ROSES 2011 Planetary Mission Data Analysis | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ROSES 2011 Planetary Mission Data Analysis (PMDAP)?

Planetary Mission Data Analysis (PMDAP) is a program element within NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation (Funding Opportunity Number NNH11ZDA001N). PMDAP focuses on producing new planetary science results by analyzing existing and/or archived planetary mission datasets, improving interpretation of mission observations, and increasing the overall scientific return from NASA planetary missions.

2. How does PMDAP fit within the broader ROSES 2011 solicitation?

ROSES 2011 is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) that solicits basic and applied research and technology work supporting NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. PMDAP sits under the planetary science portion of ROSES and emphasizes data analysis and scientific interpretation of existing mission data rather than development of new flight hardware.

3. What types of work are encouraged under PMDAP?

Based on the description provided, PMDAP emphasizes analysis and interpretation of existing and/or archived planetary mission datasets to generate new scientific results, strengthen scientific interpretation of mission observations, and improve the science return from NASA planetary missions.

4. Is PMDAP intended to fund new flight hardware or instruments?

No. PMDAP specifically emphasizes data analysis and scientific interpretation rather than building new flight hardware. (The broader ROSES umbrella includes technology-heavy efforts in other program elements, but PMDAP is positioned on the data analysis side.)

5. What is the overall scope of research areas covered by ROSES 2011?

ROSES 2011 is intentionally broad and may include areas such as theory, modeling, and analysis of science data; development and use of experiment techniques relevant to future missions; new concepts for future Science Mission Directorate missions; advanced technologies enabling SMD missions; laboratory techniques and analysis of returned extraterrestrial samples (and terrestrial analog samples used to validate mission observations); determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements and samples; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD missions; integrated Earth system modeling; and applied information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefit.

6. How much funding is available for PMDAP awards?

The solicitation states that funding levels vary by program element. Smaller, focused efforts such as data analysis can be funded at under $100,000 per year. Across ROSES, larger or more complex activities in other areas can exceed $1 million per year. The amount available within a given program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars, allowing NASA to select from a few to several dozen proposals depending on proposal quality, program goals, and available funding.

7. What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or interagency/intra-agency transfers. The specific instrument depends on the proposing organization and NASA program needs.

8. What is the typical period of performance?

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

9. Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity.

10. What are the key dates for ROSES 2011?

ROSES 2011 was released around February 18, 2011. Notices of Intent (NOIs) were requested for most elements, with NOI due dates starting March 18, 2011 and continuing through February 8, 2012 depending on the appendix/element. Proposal due dates began April 29, 2011 and ran through April 30, 2012 depending on the specific element schedule listed in the ROSES tables.

11. What were the Grants.gov dates shown for the PMDAP posting?

The Grants.gov record associated with PMDAP indicates a posted/created date of July 26, 2011, an original/current closing date of October 14, 2011, and an archive date of November 13, 2011.

12. Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is described as broad: organizations of every type may submit proposals, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit entities. No restriction is stated on the number of proposals or on teaming arrangements.

13. Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate, and will NASA fund them?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but the solicitation notes that NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participation is typically on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. The NASA Guidebook for Proposers is referenced for detailed rules, including special instructions for proposals led by non-U.S. entities that involve U.S. personnel for whom NASA funding is requested, and notes that some joint solicitations with non-U.S. partners may include additional conditions.

14. How are proposals submitted?

Submission is electronic and tied to NASA systems. Proposers are expected to use NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system). Where allowed, proposals may also be submitted through Grants.gov, but NSPIRES registration is required in either case.

15. Do I need to register in NSPIRES if I submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. NSPIRES registration is required whether you submit through NSPIRES directly or through Grants.gov where that pathway is allowed.

16. What registrations are required for organizations?

Each organization must be registered in NSPIRES and must identify authorized organizational representative(s) responsible for submitting proposals. If submitting via Grants.gov, separate Grants.gov registration is also required.

17. What registrations are required for investigators?

All principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the submission is made through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

18. Why does NASA recommend registering early?

The announcement strongly encourages completing required registrations well ahead of deadlines and monitoring the NSPIRES solicitation page for amendments and for new program elements that may be added through February 2012.

19. Where can applicants find the detailed PMDAP requirements and due dates?

Program-specific guidance is provided in the ROSES appendices, which contain detailed descriptions of each solicited element (including PMDAP). Element-by-element due dates are listed in the ROSES tables.

20. Where should applicants look for updates or amendments?

Applicants are advised to monitor the NSPIRES solicitation page for amendments and updates. NASA Science's ROSES 2011 solicitation page also provides updates and an archive of amendments.

21. Who should be contacted for policy or procedural questions?

General policy and procedural questions are routed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (Science Mission Directorate) using the contact information provided in the solicitation, including the SARA email address.