ROSES 2011 IceSAT 2 Science Definition Team | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2011 ICESat-2 Science Definition Team (NNH11ZDA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2011 ICESat-2 Science Definition Team element, published under Funding Opportunity Number NNH11ZDA001N (posted April 28, 2011). It is one program component within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

How does this relate to ROSES 2011?

ROSES 2011 is NASA's wide-ranging annual NASA Research Announcement used to compete and fund research and technology work supporting NASA science programs. The ICESat-2 Science Definition Team is one targeted element within ROSES 2011 and should be read in the context of ROSES as a whole, including the relevant appendices and due-date tables.

What is the purpose of the ICESat-2 Science Definition Team element?

Based on the description provided, this element focuses on work that helps define and mature ICESat-2 science priorities, measurement approaches, and supporting research needs tied to the ICESat-2 mission and its measurement and data-use plan.

What kinds of activities does ROSES 2011 support (and how does that inform this element)?

ROSES 2011 explicitly supports a broad range of research and enabling technology activities, including theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; suborbital investigations (aircraft, balloons, rockets, and commercial reusable rockets); development of experimental techniques and measurement approaches relevant to future missions; early mission concept development; advanced technology development; laboratory work tied to sample analysis and validation; determination of atomic/compositional parameters needed to interpret space data; Earth surface observations and field campaigns; integrated Earth system model development; and translation of Earth science results into societal applications and operational-style information systems. The ICESat-2 Science Definition Team element sits within that broad umbrella, but is targeted at strengthening science definition and readiness for ICESat-2.

Is this basic research, applied research, or technology development?

ROSES 2011 is designed to fund both basic and applied research as well as enabling technology across a wide spectrum. The ICESat-2 Science Definition Team element is described as supporting work that advances ICESat-2 science definition and related measurement/data-use planning.

What is the expected award size?

The solicitation states that award sizes can vary widely depending on scope. Smaller, tightly focused efforts (such as discrete data analysis or modeling) might be under $100,000 per year, while larger efforts (such as extensive activities or development of science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

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

The solicitation indicates that the amount available for a specific ROSES program element typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars total. As a result, NASA may fund anywhere from a handful to dozens of proposals within a given element depending on goals and on the quality and quantity of submissions.

What is the typical period of performance?

The standard period of performance described in ROSES 2011 is four years, though some elements can be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum of five years.

What funding instruments may NASA use for awards under ROSES?

ROSES notes that awards may be made via grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers, depending on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

Which instrument types are listed as eligible for this specific listing?

This specific listing includes grant and cooperative agreement as eligible instrument types.

Is this discretionary funding, and what is the program classification?

It is categorized as discretionary funding in the science and technology/research and development area, with CFDA 43.001.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The information provided states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is described as broad: government and private entities, for-profit and non-profit institutions, and both domestic and foreign organizations may submit proposals, provided they are affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system).

Can non-U.S. organizations apply?

The solicitation indicates that non-U.S. organizations may participate, but it emphasizes NASA's general policy that NASA funding typically goes to U.S. institutions and that non-U.S. participation is generally expected to be on a "no exchange of funds" basis. Non-U.S. proposers are directed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for specific guidance, including situations involving U.S. personnel who would require NASA support.

What system(s) are used for proposal submission?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized organizational representative. Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES or via Grants.gov. However, NSPIRES registration is mandatory for the organization and for all investigators and participants (including co-investigators). If submitting through Grants.gov, Grants.gov registration is also required.

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

Yes. The provided information states that NSPIRES registration is mandatory in either case (NSPIRES submission or Grants.gov submission), for the organization and for all investigators and participants.

Who must submit the proposal?

The proposal must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative.

When was ROSES 2011 released?

The ROSES 2011 announcement release date is listed as February 18, 2011.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs are requested for most ROSES program elements. The NOI due dates vary by element and run from March 18, 2011 through February 8, 2012, depending on the specific element.

What are the proposal due dates for ROSES 2011 generally?

Proposal due dates begin April 29, 2011 and run through April 30, 2012, depending on the specific ROSES element.

What is the closing date for the ICESat-2 Science Definition Team posting (NNH11ZDA001N)?

For this specific posting, the original and current closing date shown is August 1, 2011.

What is the archive date for this ICESat-2 Science Definition Team element?

The archive date is listed as August 31, 2011, which indicates the element had a defined submission window within the broader ROSES 2011 cycle.

Where can applicants find element-specific requirements and contacts?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices for program-specific details, including program officer contacts and element-specific requirements. The announcement also references Tables 2 and 3 for definitive due dates across ROSES.

Can the solicitation be amended after posting?

Yes. The announcement notes that amendments and updates could be issued through February 2012, and it provides web locations for monitoring changes and accessing an archive of clarifications and corrections.

Who is the point of contact for general ROSES policy and procedural questions?

General policy and procedural questions for ROSES are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate), who is listed as the point of contact for overarching ROSES solicitation questions.

What should organizations do to avoid last-minute submission issues?

NASA strongly encourages organizations to complete all required registrations and to learn the submission systems well before deadlines to avoid last-minute administrative problems.