ROSES 2010 Planetary Geology and Geophysics | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2010 Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG)

What is the ROSES 2010 Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) opportunity?

PGG is a program element highlighted under NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2010 solicitation. ROSES 2010 was issued as NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH10ZDA001N and serves as the NASA Science Mission Directorate's primary competitive funding vehicle for a wide range of research and technology activities aligned with NASA science goals.

Is PGG a standalone solicitation or part of something bigger?

PGG is explicitly part of the larger ROSES 2010 umbrella solicitation, which spans multiple science areas including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The detailed requirements, evaluation context, and program-specific instructions are provided in the ROSES appendices, while the master ROSES document provides overarching policies and proposal instructions.

What is the main purpose of ROSES 2010 funding?

ROSES 2010 is designed to fund basic and applied research and technology that supports NASA space and Earth science missions and the interpretation of their data. The solicitation is intentionally broad and supports many types of activities tied to NASA Science Mission Directorate objectives.

What kinds of activities are within the scope of ROSES 2010?

ROSES 2010 includes activities such as theoretical studies, modeling, and analysis of NASA Science Mission Directorate data; development of new experimental techniques that could fly on future missions; creation and maturation of concepts for future missions; and development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives. It can also include laboratory and analytical work on extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, terrestrial analog samples used to validate or interpret mission observations, and determination of key atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret remote sensing and sample data.

Does ROSES 2010 support field work or Earth-focused applications?

Yes. ROSES 2010 includes support for field campaigns and surface observations that complement NASA missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal uses.

What types of projects typically fit within the Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) theme?

Within PGG, applicants would typically propose research that advances understanding of planetary surfaces, interiors, processes, and the geologic record across the solar system. This often involves using mission datasets, laboratory measurements, modeling, or a combination of these approaches.

When was ROSES 2010 made available?

ROSES 2010 was made available on or about February 12, 2010 through NASA's NSPIRES solicitation portal.

When were Notices of Intent (NOIs) requested?

NOIs were requested for most program elements beginning March 15, 2010 and continuing through February 9, 2011, depending on the specific element.

When were proposals due under ROSES 2010?

Proposal due dates began April 30, 2010 and ran through April 30, 2011. Exact due dates varied by program element and were listed in the ROSES tables.

Why does the Grants.gov listing show different closing and archive dates?

The Grants.gov record attached to the PGG listing shows a posted/created date of March 31, 2010 and indicates an original and current closing date of June 4, 2010 for that particular listing snapshot, with an archive date of July 4, 2010. This is consistent with how ROSES program elements can have discrete deadlines within the larger ROSES cycle.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels depend on the nature of the proposed work and the specific program element. NASA notes awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for larger, more complex activities (such as development of science experiment hardware).

How much total funding is available within a ROSES program element?

Total funds available within each ROSES program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This range allows NASA to select anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on budget, program priorities, and the quality and relevance of submissions.

How long is the typical performance period?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

A wide range of organization types may submit proposals, including domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The solicitation states there are no restrictions on the number of submissions or teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations apply or participate?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate under NASA's general "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning they generally must cover their own costs. The solicitation emphasizes NASA's general practice of providing funding primarily to U.S. institutions and directs proposers to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed conditions and special cases.

What if a non-U.S. proposal includes U.S. personnel who need NASA support?

The solicitation notes there are special cases addressed in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, including situations where non-U.S. proposals involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

How do proposals need to be submitted?

Submission is electronic. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational official using either NSPIRES or Grants.gov, depending on the program element instructions.

Do organizations need to register before submitting?

Yes. Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must also be registered there.

Do individual researchers need to register in NSPIRES?

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

Who is allowed to submit the final application package?

The proposal must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational official. NASA encourages applicants to ensure the authorized organizational representative is correctly identified and able to submit the final application package.

Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

Registration and account setup can take time. NASA encourages proposers to access NSPIRES and, if applicable, Grants.gov well in advance of deadlines to avoid technical delays and to ensure all required roles and registrations are in place.

Where can applicants find program-element-specific requirements and contacts?

The ROSES appendices contain the program-element specifics, including the Summary of Key Information and the program officers for each element. The master ROSES document provides overarching policies, proposal instructions, and the tables of due dates.

Can ROSES 2010 change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES can be amended during the open period. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the NSPIRES posting or subscribe to notifications. NASA also notes the availability of an archive and RSS feed for tracking clarifications and corrections.

Who should be contacted for general ROSES policies and procedures questions?

General questions about ROSES policies and procedures were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (sara@nasa.gov, 202-358-0879).

Who should be contacted for questions about the PGG element specifically?

Questions about the Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) element would normally be handled by the program officer listed in the relevant ROSES appendix section for that element.