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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a competitive NASA Headquarters funding opportunity (released June 2, 2008) to establish and support research teams under the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) via Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) NNH08ZDA008C.

2) What is the main goal of the solicitation?

The solicitation asks applicants to propose ambitious, interdisciplinary lunar research programs. A central requirement is that each proposal clearly explains (1) the science plan and (2) how the team will advance the full set of NLSI objectives described in the Institute mission statement, emphasizing innovative work that connects multiple disciplines rather than isolated, single-topic studies.

3) Which NASA organizations are leading and supporting this solicitation?

The solicitation is led by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in cooperation with the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD).

4) What kinds of research topics are eligible under this opportunity?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes science "of the Moon, on the Moon, and from the Moon." This includes, for example:

• Science of the Moon: lunar origin, geology, geophysics, volatiles, and impact history.
• Science on the Moon: investigations enabled by operating on the lunar surface, including work that could be carried out by landers, rovers, or human missions.
• Science from the Moon: science conducted from the Moon as a platform, such as astronomy or other observations that benefit from the lunar environment.

5) Is this opportunity purely science-driven, or does it connect to exploration?

While the opportunity is science-driven, NASA indicates it wants work aligned with future lunar exploration needs. NASA also expects that at least one selected award will be specifically focused on exploration-related objectives.

6) What makes a proposal responsive to NLSI expectations?

Based on the announcement, responsiveness hinges on clearly presenting both the science plan and a clear approach for advancing the full set of NLSI objectives (as described in the Institute mission statement), with a strong emphasis on innovative, interdisciplinary connections rather than standalone, single-topic studies.

7) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is identified as a cooperative agreement (and the posting also references grants). A cooperative agreement generally indicates NASA anticipates substantial involvement or partnership during performance compared with a standard grant.

8) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the opportunity details.

9) How much funding is NASA expecting to provide?

NASA projected total annual funding of roughly $8 million to $10 million per year for this selection.

10) How many awards does NASA expect to make?

NASA expects to make approximately five to seven awards.

11) What is the expected period of performance?

The planned period of performance for awards is four years.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted. The information provided indicates proposals could be submitted by essentially any type of organization, including:

• U.S. and non-U.S. entities
• Universities and other educational institutions
• Private industry
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• NASA Centers
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
• Other government agencies

13) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

14) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is listed as 00.000 (not elsewhere classified), reflecting that the opportunity is posted under a general assistance listing rather than a specific program CFDA.

15) What are the key submission dates?

• Notice of Intent (NOI) due: June 27, 2008
• Full proposal due: August 29, 2008

16) Where can applicants find and access the solicitation?

The announcement was available electronically through NASA's NSPIRES system at nspires.nasaprs.com. The navigation path provided was: Solicitations > Open Solicitations > select NNH08ZDA008C.

17) Who should applicants contact with programmatic questions?

Programmatic questions were directed to Dr. David Morrison, Interim Director of the NASA Lunar Science Institute at Ames Research Center.

18) Who should applicants contact for technical access issues?

Technical access issues were directed to the listed NASA contacts and NAIS support (as referenced in the opportunity information).

19) What is the emphasis on team structure and collaboration?

The opportunity is specifically to establish and support teams under NLSI, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating multiple disciplines into a connected research program.

20) Does the solicitation specify a required focus area within lunar science?

The research scope is described as intentionally broad and spanning science of, on, and from the Moon. At the same time, NASA indicates it expects at least one selected award to be focused on exploration-related objectives.