ROSES 2014 Topical Workshops, Symposia, and Conferences | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the ROSES 2014 Topical Workshops, Symposia, and Conferences (TWSC) opportunity?

ROSES 2014 Topical Workshops, Symposia, and Conferences (Funding Opportunity Number NNH14ZDA001N, TWSC) is part of NASA Headquarters' annual ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) omnibus solicitation managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). It supports work that directly advances NASA SMD science goals across space science and Earth science, including activities framed as topical workshops, symposia, and conferences.

2) Is this a single stand-alone grant program with one set of requirements?

No. This listing sits within the broader ROSES structure. The specific program elements, their scopes, and their deadlines are defined in the ROSES appendices and the accompanying ROSES Tables. Applicants are expected to find the exact topical call (program element) that matches their proposed activity and follow that element's instructions.

3) How do I find the right topical call/program element for my workshop or conference idea?

You locate the appropriate program element in the ROSES appendices and use ROSES Tables 2 and 3 to identify it and confirm its due date. Table 2 is organized by due date, and Table 3 is organized by subject area.

4) What kinds of activities or work can be supported under ROSES in this context?

The opportunity is intentionally broad and can support basic and applied research, plus related technology development that supports NASA SMD goals. Supported work can include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; suborbital and platform-based investigations (aircraft campaigns, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, International Space Station use, CubeSats, and reusable suborbital vehicles); development of new experimental techniques for future missions; early mission concept development; and advancement of technologies relevant to upcoming NASA missions.

5) Does ROSES support laboratory and sample-related work?

Yes. It covers laboratory and analytical work tied to samples, including analysis of extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth-observing mission data.

6) Are there specific emphasis areas called out in the notice?

Yes. Additional emphasis areas include determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret remote sensing and sample data; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD missions; development of integrated Earth system models; and applied systems that translate Earth science data into usable societal information products and decision support.

7) What outcomes or deliverables might be expected for workshops, symposia, or conferences?

Element-specific expectations can include meeting outcomes such as proceedings, community reports, or coordinated research plans. The exact expected products are defined by the specific program element and can be clarified by the Program Officer for that element.

8) How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely based on the nature and scale of the proposed effort. NASA notes awards may be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused activities (for example, targeted data analysis) and can exceed $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive work (for example, developing science experiment hardware or other major capabilities).

9) Is there one single budget pool for all ROSES 2014 awards?

No. The amount available is not one pool for the entire ROSES solicitation. Each program element has its own budget, typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. That means a given element might fund from a small handful to several dozen proposals depending on objectives and proposal quality.

10) What award mechanisms can NASA use under this opportunity?

NASA can issue awards through multiple mechanisms depending on what best fits the work and the proposing organization. Mechanisms mentioned include grants and cooperative agreements (explicitly listed for this opportunity), and NASA may also use contracts and interagency or intra-agency transfers when appropriate.

11) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical performance period is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter timelines or allow longer efforts up to a maximum of five years.

12) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states that no cost sharing or matching is required.

13) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad: organizations of all types may submit, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and both for-profit and nonprofit institutions.

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

No limit is stated in the information provided. The notice indicates there is no stated limit on how many proposals an organization can submit or how teams can be arranged.

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

Non-U.S. organizations can participate, but NASA highlights a key policy constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. In general, NASA funding is provided only to U.S. institutions, and foreign partners participate using their own resources unless a jointly issued NASA Research Announcement (NRA) includes special arrangements.

16) Where are the detailed rules for proposals involving foreign organizations explained?

Applicants are directed to the NASA Guidebook for Proposers (including Appendix B and related sections) for detailed rules governing proposals that include foreign organizations and any cases where U.S. personnel support is requested in connection with a non-U.S. proposal.

17) How do proposals have to be submitted?

All proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative.

18) Which electronic systems can be used to submit?

Submissions can be made through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov. However, NSPIRES registration is required in all cases.

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

Yes. NSPIRES registration is required regardless of whether you submit through NSPIRES directly or through Grants.gov.

20) What registrations are required for organizations and team members?

Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must be registered in Grants.gov, and those registrations must identify the authorized officials permitted to submit. Principal investigators and all other participants (including co-investigators) must also be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

21) Why does NASA recommend registering early?

NASA strongly advises applicants to complete registrations and become familiar with the electronic systems well before the relevant due dates to avoid last-minute access or submission issues.

22) Is there one deadline for the entire TWSC opportunity?

No. Deadlines are not governed by a single date for every topic. Each ROSES program element has its own due date and requirements, listed in ROSES Tables 2 and 3.

23) What were the posted and closing dates for this ROSES 2014 cycle?

For ROSES 2014, the opportunity was posted on February 24, 2014. The original and current closing date is March 31, 2015, and the archive date is April 30, 2015.

24) Can NASA change or add program elements during the ROSES cycle?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and additional program elements can be released during the ROSES cycle (through around February 2015 for this cycle). Applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications and consult the ROSES amendment archive for clarifications and corrections.

25) Who should I contact with questions about a specific topical program element?

Applicants are directed to the Program Officers listed in each program element's Summary of Key Information within the ROSES appendices. Those officers can clarify element-specific scope, expected products, and any special submission instructions.

26) Who should I contact with general ROSES policy or procedure questions?

Questions about general ROSES policies and procedures are routed to the SMD lead contact identified in the notice, Max Bernstein, via the provided SARA email address.