ROSES 2011 HyspIRI Preparatory Airborne Activities and Associated Science | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the "ROSES 2011 HyspIRI Preparatory Airborne Activities and Associated Science" element under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation. The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH11ZDA001N.

2) How does this relate to ROSES 2011?

ROSES is NASA's primary umbrella announcement for competed research across the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). This HyspIRI-focused element is one program component within ROSES 2011, and it follows the general ROSES policies and submission rules, while relying on appendix-level details for element-specific requirements.

3) What is HyspIRI in the context of this call?

HyspIRI is described as an Earth science mission concept centered on hyperspectral imaging and thermal infrared observations. This call targets preparatory airborne activities and associated science that support that measurement approach.

4) What does "preparatory airborne activities" mean here?

In this context, "preparatory airborne" work typically involves aircraft-based campaigns, prototype instruments, algorithm development, and targeted science studies. The goal is to reduce technical and scientific risk and mature measurement approaches ahead of a potential future space mission, while also enabling near-term scientific results from airborne data.

5) What kinds of activities or research topics are in scope?

Within the ROSES framing, proposals may cover a wide range of basic and applied research and technology activities that support NASA SMD goals. Examples described include:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data
• Aircraft, balloon, and other suborbital investigations
• Development of experiment techniques suitable for future missions
• Advanced technologies relevant to missions
• Laboratory and field work that supports or validates mission observations
• Development of systems that translate Earth science research into societal applications

6) What kinds of HyspIRI-related outcomes is NASA trying to enable?

The description signals interest in projects that can demonstrate and refine measurement capabilities (for example, airborne hyperspectral or thermal infrared measurements), test retrieval methods, validate models, and build "science readiness" for products consistent with what a HyspIRI-like mission would deliver.

7) When was ROSES 2011 made available, and what is the general ROSES timeline?

The ROSES 2011 NRA was made available around February 18, 2011 through NSPIRES. Across ROSES 2011, Notices of Intent (NOIs) were requested for many elements beginning March 18, 2011, with NOI windows continuing through February 8, 2012. Proposal due dates for ROSES 2011 elements began April 29, 2011 and ran through April 30, 2012, depending on the specific program element/appendix.

8) What are the key dates for this HyspIRI preparatory airborne element?

The grant listing for this element shows a posting/creation date of January 17, 2012, a closing date of March 21, 2012, and an archive date of April 20, 2012. This reflects that individual ROSES elements and amendments can open and close on their own timelines within the umbrella ROSES NRA.

9) How much funding is available per award?

ROSES funding ranges are described broadly because different program elements have different cost profiles. NASA indicated awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrow efforts (such as focused data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large-scale activities (such as hardware development or major experimental efforts). The amount available varies by program element, from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

10) What award types might NASA use?

NASA stated that selections may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter/intra-agency transfers. The specific mechanism depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

11) What is the typical period of performance?

Typical periods of performance were described as around four years, with some elements shorter or longer, up to a maximum of five years.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of every type may apply, including domestic and foreign, government and private, for-profit and non-profit. The opportunity also states there are no stated limits on the number of submissions or teaming arrangements.

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

The notice reiterates NASA's standard policy constraints for non-U.S. participation. In general, NASA funding is provided to U.S. institutions, and non-U.S. organizations may participate only under a "no exchange of funds" approach unless special joint-NRA conditions apply.

14) Where are the detailed rules for proposals involving non-U.S. entities explained?

The opportunity directs proposers to the NASA NRA Guidebook (and the specific sections cited in the opportunity) for detailed rules, including cases where U.S. personnel would need NASA support within an otherwise non-U.S.-led proposal.

15) How do applicants submit a proposal?

Electronic submission is required. Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES or via Grants.gov, consistent with ROSES submission rules.

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

Yes. Organizations must be registered in NSPIRES in all cases. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES.

17) Who must be registered in NSPIRES?

The solicitation states that all principal investigators (PIs) and co-investigators (Co-Is) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

18) Who is allowed to submit the proposal package?

Submissions must be made by an authorized organizational representative, according to the solicitation.

19) Why does NASA emphasize early registration and system familiarity?

NASA encouraged prospective applicants to register and become familiar with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov, if used) well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute access and submission issues.

20) Where do applicants find the element-specific requirements beyond general ROSES language?

NASA explains that element-by-element requirements (such as technical scope, evaluation criteria nuances, deliverables, due dates, and points of contact) are contained in the ROSES appendices and in the tables listing deadlines.

21) How should applicants stay current on amendments or clarifications?

Applicants were advised to monitor the NSPIRES ROSES page or subscribe to notifications for amendments, clarifications, and corrections. The opportunity also notes an online archive maintained on NASA's science research solicitations site.

22) Who is the general point of contact for ROSES policy and procedure questions?

For general ROSES policy and procedure questions, the notice lists Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (sara@nasa.gov, 202-358-0879).

23) Who answers questions specific to the HyspIRI preparatory airborne element?

Element-specific questions are directed to the program officers named within the relevant appendix section for the HyspIRI preparatory airborne activities and associated science element.

24) Does the opportunity describe selection rates?

Selection rates are not given as a fixed number. NASA notes that selection rates depend on program priorities and proposal merit.

25) Why do dates differ between the overall ROSES schedule and this element's listing?

The information explains that individual ROSES program elements and amendments can appear and close on their own timelines within the umbrella NRA. This HyspIRI element shows a later posting/creation date and a specific closing date that fits within the broader ROSES 2011 submission window.