ROSES 2008 Cosmochemistry | Apply Online

ROSES 2008 Cosmochemistry (NNH08ZDA001N) - FAQs

What is "ROSES 2008 Cosmochemistry"?

ROSES 2008 Cosmochemistry is a research area within NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2008 (ROSES 2008) solicitation. ROSES 2008 is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) released under funding opportunity number NNH08ZDA001N, and it supports competitively selected research and technology work aligned with NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

Which NASA organization is sponsoring this opportunity?

The solicitation is issued by NASA Headquarters as part of the Science Mission Directorate's ROSES 2008 umbrella, which includes research tied to Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

What kinds of topics does the Cosmochemistry element cover?

Based on the description provided, the Cosmochemistry focus supports research that advances understanding of the chemical and isotopic makeup of solar system materials and related processes. This often involves laboratory measurements, analysis of returned samples, and supporting theoretical or data-driven work that helps interpret compositional data from missions and samples.

What types of work are eligible under ROSES 2008 (as described in this posting)?

The opportunity is intentionally broad and includes basic and applied research and technology efforts such as:

• Theoretical studies, modeling, and analysis of existing NASA science data
• Development and use of experimental techniques that could fly on future missions
• Early concept work for future missions
• Advanced technology development relevant to science missions
• Laboratory techniques and analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft
• Terrestrial sample work that helps interpret or validate NASA mission observations
• Supporting activities like field campaigns and Earth observations when connected to mission science
• Data systems and applied information systems that turn research data into usable products

Does this opportunity support laboratory and analytical work?

Yes. The posting explicitly includes laboratory techniques and analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, and terrestrial sample work used to interpret or validate NASA mission observations. In the Cosmochemistry context, it also includes lab and analytical capabilities needed to interpret compositional data, including determining atomic and compositional parameters that improve analysis of space-based measurements and returned materials.

Is the program limited to data analysis, or can it fund technology and hardware-related work?

It can fund both. The description includes analysis of existing NASA data as well as development of experimental techniques that could fly on future missions, early mission concept work, and advanced technology development relevant to science missions.

How much funding is available, and what are typical award sizes?

Funding levels vary widely by scope. Smaller focused efforts (like limited data analysis) may be under $100,000 per year, while large efforts (such as building or maturing science hardware) can exceed $1 million per year. NASA also notes that each ROSES program element has its own funding pool, ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

How many awards might be made?

The posting indicates this depends on the specific program element's funding pool, priorities, and proposal quality. Some elements may only fund a handful of proposals, while others could support dozens.

How long is the typical period of performance?

Most awards are expected to run about four years, though some program elements may specify shorter or longer performance periods.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as open and flexible, with participation unrestricted across organization types. Examples listed include universities, industry, nonprofits, NASA centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other government agencies.

Are there limits on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

No. The posting states there are no limits on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

Is international participation allowed?

Yes, international participation is allowed. However, NASA notes its standard policy that work involving non-US organizations must be done on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA generally does not send grant funds to foreign organizations even if they collaborate scientifically.

How do applicants submit a proposal?

The application process is fully electronic and tied to NASA's NSPIRES system, with an option to submit through Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required?

Yes. Any organization planning to apply must be registered in NSPIRES. NASA also requires that submissions be made by an authorized organizational representative and that all principal investigators and other team members (such as co-investigators) be registered in NSPIRES.

Is Grants.gov registration required?

Only if you plan to submit via Grants.gov. The posting says that if using Grants.gov, the organization must be registered there as well.

How do applicants find the right ROSES program element on Grants.gov?

NASA directs Grants.gov users to locate specific ROSES program elements using Grants.gov's Advanced Search by entering the ROSES solicitation number NNH08ZDA001N to pull up the list of posted elements, then selecting the element-specific package.

When are proposals due?

ROSES uses staggered deadlines by program element. The solicitation indicates proposal due dates beginning May 9, 2008 and extending through March 27, 2009, depending on the element.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent are requested for most program elements. The first NOI deadline listed in the posting is March 14, 2008.

What are the posted, closing, and archive dates shown in this snapshot?

The snapshot shows a posted date of February 25, 2008; an original and current closing date of May 16, 2008; and an archive date of June 15, 2008. The posting notes these likely correspond to a specific element or a Grants.gov listing window rather than the full multi-element ROSES schedule.

What award instruments can NASA use for this opportunity?

Awards may be issued through several legal instruments depending on the work and applicant organization, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

Who should applicants contact for administrative or policy questions about ROSES 2008?

Administrative and policy questions about the overall NRA are directed to Dr. Yvonne Pendleton at NASA Headquarters (email: sara@nasa.gov; phone: 202-358-1182).

Who should applicants contact with questions specific to the Cosmochemistry element?

For detailed questions about Cosmochemistry (or other specific elements), the posting says to contact the individual program officers identified in each element's Summary of Key Information within the ROSES documentation.

Why does NASA recommend starting early?

NASA notes that registration and system familiarity can take time (NSPIRES, and Grants.gov if used), so applicants are advised to start early rather than waiting until deadlines approach.