ROSES 2009 Planetary Geology and Geophysics | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ROSES 2009 Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) opportunity?

ROSES 2009 Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity under the broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009). This program element focuses on research in planetary geology and geophysics within NASA's Science Mission Directorate priorities.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this call?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH09ZDA001N, with the program element identified as PGG (Planetary Geology and Geophysics).

What is the overall purpose of ROSES 2009 (and this PGG element)?

The overall purpose is to fund research and technology development that advances scientific understanding and mission-enabling capabilities for NASA. This includes work ranging from foundational investigations to efforts that directly support current and future NASA missions, with the PGG element emphasizing planetary geology and geophysics.

What kinds of work are within scope for ROSES 2009 as described here?

The scope described is broad and includes topics such as theory, modeling, and analysis of science data; development and maturation of experiment techniques for future missions; formulation of concepts for future space missions; development of advanced technologies relevant to NASA missions; laboratory techniques and analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples; determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements and sample data; and Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA science goals.

How does the Planetary Geology and Geophysics element fit into the larger ROSES structure?

ROSES is an umbrella NRA that spans multiple science areas, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The Planetary Geology and Geophysics element sits within that structure as a Planetary Science-focused call while operating within the same overall framework of supporting research and technology with science return and mission relevance.

What award types might NASA use for this opportunity?

NASA may issue awards in several legal and administrative forms. For this opportunity, grants and cooperative agreements are explicitly listed. NASA may also use contracts or inter- or intra-agency transfers when appropriate, depending on the proposer and the work being funded.

How much funding is available and how large can awards be?

Award sizes can vary widely depending on the proposed work. Smaller, focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger, more complex efforts (such as development of science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

How many proposals might be selected?

The amount available within each program element ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars, which typically translates into selecting anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals depending on program priorities and the quality and volume of submissions.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The administrative details indicate there is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity.

What is the typical period of performance?

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

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on February 26, 2009 (with a creation date listed as April 20, 2009).

What are the key dates for the Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) listing?

The specific listing for this Planetary Geology and Geophysics opportunity shows an original and current closing date of May 15, 2009, and an archive date of June 14, 2009.

What are the broader ROSES 2009 proposal timelines mentioned?

For ROSES 2009 elements overall, proposal due dates were scheduled beginning May 1, 2009 and extending through April 30, 2010. NASA also requested electronic Notices of Intent (NOIs) for most program elements, with early NOI timing beginning March 13, 2009.

Is an electronic Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

NASA requests an electronic Notice of Intent prior to proposal submission for most program elements, based on the information provided here. The timing referenced for early NOIs begins March 13, 2009.

How do applicants submit proposals?

Electronic submission is mandatory. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or through Grants.gov.

Which submission system does NASA recommend using?

NASA strongly encourages use of NSPIRES due to technical issues historically associated with Grants.gov.

Where was the ROSES 2009 NRA expected to be accessible?

It was expected to be accessible via the NASA Research Opportunities homepage in NSPIRES around February 13, 2009 by navigating through Solicitations to Open Solicitations.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broadly open by organizational type. Domestic and foreign entities, government and private institutions, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit proposals.

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

No. The information provided indicates there is no restriction on the number of proposals or on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and will NASA fund them?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA notes key constraints. In general, NASA funding is typically provided only to U.S. institutions. Participation by non-U.S. organizations is generally expected to occur on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA does not transfer funds to the non-U.S. organization.

Where are the detailed rules for non-U.S. participation described?

The solicitation directs applicants to specific sections of the NASA NRA Guidebook (including Appendix B and other cited provisions) for detailed rules and special cases, such as jointly issued NRAs with non-U.S. partners and proposals from non-U.S. organizations involving U.S. personnel requesting NASA support.

What registrations are required before submitting?

Any organization intending to apply must be registered in NSPIRES. If the organization plans to submit through Grants.gov, it must be registered there as well (in addition to NSPIRES).

Who must be registered in NSPIRES?

Registrations must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) permitted to submit on behalf of the organization. In addition, all principal investigators and other named participants (including co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

Does NASA provide any practical advice about registration and submission?

Yes. NASA recommends starting the registration and system familiarization process well in advance of the due date to avoid delays.

What activity category is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity lists the activity category as science and technology and other research and development.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

For questions, proposers are directed to consult the individual program officers identified in the ROSES Summary of Key Information for the relevant program element. General policy and procedural questions are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, with contact information provided in the announcement.