ROSES 2009 Fellowships for Early Career Researchers (current fellows) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2009 Fellowships for Early Career Researchers (current fellows)

What is this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2009 Fellowships for Early Career Researchers (current fellows), offered under NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009) solicitation. It was released under NASA Research Announcement (NRA) number NNH09ZDA001N.

How does the fellowship-related component fit within ROSES 2009?

Within the ROSES 2009 framework, this item functions as a gateway into many different ROSES program elements where early career research efforts can be proposed, reviewed, and potentially funded. The fellowship-related component described here is specifically targeting current fellows as indicated in the ROSES framework.

What research areas are supported by ROSES 2009?

ROSES 2009 supports research and technology development aligned with NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) priorities across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The scope is intentionally broad and includes both basic and applied work as well as enabling technology.

What types of work or activities can be proposed?

Examples of supported work include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; aircraft, balloon, and suborbital rocket investigations; development of experimental techniques for future space missions; and mission concept development for future SMD missions.

Does the solicitation support technology development as well as science?

Yes. ROSES 2009 includes advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions, development of experimental techniques for future space missions, and other enabling technology activities in addition to science investigations.

Does ROSES 2009 include laboratory and sample analysis work?

Yes. It includes laboratory methods and analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft (and related terrestrial analog samples), as well as determination of atomic or compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements and samples.

What Earth Science activities are included?

On the Earth science side, ROSES 2009 welcomes Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits and usable information products.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely by program element and the scale of work proposed. NASA notes that some awards may be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts (such as specific data analysis), while larger activities (such as development of science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

How much funding is available within each program element?

NASA states that funding available within individual program elements ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars. Because of this range, the number of awards can vary from only a few selections to several dozen, depending on program goals and the quality and volume of submissions.

What award mechanisms can NASA use for selections under ROSES 2009?

Awards can be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- and intra-agency transfers. The mechanism depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the activity.

How long is the typical performance period?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open at the organizational level. Many types of organizations are allowed to apply, including domestic and foreign, government and private, for-profit and non-profit organizations.

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

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

Can non-US organizations participate, and can they receive NASA funding?

NASA emphasizes its standard policies for non-US participation: in general, NASA funding is provided only to US institutions, and participation by non-US organizations is typically on a no exchange of funds basis.

Where are the detailed rules for non-US participation described?

Applicants are expected to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules, including special instructions for proposals involving non-US organizations where NASA support is being requested for US personnel.

How must proposals be submitted?

All submissions must be made electronically. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or through Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES required even if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. Organizational registration in NSPIRES is required in all cases. If an organization chooses to submit through Grants.gov, it must be registered with both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

Registrations must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) permitted to submit proposals. In addition, all principal investigators and other participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Does NASA recommend NSPIRES or Grants.gov for submission?

NASA strongly encourages using NSPIRES due to technical issues historically associated with Grants.gov, while still allowing submissions through either portal.

When are Notices of Intent (NOIs) due?

Notices of Intent are requested for most program elements. The first NOI date listed is March 13, 2009.

When are proposals due under ROSES 2009?

Proposal due dates begin May 1, 2009 and extend through April 30, 2010, depending on the specific program element.

What is the closing date for the fellowships listing described here?

For the listing associated with the fellowships item, the posted opportunity shows a closing date of May 29, 2009 (original and current), with an archive date of June 28, 2009.

Who must submit the proposal by the deadline?

As with other ROSES elements, proposals must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization by the stated due date for the relevant program element.

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

NASA directs applicants to the individual Program Officers listed in each element's Summary of Key Information within the NRA for requirements tied to specific program elements.

Who is the point of contact for broader ROSES policies and procedures?

For broader questions about ROSES policies and procedures, the announcement points to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate).

What is the best way to avoid submission problems?

NASA advises applicants to begin registration and system familiarization well before applicable deadlines to avoid last-minute access or submission problems.