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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2011 Mars Data Analysis (MDAP)

1) What is ROSES 2011 Mars Data Analysis (MDAP)?

ROSES 2011 Mars Data Analysis (MDAP) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity that sits within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation. ROSES 2011 is identified as NNH11ZDA001N and functions as a recurring NASA Research Announcement (NRA) used by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) to fund a wide range of science and technology work. MDAP is one program element under this larger umbrella, focused on scientific analysis related to Mars mission datasets.

2) What is the larger solicitation this opportunity belongs to?

MDAP is part of the ROSES 2011 solicitation (NNH11ZDA001N). ROSES is NASA SMD's broad, recurring NRA that covers multiple science divisions and topics, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Specific research programs and topic requirements are described in ROSES appendices and referenced tables of due dates.

3) What kinds of activities does ROSES 2011 generally fund?

Across ROSES 2011, NASA invites proposals that advance NASA science through activities such as theory, modeling, and analysis of existing NASA science data; development and use of airborne and suborbital investigations (aircraft, balloons, sounding rockets, commercial reusable rockets); new experimental techniques and measurement approaches for future missions; early concept work for future space missions; and advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives. The solicitation also includes laboratory analysis methods for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft (and terrestrial analogs), work on fundamental atomic/compositional parameters needed to interpret spaceflight data, Earth surface observations and field campaigns supporting NASA Earth missions, integrated Earth system model development, and applied information systems translating Earth science data into societal benefit.

4) What is the main focus of the Mars Data Analysis (MDAP) element within ROSES?

Based on the description provided, the MDAP theme is typically extracting new science from existing Mars mission datasets through rigorous analysis, modeling, and synthesis, rather than building major new flight hardware.

5) How much funding is available under ROSES 2011?

ROSES 2011 covers program elements with very different scopes, so award sizes can vary widely. NASA notes that some awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts such as data analysis, while large-scale efforts (such as extensive technology development or hardware activities) can exceed $1 million per year. The total funding available depends on the specific ROSES program element; some may have less than $1 million total available, while others may have several million, which affects how many proposals can be selected.

6) What type of funding instrument does NASA use for ROSES 2011 awards?

NASA may use grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter/intra-agency transfers. The instrument is chosen based on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

7) How long is the typical performance period for ROSES 2011 awards?

The typical performance period is about four years. Some programs allow shorter durations, and the stated maximum is five years.

8) When was ROSES 2011 released?

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

9) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required, and when were they due?

Notices of Intent (NOIs) were requested for most program elements. The NOI window begins March 18, 2011 and continues through February 8, 2012, depending on the specific program element.

10) When were proposals due for ROSES 2011?

Proposal due dates begin April 29, 2011 and run through April 30, 2012. The exact due date depends on the specific ROSES appendix/program element and the associated tables of due dates.

11) Why do some dates in Grants.gov look different from the broader ROSES due dates?

The Grants.gov record associated with this opportunity lists posting and creation dates of July 5, 2011 and shows an original and current closing date of September 20, 2011, with an archive date of October 20, 2011. The information provided indicates these dates may reflect how the opportunity was represented in Grants.gov for a particular program element or a snapshot in time, while ROSES operates through multiple appendices with rolling due dates across the year.

12) Where can applicants find the detailed requirements for MDAP?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices, which contain the detailed descriptions of each program element (including Mars Data Analysis). NASA also points applicants to Tables 2 and 3 for specific due dates.

13) Can ROSES 2011 be amended after release?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and updates can be issued through February 2012. The solicitation also references a ROSES 2011 web archive (and an RSS feed) for tracking clarifications, corrections, and new additions.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open by organization type. NASA allows proposals from domestic and foreign entities; government and private organizations; and for-profit and non-profit organizations. No restriction is stated on the number of submissions or teaming arrangements.

15) Are foreign organizations allowed to participate, and can they receive NASA funds?

The provided information states that proposals may come from foreign entities, but NASA emphasizes that funding is generally provided to U.S. institutions. Participation by non-U.S. organizations is usually on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA does not transfer money to the non-U.S. organization. Non-U.S. proposers are pointed to guidance in NASA's NRA Guidebook for detailed rules, including special instructions for proposals involving U.S. personnel requesting NASA support.

16) How do applicants submit a proposal?

Submission is electronic and requires registration. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. All principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES (NASA's proposal submission system). Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES and, in some cases, through Grants.gov.

17) If an organization submits through Grants.gov, is NSPIRES registration still required?

Yes. NASA makes clear that organizations intending to use Grants.gov must still be registered with NSPIRES.

18) What is NSPIRES and who needs to be registered?

NSPIRES is NASA's proposal submission system. The information provided states that all principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES, and proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative.

19) What is NASA's advice regarding registrations and submission systems?

NASA encourages applicants to complete registrations and become familiar with the submission systems well before the relevant due date to avoid administrative issues.

20) Who should applicants contact with questions about ROSES policies and procedures?

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

21) Who should applicants contact with technical or program-element-specific questions (such as MDAP)?

Element-specific questions were to be addressed to the program officers listed within each appendix.

22) How can applicants track official clarifications or changes to ROSES 2011?

NASA provides a ROSES 2011 web archive and an RSS feed to track amendments, clarifications, corrections, and new additions through the period when updates may be issued (noted as through February 2012).