ROSES 2009 Causes and Consequences of the Minimum of Solar Cycle 24 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "ROSES 2009 Causes and Consequences of the Minimum of Solar Cycle 24." It is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009) solicitation.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH09ZDA001N.

3) What is ROSES 2009, and how does this topic fit within it?

ROSES 2009 is a large umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) that supports basic and applied research and technology development across NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) program areas. The "Causes and Consequences of the Minimum of Solar Cycle 24" call is one program element within that umbrella. Proposals are expected to align both with the Solar Cycle 24 minimum theme and with the broader SMD research scope described in ROSES.

4) What is the scientific focus of this program element?

This element focuses on understanding the unusually deep and prolonged minimum between Solar Cycles 23 and 24, and what that minimum implies for the Sun, the heliosphere, and space weather conditions that affect Earth and space-based assets. It is particularly relevant to Heliophysics topics connected to that minimum.

5) What kinds of investigations are invited?

The solicitation invites a wide range of investigation types, including traditional research such as theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data. It also includes projects using aircraft, balloon, or suborbital rocket platforms.

6) Does it support technology development or mission-related work?

Yes. It allows work aimed at future missions and capabilities, including development of new experiment techniques, concept studies for future SMD missions, and advanced technology development relevant to NASA science needs.

7) Are laboratory, analytical, or Earth science-related activities allowable under ROSES 2009?

ROSES 2009 more generally includes laboratory and analytical work (such as methods and measurements needed to interpret space observations or returned samples), Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits. While not all of these areas are specific to the Solar Cycle minimum topic, they describe the menu of allowable work under ROSES when responsive to a particular program element.

8) Is submission electronic-only?

Yes. Submission is electronic-only.

9) Where can proposals be submitted?

NASA allows proposals to be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or through Grants.gov.

10) Does NASA recommend NSPIRES or Grants.gov?

The announcement strongly encourages NSPIRES due to technical issues historically associated with Grants.gov.

11) How do applicants find ROSES 2009 in NSPIRES?

ROSES 2009 was made available through the NASA Research Opportunities homepage and can be accessed via NSPIRES by navigating to "Solicitations" and then "Open Solicitations."

12) Do organizations need to register in NSPIRES even if they submit via Grants.gov?

Yes. Organizations are expected to register in NSPIRES ahead of time, identify their authorized organizational representative(s), and ensure that the principal investigator and any co-investigators are individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the final upload happens in NSPIRES or via Grants.gov.

13) Why does NASA advise early system registration and early submission preparation?

Because the proposal process is system-driven, NASA advises proposers to get into the system well before deadlines to avoid last-minute registration and submission problems.

14) What is the typical funding level for awards?

The funding structure is flexible. Typical budgets range from under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused activities (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for larger, more complex efforts (such as hardware development).

15) How much total funding is available?

The available funding per program element varies from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This variation affects how many awards might be made.

16) How many awards might NASA make?

The number of awards can range from only a few selections to several dozen, depending on the specific program objectives and the quality and volume of proposals received.

17) What award mechanisms might be used?

NASA indicates awards may be made through several mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The mechanism chosen depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

18) What is the typical period of performance?

The period of performance is generally four years.

19) Are shorter or longer periods of performance allowed?

Some elements allow shorter periods or longer periods up to a maximum of five years. Applicants are expected to follow the requirements of the relevant ROSES program element.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly inclusive: domestic and foreign entities, governmental or private, for-profit or non-profit, may submit proposals.

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

No stated restriction is provided on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

22) Can non-U.S. organizations participate and receive NASA funding?

NASA notes a key policy constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funds to non-U.S. institutions.

23) Where should non-U.S. proposers look for detailed participation rules?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed instructions and special cases, including situations where a proposal from a non-U.S. organization involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

24) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs are requested for most ROSES program elements. The information provided notes an early NOI due date of March 13, 2009 for the ROSES 2009 cycle.

25) What are the key dates listed for this specific opportunity posting?

For the specific listing provided: the posted date is March 10, 2009; the original and current closing date is June 5, 2009; and the archive date is July 5, 2009.

26) When are proposals due under ROSES 2009 generally?

Across different ROSES 2009 elements, proposal due dates begin May 1, 2009 and extend through April 30, 2010. The applicable due date depends on the specific program element instructions.

27) Which due date should applicants follow if multiple dates are mentioned?

Applicants are expected to track the relevant element's timeline and submit by the stated electronic deadline. The exact due date that applies depends on the specific program element instructions.

28) Who should be contacted with scientific and programmatic fit questions?

The announcement points proposers to the Program Officers listed for each specific program element in the ROSES summary of key information. Those contacts can clarify fit, scope, and requirements for an element like "Causes and Consequences of the Minimum of Solar Cycle 24."

29) Who should be contacted with general NASA NRA policy or procedure questions?

General policy and procedure questions are directed to the ROSES research lead contact at NASA Headquarters. The announcement lists Dr. Max Bernstein and provides an email address and phone number, while reinforcing that scientific fit questions should go to the element Program Officer.

30) What is the main practical expectation for proposals under this element?

Because this program element sits inside a very large umbrella NRA, proposals are expected to clearly address the Solar Cycle 24 minimum theme while also fitting within the broader NASA SMD research scope described in ROSES 2009.