ROSES 2010 Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2010 Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples (NNH10ZDA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the "Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples" topic under NASA Headquarters' broader ROSES 2010 (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) solicitation, identified as NNH10ZDA001N. It is part of NASA's annual omnibus call for research proposals managed under the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

Which NASA solicitation does this topic fall under?

It is a focus area within ROSES 2010, NASA's annual omnibus solicitation spanning multiple SMD science programs.

What is the main purpose of the "Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples" topic?

The topic supports laboratory-based work that helps NASA extract maximum scientific value from physical samples returned by spacecraft. It also includes related laboratory efforts using terrestrial analog samples when those analog studies help interpret or validate space-based observations.

What kinds of work are supported under this topic?

Based on the description provided, supported work includes basic and applied research and enabling technologies tied to laboratory analytical methods and measurements for returned extraterrestrial materials. This can include developing and applying techniques to characterize composition, chemistry, mineralogy, isotopes, and other properties, and producing atomic, molecular, or compositional parameters needed to interpret spacecraft data and laboratory measurements.

How does this work connect to NASA missions and datasets?

The work is described as supporting calibration and interpretation of mission datasets and building reference knowledge to connect laboratory results with remote sensing and broader science questions.

Is this opportunity limited to a single SMD division (for example, only Planetary Science)?

No. ROSES 2010 spans multiple SMD programs, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. This specific topic emphasizes returned-sample laboratory analysis within that larger framework.

What award sizes are anticipated?

NASA indicated a wide range of possible award sizes across ROSES program elements, from under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped studies (such as focused data analysis) up to more than $1 million per year for large, complex efforts (such as substantial science hardware or major experimental capabilities). Actual amounts depend on the specific program element and the proposed work.

How much total funding is expected to be available?

Funding availability varies by program element and could range from less than one million dollars to several million dollars total. Depending on budgets, priorities, and proposal quality, NASA could select anywhere from a handful to several dozen awards.

What is the typical project period of performance?

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

What types of funding instruments might NASA use?

Awards could be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers, depending on the proposing organization and the nature of the proposed work. The listing also identifies grants and cooperative agreements as included instruments.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the information provided.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad by organization type: domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit organizations may submit proposals. There are no restrictions stated on the number of submissions or teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, non-U.S. organizations can participate, but NASA emphasized a general policy of primarily funding U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participation is typically under a "no exchange of funds" arrangement, meaning NASA would not transfer money to the non-U.S. entity. Additional rules may apply when a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA funding is requested.

Are there registration requirements for applicants?

Yes. Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System). All principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES, whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES directly or through Grants.gov.

How are proposals submitted?

Submission is entirely electronic. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. Organizations must register in NSPIRES, and those submitting via Grants.gov must be registered in both NSPIRES and Grants.gov.

When was this solicitation released?

The ROSES 2010 solicitation was released around February 12, 2010.

What are the key dates for Notices of Intent (NOIs)?

NOIs were requested for most elements. NOI due dates began March 15, 2010 and continued through February 9, 2011, with exact timing depending on the specific appendix program element.

What are the key dates for full proposals?

Full proposal due dates began April 30, 2010 and continued through April 30, 2011, with exact due dates depending on the relevant appendix program element and the ROSES due-date tables.

Why does the listing show different "closing" and "archive" dates?

The posting metadata for this particular listing shows a Posted Date of March 18, 2010, an Original and Current Closing Date of June 11, 2010, and an Archive Date of July 11, 2010. NASA noted that individual program elements or Grants.gov listings may be packaged and tracked with their own dates even though the overall ROSES solicitation spans many appendices and staggered deadlines.

Where can applicants find the exact due dates and specific requirements?

Program specifics (what is being solicited, due dates, and other details) are provided in the ROSES appendices and in the due-date tables within the NASA Research Announcement (NRA). NASA also advised monitoring the NSPIRES solicitation page.

How can applicants stay informed about amendments or updates?

NASA advised applicants to monitor the NSPIRES solicitation page and the ROSES amendments archive/RSS feed for updates, clarifications, corrections, and newly added program elements through February 2011.

Whom do I contact for general ROSES policy or procedure questions?

General ROSES policy and procedure inquiries were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein (Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters) via the SARA email address: sara@nasa.gov. A phone contact number was also provided in the original opportunity materials.

Whom do I contact for scientific or programmatic questions about this topic?

NASA indicated that detailed scientific or programmatic questions should be directed to the individual program officers listed in the appendix for each program element.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Does ROSES only fund laboratory work?

No. ROSES as an umbrella includes many activity types (theory, modeling, data analysis, field campaigns, suborbital investigations, mission concepts, and technology development). This specific topic, however, emphasizes laboratory-based analytical methods and measurements tied to returned samples and relevant analog laboratory work.