ROSES 2014 Solar System Observations | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2014 Solar System Observations

1) What is "ROSES 2014 Solar System Observations"?

It is an opportunity under NASA Headquarters' Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014 omnibus solicitation (NRA number NNH14ZDA001N), managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). While the title highlights Solar System Observations, proposals are actually submitted to specific ROSES program elements described in the solicitation appendices and scheduled in NASA's due-date tables.

2) Is this a single grant call with one due date?

No. ROSES is an umbrella solicitation made up of many program elements, each with its own scope and due dates. Applicants are expected to target a specific program element and follow the due date and instructions tied to that element.

3) What kinds of work does this opportunity support?

The scope is intentionally broad. NASA indicates it will consider basic and applied research that advances NASA science, especially work that uses, supports, or enables observations and data analysis across NASA science missions. This can include theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data, as well as development work that helps make future observations possible.

4) Does the solicitation only cover Solar System science?

Not strictly. Even though "Solar System Observations" is in the title, it sits within the broader ROSES 2014 framework. The umbrella NRA also mentions areas such as Earth surface observations, field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate research data into societal benefit, reflecting the broader SMD research support landscape.

5) What platforms or mission types can investigations use?

NASA states it will consider investigations that can be carried out using aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles. The solicitation also includes work tied to observations and data analysis across NASA science missions.

6) Are laboratory studies and sample analyses included?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly covers methods and laboratory analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial analog samples used to support or validate NASA observations. It also references foundational atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements.

7) Does NASA fund technology and instrumentation development under this solicitation?

Yes. NASA includes development of experimental techniques and instrumentation relevant to future SMD missions, early mission concept development, and advanced technologies that could later be infused into NASA missions.

8) How much funding is available per project?

Funding can vary widely depending on the program element and the nature of the work. NASA describes awards that can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (such as focused data analysis) and awards that can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex activities (such as developing science experiment hardware).

9) How much total funding is available within a given program element?

NASA notes that the total funds available within each individual program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This means NASA may select only a few proposals or several dozen, depending on program goals and the quality and quantity of submissions.

10) What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. NASA states the instrument choice depends on the proposing organization and the specific requirements of the program element.

11) How long are projects expected to last?

Most awards are expected to run about four years, which is typical for ROSES research grants. Some program elements may allow shorter or longer efforts, up to a maximum of five years.

12) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad: domestic and foreign organizations, government and private entities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations can submit proposals. The opportunity description does not state a restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

13) Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and will NASA fund them?

Non-U.S. participation is generally conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not provide funding to non-U.S. institutions. The solicitation points proposers to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers and related instructions describing how foreign participation can be structured, including cases where a non-U.S. proposal involves U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The posting states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

15) What system(s) are used to submit proposals?

Submissions must be electronic. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or via Grants.gov. However, registration in NSPIRES is required for all proposing organizations regardless of which submission portal is used.

16) If submitting via Grants.gov, what registrations are needed?

Organizations using Grants.gov must register in Grants.gov and must designate authorized organizational representative(s) who can submit on the institution's behalf. NASA also requires NSPIRES registration even when submitting through Grants.gov.

17) Do individual investigators need to register anywhere?

Yes. All principal investigators and other key participants, including co-investigators, must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission portal.

18) Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA advises starting registrations and system familiarization early because proposals require structured information entry, and setting up organizations and users in these systems can take time.

19) What are the key dates listed in the opportunity posting?

The posting lists: Posted date of March 17, 2014; an original closing date of April 7, 2014; a current closing date listed as June 6, 2014; and an archive date of July 6, 2014. Applicants are still expected to follow the due dates tied to the specific program element they are proposing to.

20) Where do applicants find the authoritative list of program elements and due dates?

NASA directs applicants to ROSES Tables 2 and 3 for the authoritative list of specific calls, due dates, and topical areas. NASA also encourages applicants to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe for updates.

21) Will there be amendments or clarifications to ROSES 2014?

Yes. The description indicates that amendments and clarifications were expected through February 2015, when a subsequent ROSES NRA was planned.

22) Who should applicants contact with questions?

For program content questions, applicants are directed to the program officers listed within each program element's appendix summary. For general ROSES policy and procedure questions, the opportunity lists Max Bernstein (sara@nasa.gov) as the general contact.

23) What CFDA number and assistance listing applies to this opportunity?

The posting lists it under CFDA 43.001 (Science) and describes it as a discretionary opportunity.