ROSES 2011 Cosmochemistry | Apply Online

ROSES 2011 Cosmochemistry - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is "ROSES 2011 Cosmochemistry"?

ROSES 2011 Cosmochemistry is a research opportunity under NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation (Funding Opportunity Number NNH11ZDA001N). It invites research proposals in cosmochemistry that advance laboratory and analytical understanding of the chemical and isotopic composition of planetary materials and related samples, especially when those measurements help interpret NASA mission data, improve models, or prepare for future sample return or in situ investigations.

2) How does Cosmochemistry fit within the larger ROSES 2011 solicitation?

Cosmochemistry is one program element within ROSES 2011, which overall supports NASA Science Mission Directorate objectives across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Cosmochemistry sits within the space science research portfolio and focuses on planetary materials and sample-based laboratory and analytical work.

3) What kinds of research topics are encouraged under the Cosmochemistry opportunity?

Based on the solicitation description, NASA is interested in well-justified laboratory measurements, sample analyses, method development, and interpretive frameworks that connect directly to understanding the origin and evolution of solar system materials and the processes recorded in meteorites, returned regolith, dust, or other planetary sample sets.

4) Is this opportunity limited to basic research, or does it also support applied work and technology?

The solicitation is intentionally broad and covers both basic and applied research and technology. This includes theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development of new experimental or analytical techniques suited to future missions; and laboratory studies that strengthen interpretations of flight data.

5) What types of samples or materials are relevant to this Cosmochemistry opportunity?

The opportunity includes laboratory studies of extraterrestrial materials (including spacecraft returned samples) as well as terrestrial analog samples when those analogs help validate or strengthen interpretations of flight data.

6) Does ROSES 2011 support work tied to future missions?

Yes. The ROSES scope includes enabling work such as developing concepts for future missions and advancing technologies relevant to NASA science missions, including techniques and experimental/analytical capabilities suited to future investigations.

7) What award mechanisms can NASA use for this opportunity?

Funding may be provided through multiple award mechanisms depending on the proposer and the work, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

8) How long are typical award periods?

Typical award periods are about four years. Some elements allow shorter or longer durations, up to a maximum of five years.

9) What is the typical budget range for awards?

Budgets can vary widely. Smaller efforts (such as targeted data analysis or focused laboratory studies) may be under $100,000 per year, while larger, more complex activities (such as major experimental hardware development or extensive technology development) can exceed $1,000,000 per year.

10) How much total funding is available for the Cosmochemistry element?

The solicitation indicates that total funds are managed at the level of individual program elements, and element-level budgets can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. The specific amount available for Cosmochemistry would depend on its program element allocation for that cycle.

11) When was the ROSES 2011 solicitation released?

The announcement was released on or about February 18, 2011, and posted February 28, 2011.

12) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs were requested for most ROSES 2011 elements, with NOI dates beginning March 18, 2011 and continuing through February 8, 2012 depending on the element. Whether a specific NOI is required for Cosmochemistry depends on the relevant ROSES tables and the Cosmochemistry appendix entry.

13) What are the proposal due dates for ROSES 2011?

Proposal due dates began April 29, 2011 and ran through April 30, 2012, depending on the specific appendix/program element. Applicants were expected to confirm the exact due date tied to Cosmochemistry in the ROSES tables and the Cosmochemistry appendix entry.

14) The Grants.gov record lists a May 13, 2011 closing date. Is that the real deadline?

The Grants.gov record lists a May 13, 2011 closing date for the specific posting instance, but the controlling schedule for scientific elements is defined in the ROSES tables and appendices (including Tables 2 and 3 and the relevant Cosmochemistry appendix entry). Applicants were expected to use those ROSES tables/appendices to confirm the controlling due date for Cosmochemistry.

15) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad in organizational terms: domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and for-profit and non-profit organizations may submit proposals. There is no restriction stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

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

NASA generally funds only U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. organizations may participate under NASA policy on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning they typically cannot receive NASA funds directly.

17) Are there special considerations for proposals involving non-U.S. organizations and U.S. personnel?

Yes. The solicitation notes that non-U.S. participants must follow guidance in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, including special instructions when non-U.S. proposals involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

18) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

19) How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized organizational official by the deadline associated with the relevant program element. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) or via Grants.gov.

20) Is NSPIRES registration required even if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. In all cases, the proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES. If using Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in both NSPIRES and Grants.gov.

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

Yes. All investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of where the final application package is submitted.

22) What is NASA's advice regarding registrations and learning the submission systems?

The solicitation strongly encourages teams to complete registrations and become familiar with the electronic systems well in advance of the due date to avoid last-minute administrative problems.

23) Can the ROSES 2011 solicitation change after it is released?

Yes. ROSES is updated through amendments and additions during the open period, and applicants were expected to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to NASA electronic notifications to track changes through February 2012.

24) Where are the detailed Cosmochemistry requirements and program contacts located?

The detailed scientific requirements, evaluation notes, and the specific Cosmochemistry program element description are located in the ROSES appendices. Program officer contacts are listed in those appendices.

25) Who should be contacted for general policy or procedural questions about ROSES 2011?

General policy and procedural questions for ROSES 2011 were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (sara@nasa.gov; 202-358-0879).