ROSES 2008 Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is ROSES 2008 Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology (LWSTRT)?

ROSES 2008 Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology (LWSTRT) is a NASA Headquarters solicitation released under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2008 (ROSES 2008) umbrella. It is issued as a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) and is intended to fund basic and applied research and technology activities that align with NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities. The LWSTRT element is tied to the Living With a Star focus area within Heliophysics, but it sits within the larger ROSES framework that spans multiple NASA research programs.

2) What is the funding opportunity number for this solicitation?

The funding opportunity number is NNH08ZDA001N. The referenced element is LWSTRT (Living With a Star Targeted Research and Technology).

3) What kinds of research or technology activities are supported under ROSES 2008 (including LWSTRT)?

The scope is intentionally broad and can include theory, modeling, and analysis of existing NASA science data; development and use of airborne, balloon, and suborbital rocket investigations; creation of experimental methods and instrument techniques that could enable future missions; early mission concept development; and advanced technology development applicable to NASA missions.

4) Does this opportunity support work involving samples and laboratory analysis?

Yes. ROSES 2008 can include laboratory work and analytical methods for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret NASA Earth observations. It also includes determining atomic and compositional parameters needed for interpreting remote sensing and sample data.

5) Are Earth science field campaigns and observations included as eligible activities?

Yes. Eligible efforts can include conducting Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA science missions, building integrated Earth system models, and developing systems that translate Earth science research data into practical applications and information products that serve societal needs.

6) Is the solicitation limited only to Heliophysics and Living With a Star?

The element referenced here (LWSTRT) is tied to Living With a Star within Heliophysics, but it is part of the broader ROSES 2008 umbrella that spans multiple NASA research programs, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

7) How much funding is typically available for individual projects?

Funding levels vary widely based on the nature and ambition of the proposed work. Smaller, narrowly focused projects such as data analysis efforts may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger-scale activities such as the development of science experiment hardware can exceed $1,000,000 per year.

8) How much total funding is available within a program element, and how many awards might be made?

NASA notes that the amount available within each individual program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars total. This often translates into selecting anywhere from only a few proposals to several dozen, depending on program priorities and the quality and relevance of submissions.

9) What types of award instruments can NASA use for selections?

Selections may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The specific instrument depends on the proposing organization and program requirements.

10) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years, though some program elements may specify shorter or longer timelines.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open and effectively unrestricted in terms of organization type. Domestic and foreign entities may apply, including universities and other educational institutions, private industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other government agencies.

12) Are teaming arrangements or partnerships allowed?

Yes. Teaming is allowed, and there is no stated limit on the number of partners or the types of arrangements.

13) Can non-US organizations participate, and can they receive NASA funds?

Non-US organizations may participate, but NASA policy requires that investigations involving non-US organizations be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. That means NASA does not provide funding directly to non-US organizations, even if they participate scientifically.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed for this opportunity.

15) How do applicants submit proposals?

The solicitation relies on electronic submission. NASA’s NSPIRES system is the core submission portal, and Grants.gov is also available as a submission route for many elements.

16) Do organizations and investigators need to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. Organizations must be registered in NSPIRES before submitting. In addition, all principal investigators and co-investigators must have NSPIRES registrations.

17) What is required for submitting through Grants.gov?

Applicants submitting through Grants.gov must be registered in Grants.gov. NASA also notes that registrations must identify authorized organizational representatives who are permitted to submit proposals on behalf of the institution.

18) Why does NASA emphasize planning ahead for registration and submission?

NASA emphasizes planning ahead to complete required registrations and to become familiar with NSPIRES and (if used) Grants.gov well before deadlines.

19) Are there multiple deadlines under ROSES 2008?

Yes. The ROSES 2008 announcement includes multiple due dates because different program elements have different schedules.

20) Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required, and when is it due?

Notices of Intent are requested for most program elements. An early NOI date listed in the ROSES 2008 timeline is March 14, 2008.

21) When are proposals due under ROSES 2008?

Proposal due dates begin May 9, 2008 and extend through March 27, 2009, depending on the specific program element.

22) What are the key dates shown for the Grants.gov posting associated with LWSTRT?

For the specific Grants.gov posting associated with LWSTRT, the posted date is July 25, 2008. The original and current closing date is October 17, 2008, and the archive date is November 16, 2008.

23) How can applicants find the specific ROSES 2008 program elements and their requirements?

Applicants are directed to locate specific program elements through the NASA Research Opportunities homepage (via NSPIRES) or through Grants.gov using the Advanced Search feature and the ROSES funding opportunity number (NNH08ZDA001N) to pull up all associated elements.

24) Where do the detailed element-specific requirements and evaluation information appear?

Detailed element-specific requirements, evaluation factors, and points of contact are provided in the “Summary of Key Information” for each element, typically through the assigned NASA Program Officer.

25) Who should applicants contact for general policy or procedural questions about the NRA?

General policy and procedural questions for the NRA are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein (Senior Advisor for Research and Analysis, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters), with contact information provided in the announcement.