ROSES 2012 Cryospheric Science | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the ROSES 2012 Cryospheric Science opportunity?

ROSES 2012 Cryospheric Science is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity released as part of NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation. The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH12ZDA001N (CRYO). While this listing is focused on cryospheric science, it follows the overarching ROSES 2012 rules and structure, with cryosphere-specific scope and requirements defined in the relevant ROSES appendix section.

2) Is Cryospheric Science a standalone solicitation or part of a larger NASA program?

It is part of ROSES 2012, NASA's annual, competitive framework for funding basic and applied research and related technology development aligned with the NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities. The cryosphere program element sits within that umbrella and is governed by ROSES-wide policies, plus additional requirements in the specific appendix.

3) What kinds of activities does ROSES 2012 support (as described here)?

ROSES explicitly covers a wide range of science and technology activities, including:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data
• Field and Earth surface observations and campaigns that support NASA missions
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Systems that translate Earth science data into societally useful information
• Development of experiment techniques suitable for future missions
• Advancing technologies relevant to NASA missions
• Developing concepts for future missions

4) Does this opportunity require projects to use NASA missions or NASA datasets?

The solicitation invites proposals that advance science and technology tied to NASA Earth and space science goals, including work that uses or supports NASA missions and datasets. The description indicates that both direct use of NASA data and mission-supporting work can fit, depending on the specific appendix requirements for Cryospheric Science.

5) Where do I find the Cryospheric Science scope, requirements, and evaluation factors?

The detailed cryosphere topic scope, specific requirements, evaluation factors, and points of contact are provided in the relevant appendix section of the ROSES 2012 document. The general listing points applicants to the ROSES 2012 appendices for these program-element-specific details.

6) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this listing?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH12ZDA001N (CRYO).

7) What are the key dates for this specific Cryospheric Science listing?

• Posted date: May 7, 2012
• Closing date (original and current): June 1, 2012
• Archive date: July 1, 2012

8) How do ROSES 2012 deadlines work overall?

ROSES 2012 includes multiple program elements with staggered schedules. As described, notices of intent were requested for many elements beginning as early as March 16, 2012, and proposal due dates began May 4, 2012 and extended through March 22, 2013, depending on the appendix/program element.

9) When was the ROSES 2012 solicitation expected to be available?

The ROSES 2012 solicitation was expected to be available around February 14, 2012 via the NASA Research Opportunities homepage in NSPIRES.

10) How much funding can an award be worth?

Funding levels vary widely by the work proposed and the specific program element. The announcement notes examples ranging from under $100,000 per year for narrow or focused efforts (such as limited data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for extensive activities (such as development of science experiment hardware).

11) Is there a single total funding pool for Cryospheric Science?

The description indicates that total funding available is not a single pool across ROSES. It differs by program element, typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, the number of selected proposals can range from a few to several dozen, depending on merit, program goals, and available funds.

12) What is the typical project period of performance?

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

13) What funding instruments might NASA use for awards?

NASA may make awards using several mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposer and the nature of the work.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

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

15) Are there restrictions or special rules for non-U.S. organizations?

Yes. The listing highlights a key policy constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA does not typically transfer funding to foreign institutions. It also notes that NASA funding is generally provided only to U.S. institutions, with special instructions and exceptions addressed in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, including guidance for proposals from non-U.S. organizations that include U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

16) Does my organization need to be registered in NSPIRES?

Yes. Proposers must be affiliated with an institution registered in NSPIRES. This requirement applies regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

17) Can proposals be submitted through Grants.gov instead of NSPIRES?

Proposals may be submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov. However, even if submitting through Grants.gov, the proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES, and it must also be registered in Grants.gov if that portal is used.

18) Who is allowed to submit the proposal on behalf of an organization?

The registration process must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the proposal. Submissions are tied to these authorized roles.

19) Do individual team members need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All principal investigators and other participants (including co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES, regardless of which submission portal is used.

20) Why does NASA recommend registering early?

Because submissions are electronic and tied to specific registrations and authorization roles, NASA strongly encourages teams to start registration and system familiarization well ahead of deadlines to avoid administrative issues.

21) Where should applicants look for updates or amendments?

Applicants are advised to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2012 amendments archive (including an RSS feed) for updates, clarifications, and newly added or modified program elements through February 2013, when the next ROSES cycle was anticipated.

22) Who can answer general questions about ROSES policies and procedures?

General questions about ROSES policies and procedures could be directed to Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters: sara@nasa.gov; 202-358-0879.

23) Who should I contact for Cryospheric Science element-specific questions?

Element-specific questions are handled by the program officers listed within the relevant appendix section for Cryospheric Science in the ROSES 2012 document.