ROSES 2013 Origins of Solar Systems | Apply Online

FAQs: NASA ROSES 2013 - Origins of Solar Systems (NNH13ZDA001N)

1) What is ROSES 2013 "Origins of Solar Systems"?

ROSES 2013 "Origins of Solar Systems" is a program element within NASA Headquarters NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH13ZDA001N, issued under the broader solicitation called Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2013 (ROSES 2013). It is one of many separate ROSES program elements described in the ROSES appendices, and it focuses on research aligned with the "Origins of Solar Systems" theme within Planetary Science.

2) Is this a standalone grant, or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of a larger yearly solicitation. ROSES 2013 acts as a central umbrella announcement that contains many separate program elements, each with its own focus, points of contact, and due dates, as described in the ROSES appendices.

3) What NASA directorate and goals does this opportunity support?

This opportunity supports NASA Science Mission Directorate goals. The ROSES 2013 solicitation is designed to fund a wide spread of basic and applied research, as well as related technology development, in support of those goals.

4) What research areas does ROSES 2013 cover overall?

ROSES 2013 spans multiple NASA research programs, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The "Origins of Solar Systems" listing is primarily aligned with planetary origins questions, but it sits within the broader multi-division ROSES framework.

5) What kinds of activities are included in the scope?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes theoretical work, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development and use of airborne and suborbital platforms (aircraft, stratospheric balloons, sounding rockets, and commercial reusable suborbital vehicles) for investigations; laboratory studies and measurement campaigns that help interpret spacecraft observations; and development of concepts, techniques, and advanced technologies that could enable or enhance future NASA missions.

6) Does the scope include sample analysis work?

Yes. The solicitation includes sample analysis work for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft as well as terrestrial analog samples used to validate or interpret remote sensing and other mission data.

7) Does ROSES 2013 also include Earth science activities?

Yes. On the Earth science side, ROSES calls for integrated Earth system modeling, field campaigns, and applied information systems that translate research data into societal or decision support uses. The "Origins of Solar Systems" portion, however, is primarily aligned with planetary origins questions.

8) How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely by program element and the work proposed. NASA notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused efforts (such as data analysis) and can exceed $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive activities (such as developing science experiment hardware).

9) How much total funding does a typical ROSES program element have?

The amount available within any given ROSES program element typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars total. As a result, some elements may fund only a handful of projects while others can support dozens, depending on the program element objectives and the quality and relevance of submissions.

10) What is the typical project length (period of performance)?

The standard period of performance is usually four years, with some exceptions. NASA indicates a maximum period of five years for the programs covered under this NASA Research Announcement.

11) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

Awards may be made using several different mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and interagency or intraagency transfers. The appropriate instrument depends on the nature of the proposed work, the proposing organization, and specific program requirements.

12) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the posted opportunity information.

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

The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 43.001 (Science). The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

14) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad by organizational type: domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit proposals. The information provided indicates there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

15) Can non-U.S. organizations participate and receive NASA funding?

Non-U.S. participation is governed by NASA's policy of no exchange of funds. NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions, so non-U.S. organizations typically must participate without receiving NASA funding. The announcement points proposers to the NASA NRA Guidebook and related sections for requirements, exceptions, and rules for proposals involving non-U.S. organizations, including cases involving U.S. personnel requesting NASA support.

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

The provided information states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

17) How do applicants submit proposals?

ROSES 2013 proposals are submitted electronically. The main systems used are NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System) and Grants.gov.

18) Do we have to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. All organizations intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. In addition, all principal investigators and other named participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

19) If we submit through Grants.gov, what registrations are required?

If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov. NSPIRES registration requirements still apply for the organization and for all named participants.

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

Submissions must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

21) Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA emphasizes that teams should start registration and system familiarization early to avoid administrative delays close to deadlines.

22) Where do we find the due dates for "Origins of Solar Systems"?

Timing is organized by program element, with dates listed in ROSES tables and appendices. Because ROSES is a compilation of many elements, applicants are expected to consult the specific appendix for "Origins of Solar Systems" to confirm the exact due date, required content, and evaluation criteria for that component.

23) Was a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Notices of Intent were requested for most program elements, with early NOI deadlines beginning around mid-March 2013. Applicants were expected to check the specific program element appendix to confirm whether an NOI was requested and the applicable date.

24) What were the key dates listed for this specific listing?

The NRA was expected to be accessible on or about February 14, 2013 via the NSPIRES solicitations page. The posted Grants.gov record lists a posted date of March 22, 2013 and an original and current closing date of May 23, 2013 for this specific listing, with an archive date of June 22, 2013.

25) If ROSES has many elements, which deadline should applicants follow?

Applicants were expected to follow the deadlines and instructions in the relevant ROSES appendix for the specific program element (such as "Origins of Solar Systems"), since each element can have its own due date, required content, and criteria.

26) Where should applicants look for amendments and updates?

NASA directs applicants to monitor NSPIRES for amendments, clarifications, new program additions, and corrections. NASA also maintains an archive (with an RSS feed) for ROSES 2013 updates on the NASA Science website.

27) Who should applicants contact with questions?

Questions about individual program elements are routed to the Program Officers identified within the appendices. General policy and procedural questions for ROSES can be directed to the ROSES point of contact listed in the announcement: Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters (via sara@nasa.gov and the provided phone number).