ROSES 2009 Space Archaeology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2009 Space Archaeology (NASA NRA)

1) What is ROSES 2009 Space Archaeology?

ROSES 2009 Space Archaeology is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity issued under the broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009). It falls under Funding Opportunity Number NNH09ZDA001N. Although the posting title highlights "Space Archaeology," it is part of the larger ROSES framework that solicits proposals across multiple NASA science areas.

2) Is "Space Archaeology" a standalone program or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of the larger ROSES 2009 NRA. The ROSES 2009 solicitation spans multiple research programs and includes calls across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

3) What kinds of work does ROSES 2009 support?

The scope described for ROSES 2009 is broad and includes basic and applied research and technology development aligned with NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities. Examples mentioned include:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data
• Investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, and suborbital rockets
• Development of experimental techniques and enabling methods for future space missions
• Early mission concept development
• Advanced technology development relevant to NASA science missions
• Laboratory and analytical work on extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft
• Laboratory and analytical work on terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing measurements
• Efforts to improve atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze observations and samples

4) What Earth Science activities are included in the ROSES 2009 scope?

On the Earth Science side, the NRA description includes support for:

• Field campaigns
• Earth surface observations
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits and usable information products

5) How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely by program element. The announcement indicates awards may range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, complex activities (such as development of science instrument or experiment hardware).

6) Are program budgets fixed or do they vary by element?

They vary by program element. The notice states that budgets available within individual program elements range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. Because of this, a given element might make only a handful of awards or several dozen, depending on its goals and on proposal quality and quantity.

7) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA anticipates making awards using several possible instruments, including:

• Grants
• Cooperative agreements
• Contracts
• Inter- or intra-agency transfers

The specific mechanism depends on the proposer organization type and the needs of the relevant program element.

8) How long is the typical performance period?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some program elements may specify a shorter duration, and the solicitation indicates a maximum of up to five years may be allowed in some cases.

9) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is described as intentionally broad. Organizations of all types may submit, including:

• Government and private entities
• For-profit and nonprofit institutions
• U.S. and non-U.S. organizations

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

No restrictions are stated in the provided description. It indicates there is no restriction on the number of proposals an organization may submit, and there is no restriction on teaming arrangements.

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

The notice states that eligibility includes non-U.S. organizations, but it also notes that NASA generally funds U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participation is normally handled under NASA's no-exchange-of-funds policy, meaning international collaborators typically participate using their own funding rather than receiving NASA funds.

12) Where are the detailed rules for non-U.S. participation explained?

The opportunity points applicants to the NASA NRA Guidebook (including Appendix B and other cited sections) for detailed rules affecting non-U.S. participation, including scenarios involving U.S. personnel where NASA funding is requested.

13) How must proposals be submitted?

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

14) Does NASA prefer NSPIRES or Grants.gov for submission?

The description states NASA strongly encourages use of NSPIRES due to technical issues associated with Grants.gov at the time.

15) What registration requirements apply?

Registration is described as central to submission:

• Any organization planning to submit must be registered in NSPIRES.
• Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must also be registered with Grants.gov.
• Submissions must be made by an authorized organizational representative.
• All principal investigators and other proposal participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

16) When should applicants register for NSPIRES or Grants.gov?

Applicants are encouraged to register and become familiar with the electronic systems well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute submission problems.

17) When was ROSES 2009 expected to become available?

The NRA was expected to be available around February 13, 2009 through the NASA Research Opportunities homepage in NSPIRES.

18) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs are described as requested for most program elements. The initial NOI due date listed is March 13, 2009.

19) What are the proposal due dates for ROSES 2009?

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

20) What dates are shown for this specific posting record?

The listing information provided shows May 1, 2009 as the original and current closing date for this particular posting record, and an archive date of May 31, 2009.

21) Who should applicants contact for element-specific questions?

For element-specific guidance, proposers are directed to the Program Officers listed within the ROSES 2009 documentation.

22) Who is the contact for broader NRA policy and procedural questions?

For broader policy and procedural questions about the NRA, the contact listed is Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters (with contact information provided in the announcement).

23) What is the relationship between this opportunity and NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities?

The solicitation is described as supporting a wide spectrum of basic and applied research and technology development that is aligned with NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities.