ROSES 2013 Terrestrial Ecology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2013 Terrestrial Ecology (NNH13ZDA001N)

What is ROSES 2013 Terrestrial Ecology?

ROSES 2013 Terrestrial Ecology is one program element under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2013 (ROSES 2013) solicitation. The overall solicitation is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) with Funding Opportunity Number NNH13ZDA001N.

Is Terrestrial Ecology a standalone grant, or part of a larger NASA solicitation?

It is part of the larger ROSES 2013 solicitation. Investigators apply to specific ROSES program elements (described in ROSES appendices), and each element has its own scope, points of contact, and due dates.

What NASA directorate is sponsoring this opportunity?

This opportunity supports work that aligns with NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and is intended to fund both basic and applied research and related technology development supporting SMD.

What kinds of NASA research areas are covered under the ROSES 2013 umbrella?

The broader ROSES 2013 call spans multiple NASA research programs, including Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. Terrestrial Ecology is one element within that larger set of opportunities.

How do applicants know what "Terrestrial Ecology" specifically will fund?

NASA directs proposers to the relevant ROSES appendix for the Terrestrial Ecology element, including the element's "Summary of Key Information" and the named Program Officer (Program Officer contact is identified in the appendix).

What types of activities does ROSES 2013 support?

The solicitation supports a wide range of research and development activities connected to NASA science data and missions. Examples described include theory, modeling, and data analysis using SMD datasets; Earth surface observations and field campaigns; development of integrated Earth system models; technology development and mission-enabling work; laboratory and analytical work tied to sample analysis; and applied research and information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits.

Does the solicitation include field work and Earth surface observations?

Yes. It includes Earth surface observations and field campaigns that help interpret, validate, or extend mission observations.

Does ROSES 2013 support modeling and data analysis projects?

Yes. NASA describes support for theory, modeling, and data analysis using Science Mission Directorate datasets, including the development of integrated Earth system models.

Does this opportunity include technology development or mission-enabling work?

Yes. The solicitation includes work that can enable or strengthen future missions, such as developing new experiment techniques, advancing mission concepts, and maturing technologies relevant to flight or mission operations.

Are laboratory and sample analysis activities included?

Yes. NASA includes laboratory and analytical work tied to sample analysis, including extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to support or verify Earth-observing mission results.

Is applied research (societal benefits and decision support) within scope?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes applied research and information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits, aligning scientific outputs with practical decision-support needs.

What are the expected funding levels?

Funding levels are described as intentionally broad. Smaller efforts (such as standalone data analysis or limited modeling studies) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger efforts (such as substantial technology development or science instrument/hardware activities) can exceed $1 million per year. NASA also notes that available funds vary by program element, ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

How many projects might NASA fund under a given program element?

It depends on the program element's available funds, NASA priorities, and proposal quality. NASA notes that some elements may fund only a handful of projects, while others could support several dozen.

What award types (legal instruments) might NASA use?

Awards may be issued using different legal instruments depending on the project and proposing organization, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

How long is the typical project period?

The typical performance period is four years, although some elements may allow shorter or longer durations, with a stated maximum of five years.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broadly described. Domestic and foreign entities, government or private, for-profit or nonprofit, may submit proposals. The solicitation does not state a cap on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

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

Non-U.S. organizations may submit proposals, but NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. organizations typically participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning NASA does not transfer funds to the non-U.S. entity.

Where can non-U.S. proposers find rules that apply to their situation?

Non-U.S. proposers are directed to consult the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules, including situations involving non-U.S. proposals with U.S. personnel requesting NASA support.

How are proposals submitted?

Submission is electronic and routed through NASA's NSPIRES system and/or Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required even if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. NSPIRES registration is required for all proposing organizations and all participants (including principal investigators and co-investigators), regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Are there additional registration requirements for Grants.gov submissions?

Yes. Organizations that submit through Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov (in addition to NSPIRES) and must identify authorized organizational representative(s) who can submit on the institution's behalf.

Does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

Yes. NASA strongly encourages teams to begin registration and system familiarization early to avoid last-minute issues.

Are there Notices of Intent (NOIs), and are they required?

Notices of Intent are requested for most ROSES elements. The information provided indicates NOI deadlines began as early as mid-March 2013. Whether an NOI is required depends on the specific program element guidance in the relevant appendix.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

Key dates are structured by program element and listed in ROSES solicitation tables, with due dates spanning much of 2013. For the Terrestrial Ecology entry described, the posted date is February 21, 2013, and the listed closing date is May 15, 2013, with an archive date of June 14, 2013.

Why might dates or requirements change after the solicitation is posted?

ROSES operates through multiple appendices and can be amended. Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES for updates, amendments, and new elements, and to use NASA's ROSES 2013 web archive/RSS feed for clarifications and corrections.

Where should applicants look for the most authoritative instructions for a specific element?

Applicants should use the relevant ROSES appendix for the program element they are applying to (including the element's key information summary, scope, contact, and due dates), and monitor NSPIRES for any amendments or updates.

Who should be contacted for general ROSES policy and process questions?

General ROSES policy and process questions are directed to the SMD research leadership contact listed in the solicitation: Max Bernstein at NASA Headquarters, using the provided email and phone information in the solicitation.