ROSES 2009 Terrestrial Ecology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - ROSES 2009 Terrestrial Ecology (NNH09ZDA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

ROSES 2009 Terrestrial Ecology is a program element within NASA Headquarters Funding Opportunity Number NNH09ZDA001N, part of the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009) NASA Research Announcement. It is designed to fund basic and applied research and technology development that supports NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) priorities.

Which NASA office sponsors this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered under NASA Headquarters and aligns with priorities of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) across multiple science areas, including Earth Science. The Terrestrial Ecology element sits within that larger ROSES structure.

What is the focus of the Terrestrial Ecology element?

The Terrestrial Ecology element focuses on research that helps explain and predict how land-based ecosystems function and change, particularly research that connects to NASA Earth-observing missions and supports interpretation and use of NASA Earth observation data.

What kinds of projects or activities does NASA want to fund?

The ROSES scope (including Terrestrial Ecology) supports a wide span of activities, from traditional scientific research to more mission-enabling work. Examples NASA highlights include:

• Analysis of NASA science data products
• Theory, modeling, and analysis using SMD science data
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns that complement satellite missions
• Applied systems that translate Earth science research into societal benefits
• Technology and mission-related development, such as new measurement techniques and advanced technologies relevant to future SMD missions
• Development of concepts for future missions

Is this opportunity only for basic research?

No. NASA indicates interest in both scientific findings and mission-enabling tools, methods, and capabilities. The solicitation includes basic and applied research as well as technology development and mission-related concept development.

How much funding is available?

Award sizes and total funding vary by program element and by the type and scope of work proposed. NASA notes that:

• Small, focused projects (for example, limited data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year.
• Large, extensive efforts (for example, building science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.
• Total funding available by program element generally ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

How many awards might be made?

NASA indicates the number of selections can range from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on factors such as proposal quality, relevance, and program needs. This varies by program element.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter/intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposer type and the specific requirements of the proposed activity.

How long is the typical project period?

The typical performance period is four years. Some program elements may allow shorter or longer projects, up to a five-year maximum.

When was the ROSES 2009 announcement expected to be posted?

The ROSES 2009 announcement was expected to be posted around February 13, 2009 on the NASA Research Opportunities site via NSPIRES.

Is an electronic Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Most ROSES program elements request an electronic Notice of Intent. Early NOI dates were indicated as beginning March 13, 2009, but requirements and dates can vary by program element.

When are proposals due?

Proposal due dates vary by program element. ROSES 2009 due dates were scheduled to begin May 1, 2009 and extend through April 30, 2010. For this Terrestrial Ecology entry, the listing shows an original and current closing date of June 12, 2009, with an archive date of July 12, 2009.

How do we submit a proposal?

Submission is electronic only. NASA allows proposals to be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or through Grants.gov. NASA strongly encourages NSPIRES due to noted technical issues with Grants.gov.

If we submit through Grants.gov, do we still need NSPIRES?

Yes. NASA states that all principal investigators and other proposal participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission route. In addition, if submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered there as well as in NSPIRES.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad by organization type. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations may apply. NASA states there are no stated limits on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate?

Yes, but NASA emphasizes its general policy of funding U.S. institutions, and notes that participation by non-U.S. organizations must typically be done under a no-exchange-of-funds policy. Additional rules apply, particularly when non-U.S. proposals involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA funding is requested.

Where can non-U.S. organizations find detailed participation rules?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to consult the NASA NRA Guidebook, including Appendix B and relevant sections addressing non-U.S. participation, for detailed rules and requirements.

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

The information provided states there are no stated limits on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

What registration steps are required before submitting?

Registration is central to applying. NASA advises that:

• Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES.
• The organization must identify authorized representative(s) in NSPIRES who are permitted to submit proposals.
• If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov (in addition to NSPIRES).
• All principal investigators and other proposal participants, including co-investigators, must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of submission route.

Why does NASA recommend NSPIRES over Grants.gov?

NASA strongly encourages submission through NSPIRES because of noted technical issues with Grants.gov.

Who should we contact with questions about a specific program element?

Proposers are directed to the specific Program Officers listed for each program element in the ROSES documentation.

Who is the general ROSES contact for policies and procedures?

Questions about general ROSES policies and procedures can be directed to the ROSES lead contact identified in the announcement: Dr. Max Bernstein, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, using the contact details provided in the full solicitation materials.

What is the best way to avoid last-minute submission problems?

NASA advises applicants to complete registrations and become familiar with the electronic systems well ahead of the relevant deadline, since NSPIRES registration (and Grants.gov registration, if used) is required and proposal submission is electronic only.