ROSES 2012 Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ROSES 2012 Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements (HDEE)?

Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements (HDEE) is a funding opportunity released under NASA Research Announcement NNH12ZDA001N as part of NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012). HDEE focuses on strengthening the heliophysics data environment by improving the tools, services, systems, and practices that help the research community find, access, interpret, analyze, and reuse heliophysics data.

Who is issuing and managing this opportunity?

This opportunity is issued under NASA Research Announcement NNH12ZDA001N and is managed under the ROSES 2012 solicitation by NASA Headquarters as part of NASA's Science Mission Directorate research competitions.

How does HDEE fit within ROSES 2012?

ROSES 2012 is an umbrella solicitation designed to fund basic and applied research and related technology development across NASA Science Mission Directorate areas, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. HDEE is one program element within ROSES 2012, aimed specifically at practical improvements to the heliophysics data ecosystem.

What is the main goal of the HDEE element?

The primary goal is to invest in practical improvements that make heliophysics data and supporting services more usable and valuable to the community over time. This can include enhancements that improve interoperability, usability, and long-term utility of data holdings and the services built around them.

What kinds of activities are generally supported under ROSES 2012?

ROSES 2012 broadly supports theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; suborbital investigations (aircraft, balloons, sounding rockets, and reusable commercial platforms); development of techniques and technologies relevant to future missions; mission concept work; laboratory analysis tied to space and Earth science observations (including returned samples and terrestrial analogs); and development of applied information systems and data-to-decision capabilities.

What types of work are relevant for HDEE specifically?

HDEE is intended to support improvements to the heliophysics data environment, including enhancements to tools, services, systems, and practices that increase ease of discovery, access, interpretation, analysis, interoperability, and reuse of heliophysics data by the research community.

How much funding is typically available per award?

Funding levels are flexible and intended to match the scope of the proposed effort. Typical awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped work (such as focused data analysis or modest enhancements) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, complex activities (such as substantial infrastructure development or major capability builds).

How many awards might NASA make?

The total amount available varies by program element (from under $1 million to several million dollars). Because of this, NASA may select anywhere from just a few proposals to several dozen, depending on program priorities and the quality and relevance of submissions.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

NASA indicates that selections may be made using different legal instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

How long is the typical performance period?

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

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broadly open by organization type. Government and private entities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, domestic and foreign institutions, and various teaming arrangements may submit proposals.

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

No limit on the number of submissions is stated; organizations and teaming arrangements may submit proposals without a limit on the number of submissions.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA notes a key constraint: in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. organizations may participate only on a no-exchange-of-funds basis unless a specific joint solicitation or special provisions apply.

Where should non-U.S. proposers look for detailed guidance?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed instructions and special cases, particularly where a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA funding is requested.

When was the HDEE opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The HDEE grant record shows a Posted Date of May 7, 2012, with an Original and Current Closing Date of July 20, 2012, and an Archive Date of August 19, 2012. More broadly, ROSES 2012 was expected to be accessible around February 14, 2012 via NSPIRES.

Are there other due dates across ROSES 2012 besides the HDEE closing date?

Yes. Across the broader ROSES 2012 call, proposal due dates begin May 4, 2012 and extend through March 22, 2013 depending on the specific appendix program element. Due dates are therefore program-element specific within ROSES.

Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Notices of Intent are requested for most ROSES 2012 elements, with early NOI due dates beginning March 16, 2012. Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices and due-date tables for element-specific requirements.

How do proposals have to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational official using either NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Do applicants have to register in NSPIRES if they submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. All participating organizations must be registered in NSPIRES, and anyone involved in the proposal (including principal investigators and co-investigators) must have NSPIRES registration regardless of whether NSPIRES or Grants.gov is used for submission.

Why does NASA emphasize early registration and system familiarization?

The announcement notes that registration and learning the submission systems can take time. Because of that, organizations and investigators are strongly encouraged to begin registration and familiarization well ahead of the applicable deadlines.

Where can applicants find the exact HDEE requirements?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices (including the relevant appendix for HDEE), the tables listing due dates for each program element, and NASA's amendment archive and NSPIRES notification tools for updates during the active ROSES cycle.

How can applicants track amendments or updates to ROSES 2012?

NASA points applicants to the amendment archive maintained on NASA's science research solicitations site and to NSPIRES notification tools for updates through the active ROSES cycle.

Who should be contacted with questions about the HDEE program element?

Program-specific questions are intended for the program officers identified in the relevant ROSES appendix for the program element.

Who should be contacted with general questions about ROSES policies and procedures?

General solicitation policy and procedure questions are directed to the ROSES lead contact at NASA Headquarters, identified in the announcement as Dr. Max Bernstein (with contact details provided in the solicitation materials).