ROSES 2013 Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2013 PICASSO (NNH13ZDA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2013 program element called Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO), under Funding Opportunity Number NNH13ZDA001N. It sits within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2013 (ROSES 2013) NASA Research Announcement.

What is the main purpose of PICASSO?

PICASSO is oriented toward strengthening the pipeline of planetary instrument concepts and enabling technologies that can improve future solar system observations. It supports activities that build the scientific and technical basis for instrumentation aligned with future mission needs.

How does PICASSO relate to ROSES 2013?

PICASSO is a specific program element administered within the broader ROSES 2013 framework. ROSES 2013 spans research and technology across NASA's Science Mission Directorate, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

What kinds of work can be supported under PICASSO?

Based on the description provided, the solicitation supports work that can range from early concept maturation to technology development tied to future mission needs, as well as related research efforts that strengthen the scientific and technical basis for instrumentation.

Does ROSES 2013 cover areas beyond instrument development?

Yes. ROSES 2013 is intentionally broad. It can include (among other areas) theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; suborbital investigations (aircraft, balloons, suborbital rockets, and commercial reusable rockets); development of experimental techniques for future missions; new mission and instrument concepts; advanced technologies relevant to Science Mission Directorate missions; laboratory techniques and analyses for extraterrestrial and terrestrial analog samples; work to determine atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based data; Earth surface observations and field campaigns; integrated Earth system modeling; and applied information systems that translate research data into societal benefit.

Where do applicants find the exact technical scope and required deliverables for PICASSO?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices and program-element guidance for the exact technical priorities, required deliverables, and evaluation considerations. Deadlines and updates are also referenced in ROSES tables listing due dates.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on June 27, 2013, with a closing date of September 13, 2013. The archive date was October 13, 2013.

What is the CFDA number and activity category?

The CFDA number is 43.001 (Science). The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The information provided states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

How much funding is typical under ROSES 2013?

Funding levels vary by program element and can support both small, tightly scoped studies and major development efforts. Typical awards can be under $100,000 per year for limited efforts (such as focused data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for large activities (such as development of science experiment hardware). The amount available by program element ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

How many proposals might NASA select?

Because funding availability varies by program element (from less than $1 million to several million dollars), NASA may select only a few proposals or as many as several dozen depending on program goals and the strength of submissions.

What award types can NASA use?

NASA may issue awards as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- and intra-agency transfers, depending on the proposer and the work being funded.

What is the typical period of performance?

The standard period of performance is usually four years. Some program elements allow shorter or longer durations, with a typical maximum of five years.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of many types may apply, including government and private entities, for-profit and non-profit, and both domestic and foreign organizations.

Can non-U.S. organizations apply, and can they receive NASA funds?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but participation is governed by NASA policy requiring no exchange of funds. The information provided notes that NASA generally funds U.S. institutions, and non-U.S. proposers are directed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers and specific ROSES provisions explaining how to structure proposals under the no-exchange-of-funds rule.

How should proposals handle situations involving U.S. personnel and requested NASA support when non-U.S. organizations are involved?

The description indicates that ROSES provisions explain how to structure proposals under the no-exchange-of-funds rule, especially in cases where U.S. personnel are included and NASA support is requested for those U.S. participants. Applicants are directed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers and the relevant ROSES provisions for specifics.

How do applicants submit proposals?

Proposals must be submitted electronically through either NSPIRES (NASA's proposal data system) or Grants.gov, by the due date associated with the relevant program element.

Do organizations have to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. All submitting organizations must be registered in NSPIRES.

If submitting via Grants.gov, is NSPIRES registration still required?

Yes. Applicants using Grants.gov must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

Who must be registered in NSPIRES?

NSPIRES registration must identify the authorized organizational representative who will submit the proposal. In addition, all principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Does NASA recommend any steps before the deadline?

Yes. NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registrations early and become familiar with system requirements well before deadlines.

Is a Notice of Intent required?

Most program elements request an electronic Notice of Intent. It is used to help NASA plan the review process.

Where should applicants look for amendments, clarifications, or corrections?

Applicants were encouraged to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2013 web archive for amendments, clarifications, and corrections.

Who should applicants contact with questions about program-element requirements?

For help interpreting program-element requirements, NASA directs proposers to the program officers listed in the ROSES appendices.

Who is the point of contact for general ROSES policy and procedure questions?

The point of contact provided for general ROSES policy and procedure questions is Dr. Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters: sara@nasa.gov, 202-358-0879.