Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2015 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NASA ROSES 2015 (NNH15ZDA001N)

1) What is NASA ROSES 2015?

NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2015 is a broad, agency-wide research solicitation issued by NASA Headquarters to support the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). It funds basic and applied research aligned with NASA's space science and Earth science goals, as well as tools, techniques, and technologies needed to plan, operate, and fully exploit NASA missions.

2) Is ROSES 2015 a single program or multiple calls?

ROSES functions as an umbrella announcement made up of many individual program elements. Each program element (listed in the solicitation appendices) has its own topics, requirements, and deadlines. Applicants are expected to use the appendices and solicitation tables to find the specific element that matches their work.

3) What kinds of research and activities are within the scope of ROSES 2015?

The scope is intentionally wide and spans many research activities that help NASA generate scientific results or improve mission capabilities. Examples explicitly included are theoretical work, modeling, and data analysis using NASA science mission data; development and use of airborne platforms (research aircraft), scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles for investigations; and development of new experiment methods and measurement techniques intended for future space missions.

4) Does ROSES 2015 support mission concept and technology development?

Yes. ROSES 2015 includes early-stage mission concept work and development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions.

5) Are laboratory studies and sample analyses eligible under ROSES 2015?

Yes. The solicitation includes laboratory studies that help interpret space-based observations. This includes laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples used to validate or support Earth system science observations.

6) Does ROSES 2015 include Earth science applications and societal benefits work?

Yes. ROSES 2015 includes applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits and usable information products. It also explicitly covers Earth surface observations and field campaigns tied to NASA mission needs, as well as integrated Earth system model development.

7) Are atomic or compositional parameter studies included?

Yes. ROSES 2015 explicitly includes work on fundamental atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze remote sensing data and returned samples.

8) How much funding is available per award?

Funding varies widely by program element and the type of work proposed. The announcement notes that awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts like data analysis, while larger and more complex efforts such as building or advancing science experiment hardware can exceed $1 million per year.

9) How large are the budgets for individual program elements?

Each program element typically has its own budget pool ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. Depending on program objectives and submission quality, NASA may select only a few proposals in some areas or several dozen in others.

10) What award types or legal mechanisms can NASA use under ROSES 2015?

NASA may issue awards as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The mechanism depends on the proposing organization and program requirements.

11) What is the typical project period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter periods, and some may allow up to a maximum of five years.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to organizations of every type, including domestic and foreign institutions, government and private entities, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

13) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements?

No restriction is stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements. Applicants should still follow the requirements and guidance of the specific program element they are proposing to.

14) Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and will NASA fund them?

International participation is generally conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funding to non-U.S. entities. The eligibility notes also state that, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participants are directed to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules and special cases.

15) Are there any special cases where non-U.S. involvement may be handled differently?

The solicitation notes special cases may apply, such as when a solicitation is jointly issued with a non-U.S. organization or when non-U.S. proposals involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested. For details, applicants are directed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers.

16) How do applicants submit proposals?

Proposals must be submitted electronically, and submission must be completed by an authorized official of the proposing organization.

17) What systems can be used to submit a proposal?

Applicants can submit through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov. However, registration in NSPIRES is required for all proposing organizations regardless of which portal is used.

18) If an organization submits through Grants.gov, what registrations are required?

Organizations using Grants.gov must register in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES. Registrations must designate the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit proposals.

19) Do investigators (PIs and Co-Is) need to be registered in NSPIRES?

Yes. All investigators and participants, including principal investigators and co-investigators, must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

20) When was ROSES 2015 posted, and what are the key dates listed?

Administrative details include a posted date of February 23, 2015. The original and current closing date are listed as April 30, 2016, and the archive date is May 30, 2016.

21) Does ROSES 2015 have one deadline?

ROSES is composed of many program elements, and each element can have its own due date. Applicants are directed to the appendices and solicitation tables that list specific calls, due dates, and links for each element.

22) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 43.001 (Science).

23) What type of funding opportunity category is ROSES 2015?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary and falls under science and technology and other research and development.

24) Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

25) Should applicants expect changes or added program elements during the solicitation period?

NASA advises interested parties to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for amendments and newly added program elements through February 2016, when a subsequent ROSES solicitation was planned. NASA also references an online archive of amendments and a frequently asked questions page.

26) Who should applicants contact for questions?

Program-specific questions should be directed to the program officers listed for each program element. General policy and procedure questions can be sent to the SMD research contact (Max Bernstein) via sara@nasa.gov.

27) Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA encourages applicants to start registrations and system familiarization early to avoid last-minute issues before deadlines.