ROSES 2009 Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ROSES 2009 and where does ACMA fit within it?

ROSES 2009 is NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 solicitation, issued as Funding Opportunity Number NNH09ZDA001N. Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis (ACMA) is one program element within ROSES 2009 and sits within NASA's Earth Science portfolio.

What is the focus of the Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis (ACMA) opportunity?

ACMA supports research that improves understanding of atmospheric composition through modeling and analysis. It typically involves using NASA observations and other relevant datasets to study gases, aerosols, atmospheric chemistry, transport, and processes that influence air quality and climate-relevant composition.

What types of work does this opportunity support?

The opportunity is intentionally broad. NASA expresses interest in theory, modeling, and analysis of Science Mission Directorate (SMD) science data, as well as related activities that connect to atmospheric composition research. Examples described include work tied to field campaigns, Earth surface observations that support NASA missions, development and improvement of integrated Earth system models, and efforts that translate research data into applied products that meet societal needs.

Does NASA only fund modeling, or are observations and campaigns also relevant?

While ACMA emphasizes modeling and analysis, NASA also notes interest in connected activities such as field campaigns and Earth surface observations that support NASA missions. Across ROSES more generally, NASA also allows a wide span of supporting work, including aircraft, balloon, and suborbital investigations, as well as concept development for future missions and advancement of relevant technologies and techniques.

What is the unifying requirement across the types of projects NASA will consider?

Proposed work should directly support NASA science objectives and make clear use of, or provide clear benefit to, NASA-relevant observations, models, and research priorities.

What are the expected award sizes?

NASA describes a wide range of possible award levels depending on the scope of work. Awards may range from under 100,000 dollars per year for focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than 1 million dollars per year for large, extensive activities (such as development of science hardware).

How much total funding is available and how many awards might be made?

The amount available varies by specific program element, typically from less than one million to several million dollars. As a result, NASA may fund anywhere from a few to several dozen awards depending on the element, proposal pressure, and proposal quality.

Is cost sharing required?

No. NASA states that cost sharing is not required.

What types of funding instruments might NASA use?

Depending on the proposer and the work, NASA may provide support as a grant, cooperative agreement, contract, or as an inter- or intra-agency transfer.

How long is the typical project period?

The typical project period is four years. Some program elements may be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum project period of five years.

How must proposals be submitted?

All proposals must be submitted electronically. NASA allows submission through NSPIRES (the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or through Grants.gov, and explicitly encourages NSPIRES due to technical issues associated with Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required even if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. NASA indicates that every organization planning to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If an organization chooses to submit through Grants.gov, it must be registered in Grants.gov in addition to being registered in NSPIRES.

Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

NSPIRES registration must identify the organization authorized representative(s) who will submit the proposal. In addition, all principal investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA strongly advises proposers to begin registration and system familiarization well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute access or submission problems and to ensure roles and submission permissions are correctly in place.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad by organization type. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and for-profit and non-profit institutions may submit proposals.

Are there limits on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements?

No. NASA states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

Will NASA fund non-US organizations?

NASA notes that, in general, it provides funding only to US institutions. Non-US organizations may participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning NASA does not transfer funds to the non-US entity. Specific rules, exceptions, and compliance instructions are referenced in the NRA Guidebook for Proposers (including Appendix B and related sections) and sometimes in special instructions for jointly issued international solicitations.

Are there special rules when a proposal involves non-US organizations but requests NASA support for US personnel?

Yes. The opportunity description notes that proposals involving non-US organizations but requesting NASA support for US personnel have special compliance instructions referenced in the guidebook.

What are the key dates for ROSES 2009?

Key dates span a long window, with proposal due dates beginning May 1, 2009 and continuing through April 30, 2010 depending on the specific program element. For many elements, NASA requests an electronic Notice of Intent (NOI) first; the earliest NOI date listed is March 13, 2009.

What are the posted date and closing date shown for this listing?

The posting information included a posted date of February 19, 2009. The original and current closing date shown for this specific listing is May 1, 2009, with an archive date of May 31, 2009.

Do deadlines vary by program element, and how should applicants confirm their due date?

Yes. NASA emphasizes that due dates can vary by program element, so applicants are expected to confirm the deadlines tied to the particular ROSES element they are targeting.

Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

For many ROSES elements, NASA requests an electronic Notice of Intent (NOI). The information provided indicates the earliest NOI date listed is March 13, 2009, and applicants should check the specific program element requirements.

Who should submit the proposal?

The announcement emphasizes that proposals must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization by the stated deadline.

Who should applicants contact for administrative vs. scientific questions?

Administrative questions about general NASA Research Announcement policies and procedures are directed to NASA Headquarters points of contact listed in the solicitation. Scientific and programmatic questions for ACMA or other elements are typically handled by the specific Program Officers identified in the "Summary of Key Information" for each element.

Where is ROSES 2009 expected to be available?

ROSES 2009 was expected to be available on or about February 13, 2009 through the NASA Research Opportunities homepage and the NSPIRES "Open Solicitations" listing.