ROSES 2012 Origins of Solar Systems | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2012: Origins of Solar Systems (NASA ROSES 2012)

1) What is the ROSES 2012 "Origins of Solar Systems" opportunity?

ROSES 2012 "Origins of Solar Systems" is part of NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation. ROSES 2012 was formally issued as Funding Opportunity Number NNH12ZDA001N and is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) that invites proposals for a wide range of basic and applied research and technology activities aligned with NASA Science Mission Directorate priorities.

2) Is this opportunity only about the origins of solar systems?

No. While the title highlights "Origins of Solar Systems," the opportunity sits within the larger ROSES 2012 framework, which spans multiple science areas including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Proposers are expected to align their work to one or more specific ROSES program elements described in the solicitation appendices.

3) What are "program elements" and why do they matter?

Within ROSES 2012, proposals are submitted to specific program elements described in the solicitation appendices. Each element has its own scope, points of contact, and due dates. Applicants are expected to choose the element(s) that best match their proposed work and follow the requirements and deadlines listed for that element.

4) What types of projects and activities does ROSES 2012 support?

The solicitation supports many kinds of work that help NASA plan, execute, and interpret science missions, including:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data
• Development of new measurement or experiment techniques that could be used on future missions
• Early-stage mission concept development
• Development of advanced technologies relevant to future Earth and space science missions
• Laboratory and analytical work on samples, including extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret NASA observations
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns that complement NASA missions
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Creation of applied information systems that translate Earth science research outputs into societal benefit

5) What is the overall goal of ROSES 2012 funding?

The overall intent is to fund research and technology that strengthens NASA's ability to answer science questions and to maximize the value of mission and observational data.

6) How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the program element and the type of work proposed. Awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts like data analysis, and can exceed $1 million per year for larger efforts such as developing science experiment hardware. NASA also notes that the amount available within each program element ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

7) How many awards will NASA make?

The number of awards depends on the budget available within each program element, the element's goals, and the quality and relevance of proposals received. The solicitation indicates this can range from only a few selections to several dozen, depending on the program element.

8) Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required under this opportunity.

9) What award instruments might NASA use?

NASA may make awards using several mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument used depends on the proposing organization and the program requirements.

10) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years. However, some program elements may specify shorter or longer periods, with a stated maximum period of performance of five years.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad: organizations of many types may apply, including government and private entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and domestic or foreign organizations.

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

No stated restriction is provided on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements in the information provided.

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

Yes, non-U.S. organizations may participate, but the solicitation emphasizes NASA's general policy of providing funding primarily to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. organizations may collaborate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funds to the non-U.S. partner.

14) Where can I find special instructions for non-U.S. participation cases?

The solicitation points applicants to the NASA NRA Guidebook for specific instructions and special cases, including situations where a non-U.S. organization proposes work involving U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

15) When was ROSES 2012 expected to be available, and when was this listing posted?

ROSES 2012 was expected to be available around February 14, 2012 through the NSPIRES portal. The posting information for this specific listing reflects a March 14, 2012 posted/created date.

16) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

Notices of Intent were requested for most program elements. An early NOI date referenced is March 16, 2012. Applicants should check the relevant program element appendix for the NOI expectations and date that apply to their target element.

17) When are proposals due?

Proposal due dates vary by program element. The scheduled due dates began May 4, 2012 and extended through March 22, 2013. The listing also shows a closing date of May 25, 2012 for this particular entry. Applicants are expected to consult the solicitation tables and the relevant appendix for the exact deadlines that apply to the program element they are targeting.

18) Where do I submit my proposal?

Submissions must be electronic and routed by an authorized organizational official. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, but in all cases the organization must be registered in NSPIRES.

19) Do I need to be registered in NSPIRES if I submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. If submitting via Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES, and registrations must identify authorized organizational representatives who can submit on the institution's behalf.

20) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registration?

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

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

Proposals must be routed and submitted by an authorized organizational official. Organizations must ensure their NSPIRES (and, if applicable, Grants.gov) registrations identify the authorized organizational representatives who can submit on the institution's behalf.

22) Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registration and to familiarize themselves with the electronic systems well before the relevant due date to avoid administrative delays.

23) Where are the detailed scopes and contacts for each program element listed?

Program-specific details, including the exact scope of "Origins of Solar Systems" within ROSES 2012, are provided in the solicitation appendices. Those appendices also list the designated program officers (points of contact) for each element.

24) How do I keep up with amendments or new program elements during the ROSES cycle?

Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES for amendments, clarifications, and new program elements released during the ROSES cycle. An archive of updates is maintained on NASA's ROSES webpage.

25) Who can I contact for general policy or procedural questions about ROSES?

For general policy and procedural questions about ROSES, the solicitation provides a headquarters point of contact (Dr. Max Bernstein) along with the SARA email address and phone number for assistance.