proposal due date and closing date).

10) Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required, and when is it due?

The AO includes a Notice of Intent to Propose that is due on December 9, 2010. The notice indicates it is typically used by NASA to plan proposal reviews and logistics.

11) Was there a preproposal conference for this AO?

NASA planned a preproposal conference in late November in the Washington, DC area, with details to be posted on the Explorer Program website.

12) Where can applicants find the full text of the AO and its appendices?

The AO and its appendices were to be made available electronically through NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.

13) Where can applicants find related Explorer Program information and updates?

Related program information and updates are hosted through the Explorer acquisition site, and NASA also references the Explorer Program website for information such as preproposal conference details.

14) Who is eligible to participate?

Eligibility is described as essentially unrestricted across organization types, including US and non-US entities, universities, 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.

15) Are non-US organizations allowed to participate?

Yes. The AO states eligibility includes both US and non-US entities.

16) What funding instruments are associated with this opportunity?

The funding instrument types listed are cooperative agreements and grants.

17) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the information provided.

18) What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category is research and development within science and technology.

19) How many missions does NASA expect to select under this AO?

NASA states that the currently approved planning budget is sufficient to select and execute at least one full Explorer mission to proceed into Phase B and then into later mission phases.

20) Could NASA select more than one mission?

Yes. If sufficient budget authority is available, NASA anticipates selecting a second full Explorer mission or alternatively selecting one or more Science Missions of Opportunity.

21) Could NASA select only one mission?

Yes. NASA states it is prepared to select only one full mission (in either astrophysics or heliophysics) depending on proposal quality and the balance of options received.

22) What factors influence whether NASA selects one mission, two missions, or a mix including Missions of Opportunity?

The final decision is described as dependent on (1) the proposals submitted in response to this Explorer AO, (2) two related parallel solicitations, and (3) the most current budget planning information available at the time of selection.

23) What are the related parallel solicitations mentioned alongside this AO?

NASA references two related solicitations: (1) Explorer 2011 Science Missions of Opportunity through the SALMON AO (NNH08ZDA009O), and (2) Explorer US Participating Investigators (USPI) via ROSES-10 (NNH10ZDA001N).

24) What is the SALMON AO and how does it relate to Explorer 2011?

The SALMON AO (Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice), identified as NNH08ZDA009O, was planned as the mechanism to solicit Explorer 2011 Science Missions of Opportunity.

25) What is the USPI opportunity and how does it relate to Explorer 2011?

Explorer US Participating Investigators (USPI) participation was planned to be solicited via ROSES-10 (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2010), identified as NNH10ZDA001N, providing another pathway to participate on an Explorer mission.

26) What are the different participation pathways described in the notice?

The notice describes multiple ways to engage: (1) propose a complete Explorer mission under this AO, (2) propose a Mission of Opportunity (generally a focused contribution or hosted payload arrangement rather than a full standalone mission) through SALMON, or (3) participate as a US PI on an Explorer mission via ROSES-10.

27) What changes were highlighted compared with the Draft Explorer 2010 AO?

The notice highlights several major changes: the solicitation was renamed the Explorer 2011 AO; proposals are expected to address science objectives in the 2010 SMD Science Plan; and the Launch Services Information Summary was updated to reflect the NASA Launch Services II (NLS II) contract.

28) Why does the update to launch services matter for proposers?

Because the Launch Services Information Summary was updated to reflect the NLS II contract, it affects how teams plan for launch vehicle options, services, and related cost and integration assumptions.

29) Are there other updates beyond the major changes listed?

Yes. NASA notes there are numerous additional updates relative to prior Explorer solicitations, including policy changes and changes to proposal submission requirements. Proposers are strongly advised to read the AO carefully and comply strictly with all constraints, requirements, and guidelines.

30) How should questions or requests for clarification be submitted?

Questions should be directed to the Explorer Program Acquisition Scientist, Dr. Barbara L. Giles, using HQ-Explorers@mail.nasa.gov with the subject line "Explorer EX AO".

31) Will NASA publish answers to questions asked by proposers?

NASA indicates responses will be provided by email and also posted publicly to the Explorer Program FAQ page on the program website, while preserving the anonymity of the individuals or institutions asking questions.

32) What is the acquisition/competition basis for this announcement?

The notice states this announcement constitutes a NASA Research Announcement consistent with FAR 6.102(d)(2), indicating awards will be made through a competitive, merit-based process appropriate for research proposals rather than a traditional procurement for a predefined product or service.