ROSES 2010 Carbon Cycle Science | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2010 Carbon Cycle Science (NNH10ZDA001N, "CARBON")

What is ROSES 2010 Carbon Cycle Science (NNH10ZDA001N, "CARBON")?

ROSES 2010 Carbon Cycle Science is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2010 NASA Research Announcement. While this listing is labeled for Carbon Cycle Science, it sits within the larger ROSES structure where specific scientific topics, requirements, and due dates are defined in the solicitation appendices and associated program elements.

How does this opportunity relate to ROSES 2010 overall?

This opportunity is one part of the larger ROSES 2010 announcement, which supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate across a wide range of Earth and space science research areas. In ROSES, the details that matter most to applicants (topic scope, proposal requirements, evaluation details, and due dates) are typically specified at the appendix/program element level rather than only in the top-level listing.

Where was the opportunity posted and how do applicants access it?

The opportunity was made available through NASA's NSPIRES system (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System). The Grants.gov record also contains related posting and closing date metadata, but applicants are expected to use ROSES tables and appendices for the actual program-element-specific proposal due dates.

When did this opportunity become available?

It was made available around February 12, 2010 through NSPIRES. The related Grants.gov record indicates a posting date of March 4, 2010.

What kinds of activities can be funded under this opportunity?

The solicitation describes a broad range of eligible activities spanning both basic and applied research and technology work that advances NASA science objectives. Examples described include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development of integrated Earth system models; Earth surface observations and field campaigns supporting NASA Earth system missions; development of new measurement and experiment techniques for future missions; advancing mission-relevant technologies; and laboratory analysis of samples (including returned extraterrestrial samples and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing measurements).

Is the scope limited only to carbon cycle science?

Based on the listing description, the opportunity is labeled for Carbon Cycle Science, but it is also explicitly framed as part of the wider ROSES 2010 structure. The specific scientific topics and requirements for proposals are defined in the ROSES appendices and their program elements, which applicants should consult for the precise scope and expectations.

Does NASA fund technology development as well as research under ROSES?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly includes technology work and mission-enabling activities, such as developing new measurement/experiment techniques for future missions and advancing technologies relevant to NASA missions, in addition to traditional research activities like data analysis, modeling, and theory.

Are field campaigns and Earth surface observations allowed?

Yes. The solicitation includes Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA Earth system missions as part of the broad set of activities that may be proposed under ROSES program elements.

Are laboratory analyses of samples included as an eligible activity?

Yes. The opportunity description includes laboratory analysis of samples, including returned extraterrestrial samples and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing measurements.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent to propose are requested for most program elements. The guidance indicates that NOIs are part of the process for many elements, but the exact expectations can vary by element, so applicants should check the relevant appendix/program element instructions.

What is the NOI submission window?

The NOI window begins March 15, 2010 and runs through February 9, 2011.

When are full proposals due?

Full proposals are due on a rolling schedule tied to individual program elements, beginning April 30, 2010 and continuing through April 30, 2011. Applicants need to consult the ROSES tables (Tables 2 and 3) and the specific appendices/program elements to identify the exact due date that applies to the program element they are targeting.

Why do the dates on Grants.gov look different from the ROSES rolling schedule?

The Grants.gov record includes system-level dates (Posted March 4, 2010; Original and Current Closing Date June 4, 2010; Archive July 4, 2010). However, the ROSES text indicates that actual due dates depend on the specific appendix/program element and are listed in ROSES tables and appendices. In practice, the program-element instructions and ROSES tables control the due dates applicants should follow.

Can NASA amend the solicitation or add new program elements during the year?

Yes. Applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES amendment archive/RSS feed for updates, clarifications, or new elements added through the life of the solicitation.

How much funding is available per award?

Award sizes are flexible and depend on the program element and the nature of the work proposed. Typical awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrower efforts (such as focused data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, complex activities (such as developing science instrument hardware or major technology efforts).

How much total funding is available overall?

The total funds available vary by program element, ranging from less than $1 million to several million. Because funding and priorities differ by element, NASA may select only a few proposals in one element or several dozen in another depending on priorities and the quality of submissions.

How long are awards expected to last?

Most awards are expected to run about four years. Some programs may specify shorter or longer periods, up to a five-year maximum.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are broadly defined and include many organization types, including government and private entities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and domestic or foreign institutions. Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Non-U.S. organizations may be involved, but the solicitation notes a significant constraint: NASA policy generally requires that work involving non-U.S. organizations be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funds to non-U.S. institutions. The opportunity also states that, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions, with instructions and exceptions addressed in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers and any joint solicitations that include additional non-U.S. guidelines.

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

Yes. Applications can be submitted electronically through NSPIRES or via Grants.gov, but NSPIRES registration and participant accounts are still required. All principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

What registrations are required for the organization?

Organizations must register in NSPIRES and identify authorized organizational representatives who can submit proposals. If the organization submits through Grants.gov, it must also be registered in Grants.gov.

What should applicants do to avoid last-minute submission problems?

The solicitation strongly encourages applicants to register and familiarize themselves with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov if used) well ahead of deadlines to avoid administrative issues close to due dates.

Where should program-specific questions be directed?

Program-specific questions should be directed to the relevant Program Officers listed in each program element's Summary of Key Information within the ROSES appendices.

Where should general questions about ROSES policies and procedures be directed?

General questions about ROSES policies and procedures are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The opportunity description indicates contact information is provided, including an email address (sara@nasa.gov) and a NASA Headquarters phone number.

What is the best way to interpret this "Carbon Cycle Science" listing when preparing a proposal?

It is best understood as a NASA funding channel for carbon-cycle-relevant research and supporting technologies within a larger, multi-division ROSES framework. Applicants should rely on the relevant ROSES appendices, program elements, and ROSES tables for the authoritative topic scope, requirements, and due dates that apply to their intended submission.