ROSES 2010 Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

It is the NASA ROSES 2010 program element titled "Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis" under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2010 NASA Research Announcement. The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH10ZDA001N, and it is listed as NNH10ZDA001N ESDRERR.

2) Which agency is offering the opportunity?

NASA Headquarters, under NASA's Science Mission Directorate, via the ROSES 2010 NASA Research Announcement framework.

3) What is the main purpose of the Earth System Data Records Uncertainty Analysis element?

The focus is to strengthen the creation, evaluation, and use of Earth system data records by improving how uncertainty is understood and characterized. The practical intent is to improve confidence and usability of Earth system data records by quantifying errors, documenting sources of uncertainty, and producing uncertainty information that can be propagated into analyses and models by researchers and decision-makers.

4) How does this element fit within ROSES 2010?

This element sits within the larger ROSES 2010 umbrella, which supports both basic and applied work across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. This specific element is focused on uncertainty analysis for Earth science data products and records.

5) When was the opportunity released and posted?

The opportunity was released around February 12, 2010 and posted February 22, 2010.

6) What kinds of work does ROSES 2010 generally support?

Across ROSES 2010, NASA highlights eligible work types that can include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development of techniques and concepts for future missions; advancement of technologies relevant to missions; laboratory analysis of returned extraterrestrial samples and terrestrial samples used to validate Earth observations; field campaigns and Earth surface observations that support missions; development of integrated Earth system models; and systems that translate Earth science data into applied, societal-use information services.

7) What does NASA emphasize in the solicitation about proposal relevance?

NASA emphasizes proposals that address science and technology needs tied to NASA missions and NASA datasets.

8) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent (NOIs) were requested for most program elements. The NOI schedule began March 15, 2010, with NOI due dates running through February 9, 2011, depending on the program element and ROSES appendix instructions.

9) When are proposals due?

Proposal due dates began April 30, 2010 and continued on a rolling schedule through April 30, 2011, depending on the specific program element and the instructions in the relevant ROSES appendix.

10) What due date is shown on this specific posting?

The original and current closing date listed for this particular posting is April 30, 2010, and the archive date is May 30, 2010. However, ROSES elements often have their own due dates and tables that govern when a given appendix closes.

11) Where do I find the definitive due dates for this element?

NASA points applicants to the ROSES appendices and the due-date tables in the ROSES NASA Research Announcement (referenced as Tables 2 and 3) for element-specific instructions and closing dates.

12) How much funding is available and what size awards should applicants expect?

NASA describes award sizes as flexible. Annual award sizes can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (such as focused data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, extensive activities (such as development of science experiment hardware). Total funds available vary by program element, from less than $1 million to several million dollars, affecting how many awards may be made.

13) How many projects might be selected?

The number of selections can range from only a few projects to several dozen, depending on the program element and the quality and relevance of submitted proposals.

14) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some elements allow shorter or longer projects up to a maximum of five years.

15) What funding instruments are used?

The opportunity lists grants and cooperative agreements as funding instruments. NASA may also use contracts or inter/intra-agency transfers depending on proposer type and program needs.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and for-profit and non-profit institutions are allowed to submit.

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

No stated limits are described on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

18) Can non-U.S. organizations receive NASA funding under this opportunity?

NASA policy generally funds U.S. institutions, and non-U.S. organizations are typically expected to participate under a "no exchange of funds" arrangement, meaning NASA does not send funding to the non-U.S. entity.

19) Where can non-U.S. participants find guidance?

The solicitation points non-U.S. applicants to guidance in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, and notes that some joint NRAs with non-U.S. partners may include additional instructions.

20) Are there special rules when a non-U.S. organization submits a proposal involving U.S. personnel supported by NASA?

Yes. The announcement flags that proposals involving U.S. personnel who would be supported by NASA, while being submitted by a non-U.S. organization, have special instruction requirements.

21) How must proposals be submitted?

Submission is electronic and must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. NASA allows submission through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov.

22) What registrations are required before submission?

Organizations planning to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES.

23) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. All principal investigators and other participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is ultimately submitted via NSPIRES or via Grants.gov.

24) Does NASA recommend registering early?

Yes. NASA explicitly advises proposers to start system access and registration well before the due date to avoid administrative delays.

25) Where do applicants find the detailed scope, proposal content rules, and evaluation information?

NASA directs applicants to the ROSES appendices for the specific program element. Those appendices include detailed scope, proposal content requirements, and evaluation information, with due dates laid out in the ROSES tables.

26) Can the ROSES 2010 solicitation change after posting?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES is frequently amended, and applicants were encouraged to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2010 amendments archive/RSS feed for clarifications, corrections, and new program elements through February 2011.

27) Who is the general point of contact for ROSES policies and procedures?

The primary general point of contact listed is Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate). The email provided is sara@nasa.gov, and a phone number is listed in the announcement.

28) Who should receive questions about this specific program element?

Element-specific questions were to be directed to the program officers listed in the relevant ROSES appendix sections.