ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Theory | Apply Online

ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Theory (ATP) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Theory (ATP)?

ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Theory (ATP) is a NASA funding opportunity released as part of NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH12ZDA001N under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation. The ATP element focuses on supporting astrophysics theory, modeling, and related analysis that strengthens the scientific return of NASA astrophysics missions and data sets and helps build the conceptual foundation for future missions and investigations.

2) Who is issuing this funding opportunity?

The solicitation is run by NASA Headquarters under NASA's Science Mission Directorate through the annual ROSES process.

3) What is the relationship between ATP and the larger ROSES 2012 solicitation?

ATP is one program element within ROSES 2012. ROSES is an umbrella solicitation that includes many separate program elements spanning Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics, each described in detail in appendices to the NRA. Proposal due dates and requirements are organized by these program elements rather than by a single ROSES-wide deadline.

4) What kinds of activities does ROSES 2012 support (in general)?

Across ROSES 2012, the solicitation describes a broad portfolio of activities that can include theoretical studies, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; suborbital investigations using aircraft, balloons, sounding rockets, and commercial reusable rockets; development of techniques and instrumentation concepts suitable for future space missions; and development of advanced technologies relevant to Science Mission Directorate missions. It also mentions laboratory and analytical work that supports interpretation of space-based observations (for example, determining atomic and composition parameters needed to analyze space data and samples). In the Earth science context, it references field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems.

5) What types of work are emphasized for the Astrophysics Theory (ATP) element?

Within ROSES 2012, the ATP component is aimed at theory, modeling, and related analysis that strengthens the scientific return of NASA astrophysics missions and data sets and supports the conceptual foundations for future astrophysics missions and investigations. Specific scientific objectives and detailed requirements are provided in the ROSES appendices for ATP.

6) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels are described as variable based on the size and nature of the proposed effort. The solicitation notes that awards can be under $100,000 per year for tightly focused work (such as data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for larger efforts (such as extensive development activities, for example science experiment hardware in relevant program elements).

7) How much funding is available overall for a program element like ATP?

The amount of money available within an individual ROSES program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, NASA may select anything from a handful to several dozen proposals per element depending on goals, available budgets, and proposal quality.

8) What type of award instrument will NASA use (grant, contract, etc.)?

ROSES 2012 notes that awards may be issued through different legal instruments depending on the proposer and the work being funded. These instruments can include grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

9) What is the typical project period (period of performance) for ROSES awards?

The typical performance period for ROSES awards is four years. Some program elements can be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum of five years.

10) Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broadly inclusive by organization type. Government or private entities, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, and domestic or foreign institutions may submit proposals. Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES.

11) Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate?

ROSES 2012 states that domestic or foreign institutions may submit proposals, but it also highlights NASA's policy for non-U.S. participation. Collaborations with non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funding to non-U.S. institutions, and foreign participants are expected to support their own contributions unless a specific jointly issued NRA or special arrangement applies. Additional guidance for non-U.S. organizations is referenced as being available in NASA's NRA Guidebook.

12) Does NASA generally fund only U.S. institutions?

The solicitation indicates that, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions. It also notes that detailed guidance for non-U.S. organizations is provided in NASA's NRA Guidebook and describes the usual no-exchange-of-funds approach for non-U.S. collaborators.

13) Is there a limit on the number of proposals an organization can submit or on teaming arrangements?

The eligibility notes state that there is no stated restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

14) What are the key dates for this specific ROSES 2012 ATP listing?

For the specific listing associated with ROSES 2012 Astrophysics Theory in the provided information, the posting date is April 23, 2012 and the closing date is July 13, 2012. An archive date of August 12, 2012 is also provided.

15) Does ROSES 2012 have one single deadline for everything?

No. ROSES 2012 is structured around program-element-specific due dates rather than a single deadline for the entire NRA. Proposal due dates across ROSES begin as early as May 4, 2012 and extend through March 22, 2013, depending on the appendix/program element.

16) Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Many ROSES elements request a Notice of Intent prior to proposal submission. The provided information notes that the first NOI date mentioned for ROSES 2012 is March 16, 2012. Whether an NOI is required or simply requested depends on the specific program element, as described in the relevant appendix.

17) How do applicants submit proposals?

All submissions are electronic. NASA accepts submissions through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) and, in many cases, Grants.gov.

18) Who must submit the proposal?

Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative (an authorized official who can legally submit proposals on the institution's behalf).

19) What registrations are required to submit?

Organizations must register in NSPIRES. If submitting via Grants.gov, organizations must also register with Grants.gov. In both systems, the registration should identify authorized officials who can submit proposals for the organization.

20) Do investigators (PI and co-Is) need NSPIRES registration even if the proposal is submitted through Grants.gov?

Yes. The solicitation states that all investigators listed on a proposal, including the principal investigator and any co-investigators, must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission pathway.

21) Where can applicants find the detailed scientific objectives and requirements for ATP?

Program details, including the precise scientific objectives and requirements for Astrophysics Theory and other program elements, are provided in the ROSES appendices. Due dates are summarized in tables within the NRA.

22) Can the ROSES 2012 solicitation change after it is released?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES can be amended over the course of the year, including adding new program elements or clarifying requirements. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the NSPIRES solicitation page or subscribe to notifications to stay current.

23) How can applicants track amendments and updates to ROSES 2012?

The provided information states that an amendment archive and an RSS feed were made available through NASA's Science website for ongoing updates to ROSES 2012. NASA also encourages monitoring the NSPIRES solicitation page for updates.

24) Who should applicants contact with questions?

Element-specific inquiries should be directed to the program officers identified in the relevant appendices. General policy and procedure questions are directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters at sara@nasa.gov or 202-358-0879.