ROSES 2014 Emerging Worlds | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2014 Emerging Worlds (NNH14ZDA001N)

1) What is ROSES 2014 Emerging Worlds?

ROSES 2014 Emerging Worlds is a research funding opportunity issued by NASA Headquarters under Funding Opportunity Number NNH14ZDA001N. It is part of NASA's annual omnibus solicitation called Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) How does "Emerging Worlds" relate to the broader ROSES solicitation?

Emerging Worlds is one area within the broader ROSES structure. Rather than being described as a single standalone program with one set of rules and dates, its specific research topics, requirements, and due dates are defined in the ROSES appendices and reference tables.

3) What kind of research is NASA seeking through this opportunity?

NASA SMD seeks proposals for both basic and applied research that advances NASA science goals across space science and Earth science. The scope is intentionally broad and can support everything from small, focused analysis efforts to large, multi-year projects that build capabilities for future missions.

4) What are examples of supported activities?

Examples specifically mentioned include theoretical work, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; investigations using aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital reusable launch vehicles; and the development of new experiment techniques and instrumentation that could fly on future SMD missions.

5) Does this opportunity support mission concepts and technology development?

Yes. The opportunity includes early mission concept work and advanced technologies relevant to NASA science missions. It can also include developing science experiment hardware and other new capabilities intended to support future missions.

6) Is laboratory and sample science work eligible?

Yes. Laboratory work tied to sample science is included, such as analysis of extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret observations from Earth system science missions.

7) Are Earth science field observations and modeling activities included?

Yes. The solicitation notes support for Earth surface observations and field campaigns that directly support NASA science missions, building integrated Earth system models, and developing applied information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits.

8) How much funding can be requested?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on the proposed work. NASA notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for limited efforts such as data analysis, while larger projects such as developing science experiment hardware can exceed $1 million per year.

9) How is funding organized within ROSES?

Within the ROSES framework, each program element has its own available funding pool, typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This structure allows NASA to select anywhere from a handful to dozens of proposals per element depending on priorities and submission volume and quality.

10) What types of award instruments might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards using grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The mechanism depends on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

11) What is the typical project period of performance?

The typical period of performance is about four years. Some program elements may be shorter or longer, with a stated maximum of five years in most cases.

12) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Proposals may be submitted by many organization types, including government and private entities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and domestic or foreign organizations.

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

No specific restriction is stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements an organization may pursue.

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

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA funding is primarily provided to U.S. institutions. When non-U.S. organizations participate, NASA policy generally requires collaboration on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA does not transfer funds to the non-U.S. entity.

15) Are there exceptions or special cases for non-U.S. participation?

The solicitation points applicants to NASA's NRA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed instructions and exceptions, including situations where non-U.S. organizations propose with U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested, or where an NRA is jointly issued with an international partner and includes special participation guidelines.

16) How are proposals submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative. Submission can be done through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov, depending on the instructions for the specific program element.

17) What registrations are required before submitting?

Every organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

18) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All principal investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) must have NSPIRES registrations regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

19) Why does NASA emphasize registering early?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registration and system familiarization well before deadlines to avoid last-minute access and authorization issues that could prevent timely submission.

20) Where do applicants find the specific research topics and proposal requirements?

Because ROSES is organized into many program elements, the specific topics, proposal instructions, and due dates are found in the solicitation appendices and in two reference tables. Table 2 lists elements by due date, and Table 3 lists elements by subject area.

21) Can deadlines vary by program element?

Yes. Individual program elements within ROSES can have distinct due dates within the overall ROSES cycle, so applicants need to rely on the appendices and tables for the element they are targeting.

22) Can NASA change or add program elements after the initial posting?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments, clarifications, and new elements can be released after the initial posting. Applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to NASA's electronic notification service for updates.

23) Who should be contacted for administrative or policy questions?

For administrative and policy questions, the solicitation identifies a general point of contact within SMD: Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, reachable at sara@nasa.gov.

24) Who answers technical questions about a specific program element?

Technical questions about specific program elements are directed to the program officers listed in the solicitation appendices.

25) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The public posting states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

26) How is this opportunity categorized in the public posting?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary and focused on science and technology and other research and development. It is listed under CFDA 43.001 (Science).

27) What were the posted closing and archive dates?

The original closing date was March 31, 2014. The updated closing date was June 4, 2014. The archive date was June 29, 2014. However, individual ROSES program elements can have their own due dates within the ROSES cycle.