ROSES 2014 ICESat 2 Science Definition Team | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2014 ICESat-2 Science Definition Team

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2014 ICESat-2 Science Definition Team (Funding Opportunity Number NNH14ZDA001N), a NASA Headquarters solicitation under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella. It invites proposals for basic and applied research supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), specifically tied to work connected to the ICESat-2 Science Definition Team.

2) What is the purpose of the ICESat-2 Science Definition Team-related call?

The purpose is to help build and refine the science and measurement approaches needed to maximize ICESat-2 mission science return. This typically includes work like developing analysis methods, modeling approaches, calibration and validation concepts, and other pre-mission or early-mission scientific planning activities that define how mission data will be used.

3) Is this a stand-alone program or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of the larger ROSES 2014 solicitation, which contains multiple program elements. Each program element has its own specific requirements and deadlines, organized in the ROSES appendices and summarized in ROSES Tables 2 and 3 referenced in the announcement.

4) What kinds of research topics are included under ROSES (as described in the notice)?

The notice describes ROSES as broad by design. Examples explicitly included are:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data
• Investigations using aircraft, balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital platforms
• Development of experimental techniques and concepts for future NASA missions
• Development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions
• Laboratory analysis methods for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate Earth-observing missions
• Determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space data and samples
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions
• Development of integrated Earth system models
• Applied information systems that translate Earth science research into societal benefit

5) Does this opportunity only support ICESat-2 work?

This specific listing is tied to work connected to the ICESat-2 Science Definition Team. The broader ROSES umbrella includes many disciplines and work areas, but individual program elements define what is in-scope and what requirements apply.

6) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on scope. The notice states 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, complex activities (such as developing science experiment hardware).

7) How much total funding is available overall?

The notice indicates that total funds available within a given program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This means NASA may select anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals depending on the program element's objectives and the quality and quantity of submissions.

8) What funding mechanisms might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The mechanism is determined by the proposer type and the program's needs.

9) What is the typical performance period?

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

10) Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Eligibility is broad: organizations of all types (government or private, for-profit or nonprofit, domestic or foreign) may submit proposals.

11) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements?

The notice states there is no stated restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

12) Can non-U.S. organizations apply or participate?

Non-U.S. organizations can participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning they must support their own costs unless a specific jointly issued NASA Research Announcement (NRA) states otherwise.

13) Does NASA fund non-U.S. institutions?

The notice states that NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. It points proposers to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers for detailed rules affecting non-U.S. participation, including situations where a non-U.S. organization proposes work that includes U.S. personnel for whom NASA funding is requested.

14) How do proposals need to be submitted?

Proposals had to be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative, either through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov (with NSPIRES registration still required).

15) If submitting via Grants.gov, do we still need NSPIRES?

Yes. The notice specifies that NSPIRES registration is still required even if the proposal is submitted via Grants.gov.

16) Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

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

17) Why does the notice emphasize early registration and system familiarization?

The notice emphasizes starting registration and becoming familiar with the submission systems early to avoid last-minute submission issues.

18) What was the closing date for this specific listing?

For this specific listing, the original and current closing date was June 2, 2014.

19) What was the archive date?

The archive date listed was July 2, 2014.

20) Were amendments or clarifications expected after posting?

Yes. The notice states that ongoing amendments and clarifications to ROSES 2014 were to be posted through February 2015, and proposers were encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for updates.

21) Where can applicants find program-element-specific requirements and deadlines?

The notice explains that program-element-specific requirements and deadlines are organized in the ROSES appendices and summarized in ROSES Tables 2 and 3 referenced in the announcement.

22) Who should be contacted for questions about general ROSES policies and procedures?

For questions about general ROSES policies and procedures, the listed point of contact is Dr. Max Bernstein, Lead for Research in SMD (sara@nasa.gov).

23) Who should be contacted for questions about a specific program element?

Questions about specific program elements are directed to the program officers identified in the ROSES appendices.