RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NASA "Research Opportunities in Fundamental Physics" (NNH11ZTT001N)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity titled "Research Opportunities in Fundamental Physics" (Funding Opportunity Number NNH11ZTT001N). It supports U.S. investigators who want to participate in planned European Space Agency (ESA) fundamental-physics research activities conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

2) What is the main scientific goal of the opportunity?

The opportunity focuses on using the ISS as a unique microgravity laboratory for extremely precise measurements. The intent is to enable experiments sensitive enough to probe where today’s most successful theories may begin to show limitations, especially at the boundary between general relativity and quantum mechanics.

3) Why does NASA describe this as a fundamental physics opportunity?

NASA frames the solicitation around a major open problem: general relativity and quantum mechanics each work extremely well in their respective domains, but they do not form a single unified description of nature. In addition, astrophysical observations point to dark matter and dark energy, reinforcing that current models are incomplete. This opportunity emphasizes laboratory-style tests in microgravity rather than space-based observations.

4) Which ISS/ESA projects are specifically targeted?

Proposals must be connected to one or more of these ESA ISS projects:

• Space Optical Clock (SOC)
• Quantum Weak Equivalence Principle (QWEP) experiment
• Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES)

5) What kinds of technologies or measurement approaches are highlighted?

The solicitation notes enabling technology advances that have greatly improved measurement precision, including optical clocks, atom interferometers, and Bose-Einstein condensates. These advances can allow subtle deviations from established physics to become detectable.

6) What types of projects is NASA looking for?

NASA is seeking proposals that contribute to, complement, or otherwise directly support the ESA ISS missions listed (SOC, QWEP, and/or ACES) and their science goals. The core requirement is that the proposed work must clearly and explicitly connect to at least one of those projects.

7) How strict is the relevance requirement?

The relevance requirement is described as strict. Proposers must demonstrate a clear and explicit linkage between the proposed work and SOC, QWEP, and/or ACES. Submissions that do not establish that linkage, including initial submissions that are more like white papers without the required connection, are treated as non-relevant and are not advanced for further review.

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

This is a two-step NASA Research Announcement (NRA) process:

• Step 1: An initial proposal used to screen for relevance to the solicited ESA/ISS activities.
• Step 2: A full proposal submitted only by teams invited after Step 1 is judged relevant.

9) What happens if a Step 1 proposal is judged non-relevant?

If a Step 1 proposal does not clearly demonstrate relevance to SOC, QWEP, and/or ACES, it is treated as non-relevant and is not advanced for further review (meaning it will not move forward to Step 2).

10) When were proposals due?

The opportunity lists these key due dates:

• Step 1 due date: around September 7, 2011
• Step 2 (invited) due date: around November 4, 2011
• Overall closing date: November 4, 2011

11) When and where was the solicitation expected to be posted?

The solicitation was expected to appear around August 1, 2011 on NASA Research Opportunities via the NSPIRES website. It is also referenced through Grants.gov for Step 1 submission options.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open across U.S. institutions. Eligible applicants include universities, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other government agencies.

13) Are collaborations allowed?

Yes. Collaborations are allowed across academia, federal laboratories, the private sector, state and local laboratories, and international partners. Even with collaborations, the proposal must still be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization.

14) How must proposals be submitted?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized organizational official for the proposing organization.

15) Can Step 1 be submitted through Grants.gov?

Yes. Step 1 proposals could be submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

16) Where must Step 2 proposals be submitted?

Invited Step 2 proposals had to be submitted through NSPIRES.

17) What registration requirements apply?

Organizations must be registered in NSPIRES and must designate authorized organizational representatives who can submit on the institution’s behalf. Investigators and co-investigators also must meet NSPIRES system registration requirements. NASA encourages applicants to begin registration and required data entry well ahead of deadlines.

18) What type of funding instruments does NASA expect to use?

NASA indicates the funding instruments include grants and cooperative agreements. NASA retains discretion to choose the appropriate instrument for proposals that are selected.

19) Is cost-sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

20) How many awards does NASA expect to make?

NASA anticipates making about five awards.

21) Is this opportunity considered discretionary funding?

Yes. NASA lists the opportunity as discretionary.

22) How is the solicitation categorized from a procurement/announcement standpoint?

The solicitation is identified as a broad agency announcement under FAR 6.102(d)(2).

23) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 43.003 (Exploration).

24) What are the posted/creation, archive, and closing dates?

Key dates included:

• Posted/creation date: July 14, 2011
• Closing date: November 4, 2011
• Archive date: July 14, 2012

25) Who should be contacted for programmatic questions?

Programmatic questions are directed to Dr. Francis Chiaramonte at NASA Headquarters: francis.p.chiaramonte@nasa.gov, 202-358-0693.

26) Who should be contacted for technical questions?

Technical questions are directed to Dr. Ulf Israelsson at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL): ulf.e.israelsson@nasa.gov, 818-354-9255.

27) Who should be contacted for contracting questions?

Contracting questions are directed to Contracting Officer Margaret Easter: margaret.b.easter@jpl.nasa.gov, 818-354-5354.

28) Where do applicants find the full solicitation text?

The full solicitation text is accessed through the NSPIRES NASA Research Opportunities site.

29) Who should be contacted for NSPIRES access or account issues?

NASA indicates that NAIS Support is available for access issues related to the NSPIRES NASA Research Opportunities site.