GROUND BASED STUDIES IN SPACE RADIOBIOLOGY | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this NASA funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Ground Based Studies in Space Radiobiology" under solicitation number NNJ12ZSA001N. It was announced by NASA through the Johnson Space Center to fund ground-based research in space radiobiology.

What is the main purpose of the research NASA wants to fund?

The purpose is to support studies that improve understanding of how space-like radiation affects living systems. The emphasis is on research that helps refine astronaut health risk estimates and supports the development of countermeasures for future missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

Which astronaut health concerns are specifically emphasized?

The announcement highlights two major astronaut health concerns: cancer risk and neuronal (central nervous system) risks.

What kind of research approach does NASA expect for this opportunity?

NASA is looking for experiments and analyses that can be performed on the ground using specialized particle beams. These beams are intended to simulate aspects of the space radiation environment using high-energy ions.

Where would the radiation beam experiments be conducted?

The research is intended to use beams at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL), which is located at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York.

What is the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) in the context of this solicitation?

NSRL is the facility identified in the announcement where investigators would use high-energy ion beams to simulate space-relevant radiation exposures for ground-based space radiobiology studies.

How does this solicitation relate to the space radiation environment astronauts experience?

The solicitation focuses on using ground-based high-energy ion beams to model space-like radiation exposures that crews might experience beyond low-Earth orbit, supporting improved risk understanding and countermeasure work.

Is this a one-step or two-step application process?

It is a two-step proposal process. Step 1 proposals were required first, and only applicants invited forward could submit Step 2 proposals.

What were the proposal deadlines?

Step 1 proposals were due February 29, 2012. Step 2 proposals (for those invited) were due May 9, 2012.

When and where was the full announcement expected to be posted?

The full announcement was scheduled to be posted electronically around January 26, 2012 via NASA Research Opportunities on the NSPIRES website (nspires.nasaprs.com), by navigating to Solicitations and then Open Solicitations.

What type of solicitation is this under federal acquisition rules?

The opportunity is described as a broad agency announcement under FAR 6.102(d)(2), intended to attract a range of scientific ideas rather than procure a single, tightly specified deliverable.

What does it mean that this is a broad agency announcement?

Based on the information provided, it means NASA framed the call to encourage a range of scientific ideas and approaches, rather than seeking one narrowly defined end product.

What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad across U.S. organizations, including universities, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other government agencies, subject to any additional clarifications in the full solicitation.

Are NASA centers and other government agencies allowed to participate?

Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes NASA centers and other government agencies among the types of organizations that may apply, subject to any additional solicitation-specific clarifications.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

NASA referenced its general policy for collaborating with non-U.S. organizations on a "no exchange of funds" basis. This implies international participation may be possible, but typically without NASA transferring grant funds to non-U.S. entities.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

What is the indicated maximum award amount?

The opportunity lists an indicated award ceiling of $450,000.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 43.001 (Science).

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES.

Who is allowed to submit the proposal in NSPIRES?

Proposals had to be submitted by an authorized organizational representative.

Does my organization need to be registered in NSPIRES before applying?

Yes. Organizations planning to apply needed to be registered in NSPIRES, with the correct authorized officials identified.

Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registrations too?

Yes. Principal investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) have registration-related requirements, and applicants were encouraged to start registration and data-entry early.

Why does NASA recommend registering early in NSPIRES?

Because registration and required data entry can take time, and starting early helps avoid last-minute system issues close to the deadline.

Does NASA specify the award instrument it will use?

NASA stated it could choose the most appropriate award instrument for each selected proposal.

Which NASA center announced this funding plan?

NASA, through the Johnson Space Center, announced plans to fund this ground-based space radiobiology research.

Who can be contacted for program or technical questions?

The provided contacts include Keith D. Hutto (keith.d.hutto@nasa.gov) and Cheryl D. Bass (cheryl.d.bass@nasa.gov). NSPIRES support is available at nais.support@nasa.gov.

Where can applicants find the solicitation in NSPIRES?

On the NSPIRES site (nspires.nasaprs.com), applicants were directed to navigate to Solicitations and then Open Solicitations to locate the announcement.