ROSES 2009 Studies with ICESat and CryoSat 2 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2009 Studies with ICESat and CryoSat 2

1) What is "ROSES 2009 Studies with ICESat and CryoSat 2"?

It is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 solicitation (ROSES 2009), which itself is part of the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH09ZDA001N. This listing highlights research connected to ICESat and CryoSat 2, generally pointing to work enabled by satellite altimetry and cryospheric observations.

2) Is this a stand-alone grant program or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of the larger ROSES 2009 omnibus solicitation. ROSES is organized as many semi-independent program elements (often published as appendices) under one umbrella announcement, and applicants must follow the instructions and due dates for the specific element they are proposing to.

3) What kinds of research are relevant to ICESat and CryoSat 2 under ROSES?

Based on the emphasis described, relevant work typically includes research that uses, analyzes, or advances science enabled by satellite altimetry and cryospheric observations. Examples mentioned or implied include investigations related to ice sheets, sea ice, snow, and related Earth system processes. Common activity themes include data analysis, modeling, algorithm development, cross-mission data integration, calibration and validation support, and cryosphere and sea level science topics, depending on the specific ROSES program element.

4) What types of activities does ROSES 2009 fund (in general)?

ROSES is broad by design and is intended to fund a wide range of research and development activities rather than a single narrowly defined project type. NASA indicates it will consider efforts such as:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of science data
• Development of experiment or measurement techniques suitable for future missions
• Concepts and planning studies for future missions
• Advanced technology development relevant to NASA science missions
• Laboratory and analytical methods tied to extraterrestrial or Earth samples that validate mission observations
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns supporting NASA missions
• Integrated Earth system model development
• Applied research and information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal or operational value

5) Which NASA organization manages this opportunity?

The managing agency is NASA Headquarters.

6) What is the overall purpose of ROSES?

ROSES is NASA's primary annual omnibus solicitation for basic and applied research and technology activities that support NASA's Science Mission Directorate goals. It spans Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

7) What funding instruments can NASA use for awards under ROSES?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- and intra-agency transfers. The specific instrument used depends on what is being proposed and the type of organization applying. The opportunity record also lists grants and cooperative agreements as funding instruments.

8) How much funding is available?

Funding levels are flexible and vary by program element. NASA notes that yearly budgets may range from under $100,000 per year for tightly focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large-scale activities (such as development of science experiment hardware). NASA also notes that the amount available varies by element from under one million dollars to several million dollars.

9) How many awards does NASA expect to make?

The selection volume can range widely by program element, from only a few awards to several dozen, depending on program priorities and the quality of proposals received.

10) How long is the typical period of performance?

The period of performance is typically four years. Some elements may specify different lengths, and an overall maximum commonly stated is five years.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the opportunity record.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is intentionally broad. Organizations of every type may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private, for-profit and nonprofit.

13) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals an organization can submit or on teaming arrangements?

No stated restriction is described on the number of submissions or teaming arrangements in the information provided.

14) Can non-US organizations participate?

Participation by non-US organizations is typically allowed only under a no-exchange-of-funds policy, meaning NASA does not transfer money to the non-US entity. NASA also notes that it generally provides funding only to US institutions. Non-US participants are directed to guidance in the NASA NRA guidebook (including Appendix B and referenced sections) for detailed rules and special cases.

15) What if a proposal includes non-US and US participants?

The information provided notes that detailed rules (including situations where a non-US proposal involves US personnel for whom NASA support is requested) are addressed in the NASA NRA guidebook and referenced sections. Applicants are expected to follow that guidance and any special instructions in the relevant ROSES element.

16) How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is electronic. Proposals can be submitted via NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or via Grants.gov. NASA strongly steers applicants toward NSPIRES due to known technical issues associated with Grants.gov at the time.

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

Yes. Organizations must be registered in NSPIRES in all cases. Those submitting via Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov.

18) Who is allowed to submit the final proposal package?

NASA requires the submitting organization to identify authorized organizational representative(s) who are permitted to submit the final package.

19) Do investigators and key participants need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All investigators and key participants (including principal investigators and co-investigators) must have NSPIRES registrations.

20) What does NASA recommend regarding registration and submission planning?

NASA emphasizes starting registration and system familiarization early to avoid last-minute submission problems.

21) What are the key dates for this opportunity?

ROSES 2009 became available around mid-February 2009. This listing shows posted and creation dates in late February and April 2009. Notices of Intent (NOIs) are requested for many program elements, with early NOI timing beginning March 13, 2009. Proposal due dates span a long window across the ROSES year.

22) What is the closing date shown for this specific ICESat and CryoSat 2 record?

The closing date listed for this opportunity record is May 15, 2009, and the archive date is June 14, 2009.

23) Do all ROSES 2009 program elements share the same due date?

No. The broader ROSES 2009 solicitation notes that different program elements can have different due dates extending later into the 2009 to 2010 timeframe. Applicants must follow the due date and instructions for the particular program element appendix they are responding to.

24) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs are requested for many program elements, and early NOI timing is stated as beginning March 13, 2009. Whether an NOI is needed depends on the specific ROSES element.

25) Where should applicants direct questions?

Questions about specific program elements should be directed to the program officers listed in the ROSES documentation for each element. Questions about general NRA policies and procedures should be directed to the ROSES leadership contact identified in the announcement.

26) How is this opportunity categorized?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, with an activity category described as science and technology and other research and development.