ROSES 2014 Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry Ocean Color Remote Sensing Vicarious (In Situ) Calibration Instruments | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2014 Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry program element focused on Ocean Color Remote Sensing Vicarious (In Situ) Calibration Instruments. It sits under NASA's broader ROSES 2014 omnibus solicitation (NRA NNH14ZDA001N) managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

What is the main goal of the Ocean Color vicarious (in situ) calibration focus?

The main goal is to improve the quality, traceability, and usability of ocean color satellite products by supporting high-quality in situ measurements and the instruments, systems, protocols, and analyses used to calibrate and validate satellite observations.

Why does NASA emphasize in situ calibration instruments for ocean color remote sensing?

Ocean color retrievals are sensitive to small errors and to atmospheric and surface effects. NASA therefore places high value on carefully characterized in-water and above-water radiometric measurements and on the end-to-end methods that connect these reference measurements to satellite sensor performance.

How does this opportunity fit within ROSES 2014?

ROSES 2014 is a broad, multi-topic solicitation that spans many space and Earth science research areas. This particular emphasis is positioned within the Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry area, where accurate ocean color data support studies of marine ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, and related climate and carbon questions.

What types of projects does NASA allow under this solicitation?

NASA allows a wide range of basic and applied efforts, including theory, modeling, and data analysis; field campaigns; instrument and technique development; and advanced technology work that can feed future missions. For this specific emphasis, the work should strengthen the measurement and calibration foundations for ocean color satellite observations.

Is this opportunity only for research, or can it include technology and hardware?

It can include both. The solicitation explicitly allows research and technology work, including hardware-intensive activities such as developing science instrument systems, as well as more focused analytical efforts such as targeted data analysis.

What is meant by "vicarious calibration" in this context?

Based on the description provided, "vicarious (in situ) calibration" refers to using trusted, high-quality in situ measurements (and the associated instruments and protocols) as reference standards to help calibrate and validate satellite ocean color observations.

What is NASA trying to improve in ocean color satellite products through this funding?

NASA is aiming to reduce uncertainty and strengthen scientific trust in ocean color products by improving the underlying in situ measurement capability, calibration traceability, validation practices, and the analytical frameworks that link reference measurements to satellite sensor performance.

How much funding is available per award?

The funding range is intentionally flexible. NASA notes that awards can range from under $100,000 per year for focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, hardware-intensive efforts (such as developing instrument systems).

How much total funding is available for the program element?

The total amount available varies by program element and can range from less than one million to several million dollars in total. This means NASA may select only a handful of proposals in some areas, or several dozen in others, depending on proposal quality, need, and program priorities.

What kinds of funding mechanisms might NASA use for awards?

Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or interagency/intraagency transfers. The mechanism depends on the proposing organization and the nature of the work.

How long can a project last?

A typical period of performance is about four years. Some elements allow shorter or longer projects, up to a maximum of five years.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad by organization type. Universities, nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities may propose.

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

No specific restriction is stated on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements, based on the information provided.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy. In general, that means they can contribute to the work but typically cannot receive NASA funding.

Where can non-U.S. participants find applicable rules and special cases?

The solicitation points non-U.S. proposers to guidance in the NASA Guidebook for Proposers, including special cases involving non-U.S. participation where U.S. personnel may request NASA support.

How do proposals have to be submitted?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized organizational representative.

What submission systems can applicants use?

Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov. However, registration in NSPIRES is required either way.

Is NSPIRES registration required even if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. The information provided states that NSPIRES registration is required regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES directly or via Grants.gov.

Are there additional registration requirements for Grants.gov submissions?

Yes. Organizations intending to use Grants.gov must be registered in Grants.gov, in addition to being registered in NSPIRES.

What does NASA recommend regarding registrations and administrative setup?

NASA emphasizes registering early and ensuring that all participants (including PIs and co-Is) have NSPIRES accounts, because administrative delays can jeopardize on-time submission.

What were the key dates for this specific listing?

The opportunity was posted on March 25, 2014. The closing date was June 19, 2014, and the archive date was July 19, 2014.

Where do applicants find the exact due dates for specific ROSES program elements?

NASA directs applicants to ROSES Tables 2 and 3 for exact program-element due dates and for the subject-area organization.

How can applicants track amendments or updates to ROSES 2014?

NASA encourages proposers to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe for amendments and updates through early 2015.

Who should applicants contact with questions about this opportunity?

For program-element questions, applicants are directed to the relevant program officers listed in the appendices for each program element. For general ROSES policy and procedure questions, the solicitation routes inquiries to the Science Mission Directorate research office contact: Max Bernstein (sara@nasa.gov).

What kinds of science does this opportunity ultimately support?

By investing in in situ calibration instruments and related field and analytical capabilities, NASA aims to enable stronger ocean biology and biogeochemistry science by making ocean color satellite data more accurate and scientifically trustworthy for current and future missions.