ROSES 2014 Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2014 PSTAR (Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2014 Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research (PSTAR) program element, which sits within NASA Headquarters ROSES 2014 omnibus solicitation (NNH14ZDA001N). It is a discretionary research and technology funding opportunity administered by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) What is the main purpose of PSTAR?

PSTAR emphasizes planetary science and the use of analog environments, analog materials, and analog testing to mature scientific understanding and mission-relevant technologies. The intent includes improving interpretation of planetary data, reducing risk for future missions, and advancing instruments, operations concepts, and measurement techniques by testing them in Earth-based settings that resemble conditions on other worlds.

3) What kinds of projects does ROSES 2014 (and PSTAR within it) support?

The solicitation describes a broad range of space and Earth science supporting activities. Examples include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; field and laboratory investigations; development of experiment techniques suitable for future missions; new concepts for future missions; and development of advanced technologies that could be infused into SMD missions. PSTAR specifically centers on analog-based planetary science and technology maturation.

4) Does this opportunity allow fieldwork and laboratory work?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly mentions field and laboratory investigations, and PSTAR highlights analog environments and analog testing, which commonly involve Earth-based field sites and laboratory simulations that resemble planetary conditions.

5) Are data analysis, modeling, and theory proposals allowed?

Yes. The ROSES examples include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data, including more focused efforts such as targeted data analysis (which the announcement notes may be funded at under $100,000 per year depending on scope).

6) Does the solicitation include sample analysis work?

Yes. It explicitly includes work related to sample analysis for both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret mission observations.

7) Is PSTAR only about planetary science, or does ROSES also include Earth science activities?

ROSES is broader than PSTAR. The description notes that the ROSES framework can include Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits. PSTAR, however, is the program element identified here and emphasizes planetary science analog research, so proposers need to align to PSTAR-specific requirements in the ROSES appendices and tables.

8) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on scope. The announcement notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for focused work (such as targeted data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for larger, more complex efforts (such as developing science experiment hardware).

9) How much total funding is available for PSTAR?

The opportunity states that for each individual ROSES program element (including PSTAR), total funds available typically range from under $1 million to several million dollars. Actual selections may range from only a handful to several dozen depending on program goals and the quality and quantity of proposals received.

10) What is the typical project period (period of performance)?

NASA expects a typical period of performance of about four years. Some program elements may allow shorter or longer periods, up to a maximum of five years.

11) What types of award instruments can NASA use?

Awards can be issued using different legal instruments depending on project needs and the proposing organization, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The listing specifically notes grants and cooperative agreements as instrument types.

12) What is the difference between a grant and a cooperative agreement in this context?

The opportunity notes that instrument choice can reflect anticipated NASA involvement. For example, a cooperative agreement may be used when substantial NASA involvement is anticipated.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of every type may apply, including universities, companies, nonprofits, and government entities. Both domestic and foreign organizations are permitted, with important constraints on non-U.S. participation described in ROSES policy guidance.

14) Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, but there are constraints. The opportunity states that NASA funding is generally provided to U.S. institutions and that projects involving non-U.S. organizations are typically conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis unless special arrangements apply. Non-U.S. proposers and teams with non-U.S. partners are directed to the relevant ROSES guidebook sections for specific rules.

15) If a team includes non-U.S. partners, can NASA still fund the project?

The description indicates NASA funding is generally provided to U.S. institutions, and non-U.S. participation is typically handled on a "no exchange of funds" basis unless special arrangements apply. Teams are directed to ROSES guidebook sections that govern these arrangements, especially where U.S. personnel are involved and NASA support is requested for them.

16) Is cost sharing required?

No. The opportunity listing indicates there is no cost-sharing requirement.

17) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The listing provides CFDA 43.001 (Science).

18) Where do applicants find the PSTAR-specific due dates and requirements?

Key logistics like program element names, deadlines, and links are managed through the ROSES tables and appendices rather than a single universal due date. Applicants are directed to use Table 2 (organized by due date) and Table 3 (organized by subject area) to locate the relevant PSTAR call details, and then follow the PSTAR program element description and requirements in the ROSES appendices.

19) How are updates, amendments, and clarifications communicated?

The solicitation advises proposers to monitor NSPIRES for amendments and new elements through February 2015. It also references a web archive and an RSS feed for ongoing clarifications and corrections.

20) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically and must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. NASA accepts submissions through NSPIRES and, for some organizations, through Grants.gov, but NSPIRES registration is required either way.

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

Yes. The notice states NSPIRES registration is required regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

22) Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

All investigators and participants, including principal investigators and co-investigators, must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

23) Are there any warnings about registration timing?

Yes. The notice strongly encourages teams to start registrations and system familiarization early because missing or incomplete registrations can derail an otherwise competitive submission.

24) Who should be contacted for questions about the PSTAR program element?

For program-specific questions, proposers are expected to contact the program officers listed in the ROSES appendices.

25) Who should be contacted for general ROSES policy and procedure questions?

General ROSES policy and procedure questions are directed to the SMD research lead (Max Bernstein) via the SARA mailbox.

26) What is the timeline mentioned in the opportunity listing?

The listing indicates it was posted in mid-2014, had an original closing date in late July 2014 that was extended to a late September 2014 closing date, and it was archived in late October 2014.

27) How should this opportunity be understood within NASA's broader research portfolio?

The description frames PSTAR as a pathway for researchers to propose analog-focused planetary science and technology work within NASA's larger, annually refreshed ROSES research portfolio. Applicants are expected to use the ROSES appendices and tables to identify the precise PSTAR requirements and due dates.