ROSES 2009 Cassini Data Analysis | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2009 Cassini Data Analysis (CDAP)

What is the ROSES 2009 Cassini Data Analysis (CDAP) opportunity?

ROSES 2009 Cassini Data Analysis (CDAP) is a NASA funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NNH09ZDA001N, CDAP) offered under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009) NASA Research Announcement (NRA). While the label highlights Cassini data analysis, it is part of the larger ROSES framework managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

How does CDAP fit within the broader ROSES 2009 solicitation?

CDAP is one program element within ROSES 2009. ROSES 2009 spans multiple SMD science areas, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics, and supports a wide range of activities such as scientific data analysis, theory and modeling, mission and instrument concept development, technology development for future missions, laboratory analyses of returned or supporting samples, field campaigns supporting Earth observations, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied systems that translate Earth science research into societal uses.

Where is the solicitation expected to be posted and accessed?

The ROSES 2009 solicitation was expected to be available around February 13, 2009 through the NASA Research Opportunities homepage within NSPIRES. Applicants access it by navigating to open solicitations in NSPIRES.

How must proposals be submitted?

NASA requires proposals to be submitted electronically. Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, but NASA strongly recommends using NSPIRES due to technical issues historically associated with Grants.gov.

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

Yes. Regardless of whether you submit through NSPIRES or Grants.gov, all organizations intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES, and all principal investigators and other participants (including co-investigators) must also be registered in NSPIRES.

What additional registrations are needed if submitting through Grants.gov?

If an organization chooses to submit through Grants.gov, it must also complete separate Grants.gov registration in addition to NSPIRES registration. Registrations must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) responsible for submitting the final electronic package.

Who is allowed to submit the final proposal package?

Proposals must be transmitted electronically by an authorized official of the proposing organization. The principal investigator alone is not sufficient to submit the final electronic package unless they are also the authorized organizational representative.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to many organization types, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit groups. The solicitation also states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning NASA does not provide funds to the non-U.S. entity. The solicitation directs proposers to consult the ROSES guidebook (including Appendix B and relevant sections) for detailed rules, especially where a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

Does NASA generally fund work performed at non-U.S. institutions?

In general, NASA states that funding is provided only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participation may be possible, but typically without NASA funds going to the non-U.S. organization under the "no exchange of funds" policy, unless special rules are stated for a particular program element.

Can this opportunity include joint rules with non-U.S. partners?

Some ROSES opportunities may be issued jointly with non-U.S. partners and can include special participation rules. When that applies, the additional rules would be spelled out in the specific program element text.

What funding amounts should applicants expect?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the program element and the scale of the proposed work. NASA notes that smaller, focused efforts such as data analysis may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while large, extensive activities such as science hardware development can exceed $1 million per year.

How much total funding is available?

Total funds available within each program element range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, NASA may select only a few proposals in some areas or several dozen in others, depending on program priorities and the quality and quantity of submissions.

What award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be made using several instruments. The opportunity summary explicitly lists grants and cooperative agreements, and NASA also notes that contracts and inter- or intra-agency transfers may be used depending on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

What is the typical project period?

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

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

For ROSES 2009, NOIs were requested for most elements. The first NOI due date listed was March 13, 2009. Whether an NOI applies to a specific element is determined by the program element instructions.

When are proposals due?

Proposal due dates began May 1, 2009 and continued through April 30, 2010 depending on the specific program element. For this listing, the posted date is February 27, 2009, with an original and current closing date of May 1, 2009, and an archive date of May 31, 2009.

Why do proposal due dates vary within ROSES?

ROSES uses multiple program elements with their own schedules, which creates a rolling set of due dates across the overall ROSES 2009 NRA. Applicants must follow the dates applicable to the specific program element they are responding to.

What happens if an applicant misses the deadline?

The solicitation emphasizes that proposals must be submitted by the specified deadlines and transmitted electronically by an authorized official. Applicants are directed to access NSPIRES well ahead of deadlines to complete registrations and required system entries before submission.

Who should applicants contact with questions about a specific program element?

Applicants are directed to contact the individual program officers listed in the "Summary of Key Information" for each program element, since requirements can vary across ROSES elements.

Who should applicants contact with overall ROSES policy or procedural questions?

For overarching policy and procedural questions about the NRA, the solicitation directs inquiries to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate), using the contact details provided in the announcement.

Why does NASA recommend using NSPIRES instead of Grants.gov?

NASA strongly recommends NSPIRES because of technical issues historically associated with Grants.gov. Even if submitting through Grants.gov, NSPIRES registration is still required for organizations and all participants.

What should applicants do well in advance of submission?

Applicants are advised to access NSPIRES well ahead of deadlines to learn the system, complete registrations, and enter required information prior to proposal submission.