ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Explorer U.S. Participating Investigator | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Explorer U.S. Participating Investigator opportunity?

It is a NASA research funding opportunity listed as "ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Explorer U.S. Participating Investigator" under Funding Opportunity Number NNH12ZDA001N (also referenced as APEXUSPI). It is part of NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation issued by NASA Headquarters under CFDA 43.001 (Science).

How does this opportunity relate to ROSES 2012 overall?

This opportunity is one posting under the larger ROSES 2012 umbrella solicitation. ROSES 2012 covers many distinct program elements across NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Each element can have its own scope, due dates, and specific rules, which are described in the ROSES 2012 appendices.

Which NASA areas does ROSES 2012 support?

ROSES 2012 supports science and technology and other research and development activities across NASA's Science Mission Directorate, including Astrophysics, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science.

What is the purpose of ROSES 2012 funding?

The overall purpose is to fund a wide range of basic and applied research and enabling technologies that advance NASA science objectives. The scope is intentionally broad and can include research, analysis, and technology activities that support current and future NASA science missions.

What kinds of work are within the scope described for ROSES 2012?

Examples of work described within the umbrella scope include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development and maturation of experimental techniques for future missions; formulation of new mission concepts; advancement of technologies relevant to Science Mission Directorate missions; investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets; laboratory and analytical work involving extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft; work using terrestrial samples that support or validate NASA observations; and determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based and sample data. On the Earth science side, it can also include Earth surface observations and field campaigns, integrated Earth system model development, and applied information systems aimed at translating Earth science research outputs into societal benefits.

Where is the solicitation posted and where do applicants submit?

The solicitation was made available through NASA's NSPIRES system (nspires.nasaprs.com). The application process is electronic and centered on NSPIRES, with Grants.gov identified as an additional submission pathway for applicants who choose that route.

Do applicants need to read anything besides the main ROSES announcement?

Yes. Applicants are directed to consult the ROSES 2012 appendices for the exact requirements, scope, and evaluation information for each specific program element, because the umbrella announcement covers many distinct topics with their own rules and schedules.

What are the key dates for this specific Astrophysics Explorer U.S. Participating Investigator posting?

For the specific posting associated with this opportunity, the Posted Date and Creation Date are listed as October 18, 2012. The original and current closing date is December 14, 2012. The archive date is January 13, 2013.

Do all ROSES 2012 program elements have the same due dates?

No. Key dates for ROSES 2012 span much of 2012 and early 2013, and individual program elements within the umbrella solicitation have different due dates. Proposal due dates began May 4, 2012 and continued through March 22, 2013 for various elements.

Were Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent were requested for most ROSES 2012 elements, with early NOI dates beginning March 16, 2012. Applicants should check the relevant appendix for whether an NOI was requested for their specific element and what the timing was.

How much funding is available under ROSES 2012?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the proposed effort. NASA notes that awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused tasks (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for larger efforts (such as development of science experiment hardware).

How much funding is available within a specific program element?

The amount of funding available within each individual program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, some elements may fund only a small number of awards while others can support several dozen, depending on priorities, budgets, and the quality and quantity of proposals received.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

How long are awards expected to last?

NASA expects most awards to run about four years. Some program elements may specify shorter periods or allow longer periods up to a maximum of five years.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or interagency or intra-agency transfers, depending on the nature of the work, the proposing organization, and program requirements. For this opportunity, the listed funding instrument types include grants and cooperative agreements.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit proposals. Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES.

Are there limits on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements?

No. The opportunity states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations receive NASA funding under this opportunity?

NASA emphasizes a key restriction for non-U.S. participation: NASA policy generally requires that projects involving non-U.S. organizations be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not provide funding to non-U.S. institutions. The opportunity also notes, in general, that NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions, while providing guidance for foreign organizations in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers and indicating that some jointly issued solicitations may include special rules for non-U.S. participants.

What does "no exchange of funds" mean in this context?

Based on the description provided, it means that when non-U.S. organizations are involved, NASA generally expects the collaboration to proceed without NASA transferring funds to the non-U.S. institution (i.e., NASA typically does not pay the foreign institution under this policy).

What registration is required to apply through NSPIRES?

Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. Registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) responsible for submitting proposals.

If submitting through Grants.gov, what additional registration is required?

If an applicant chooses to submit through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov, in addition to NSPIRES.

Do individual researchers need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. All principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission method.

Does NASA provide guidance about tracking amendments or updates?

Yes. Proposers are directed to track updates and amendments posted during the open period and to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for amendments, clarifications, and newly added elements through February 2013. NASA also references the NASA web archive and RSS feed for ROSES 2012 updates hosted on the NASA science website.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

Program-specific questions should be directed to the relevant Program Officers listed in each ROSES appendix. General ROSES policy and procedure questions may be directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (sara@nasa.gov, 202-358-0879).

What CFDA program is associated with this solicitation?

The solicitation is issued under CFDA 43.001 (Science).

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

NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registrations early and to familiarize themselves with the submission systems (NSPIRES and, if used, Grants.gov) well ahead of deadlines.