ROSES 2012 In Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2012 element titled "In Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies" under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) NASA Research Announcement. The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH12ZDA001N.

How does this opportunity relate to ROSES 2012 overall?

It is one element within the larger ROSES 2012 umbrella solicitation. While this element highlights in-space validation of Earth science technologies, ROSES 2012 as a whole spans many programs and disciplines across NASA's Science Mission Directorate, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

What kinds of work does ROSES 2012 support?

ROSES 2012 is designed to fund a wide spectrum of basic and applied research and technology development that supports NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities. The solicitation invites proposals across many types of activities tied to space and Earth sciences.

What are examples of activities that may be proposed?

Examples explicitly described include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets; development of experimental techniques and instrument or mission concepts for future space missions; and advancement of technologies relevant to upcoming Science Mission Directorate efforts.

Does the solicitation include laboratory work and sample analysis?

Yes. It includes laboratory and analytical work on extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that help validate or interpret Earth observation data.

Are Earth surface observations and field campaigns included?

Yes. The eligible work areas described include conducting Earth surface observations and field campaigns that complement NASA missions.

Does ROSES 2012 support Earth system modeling and applied information systems?

Yes. The description includes building integrated Earth system models and developing applied information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal or practical uses.

Does ROSES 2012 include work on atomic or compositional parameters for interpreting measurements?

Yes. One of the eligible areas described is determining key atomic and compositional parameters needed for interpreting space-based measurements.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels are flexible and depend heavily on the scope of the proposed work. The solicitation notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for smaller, focused efforts (such as data analysis) and can exceed $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive projects (such as developing science experiment hardware).

How much funding is available within a program element?

The amount available within each program element varies, ranging from less than one million to several million dollars. Depending on objectives, available funds, and proposal quality and relevance, NASA may select anywhere from a handful to dozens of proposals within a given element.

What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA indicates it may issue awards using multiple legal and administrative mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

What is the typical period of performance?

A typical period of performance is four years. Some elements may specify shorter or longer timeframes, with an overall maximum generally capped at five years.

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit proposals.

Is there a limit on how many proposals an organization can submit?

No. The solicitation states there is no restriction on the number of proposals an organization may submit.

Are teaming arrangements allowed?

Yes. The solicitation indicates there is no restriction on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and will NASA fund them?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA highlights an important constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a no exchange of funds basis. The posting also notes that, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions.

Where can non-U.S. proposers find the detailed rules for participation?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to the NASA NRA Guidebook for detailed rules, including Appendix B and specific sections cited in the announcement, particularly for scenarios involving non-U.S. organizations with U.S. personnel requesting NASA support.

How do applicants submit proposals?

The application process is electronic through NASA systems. Proposals can be submitted via NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. Even if Grants.gov is used for submission, NSPIRES registration is still required.

Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

Organizations intending to apply must be registered in NSPIRES. The submitting organization must designate authorized organizational representatives who are permitted to submit proposals. All principal investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) must also be registered in NSPIRES.

Does NASA recommend registering early?

Yes. NASA explicitly encourages applicants to begin registration and become familiar with the system well ahead of deadlines to avoid administrative delays.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

ROSES 2012 includes multiple due dates because it is an umbrella announcement with many program elements. For ROSES 2012 overall, notices of intent were requested for most elements beginning March 16, 2012, and proposal due dates began May 4, 2012 and extended into March 22, 2013 depending on the specific appendix element.

What dates are listed in the grant listing metadata for this entry?

The posted grant listing metadata shows a posted date of September 18, 2012, an original and current closing date of November 27, 2012, and an archive date of December 27, 2012.

How do applicants know which deadline applies to their proposal?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices and the tables listing due dates for element-by-element deadlines. Because deadlines vary by appendix element, the applicable due date depends on the specific element being targeted.

Where should applicants look for updates, clarifications, or corrections during the ROSES cycle?

Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES and NASA amendment archives for updates, clarifications, and corrections issued through the ROSES cycle.

Who should be contacted for program-specific questions?

For guidance and program-specific questions, applicants are directed to the individual Program Officers listed within each program element appendix.

Who is the contact for general ROSES policy and procedure questions?

For general ROSES policy and procedure questions, the announcement provides a NASA Headquarters point of contact: Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, reachable via sara@nasa.gov and the listed telephone number.