ROSES 2014 Living With a Star | Apply Online

FAQs: NASA ROSES 2014 - Living With a Star (LWS) Program Elements

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2014 Living With a Star (LWS) area, which sits inside NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014 omnibus solicitation (NNH14ZDA001N). It funds research and related activities that support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) Is this only for "Living With a Star" research?

No. While the title highlights the Living With a Star theme area, the description makes clear that it is part of the larger ROSES 2014 structure. The specific topics, requirements, and deadlines are defined at the individual program element level in the ROSES appendices and tables.

3) What kinds of work is NASA looking to fund under ROSES 2014/LWS?

The scope is intentionally broad. Examples of supported work include:

• Theory development, numerical modeling, and analysis of SMD mission data
• Research using aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital or reusable launch vehicle platforms
• Development of new experimental techniques that could fly on future SMD missions
• Concept development for future missions
• Maturation of advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives
• Laboratory and analytical work tied to samples returned by spacecraft (and terrestrial samples used to validate/interpret observations from Earth system science missions)
• Determining atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based observations and samples
• Earth surface observations and field campaigns
• Building integrated Earth system models
• Developing applied systems that translate Earth science results and datasets into societal or operational benefits

4) What is the overarching goal of ROSES 2014 (including LWS elements)?

The opportunity is meant to fund both basic and applied research that supports NASA SMD, with an emphasis on producing new scientific understanding, advancing mission-enabling capabilities, and improving the value extracted from NASA science data and platforms.

5) Where do I find the exact topic I should apply to?

The actionable details are in the ROSES 2014 appendices and the solicitation tables, because each program element has its own scope and due date. The solicitation references:

• Table 2 (organized by due date)
• Table 3 (organized by subject area)

6) Do all ROSES 2014 elements share the same deadline?

No. The source listing includes an original and current closing date of March 14, 2014, but it also notes that ROSES elements often have their own distinct deadlines. Applicants are directed to check the due date listed for the specific program element they plan to propose to.

7) How much funding can a project receive?

Funding varies widely by the type and scale of work. The solicitation describes awards that can be under $100,000 per year for tightly focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex activities (such as building and delivering science hardware).

8) How large are the funding pools for individual program elements?

For each specific ROSES 2014 program element, the available funding pool ranges from under $1 million to several million dollars. That means some elements may fund only a handful of proposals, while others may fund several dozen, depending on program goals and the quality and quantity of submissions.

9) How long is the expected project period?

NASA expects most projects to run about four years. Some program elements may allow shorter or longer periods, with an overall maximum of five years.

10) What award types or instruments might NASA use?

Award instruments may include grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The choice depends on the nature of the work, the proposing organization, and any special requirements for the program element.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad by organization type. Domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit institutions can submit.

13) Can non-U.S. organizations apply and receive NASA funding?

The solicitation notes NASA generally funds U.S. institutions. Participation by non-U.S. organizations is governed by NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning foreign organizations typically participate without receiving NASA money. The opportunity points non-U.S. proposers to guidance in NASA's NRA Guidebook, including special cases (for example, when a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested, or when an element is jointly issued with a non-U.S. partner).

14) Is there a limit to how many proposals an organization can submit?

No limit is stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

15) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically. Submission must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization.

16) Which submission systems does NASA accept for ROSES 2014 proposals?

NASA accepts submissions through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, but NSPIRES registration is required for all proposers either way.

17) If I submit through Grants.gov, do I still need NSPIRES?

Yes. The solicitation states NSPIRES registration is required regardless of whether you submit through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

18) What registrations are required before submission?

If using Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES. Registrations must designate the authorized organizational representative(s) allowed to submit. Also, all investigators and participants (including principal investigators and co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission portal.

19) Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA emphasizes starting registration and system familiarization early because organizational and personnel profiles must be in place before submission.

20) Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments, clarifications, and new elements may be released through roughly February 2015. Proposers are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications, and to consult the amendment archive on NASA's SARA site.

21) Where should I look for amendments and clarifications?

The solicitation encourages monitoring NSPIRES (including notifications/subscriptions) and consulting the amendment archive on NASA's SARA site.

22) Who do I contact with questions about a specific program element?

For program-specific questions, the solicitation points to the program officers listed in each element's Summary of Key Information.

23) Who do I contact for general ROSES policy or procedure questions?

For general ROSES policy and procedure questions, the solicitation lists Dr. Max Bernstein (SMD) via sara@nasa.gov.

24) What are the key dates shown in the source listing?

The source listing includes a posting date of February 24, 2014, an original and current closing date of March 14, 2014 (with the note that many elements have their own deadlines), and an archive date of April 13, 2014.

25) How is this opportunity categorized, and what CFDA does it reference?

The listing categorizes the opportunity as discretionary, with grant and cooperative agreement among the primary instruments, and associates it with CFDA 43.001 (Science).