ROSES 2015: Earth Science Applications: Socioeconomic Benefits | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is "ROSES 2015: Earth Science Applications: Socioeconomic Benefits" under Funding Opportunity Number NNH15ZDA001N. It is part of NASA's annual omnibus solicitation called ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences), issued by NASA Headquarters for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) What is NASA trying to fund through this particular ROSES element?

This element emphasizes Earth science applications and the socioeconomic benefits that can be derived from Earth observations and related research. Projects are expected to connect Earth observation data and Earth science results to decision-making contexts, public benefits, and measurable value for society.

3) Is this solicitation limited to applied work, or can it include basic research too?

It is broad by design and is intended to fund work across the full research-to-application pipeline. NASA indicates it will consider both basic and applied research as well as supporting technology activities that advance NASA space and Earth science goals.

4) What kinds of activities does NASA say it will consider?

NASA states it will consider a wide range of efforts, including theory development, modeling, algorithm development, and data analysis using SMD science data. It also includes investigations that leverage platforms such as aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

5) Does this opportunity cover technology development or mission-enabling work?

Yes. NASA describes support for mission-enabling work such as development of experimental techniques suitable for future NASA missions, early concepts for new space missions, and advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives.

6) What Earth science activities are specifically highlighted for this call area?

NASA highlights Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and creation of systems and applied information tools that translate Earth science research and datasets into usable products addressing real societal needs.

7) What does "socioeconomic benefits" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, it refers to projects that use Earth observations and related research to produce decision-relevant outputs, public benefits, and measurable value to society. The emphasis is on translating Earth science data and results into usable products or tools that support real-world needs.

8) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely depending on scope and the nature of the proposed work. NASA notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused tasks (such as targeted data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex efforts (such as building or advancing science experiment hardware).

9) How is the number of awards determined?

NASA indicates budgets and the number of selections are driven by the specific ROSES program element. Each element may have less than $1 million to several million dollars available, which can result in a small number of awards or several dozen, depending on proposal pressure and the quality and relevance of submissions.

10) What is the typical project duration?

NASA expects a typical period of performance of about four years.

11) Are shorter or longer project periods allowed?

Some elements may allow shorter or longer timelines. NASA also notes an overall maximum period of performance is typically capped at five years.

12) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA states that multiple award mechanisms may be used depending on the proposing organization and the nature of the work. Mechanisms mentioned include grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

13) Why does the award mechanism matter to applicants?

NASA notes the mechanism can affect reporting requirements, the level of NASA involvement, and administrative obligations during the project.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is expansive. Organizations of virtually every type may apply, including U.S. and non-U.S. entities, government and private institutions, for-profit companies, and nonprofit organizations.

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

The provided description states there is no stated restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements.

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

Yes, non-U.S. entities may apply and/or participate. However, NASA reiterates an international participation policy: collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations must generally be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis.

17) What does "no-exchange-of-funds basis" mean here?

It means NASA funds typically cannot be transferred directly to non-U.S. partners, even if those partners participate scientifically, according to the description provided.

18) How do proposals have to be submitted?

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

19) What systems can be used to submit a proposal?

Proposals can be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov.

20) If we submit through Grants.gov, do we still need NSPIRES?

Yes. Organizations must register in NSPIRES regardless of the submission path. Grants.gov registration is additionally required if submitting via Grants.gov.

21) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. NASA emphasizes that principal investigators and all other participants (including co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES.

22) When should applicants start the registration process?

NASA advises applicants to start early because registration and account setup can take time, and early action helps avoid last-minute submission problems.

23) Where are the specific topics, requirements, and due dates defined?

NASA describes the ROSES solicitation structure as modular. Specific topics, requirements, and due dates are laid out in the ROSES appendices and summarized in tables within the NRA (Tables 2 and 3).

24) Do the ROSES requirements and elements change over time?

Yes. Applicants are expected to track amendments and new elements released under ROSES 2015 through February 2016 using NSPIRES notifications or the ROSES web archive.

25) What is the closing date for this element?

The opportunity listing states an original and current closing date of March 24, 2016 for this element.

26) Where can applicants find official updates and additional guidance?

The listing references multiple official web resources for updates, frequently asked questions, and direct contact with relevant program officers. It also notes that NSPIRES notifications and the ROSES web archive are used to track amendments and new elements.

27) Who should be contacted for general policy and procedure questions about the ROSES NRA?

For general policy and procedure questions tied to the ROSES NRA, NASA directs inquiries to the SMD research office contact at sara@nasa.gov. Max Bernstein is listed as the lead contact for general ROSES matters.