ROSES 2013 Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2013 Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples (NNH13ZDA001N)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the NASA Headquarters topic called "ROSES 2013 Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples," issued under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2013 omnibus solicitation. The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH13ZDA001N, and it is commonly referenced as part of ROSES 2013.

2) Which NASA organization is sponsoring this opportunity?

The opportunity is sponsored by NASA Headquarters under NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

3) What NASA science areas does this opportunity support?

It supports SMD goals across multiple science divisions: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics, as described under the ROSES umbrella.

4) What is the main focus of the "Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples" topic?

The focus is on laboratory techniques and analyses tied to returned samples. This includes (1) extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft and (2) terrestrial samples used to validate or ground-truth observations from Earth system science missions.

5) What types of research activities are supported?

The solicitation supports a broad spectrum of research and technology development, including basic research, applied research, theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD data sets. It also includes development of experimental methods and instrumentation relevant to future missions.

6) Does this opportunity support development of instruments or experimental methods?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes development of experimental methods and instrumentation relevant to future NASA missions, including capabilities needed to obtain scientifically meaningful measurements from returned materials.

7) Does NASA mention specific types of laboratory work that are relevant?

Yes. In addition to direct sample analysis, NASA highlights related laboratory work such as determining atomic or compositional parameters that enable better interpretation of spacecraft or remote-sensing data.

8) Are field campaigns or Earth observations included within the scope?

Yes. The ROSES description referenced here includes field campaigns and Earth surface observations that directly support NASA missions, as well as integrated Earth system modeling and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits.

9) Are non-traditional platforms (aircraft, balloons, rockets) allowed for investigations?

Yes. The solicitation includes investigations using platforms such as aircraft, stratospheric balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets.

10) How much funding is available?

Funding levels are flexible and depend on the scope of the proposed effort and the specific ROSES program element being applied to. The solicitation notes that amounts available vary by program element, ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars total.

11) What are typical project budget sizes?

Budgets can vary widely. Smaller, tightly focused projects (such as some data analysis efforts) may be under $100,000 per year, while larger complex efforts (such as development of science experiment hardware or extensive technology development) can exceed $1 million per year.

12) How many awards might be made?

This depends on the program element's total available funding, the budgets requested by proposed projects, and NASA's selections based on merit and program objectives. The description indicates an element might fund only a few proposals or potentially several dozen.

13) What award types/mechanisms might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The specific mechanism depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

14) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some program elements may be shorter or longer, with a maximum of up to five years.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad across organizational type: government or private, for-profit or nonprofit, domestic or foreign.

16) Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate?

Non-U.S. organizations can participate, but NASA generally funds U.S. institutions. Participation by non-U.S. organizations is typically required to be on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA funds do not flow to the non-U.S. entity.

17) Where can non-U.S. applicants find specific rules and exceptions?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to guidance in the NASA NRA Guidebook, including Appendix B and other cited sections, for conditions, exceptions, and special instructions. This is especially relevant when a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

18) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed in the provided opportunity summary.

19) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements?

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

20) How are proposals submitted?

The solicitation is administered electronically. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov (with NSPIRES registration still required even if submitting via Grants.gov).

21) Do investigators and key personnel need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. All principal investigators and other key participants must be registered in NSPIRES.

22) If submitting through Grants.gov, is NSPIRES still required?

Yes. Even if the submission is made through Grants.gov, NSPIRES registration is still required based on the provided instructions.

23) Who must submit the proposal?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative.

24) What dates are provided for this opportunity?

The posted date is April 2, 2013. The original and current closing date is June 7, 2013. The archive date is July 7, 2013.

25) Are there different due dates for different parts of ROSES 2013?

Yes. Because ROSES is an umbrella solicitation, program elements can have varying due dates. The schedules are provided in the ROSES tables and appendices.

26) Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

The ROSES 2013 announcement indicates that program elements often request a Notice of Intent (NOI) ahead of proposal submission. Whether an NOI is required depends on the specific program element and its appendix instructions.

27) Where are the most important topic-specific instructions located?

The most important instructions, scope definitions, and evaluation details are found in the relevant appendices for each ROSES program element. Those appendices also name the Program Officers for topic-specific questions.

28) Where should applicants look for official documentation and updates?

NASA directs proposers to the NSPIRES solicitations page and the ROSES 2013 web archive for amendments, clarifications, and corrections.

29) Who is the general ROSES contact for policy/procedure questions?

General policy and procedure questions for ROSES are routed to the ROSES contact at NASA Headquarters: Max Bernstein, via email at sara@nasa.gov and phone at 202-358-0879.

30) Who should applicants contact for topic-specific questions?

For topic-specific questions, applicants are directed to the named Program Officers listed in the relevant ROSES program element appendices.