ROSES 2010 Physical Oceanography | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2010 Physical Oceanography (NASA)

1) What is the ROSES 2010 Physical Oceanography opportunity?

It is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released as part of the broader NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2010" (ROSES 2010), Funding Opportunity Number NNH10ZDA001N. Physical Oceanography is one of the ROSES program elements described in the ROSES appendices.

2) Is this a standalone solicitation or part of a larger NASA announcement?

It is part of a larger umbrella solicitation (ROSES 2010) that spans multiple NASA science divisions and topics, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Physical Oceanography is one topical element within that umbrella.

3) Who is the sponsoring agency and office?

The sponsoring agency is NASA, and the opportunity is issued by NASA Headquarters in support of the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) priorities.

4) What is the funding opportunity number?

NNH10ZDA001N.

5) Where was the solicitation posted?

The solicitation was made available through NASA's NSPIRES site. Proposers were encouraged to monitor NSPIRES and available updates, including amendments, clarifications, and corrections.

6) When was ROSES 2010 made available?

It was made available on or about February 12, 2010.

7) What kinds of activities does this opportunity support?

The announcement is designed to support a wide range of basic and applied research and technology activities that contribute to NASA SMD priorities. Examples described include theory development, numerical and analytical modeling, and analysis of NASA science data.

8) Does the opportunity support work beyond data analysis and modeling?

Yes. The NRA describes support for observational and experimental efforts connected to NASA missions and mission concepts, including investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rocket platforms.

9) Are technology development and mission-enabling capabilities included?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes enabling capabilities such as developing new measurement and experiment techniques suited for future missions, maturing advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions, and creating concepts for future missions.

10) Does ROSES 2010 include laboratory analysis work?

Yes. The NRA includes improving methods for laboratory analysis of samples, including extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing measurements.

11) Are Earth surface observations and field campaigns included in the scope?

They can be. The NRA gives examples that include Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA science missions.

12) Does the solicitation mention Earth system modeling and applied systems?

Yes. It includes examples such as development of integrated Earth system models and applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits and usable information products.

13) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels are flexible and depend heavily on the scope. The announcement notes awards can range from under $100,000 per year for small, focused activities (such as data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive efforts (such as developing science experiment hardware).

14) How much total funding is available?

The total funds available vary by program element, from less than $1 million to several million dollars. The number of awards may range from only a few projects in some elements to dozens in others, depending on NASA objectives and the quality and quantity of submitted proposals.

15) What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- and intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposing organization and the specific program requirements.

16) What is the typical period of performance?

A typical period of performance is about four years. Some elements may allow shorter or longer periods, with a stated maximum of five years.

17) Are there Notices of Intent (NOIs), and are they required?

NOIs are requested for most program elements. The information provided indicates NOI due dates span March 15, 2010 through February 9, 2011, depending on the specific element.

18) When are full proposals due?

Full proposal due dates begin April 30, 2010 and run through April 30, 2011, with the exact due date depending on the specific ROSES program element.

19) Why do some listings show a June 30, 2010 closing date if element due dates run into 2011?

The posting metadata includes an original and current closing date of June 30, 2010 and an archive date of July 30, 2010. However, the solicitation narrative states that ROSES program elements have their own specific due dates listed in ROSES tables and appendices, and that amendments and additional programs could appear through February 2011.

20) Where do I find the specific Physical Oceanography due date and details?

The solicitation explains that element-by-element details (including specific research topics, points of contact, and key information for each program element) are contained in the ROSES appendices and summarized in ROSES tables.

21) Can the solicitation be amended after it is released?

Yes. The announcement notes that amendments, additional programs, clarifications, and corrections may be issued, and applicants were encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe for updates. A web archive (with RSS) was provided for updates.

22) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Submission is electronic and tied closely to NSPIRES registration. Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES or via Grants.gov, with specific registration conditions described in the solicitation.

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

Yes. Any organization using Grants.gov must still be registered in NSPIRES as well.

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

Proposals must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization.

25) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need to be registered in NSPIRES?

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

26) What does NSPIRES registration need to include for an organization?

NSPIRES registration must identify authorized organizational representatives.

27) Does NASA provide any advice about when to complete registration?

Yes. The announcement strongly advises organizations to complete registrations and become familiar with the systems well before the deadline to avoid last-minute submission issues.

28) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad in principle. Organizations of every type may apply, including domestic and foreign, government and private, for-profit and nonprofit.

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

The opportunity states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

30) Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

They may participate, but the notice reiterates NASA policy on international participation: NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions, and non-U.S. organizations may participate only on a "no exchange of funds" basis (meaning NASA does not transfer funding to the non-U.S. entity).

31) Where are the detailed rules for international participation explained?

Applicants are pointed to the NASA NRA Guidebook, including Appendix B and specific sections addressing non-U.S. proposals involving U.S. personnel who would receive NASA support.

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

General questions were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate) via the SARA mailbox at sara@nasa.gov or by phone at 202-358-0879.

33) What kinds of NASA-relevant work are explicitly mentioned as examples?

Examples in the NRA include theory development, numerical and analytical modeling, analysis of NASA science data, observational and experimental investigations tied to NASA missions and concepts (including aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rocket platforms), measurement and experiment technique development for future missions, advanced technology maturation, future mission concept work, and improved laboratory methods for sample analysis.