ROSES 2012 Strategic Astrophysics Technology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ROSES 2012 Strategic Astrophysics Technology (SAT)?

ROSES 2012 Strategic Astrophysics Technology (SAT) is a part of NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2012 (ROSES 2012) solicitation, released under Funding Opportunity Number NNH12ZDA001N. It sits within a larger NASA Research Announcement that invites proposals across a wide range of science and technology efforts that support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

Is this opportunity only for astrophysics?

No. While the SAT label points to astrophysics technology priorities, ROSES 2012 is an umbrella announcement that spans multiple NASA research programs, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The specific topics, priorities, and requirements are defined in the individual appendix sections for each program element.

What kinds of work does ROSES 2012 fund?

The scope is intentionally broad and can include basic and applied research and technology development supporting SMD. Examples described in the opportunity include theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; development of new instrument, experiment, and mission-enabling techniques; early-stage concepts for future missions; and maturation of advanced technologies relevant to SMD needs.

Does ROSES 2012 support mission-related technology development and hardware?

Yes. The announcement explicitly notes that funding can support development of instruments, experiments, mission-enabling techniques, and advanced technologies, including larger and more complex activities such as building or advancing science hardware.

Are data analysis and modeling projects eligible?

Yes. The scope includes theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data, along with other work that helps maximize science return from current and past missions.

What types of investigations and platforms are included?

ROSES 2012 supports a wide range of activities, including aircraft, balloon, suborbital rocket, and commercial reusable rocket investigations, as well as laboratory analysis methods for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate NASA Earth observations.

Does the opportunity include Earth science applications and decision-support systems?

Yes. The described scope includes Earth surface observations and field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal or decision-support benefits.

What is the overall purpose of ROSES 2012 funding?

The opportunity is designed to fund work that helps NASA advance future missions and maximize the science return of current and past missions. It is described as a mechanism NASA uses to keep a pipeline moving from scientific questions to tools, data interpretation methods, and mission-ready capabilities.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely based on the proposed work and the specific program element. The announcement notes that awards can be under $100,000 per year for tightly focused efforts such as data analysis, and can exceed $1 million per year for larger, more complex activities such as building or advancing science hardware.

How much total funding is available within a program element?

The amount available within any given program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars total. As a result, NASA may select only a handful of proposals in some areas or several dozen in others, depending on goals and proposal quality.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that no cost sharing or matching is required.

What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards using different mechanisms depending on the proposer and the work being supported, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is about four years. Some program elements can be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum of five years.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad: domestic and foreign entities, government and private, for-profit and non-profit, may submit proposals. The opportunity also states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

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

Non-U.S. organizations can participate, but NASA emphasizes that projects involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not provide funding directly to non-U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. proposers and collaborations must follow specific guidance in NASA's NRA guidebook, including rules for cases where non-U.S. organizations propose but request NASA support for U.S. personnel.

Are there limits on how many proposals an organization can submit?

No. The opportunity states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

When did ROSES 2012 open and when were proposals due?

ROSES 2012 opened around February 14, 2012. Proposal due dates began May 4, 2012 and extended through March 22, 2013, with the exact due date depending on the specific appendix topic.

Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs were requested for most program elements, with some NOI dates beginning as early as March 16, 2012. The specific applicability depends on the program element.

Is there a single deadline for all ROSES 2012 topics?

No. Key dates are spread across the ROSES cycle rather than tied to a single deadline. Exact due dates depend on the specific appendix topic, and the ROSES tables list due dates.

What is the final closing date associated with this SAT listing?

The listing reflects a final closing date of March 22, 2013, with archiving later in 2013. It also reflects administrative posting details for the SAT entry (posted/created February 7, 2013).

How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Proposals may be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov.

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

Yes. All proposing organizations must be registered in NSPIRES. Anyone using Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov.

Who needs NSPIRES accounts on a proposal?

NSPIRES registration must identify authorized organizational representatives who can submit proposals, and all principal investigators and co-investigators must have NSPIRES accounts regardless of whether submission occurs through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Why does NASA encourage early registration and system familiarity?

NASA strongly encourages teams to register and familiarize themselves with NSPIRES and (if used) Grants.gov well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute technical and compliance problems.

Where are the detailed requirements and topic-specific rules?

The short synopsis does not contain the detailed requirements. The detailed technical topics, priorities, and requirements are laid out in the ROSES appendices, and key dates are provided in the ROSES tables listing due dates.

Can requirements change during the open period?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and clarifications can be issued during the open period, so proposers are expected to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications and consult the ROSES 2012 amendment archive page.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

Questions about individual program elements are directed to the Program Officers named in each appendix. General ROSES policy and procedure questions are directed to the ROSES contact listed: Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA SMD (email: sara@nasa.gov), using the provided phone number referenced in the announcement.