ROSES 2012 Mars Fundamental Research | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2012 Mars Fundamental Research (NNH12ZDA001N)

1. What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is part of NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 umbrella solicitation (ROSES 2012), Funding Opportunity Number NNH12ZDA001N. It is issued under NASA's recurring NASA Research Announcement (NRA) process used by the Science Mission Directorate to solicit competed proposals that advance NASA science goals.

2. Is "Mars Fundamental Research" a standalone program or part of something larger?

It sits within the larger ROSES 2012 structure, which spans multiple disciplines and program elements across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The title highlights Mars Fundamental Research, but the specific topic requirements and rules for each program element are defined in the ROSES appendices.

3. Where do the official topic requirements and instructions live?

The detailed requirements are in the relevant ROSES appendices and in the Summary of Key Information for the specific program element. Those documents define goals, deliverables, and any special rules, and they identify the responsible Program Officer.

4. What kinds of activities does ROSES 2012 support?

ROSES 2012 supports a wide spectrum of basic and applied research and technology development relevant to NASA science missions. Supported activities can include theory, modeling, analysis of NASA science data, development of new experimental and measurement techniques, maturation of concepts for future missions, advancement of technologies tied to future flight investigations, and laboratory or analytical work to interpret data.

5. Does the solicitation support sample analysis work?

Yes. It includes laboratory or analytical work that helps interpret data, including analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples that help validate space-based observations.

6. Are field campaigns or Earth-based observations included under ROSES 2012?

Yes. The solicitation also encompasses field campaigns and Earth surface observations that support NASA Earth science missions, integrated Earth system model development, and applied systems that translate Earth science research outputs into societal or operational benefits. (Specific applicability depends on the program element described in the appendices.)

7. Are both small studies and larger hardware efforts eligible?

Yes. NASA describes the scope as flexible. Proposals may range from narrowly scoped studies (for example, data analysis or modeling) to larger, more complex efforts such as developing or demonstrating science instrument hardware.

8. What funding levels are typical?

Funding levels vary by program element and project scope. NASA notes awards may be under $100,000 per year for limited efforts, while large, hardware-heavy or extensive activities can exceed $1 million per year.

9. How much total funding is available?

The amount available varies by program element, typically from less than $1 million to several million dollars. NASA indicates this can allow selection of anywhere from a handful to several dozen meritorious proposals depending on goals and the quality and volume of submissions.

10. What types of award instruments can NASA use?

NASA may make awards through multiple legal instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument type depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work to be performed.

11. What is the typical project duration?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter or longer durations, with an upper limit generally capped at five years.

12. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broad by organizational type. Government or private entities, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, and domestic or foreign organizations may submit.

13. Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Participation by non-U.S. organizations is usually permitted only under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning non-U.S. participants generally must support their own costs unless special joint-solicitation rules apply. Additional guidance is referenced in NASA's NRA Guidebook for Proposers and in the relevant ROSES appendices.

14. Does NASA generally fund non-U.S. institutions directly?

NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. participation is typically handled under the "no exchange of funds" approach unless specific exceptions apply under joint-solicitation arrangements.

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

No restriction is described on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements. Organizations may submit multiple proposals, and teams may be structured in various ways, subject to the specific rules of the relevant program element.

16. How are proposals submitted?

ROSES 2012 is managed through NASA's NSPIRES system, with electronic submission required either through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, depending on the program element and submission pathway.

17. Do we have to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. Any organization intending to propose must be registered in NSPIRES. In addition, all investigators and proposal participants (including co-investigators) must have NSPIRES registrations.

18. When is Grants.gov registration required?

If submitting through Grants.gov (as allowed/required for certain program elements and submission pathways), the organization must be registered in Grants.gov as well as in NSPIRES.

19. Who must submit the proposal?

Submissions must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

20. Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent are requested for most program elements. Early NOI dates begin March 16, 2012, but the specific NOI requirement and date depend on the program element described in the appendices.

21. What are the key dates mentioned for ROSES 2012 overall?

The timeline described includes the solicitation becoming available around February 14, 2012 via the NSPIRES solicitations page. Proposal due dates are staggered by program element, starting May 4, 2012 and running through March 22, 2013.

22. What dates apply to this specific listing entry?

For the specific grant listing information provided: posting date is April 23, 2012; closing date is July 6, 2012; and archive date is August 5, 2012.

23. Why are there multiple due dates instead of one deadline?

ROSES uses staggered due dates that vary by program element. Applicants are directed to consult the relevant appendices and the Summary of Key Information for the specific program element to confirm the exact due date and submission requirements.

24. Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes ROSES is frequently updated and advises applicants to monitor NSPIRES (or subscribe to notifications) for amendments, new programs, clarifications, and corrections.

25. Where should applicants watch for amendments and updates?

Applicants are advised to monitor NSPIRES and/or subscribe to notifications. NASA also points to a NASA web archive and an RSS feed for formal amendment tracking.

26. Who should be contacted for general ROSES policy or procedural questions?

General policy and procedural questions for ROSES are directed to the ROSES contact at NASA Headquarters (listed as Dr. Max Bernstein) via the SARA email address and the provided phone number in the notice.

27. Who should be contacted about the specific "Mars Fundamental Research" program element requirements?

The relevant ROSES appendix and Summary of Key Information identify the responsible Program Officer for that program element. Those are the primary sources for element-specific requirements and points of contact.

28. What should applicants do to avoid last-minute submission problems?

NASA emphasizes registering and becoming familiar with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov if applicable) well before deadlines to avoid last-minute compliance and access issues.