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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2013 Fellowships for Early Career Researchers (NASA ROSES 2013)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

ROSES 2013 Fellowships for Early Career Researchers is part of NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2013 (ROSES 2013) solicitation. It is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) under Funding Opportunity Number NNH13ZDA001N, managed by NASA Headquarters within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) Is this a single program or an umbrella solicitation?

This is an umbrella solicitation. ROSES 2013 contains many individual program elements that are listed in the ROSES appendices. Applicants are expected to choose and apply to the specific program element that best matches their proposed work and career stage, including elements aimed at early career researchers.

3) What kinds of research does ROSES 2013 support?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes both basic and applied research, as well as relevant technology development needed to advance NASA space and Earth science. It supports work such as theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD data; investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets; experimental methods and techniques for future missions; early mission concept work; and advanced technology development aligned with SMD priorities.

4) Which NASA science areas are included?

ROSES 2013 spans NASA's major science areas within SMD: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

5) Does the solicitation support work involving samples and laboratory analysis?

Yes. ROSES 2013 includes laboratory and analytical work on extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret NASA Earth observations. It also includes determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze space-based measurements and returned samples.

6) What Earth science activities are supported?

On the Earth science side, ROSES 2013 supports field campaigns and Earth surface observations that complement NASA missions, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied research that translates Earth science data into societal benefit. This can include development of applied information systems designed to make NASA data more usable for decision-making.

7) What are typical funding levels?

Funding levels vary widely by program element and project scale. The solicitation notes budgets can range from under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for large, complex activities (such as developing science experiment hardware).

8) How large are the funding pools for individual program elements?

Each program element typically has its own funding pool, generally ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. Depending on priorities and the quality and volume of proposals received, an element may support anywhere from a handful to dozens of awards.

9) What types of award instruments might NASA use?

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

10) How long is the typical project period?

The typical award period is four years. Some elements may be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum of five years.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to many organization types, including government and private entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. There is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

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

Yes, non-U.S. organizations may be allowed to participate. However, NASA's practical funding policy is that NASA generally funds U.S. institutions. Participation by non-U.S. organizations is typically allowed only under a "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning NASA does not provide funding to the non-U.S. partner.

13) Are there exceptions to the "no exchange of funds" approach for non-U.S. partners?

Special cases can exist for jointly issued NRAs with non-U.S. partners. The solicitation points proposers to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules, especially for proposals involving non-U.S. organizations and situations where NASA funding is requested for U.S. personnel.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The administrative details indicate there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity.

15) What is the CFDA number and category for this opportunity?

This is listed as CFDA 43.001 (Science) and categorized as a discretionary opportunity in the science and technology and other research and development category.

16) Where do applicants find the specific program element descriptions and requirements?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices for the exact program descriptions, key information summaries, program officer contacts, and definitive due dates. The solicitation notes that due dates are provided in tables within the NRA.

17) When was the ROSES 2013 NRA expected to be posted?

The ROSES 2013 NRA was expected to be posted in NASA's NSPIRES system around February 14, 2013.

18) What are the important dates shown for this opportunity?

The administrative details list a posting/creation date of March 1, 2013; a closing date of March 31, 2014; and an archive date of April 30, 2014. These dates reflect that multiple program elements open and close at different times under the ROSES umbrella.

19) Are there multiple proposal due dates?

Yes. Proposal timelines are set by the specific program element, and there are multiple due dates spanning the ROSES cycle.

20) Are Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

NOIs are requested for most elements to help NASA plan the review workload. The announcement text indicates early NOI due dates began in mid-March 2013, but applicants should confirm the NOI requirement and date for their chosen program element.

21) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative, either through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

22) Do organizations need to register anywhere before submitting?

Yes. All submitting organizations must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations that submit via Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov.

23) Do investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All investigators and other participants, including co-investigators, must have NSPIRES registrations.

24) Does NASA provide any guidance about preparing early for submission?

Yes. NASA strongly encourages teams to complete registrations and familiarize themselves with NSPIRES and (if applicable) Grants.gov well before the due dates.

25) Where should applicants look for amendments, updates, or corrections?

Proposers are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for ongoing updates. The solicitation also references NASA's ROSES 2013 web archive page for posted changes.

26) Who is the point of contact for general ROSES policies and procedures?

General questions about ROSES policies and procedures are directed to the ROSES point of contact listed in the announcement: Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (sara@nasa.gov; 202-358-0879).

27) What kinds of platforms or missions can investigations use under ROSES 2013?

The solicitation includes investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets, along with work that supports future space missions through method development, early mission concept efforts, and technology development tied to SMD priorities.

28) Does ROSES 2013 include both research and technology development?

Yes. The NRA explicitly invites proposals for both basic and applied research, as well as relevant technology development across NASA's major science areas.

29) If this is "Fellowships for Early Career Researchers," do I still need to pick a specific program element?

Yes. The information provided indicates ROSES is organized into many individual program elements, and applicants are expected to target the element that best fits their work and career stage, including early career-oriented elements.

30) Where is NSPIRES located?

The solicitation is managed through NASA's NSPIRES system at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.