ROSES 2014 Heliophysics Guest Investigators | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2014 Heliophysics Guest Investigators (HGI)

What is the ROSES 2014 Heliophysics Guest Investigators (HGI) opportunity?

It is a NASA funding opportunity released under NASA Headquarters Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014, an omnibus solicitation identified as NNH14ZDA001N. The Heliophysics Guest Investigators (HGI) element sits within the heliophysics discipline and supports research that advances NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) science goals, with a strong emphasis on scientific use of NASA mission data and strengthening the broader research and technology base that supports current and future missions.

Is HGI a standalone solicitation or part of a larger program?

HGI is a program element within the larger ROSES 2014 omnibus solicitation. ROSES includes many separate research areas and program elements, each with its own detailed requirements and due dates described in ROSES appendices and due-date tables.

What kinds of projects are within scope for this call?

The scope is broad and intended to cover end-to-end activities that make NASA missions scientifically productive. Supported work may include theory, numerical modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; development of experimental techniques that could be used on future missions; concept studies for future missions; advanced technology development relevant to SMD objectives; and laboratory or analytical work tied to interpreting observations, including analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples used to validate or support Earth and space observations.

Does the opportunity emphasize use of NASA mission data?

Yes. A major emphasis is on making scientific use of NASA mission data and strengthening the broader research and technology base supporting current and future missions.

Are only space-based investigations supported?

No. The solicitation also mentions investigations using platforms such as aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital or reusable launch vehicle efforts, where aligned with SMD goals and the relevant program element requirements.

Can this solicitation support Earth system science activities?

Yes, the ROSES scope highlights Earth system science activities such as field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate research data into societal benefit, when aligned with SMD goals and the specific program element requirements.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely depending on what is proposed. NASA indicates awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts such as data analysis, and can exceed $1 million per year for large, resource-intensive activities such as developing science experiment hardware.

How large are the funding pools for program elements under ROSES?

Each ROSES program element typically has its own funding pool ranging from under $1 million to several million dollars. Depending on priorities and proposal quality, NASA may fund anywhere from a small handful to several dozen proposals per element.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or as inter- or intra-agency transfers. The specific instrument depends on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

What is the typical project period of performance?

The usual performance period is four years. Some elements may be shorter or longer, up to a maximum of five years.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad at the organizational level. Domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, and for-profit and nonprofit institutions may submit proposals.

Are non-US organizations allowed to participate?

Yes, foreign organizations may submit. However, NASA notes that in practice it generally funds US institutions, and non-US participation is typically handled under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning non-US partners generally participate without receiving NASA funding.

Where can non-US proposers find rules that apply to them?

Non-US proposers are pointed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules, including special cases where a non-US proposal involves US personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that cost sharing or matching is not required.

Is there a limit on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

No limit is stated. The information provided indicates there is no stated limit on how many proposals an organization can submit or what teaming arrangements it can use.

How do applicants submit a proposal?

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 program element instructions.

What registration steps are required before submission?

Registration is emphasized as a key administrative requirement. Every proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES. All principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA emphasizes starting registrations and becoming familiar with the submission systems early to avoid last-minute issues.

Where do applicants find the detailed requirements for HGI and other ROSES elements?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES 2014 appendices for detailed requirements of each program element, and to the published tables listing program elements and due dates (Table 2 organized by due date and Table 3 organized by subject area).

Can the ROSES 2014 solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES 2014 could receive amendments, clarifications, and new elements through February 2015. Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications, and to consult the ROSES amendment archive page.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

Questions about a specific program element are routed to the relevant Program Officer named in that element's summary of key information. General ROSES policy and procedure questions are directed to the SMD research contact listed as Dr. Max Bernstein at sara@nasa.gov.

What is the funding category and activity area for this opportunity?

It is categorized as discretionary funding. The eligible activity area is science and technology and other research and development.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 43.001 (Science).

What are the key posted dates and deadlines?

The posted date is February 24, 2014. The opportunity lists an original closing date of March 14, 2014, and a later current closing date of July 11, 2014, reflecting the ROSES structure where different program elements can have different or extended deadlines.

Does the single closing date apply to every ROSES program element?

Not necessarily. The information provided notes that ROSES is an omnibus solicitation with many separate program elements and different deadlines, and applicants should consult the ROSES due-date tables and the specific program element instructions.