ROSES 2012 Cosmochemistry | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2012 Cosmochemistry (NNH12ZDA001N)

1) What is the ROSES 2012 Cosmochemistry opportunity?

ROSES 2012 Cosmochemistry is a program element within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation. ROSES 2012 was issued as a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) under NNH12ZDA001N and invites proposals that advance NASA science through basic and applied research and related technology development.

2) Which NASA office runs this program?

The ROSES 2012 program is run out of NASA Headquarters under the Science Mission Directorate.

3) Is this opportunity only for cosmochemistry?

This listing is labeled "Cosmochemistry," but it sits within the larger ROSES umbrella that spans multiple NASA research programs, including Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Heliophysics, and Earth Science. The specific expectations for cosmochemistry-related work are addressed in the relevant ROSES appendices for the program element.

4) What kinds of projects does this opportunity support?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes many research activities relevant to cosmochemistry and closely related disciplines. Examples described include:

• Theoretical and modeling work
• Analysis of existing Science Mission Directorate data sets
• Laboratory techniques and measurements that improve interpretation of remote sensing data
• Laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft
• Laboratory analysis of terrestrial analog samples used to validate or ground-truth mission observations
• Mission-enabling efforts such as developing new experiment techniques suitable for future spaceflight
• Advancing technologies relevant to NASA missions
• Developing concepts for future missions

5) How does this work connect to NASA missions?

The opportunity is meant to fund work that helps interpret and extend NASA mission data and samples, develop new methods and measurements, and mature ideas and technologies that can feed future missions.

6) Does ROSES 2012 include Earth-related activities, and do they apply here?

The broader ROSES solicitation mentions Earth-related activities such as field campaigns, Earth surface observations, integrated modeling, and applied information systems for Earth science components. The cosmochemistry element is described as most directly aligned with sample analysis, chemical and isotopic measurements, and atomic or compositional parameters used to interpret spacecraft observations and returned materials.

7) How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the scale and nature of the proposed work. Examples provided include:

• Smaller awards that can be under $100,000 per year for focused efforts (for example, discrete data analysis tasks)
• Larger activities (such as substantial technology development or hardware-related work) that can exceed $1 million per year

The total funding available depends on the specific ROSES program element, with elements having anywhere from less than $1 million to several million dollars available in total.

8) How many awards might NASA make?

The number of selections can range from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on NASA priorities, the total funds available within a given program element, and the quality of submissions.

9) What types of awards might be issued?

Awards may be issued in several forms, including grants and cooperative agreements. In some cases, awards may be made via contracts or interagency transfers, depending on the proposer type and program requirements.

10) What is the typical project period of performance?

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

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to organizations of many types, including universities, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and government organizations.

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

No specific restrictions are stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements in the information provided.

13) Can non-US organizations participate?

Non-US organizations may participate, but typically under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy. This means non-US participants generally must support their participation without receiving NASA funding, except in special cases where a particular NRA element is jointly issued with a non-US partner and provides additional guidance.

14) Is NASA funding generally available to non-US institutions?

NASA notes that funding is generally provided only to US institutions. Non-US participation is usually allowed only without NASA funds, subject to the guidance for the specific program element.

15) Where are the rules for non-US participation described?

Proposers are expected to follow the NASA NRA Guidebook provisions for non-US participation, including cases where a non-US organization proposes work that includes US personnel requesting NASA support.

16) How do applicants submit proposals?

The solicitation and submission process is managed electronically through NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System). Proposals could be submitted through NSPIRES or via Grants.gov, depending on the specific program element instructions.

17) Do applicants need to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. All proposing organizations must be registered in NSPIRES. Also, all principal investigators and co-investigators must have NSPIRES registrations regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

18) If submitting through Grants.gov, are additional registrations required?

Yes. Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

19) Who must submit the proposal?

Submissions must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

20) Was a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

NASA requested Notices of Intent for many program elements, with early NOI deadlines beginning March 16, 2012. Whether an NOI was required for a specific element depends on the element-specific appendix instructions.

21) What were the key dates mentioned for this opportunity?

Dates varied across ROSES elements and appendices, but the information provided includes:

• ROSES 2012 expected availability around February 14, 2012 (via NSPIRES)
• Early NOI deadlines beginning March 16, 2012
• Proposal due dates beginning May 4, 2012 and extending into March 22, 2013 depending on the appendix/element
• For this posted grants listing: created/posted date February 23, 2012; original/current closing date May 11, 2012; archive date June 10, 2012

22) Why do due dates vary?

ROSES is an umbrella solicitation with multiple appendices and program elements. The detailed technical requirements, due dates, and evaluation factors vary by program element, so applicants must follow the dates and instructions in the relevant appendix.

23) Where do applicants find the element-specific requirements and contacts?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices for element-specific technical requirements, due dates, and program officer contacts, since detailed expectations and evaluation factors vary by program element.

24) Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA emphasizes that amendments and clarifications can be issued during the open period, and encourages proposers to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications.

25) Who should be contacted for administrative and policy questions about the overall ROSES NRA?

Administrative and policy questions for the overall ROSES NRA were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters using the email and phone contact provided in the solicitation.

26) Who should be contacted for scientific or programmatic questions?

Scientific and programmatic questions are typically handled by the program officers listed within each appendix's summary of key information.