ROSES 2014 Astrophysics Theory Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ROSES 2014 Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) opportunity?

The Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) is a competitive funding opportunity released under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014 solicitation (NRA number NNH14ZDA001N). It is run by NASA Headquarters in support of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and is intended to fund research and related technology development that helps NASA plan, interpret, and maximize the science return of its space and Earth science missions.

Is this opportunity only for astrophysics theory?

ATP is labeled as an astrophysics theory program element, but it sits within the much larger ROSES framework. ROSES spans many scientific areas and program elements, with detailed scope and requirements described in ROSES appendices and the program element listings. Applicants are expected to use the ROSES documentation to confirm the exact fit and rules for the specific program element they intend to propose to.

What kinds of work is NASA seeking to fund under this call?

NASA describes a broad range of supporting research activities, including theoretical work, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data. The call also includes studies connected to investigations flown on aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital reusable launch vehicles. NASA also expresses interest in techniques and concepts for future SMD missions, technologies relevant to upcoming missions, and laboratory analyses that help interpret observations.

Does the solicitation support laboratory analysis and sample work?

Yes. The opportunity references laboratory analyses that help interpret observations, including analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft. It also mentions Earth-based samples used to validate or support Earth-observing missions.

What are examples of mission-enabling or interpretation-focused activities mentioned?

Examples described include determining atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze space-based data and returned samples, supporting Earth surface observations and field campaigns, developing integrated Earth system models, and building applied information systems that translate Earth science research outputs into societal benefits. Across these examples, the common theme is strengthening NASA's ability to conduct and interpret mission science.

What is the main purpose or unifying theme of the funded work?

The unifying theme is research or technical capability that improves NASA's ability to plan, execute, and interpret Science Mission Directorate missions, and to maximize the scientific return from those missions.

How much funding is available per award?

Award size can vary widely. NASA notes that some awards can be under $100,000 per year for focused efforts such as targeted data analysis. Larger and more complex activities (for example, developing science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

How much total funding is available within ROSES 2014 program elements?

For each program element within ROSES 2014, NASA indicates that available funding may range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, some program elements may select only a few proposals, while others may select several dozen, depending on the element goals and the quality and quantity of submissions.

What is the typical project period of performance?

The expected period of performance is typically four years. Some program elements may specify shorter or longer durations, with an overall maximum of five years.

What types of award instruments can NASA use?

NASA may make awards through several instruments, depending on the organization and the nature of the work. The solicitation mentions grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or interagency/intraagency transfers.

Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity is broadly open: organizations of many types (government or private, for-profit or nonprofit, domestic or foreign) may submit proposals. The solicitation does not state a restriction on the number of proposals or on teaming arrangements, but eligibility and funding rules still apply in practice.

Can non-US organizations apply or participate?

Non-US organizations may participate, but NASA notes that funding is primarily provided to US institutions. Non-US organizations typically participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning the non-US entity generally supports its own costs rather than receiving NASA funding, unless a specific call includes special arrangements.

What should applicants know about non-US participation rules?

The solicitation points applicants to the ROSES guidebook and the relevant appendix sections for the exact rules. It specifically highlights that rules can matter when a non-US proposal includes US personnel who would need NASA support.

How do proposals need to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically, and submission must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

What submission systems can be used?

Applicants may submit through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov. Registration requirements apply for both approaches.

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

Yes. Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting via Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov. In addition, all principal investigators and other key participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

Who must be listed as authorized to submit?

The registration process must identify the authorized official(s) who will submit proposals. NASA states that submission must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

What does NASA recommend regarding registration and system preparation?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to begin registration and become familiar with the electronic systems well ahead of the due date to avoid administrative delays.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The provided source data lists a posted date of April 29, 2014. The original closing date and the current closing date are both July 11, 2014. The archive date is August 10, 2014.

Are there multiple deadlines under ROSES 2014?

Yes. ROSES is structured as a collection of program elements with differing scopes and deadlines. NASA points applicants to the ROSES 2014 tables that organize calls by due date and by subject area.

Where can applicants find the detailed requirements and scope for a specific program element?

NASA indicates that program-specific details (including what a given element will and will not fund and how it will be reviewed) are provided in the ROSES appendices, along with contacts for the responsible Program Officers.

How can applicants stay informed about amendments or updates to ROSES 2014?

NASA advises researchers to monitor NSPIRES (or subscribe to notifications) for amendments, clarifications, corrections, and any additional program elements released up through February 2015.

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

For general policy and procedural questions related to ROSES, NASA lists Max Bernstein (SMD Lead for Research) as the point of contact via sara@nasa.gov.

What is the solicitation identifier for this opportunity?

The ROSES 2014 solicitation is identified as NRA number NNH14ZDA001N, and the opportunity described is the ROSES 2014 Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) program element within that solicitation.