ROSES 2015: Biodiversity | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2015: Biodiversity (NNH15ZDA001N, BIODIV)

1) What is ROSES 2015: Biodiversity (BIODIV)?

ROSES 2015: Biodiversity (Funding Opportunity Number NNH15ZDA001N, element BIODIV) is a research funding opportunity within NASA's annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The Biodiversity element specifically focuses on research connected to biological diversity, ecosystems, and related environmental change, in ways that support NASA's Earth science and space science goals.

2) What is NASA trying to fund through the Biodiversity element?

NASA is looking to fund basic and applied research that advances scientific understanding and improves the value of NASA mission data and capabilities. In the Biodiversity element, that includes research connecting Earth observations and modeling to biodiversity- and ecosystem-related questions, including work relevant to environmental change.

3) What kinds of research approaches are allowed under this solicitation?

The solicitation is intentionally wide in scope. It allows proposals spanning theoretical, modeling, and analytical studies using SMD science data, as well as efforts that support data collection and validation. It also includes development work such as new techniques for future missions, new concepts for future space missions, and advanced technologies aligned with SMD priorities.

4) Does NASA fund projects that primarily analyze existing NASA science data?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly includes theoretical, modeling, and analytical studies that use SMD science data. These may include studies designed to increase scientific understanding and improve the value or use of NASA mission datasets and capabilities.

5) Are field campaigns, aircraft investigations, or Earth surface observations included?

Yes. The opportunity describes activities that support data collection and validation, including aircraft investigations and Earth surface observations or field campaigns.

6) Can proposals include technology development or mission-related development activities?

Yes. The solicitation covers development work such as new experiment techniques suitable for future missions, new concepts for future space missions, and advanced technologies that are relevant to NASA SMD priorities. It also mentions laboratory analysis capabilities for both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to verify or interpret Earth system observations.

7) Is Earth system modeling and applied information systems work relevant here?

Yes. For Earth science, the call emphasizes integrated Earth system modeling. It also highlights building systems that translate Earth science research outputs into applied products that serve societal needs, including applied information systems tied to NASA objectives and datasets.

8) How much funding is available per award?

Funding varies widely depending on the type and scale of the proposed work. The opportunity notes that some awards can be under $100,000 per year for focused efforts like data analysis, while large and complex activities (for example, developing science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

9) How many projects might NASA fund under this element?

The available budget varies by ROSES program element (from less than a million to several million dollars). As a result, each element may fund only a few projects or up to several dozen, depending on the element's goals and the quality and number of proposals submitted.

10) What is the typical project period, and what is the maximum length allowed?

NASA expects most awards to run about four years. Some program elements may set different timeframes, but the overall maximum period of performance described is five years.

11) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards through multiple mechanisms depending on the project and the proposing organization. The opportunity mentions grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad and largely unrestricted. Domestic and foreign organizations may apply, including government entities and private organizations. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are included.

13) Are there limits on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

No limit is stated in the provided information. The opportunity indicates there is no stated limit on the number of proposals.

14) Are teaming arrangements or collaborations allowed?

Yes. The opportunity indicates there is no stated limit on teaming arrangements.

15) How does NASA handle participation by non-U.S. organizations?

There is a key policy constraint for international participation: when non-U.S. organizations are involved, NASA expects the work to be done on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. This means NASA funding generally does not flow to the non-U.S. partner, even if they participate in the project.

16) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative. Applicants may submit through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov.

17) What registrations are required before submitting?

Registration is a gating requirement. Every proposing organization must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov (while still being registered in NSPIRES). In addition, all principal investigators and other named participants must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission route.

18) Why does NASA recommend starting registration and proposal entry early?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to begin registration and proposal data entry early to avoid last-minute access issues and system-related problems.

19) Where do applicants find the exact requirements and what is being solicited under Biodiversity?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices for the detailed description of what is being solicited under each program element (including Biodiversity). The opportunity also points applicants to Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES document for specific call names, links, and due dates.

20) What is the closing date for this Biodiversity opportunity?

The posted closing date for this Biodiversity opportunity is March 16, 2016.

21) Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and new elements can be released up through February 2016, and recommends monitoring NSPIRES or subscribing to notifications to stay aware of updates.

22) Where can applicants look for clarifications and official FAQs?

The opportunity suggests consulting the ROSES 2015 web archive and the ROSES FAQ pages. It also notes that applicants can contact the specific program officers listed for each program element for clarifications.

23) Who should be contacted for questions about general ROSES policies and procedures?

Questions about general ROSES policies and procedures are directed to Max Bernstein at sara@nasa.gov.