ROSES 2010 ospheric Composition Southeast Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this NASA funding opportunity?

This opportunity was issued by NASA Headquarters under the ROSES 2010 umbrella (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2010). It is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) with Funding Opportunity Number NNH10ZDA001N, covering a wide range of research and technology activities across NASA Science Mission Directorate programs.

What does SEAC4RS refer to in the title?

SEAC4RS refers to the Southeast Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study. Within ROSES 2010, SEAC4RS-aligned proposals would generally fit within NASA Earth Science priorities focused on atmospheric composition, aerosols, clouds, climate processes, and how these components interact regionally (especially in or relevant to Southeast Asia).

Is this opportunity only for SEAC4RS?

No. ROSES 2010 is intentionally broad and spans many program elements across four major NASA research programs: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. SEAC4RS is a specific focus area referenced in the title, but the overall solicitation supports many different topics depending on the appendix/program element targeted.

What kinds of work is NASA willing to fund under ROSES 2010?

The scope described is wide and can include theory, modeling, and analysis of existing Science Mission Directorate datasets; laboratory work supporting Earth and space observations; development of integrated Earth system models; applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits; field and aircraft investigations (including aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rocket platforms); and development of new measurement techniques and technologies that could support future missions.

What types of investigations are specifically mentioned that could support SEAC4RS-related themes?

For SEAC4RS-aligned Earth Science themes, the description highlights areas such as atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, clouds, climate processes, and coupled regional interactions. The solicitation also mentions observational and platform options such as aircraft campaigns, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and other suborbital approaches, along with modeling and data analysis.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels are flexible and depend on the program element and scope. The opportunity describes awards ranging from under $100,000 per year for smaller, focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for large, resource-intensive activities (such as instrument or hardware development).

How much total funding is available overall?

The total amount available varies by program element and is described as typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars per element. This means NASA could fund anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals depending on the element, its goals, and proposal quality.

What is the typical project period?

Most awards were expected to run about four years. Some program elements could allow shorter or longer periods, up to a five-year maximum.

What award instruments might NASA use?

NASA noted that awards could be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the proposed work.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broadly open by organization type: domestic and foreign entities, government or private, for-profit or nonprofit, are described as able to submit proposals under this NRA.

Are international organizations allowed to participate?

International participation is allowed, but the announcement highlights a key constraint: NASA policy generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Projects involving non-U.S. organizations typically must be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, with details governed by NASA’s policies and the NASA Guidebook for Proposers.

Where are the detailed rules for non-U.S. participation explained?

The opportunity points to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers (including Appendix B and relevant sections) for detailed rules that apply when non-U.S. organizations participate, particularly when U.S. personnel support is being requested.

Is there a limit on how many proposals an organization can submit?

No limits are described. The announcement states NASA did not restrict the number of submissions or teaming arrangements.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The solicitation uses a two-step timeline with Notices of Intent (NOIs) and full proposals. NOIs were requested for most program elements beginning March 15, 2010, and continuing through February 9, 2011. Full proposals were due on a rolling schedule by program element, starting April 30, 2010 and running through April 30, 2011.

Why do some records show different posted and closing dates?

The opportunity notes that specific elements or listings within the larger ROSES 2010 umbrella can appear and close at different times. An administrative record shows a posted/creation date of November 2, 2010 and a closing date of February 1, 2011 (with archiving on March 3, 2011), reflecting element-level timing within an umbrella solicitation spanning many due dates.

Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

The information provided says NOIs were requested for most program elements. Whether an NOI is required (versus requested) can depend on the specific element; the exact requirements are tied to the element guidance in the ROSES appendices and due-date tables.

How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is electronic. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative through NSPIRES (NASA’s proposal system) or through Grants.gov, with the important detail that every proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES first.

Do we have to register in NSPIRES even if we submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. The opportunity states that all proposing organizations need to be registered in NSPIRES first, even if they submit via Grants.gov. If using Grants.gov, registration there is also required in addition to NSPIRES.

Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. The opportunity states that all principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES directly or via Grants.gov.

Who is allowed to submit the proposal on behalf of an organization?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative (AOR), using NSPIRES or Grants.gov (with NSPIRES registration required in either case).

Where can applicants find the exact due dates and program element descriptions?

Exact due dates, detailed program descriptions, and program-specific contacts are located in the ROSES appendices and the due-date tables (Tables 2 and 3). The opportunity also advises applicants to keep monitoring the NSPIRES solicitation page for amendments and new elements through February 2011.

Who should we contact for general procedural questions?

General procedural questions were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate). The opportunity provides an email point of contact (sara@nasa.gov) and a phone number for procedural support.

Who should we contact for technical questions about a specific topic area?

Program-element-specific technical questions should be directed to the program officers listed in the ROSES appendices for each element.

How does SEAC4RS fit within NASA’s broader research portfolio?

SEAC4RS is positioned within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate research portfolio as an Earth science-focused regional area involving atmospheric composition, clouds, and climate coupling. Proposers would align their work to the relevant ROSES 2010 Earth Science program element(s) that match these themes.

What should applicants do to avoid administrative disqualification?

The opportunity strongly encourages organizations and investigators to register and become familiar with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov if used) well before deadlines. This is emphasized as important to avoid administrative issues that could result in disqualification.