ROSES 2015 Exobiology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2015 Exobiology (NNH15ZDA001N, Element Tag EXO)

1) What is the ROSES 2015 Exobiology opportunity?

ROSES 2015 Exobiology is a NASA program element within the larger Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2015 solicitation. It is identified under funding opportunity number NNH15ZDA001N with the element tag EXO. NASA Headquarters, through the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), invites proposals for basic and applied research that advances NASA science goals, with applicants expected to align with the specific Exobiology element requirements described in the ROSES 2015 appendices.

2) Is this a standalone grant program or part of a larger solicitation?

It is part of a larger umbrella solicitation (ROSES 2015). The umbrella notice describes a broad range of space and Earth science research and enabling technology, while the detailed scope, requirements, and expectations for Exobiology are spelled out in the ROSES appendices and the Exobiology program-element description.

3) What types of research activities does ROSES generally support?

ROSES supports work across the research pipeline, including theory and modeling, data analysis, laboratory studies, and development of mission concepts, instrumentation, and advanced technologies for potential future NASA missions. Examples mentioned include analysis of SMD mission data; investigations using aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles; development of experimental techniques and hardware; and laboratory methods for analyzing extraterrestrial returned samples and terrestrial analog samples.

4) Does the Exobiology element have a narrower scope than the overall ROSES umbrella?

Yes. While ROSES as an umbrella covers a very broad scientific and technical landscape, applicants are expected to align tightly with the specific goals of the Exobiology program element as defined in the ROSES 2015 appendices and program-element descriptions.

5) What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development. The CFDA number listed is 43.001 (Science).

6) How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels are flexible and vary widely based on the nature of the proposed work. NASA indicates that smaller, focused efforts (such as limited data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger efforts (such as developing science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

7) How much total funding is available for the Exobiology program element?

The notice states that, for each program element, total funding typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars. The exact amount available for Exobiology is not specified in the provided information beyond that general ROSES guidance.

8) How many awards might NASA make under this element?

Because total element funding typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars, NASA may select anywhere from just a few proposals to several dozen. The final number depends on proposal quality, program priorities, and the number of meritorious submissions.

9) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

Awards may be issued using different mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The choice of instrument depends on the proposing organization and program requirements.

10) What is the typical period of performance?

The standard period of performance is generally four years. Some elements may allow shorter or longer durations up to a maximum of five years.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the provided opportunity information.

12) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad by organization type. Domestic and foreign entities, government and private institutions, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations may submit.

13) Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations allowed to participate?

Yes, foreign entities may submit and participate, but NASA highlights an important constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations are generally conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not provide funding directly to non-U.S. organizations.

14) Does NASA fund non-U.S. organizations directly?

In general, NASA provides funding only to U.S. institutions. The opportunity notes that non-U.S. participation is generally "no exchange of funds" and points to additional guidance in NASA's NRA Guidebook for Proposers, including special cases such as jointly issued NRAs with non-U.S. partners and certain situations involving U.S. personnel support.

15) Is there a limit on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

No stated restriction on the number of proposals is included in the provided information.

16) Are teaming arrangements or collaborations allowed?

Yes. The provided information states there is no stated restriction on teaming arrangements.

17) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative. Submission can occur through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov.

18) Do organizations need to register in NSPIRES even if they submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. Every organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES.

19) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. All principal investigators and other proposal participants (such as co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

20) Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA notes that registrations and system familiarization can take time. Applicants are encouraged to start early and complete organizational and individual profiles well ahead of the due date.

21) What are the key dates for this posting?

The posted date is March 12, 2015. The original closing date is April 10, 2015. The current closing date listed is July 24, 2015. The archive date is August 23, 2015.

22) Are deadlines the same for all ROSES program elements?

No. ROSES includes many program elements with different deadlines. Applicants are directed to consult ROSES Tables 2 and 3 (in the NRA) and the relevant appendices for element-by-element due dates.

23) Where should applicants look for amendments, clarifications, and updates?

Applicants should monitor NSPIRES and NASA's ROSES 2015 web pages. The opportunity also references the ROSES 2015 web archive and an RSS feed for amendments and corrections. New elements may be released through February 2016.

24) What kinds of platforms and mission-related activities are mentioned as examples under ROSES?

Examples listed include aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles, as well as mission concept and instrumentation/technology development that could support future NASA missions.

25) What kinds of lab and measurement work are mentioned as relevant?

The opportunity mentions laboratory methods for analyzing extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples used to interpret or validate observations. It also mentions foundational measurements needed to interpret space-based observations, such as atomic and compositional parameters.

26) Does ROSES include Earth science and applied systems work?

Yes. The umbrella scope includes field campaigns and Earth surface observations supporting NASA missions, integrated Earth system model development, and applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal or operational value.

27) Who can help with general policy or procedural questions?

General policy and procedural questions are directed to Max Bernstein, Lead for Research in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, via sara@nasa.gov.

28) Who should applicants contact with questions specific to the Exobiology element?

The opportunity notes that program officer contacts are listed within each program element's appendix under the "Summary of Key Information."

29) Where can applicants find a ROSES 2015 FAQ and other reference materials?

The opportunity points to a frequently asked questions page for ROSES 2015 and to the ROSES 2015 web archive (including an RSS feed) for amendments and corrections.

30) What if an applicant cannot access the full announcement electronically?

The opportunity indicates that additional contact guidance is provided for applicants who have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically.