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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2014 Habitable Worlds (NNH14ZDA001N, HW)

What is ROSES 2014 Habitable Worlds (HW)?

ROSES 2014 Habitable Worlds (Funding Opportunity Number NNH14ZDA001N, HW) is a NASA Headquarters funding opportunity under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella. It supports basic and applied research that advances NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) goals, with an emphasis on topics connected to understanding habitable environments and planetary systems.

Is this a standalone grant program or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of the larger ROSES 2014 solicitation, which spans multiple areas of space science and Earth science research and technology. Habitable Worlds is a theme within that broader ROSES structure.

What kinds of activities does this opportunity support?

The solicitation is intentionally broad and can support a wide range of research and development activities, including theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; investigations using platforms such as aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles; development of experimental techniques suitable for future NASA missions; early mission concept development; and advancement of technologies relevant to SMD priorities.

Does the opportunity support work involving samples and laboratory analysis?

Yes. NASA highlights laboratory and analytical work tied to samples, including extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples used to validate or interpret observations (including those from Earth-observing missions).

Are Earth science activities included, or is this only for planetary/space science?

Earth science-related activities are included within the broader ROSES 2014 scope described. Examples emphasized include Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA science missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and applied information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits.

What is the overall goal of funding work under this solicitation?

The opportunity aims to fund work that strengthens the science return of current missions, improves interpretation of existing and future datasets, and matures concepts and technologies that could feed into future missions related to habitable environments and planetary systems.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the scope of work and the specific ROSES program element. The announcement notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for focused efforts (such as discrete data analysis projects) and can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex activities (such as development of science experiment hardware).

How much total funding is available within ROSES program elements?

The amount available in each ROSES program element ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars, depending on the element.

How many awards might NASA make?

NASA indicates that, depending on the goals of a program element and the number of meritorious proposals received, selections could range from a handful to several dozen awards within an element.

What is the typical project period for awards?

Most awards are expected to run about four years. Some program elements may specify shorter periods or allow longer periods, up to a maximum of five years.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards using different legal instruments depending on the work and the proposing organization. The solicitation lists grants and cooperative agreements as common mechanisms, and also notes that contracts and interagency or intraagency transfers may be used where appropriate.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this opportunity (CFDA 43.001).

Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and for-profit and non-profit institutions may submit proposals.

Are there limits on the number of proposals an organization can submit or teaming arrangements it can pursue?

No. NASA does not restrict the number of proposals or teaming arrangements an organization may pursue under this solicitation.

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

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA policy is that investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. This typically means NASA does not provide funding to the non-U.S. organization. The solicitation also notes that, in general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions, with details and special cases referenced in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers.

Where should teams look for special rules or exceptions regarding foreign participation?

The solicitation points proposers to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for specific rules and special cases, including situations where non-U.S. organizations propose activities involving U.S. personnel who would request NASA support.

How must proposals be submitted?

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

What systems does NASA use for proposal submission?

NASA accepts submissions through NSPIRES (the NASA Proposal Data System) and, in some cases, Grants.gov. However, registration in NSPIRES is required for all organizations intending to propose.

If submitting through Grants.gov, is NSPIRES still required?

Yes. Organizations that plan to submit via Grants.gov must also be registered in NSPIRES, and they must be registered in Grants.gov as well.

Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All key participants, including principal investigators and co-investigators, must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the submission is made through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA strongly encourages teams to start registration and become familiar with NSPIRES and any required portals well ahead of deadlines because proposal routing and role assignments depend on proper account setup and identification of an authorized organizational representative.

Is there one deadline for the entire ROSES 2014 solicitation?

No. ROSES 2014 is organized into multiple program elements listed in appendices, each with its own scope, contacts, and due dates.

How do applicants find the right due date and call details for their topic?

The solicitation directs applicants to Tables 2 and 3, which are organized by due date and by subject area, respectively, to locate the specific program element details relevant to their topic.

Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments, clarifications, and new program elements can be released through February 2015. Updates are posted via NSPIRES and archived on NASA SMD research solicitation pages, and applicants are encouraged to monitor those sources or subscribe to notifications.

What are the key dates listed for this posting?

The posting lists a creation (posted) date of October 3, 2014; an original and current closing date of November 24, 2014; and an archive date of December 24, 2014.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

Questions about specific program elements are directed to the Program Officers identified in the ROSES appendices. General policy and procedure questions for ROSES may be directed to Max Bernstein (Lead for Research, SMD) via sara@nasa.gov.