Planetary Data System Discipline Nodes | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a NASA Headquarters Science Mission Directorate Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) titled "Planetary Data System Discipline Nodes" (Funding Opportunity Number NNH15ZDA006C). It solicits team-based proposals to participate in NASA's Planetary Data System (PDS) as Discipline Nodes.

2) What is the core purpose of the CAN?

The core purpose is to sustain and operate a federated, discipline-centered archive for planetary exploration data. In practical terms, NASA is seeking teams with deep subject-matter expertise to curate, preserve, and make accessible datasets produced by planetary missions, with each Discipline Node serving as a specialized hub within the broader PDS network.

3) What is a Planetary Data System (PDS) Discipline Node in this context?

In this CAN, a Discipline Node is a discipline-centered component within a federated PDS archive. Each node functions as a specialized hub focused on curating, preserving, and providing access to planetary exploration data within its area of expertise, while coordinating as part of the broader PDS network.

4) Is this intended to create new nodes or continue existing ones?

The notice explains that existing Discipline Nodes were originally selected through a competitive process in 2003, and this CAN is the mechanism NASA is using to select teams to continue the discipline node function going forward.

5) What type of activity does NASA classify this as?

The solicitation is framed as research and development in science and technology under CFDA 43.001.

6) What funding instruments will NASA use?

The opportunity uses cooperative agreements and grants as the funding instruments.

7) What does it mean if NASA uses a cooperative agreement?

The CAN notes that a cooperative agreement typically indicates NASA expects substantial involvement during the period of performance. This aligns with long-running data stewardship roles like operating a PDS node, where coordination with NASA and other nodes is central to the work.

8) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity explicitly states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so proposers are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of award.

9) Is funding guaranteed once the CAN is released?

No. The notice emphasizes that issuing and executing awards depends on programmatic factors, including whether NASA receives an appropriation and an operating plan that provides adequate funding within the Planetary Science Division budget.

10) Who is responsible for proposal preparation costs?

Applicants are. The CAN cautions that any costs incurred while preparing submissions are entirely at the applicant's risk, meaning NASA is not responsible for proposal preparation expenses regardless of outcome or changes in funding availability.

11) Was there a preproposal conference, and what was it for?

NASA planned a preproposal conference to be held no less than two weeks after the CAN release. The stated purpose was to clarify the intent, scope, and selection criteria.

12) Where were preproposal conference details and updates expected to be posted?

Details were to be posted at http://mgmt.pds.nasa.gov/can2015.

13) How and when could prospective proposers submit questions?

NASA directed prospective proposers to submit programmatic questions in writing or via email no later than 10 days before the proposal due date.

14) Who was the point of contact for programmatic questions?

Programmatic questions were to be addressed to Dr. Michael New, Planetary Data System Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters.

15) Will NASA share questions and answers publicly?

Yes, when appropriate. The solicitation states that questions and answers would be shared publicly on the CAN website.

16) Do applicants need to monitor the CAN website for updates?

Yes. The notice places responsibility on applicants to monitor postings on the CAN website before submitting proposals.

17) What are the basic eligibility requirements mentioned?

Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES (nspires.nasaprs.com). The notice also indicates that NASA funding is generally provided only to U.S. institutions, with limited pathways for non-U.S. participation under specific conditions.

18) Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Potentially, under limited pathways described in the notice. Examples given include proposing on a "no exchange of funds" basis or operating under special guidelines described in NASA's Guidebook for Proposers.

19) What if a non-U.S. proposal includes U.S. personnel who need NASA support?

The notice flags that when non-U.S. proposals involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested, additional instructions apply.

20) What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The opportunity record lists a posted date of March 26, 2015. It shows an original closing date of April 17, 2015, later updated to a current closing date of June 1, 2015. The archive date is listed as July 1, 2015.

21) What is the funding opportunity number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH15ZDA006C.

22) What should applicants do if they need help accessing the full announcement electronically?

Applicants were instructed to contact Dr. Michael New by phone at (202) 358-1766 for help accessing the full announcement electronically.

23) Was there any email subject line guidance for contacting NASA about this CAN?

Yes. Applicants were instructed to include "PDS CAN" in the email subject line when corresponding.