ROSES 2011 Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2011 Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies (NNH11ZDA001N)

What is the ROSES 2011 Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies opportunity?

ROSES 2011 Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies is a topic area within NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011 solicitation (funding opportunity number NNH11ZDA001N). It is a NASA Research Announcement managed by NASA Headquarters under the Science Mission Directorate and invites proposals for research and technology development activities aligned with NASA science priorities.

What is the main goal of the Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies topic?

The main goal is to improve the consistency and reliability of satellite measurements by strengthening calibration approaches and enabling better agreement among instruments, datasets, and missions. The intent is to make measurements from different satellites and sensors more directly comparable so they can be combined with confidence, reducing biases and systematic differences that can undermine long-term trend detection and inter-mission comparisons.

How does this topic fit within ROSES 2011?

ROSES 2011 is a broad umbrella solicitation supporting basic and applied research and technology development across NASA science areas, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies is one specific topic under that umbrella, focused on cross-sensor and cross-mission calibration consistency as a foundational need for credible science data records.

What kinds of work does ROSES 2011 fund that may relate to this topic?

Within ROSES 2011, the solicitation describes a broad range of potentially supported activities, including theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA Science Mission Directorate data; development of experiment techniques and concepts for future missions; creation of advanced technologies relevant to NASA science missions; and efforts that connect observations to verification work in laboratories, field campaigns, and Earth-surface observations. It also includes development of integrated Earth system models and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits. Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies is framed around improving calibration and consistency across instruments, datasets, and missions.

Why is calibration interconsistency important for NASA science?

Calibration interconsistency supports long-term science data records and credible comparisons across missions. Without consistent calibration, systematic differences and biases between sensors can make it difficult to stitch datasets together, compare measurements from different platforms, or confidently detect trends over time.

What award sizes are expected for this opportunity?

NASA indicated that award sizes can vary widely depending on scope. Smaller, focused efforts such as data analysis projects may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger efforts such as development of science experiment hardware could exceed $1 million per year.

How much total funding is available?

Total funds available vary by program element. The description indicates totals typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars, which may allow NASA to select anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals depending on program goals and proposal quality.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards could be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposer type and the nature of the work.

How long is the typical period of performance?

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

When was the solicitation released?

ROSES 2011 was released around February 18, 2011.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs were requested for most program elements. The information provided states that NOI due dates started March 18, 2011 and continued through February 8, 2012, depending on the specific appendix or program element.

When are proposals due?

Proposal due dates began April 29, 2011 and extended through April 30, 2012. Exact due dates vary by appendix/program element and are listed in the ROSES tables. For the most accurate due date for Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies, applicants are directed to the relevant appendix and ROSES tables.

Which deadlines control if there are different dates shown in different places?

The Grants.gov entry includes administrative posting and closing dates for that listing (posted June 20, 2011, closing date moved from September 9, 2011 to September 22, 2011, archive date October 22, 2011). However, the information provided indicates that within ROSES the controlling deadlines depend on the relevant appendix and its stated due date for the specific program element.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad by organizational type: domestic and foreign, government and private, for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit. The opportunity description also states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

Can non-US organizations participate?

Non-US participation is typically permitted only on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA does not provide funds to the non-US entity. The description also notes that NASA generally funds only US institutions and points applicants to ROSES guidance (including Appendix B and the NASA NRA Guidebook for Proposers) for rules affecting non-US participation.

Is there a limit on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

The information provided states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals had to be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative using either NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or Grants.gov.

What registration steps are required to submit?

Registration requirements were emphasized. Every proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations using Grants.gov must be registered in both NSPIRES and Grants.gov. All principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission route.

If a proposal is submitted through Grants.gov, do investigators still need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. The information provided states that all principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Where can applicants find the exact scope and due date for Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Studies?

The opportunity directs applicants to the relevant ROSES appendices and the ROSES tables for program-element-specific scope, expected products, evaluation considerations, and the exact due date tied to the topic.

Should applicants watch for updates or amendments?

Yes. NASA advised proposers to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2011 amendment archive for updates, clarifications, and newly added programs through February 2012, when a subsequent ROSES announcement was expected.

Who should be contacted for general ROSES policy or procedure questions?

General ROSES policy and procedure inquiries are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, via sara@nasa.gov and 202-358-0879.

Who should be contacted for program-specific questions about this topic?

Program-specific questions are handled through the Program Officers listed in the appendices for each program element. Those appendices are described as the place to find the most precise information for the specific topic area.