ROSES 2014 Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2014 Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis (ACMAP)

1) What is ROSES 2014 ACMAP?

ROSES 2014 Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis (ACMAP) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity offered under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014 solicitation (NRA NNH14ZDA001N). It is intended to fund research and related work that supports NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) goals, with ACMAP focusing specifically on atmospheric composition modeling and analysis.

2) How does ACMAP fit within the larger ROSES 2014 solicitation?

ACMAP is one program element within the larger ROSES 2014 umbrella. While ACMAP points to atmospheric composition modeling and analysis, ROSES as a whole covers a wide range of space and Earth science research topics and methods, including theory, numerical modeling, algorithm and data analysis, and research that directly uses NASA and partner observations.

3) What kinds of work are generally in scope under ROSES 2014 (and potentially relevant to ACMAP)?

The ROSES 2014 scope is broad and includes activities such as:

• Analysis of NASA SMD science data
• Modeling and interpretation
• Use of observations from NASA and partner missions
• Investigations leveraging airborne campaigns, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital platforms
• Development of new experimental techniques and advanced technologies that could enable future NASA missions
• Development of mission concepts
• Laboratory and analytical methods for extraterrestrial returned samples and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing measurements
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns in support of NASA missions
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Applied systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits and usable information products

For ACMAP, these approaches are most relevant when tied to atmospheric composition research and aligned with NASA objectives and datasets.

4) What is the overall purpose of the ROSES 2014 solicitation?

The purpose is to support NASA SMD goals by funding basic and applied research and technology work connected to space and Earth science.

5) What award mechanisms might NASA use for this opportunity?

NASA may issue awards using several mechanisms. For this opportunity, grants and cooperative agreements are explicitly listed. Depending on proposer type and NASA program needs, NASA may also use other mechanisms such as contracts or interagency/intraagency transfers.

6) How much funding is available, and what size awards should applicants expect?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the scope and resource needs of the proposed work. The solicitation notes that awards can be:

• Under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts such as data analysis
• More than $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive activities such as hardware development

Across ROSES 2014 program elements (including ACMAP), NASA indicates that budgets typically range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This can allow NASA to select anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on the program element objectives and the quality and volume of submissions.

7) What is the typical period of performance?

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

8) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign entities may submit proposals, including government or private organizations, and for-profit or nonprofit entities.

9) Are there limits on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

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

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

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA’s standard policy generally requires non-U.S. participation to be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis. This means NASA typically does not provide funding to the non-U.S. partner.

11) What should non-U.S. proposers pay special attention to?

The notice indicates NASA generally funds U.S. institutions and directs non-U.S. proposers to specific guidebook sections for details, including cases where a non-U.S. organization involves U.S. personnel who would request NASA support.

12) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching.

13) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative by the program element deadline.

14) What submission systems can be used?

Submissions can be made through NASA’s NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov. However, registration in NSPIRES is required for any organization intending to apply.

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

Yes. Organizations using Grants.gov must be registered in Grants.gov in addition to being registered in NSPIRES.

16) Who must register in NSPIRES?

All investigators and participants must be registered in NSPIRES, including principal investigators and co-investigators, regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

17) Why does NASA recommend registering early?

NSPIRES and Grants.gov require account set-up and validation steps. The solicitation advises prospective applicants to register and become familiar with the online submission process well before the due date.

18) What are the key dates for this opportunity (as provided)?

• Posting date: April 28, 2014
• Closing date: July 1, 2014 (original and current)
• Archive date: July 31, 2014

19) Do all ROSES 2014 program elements share the same due date?

No. ROSES 2014 is structured into many separate program elements, each with its own requirements and due dates. Applicants are directed to the ROSES 2014 appendices for element-specific instructions.

20) Where can applicants find program-element-specific instructions and schedules?

NASA directs applicants to the ROSES 2014 appendices for element-specific instructions. It also references Table 2 (organized by due date) and Table 3 (organized by subject area) for links and scheduling information.

21) Could the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. The solicitation encourages applicants to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for amendments or new program elements, with new elements potentially released through February 2015.

22) What is the CFDA number and funding category?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding in the science and technology/research and development area, with CFDA number 43.001 (Science).

23) Who should be contacted with questions about ROSES policies and procedures?

Questions about general ROSES policies and procedures are directed to the SMD research lead, Max Bernstein, via sara@nasa.gov.

24) Who should be contacted with questions specific to ACMAP or other program elements?

Program-element-specific questions are directed to the relevant program officers listed in each appendix element’s summary of key information.