ROSES 2015 Exoplanets Research | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the ROSES 2015 Exoplanets Research opportunity?

ROSES 2015 Exoplanets Research is a program element within NASA Headquarters' broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation. It is issued as NRA NNH15ZDA001N under CFDA 43.001 (Science). Through ROSES, NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) seeks proposals for basic and applied research that strengthens NASA science, including exoplanet-focused research, and that aligns with SMD research needs.

2) What kinds of work does this opportunity fund?

The scope is intentionally broad. It includes (but is not limited to) theoretical studies, modeling and simulation, analysis of existing NASA science data, and the development of tools and techniques relevant to SMD objectives. It can also include development and application of new technologies and methods that support current and future NASA investigations.

3) Is the scope limited only to exoplanets?

This posting is for the exoplanets program element, but it sits within the wider ROSES umbrella that spans both space and Earth science research. The specific exoplanets research topics and requirements are defined in the relevant ROSES appendix and associated program element text for "Exoplanets Research."

4) What platforms or environments can proposed investigations involve?

Proposed work may involve a range of platforms and environments, including aircraft campaigns, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles. The solicitation also covers development of techniques and hardware suitable for future missions.

5) Can proposals focus on analyzing existing NASA data rather than collecting new data?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly includes analysis of existing NASA science data within its scope, alongside other approaches such as theory, modeling, and technology/method development.

6) Does the opportunity support technology development and hardware work?

Yes. It includes development of experiment techniques and hardware suitable for future missions, as well as advancement of technologies that could be infused into NASA mission pipelines.

7) Does the solicitation include future mission concept work?

Yes. The scope includes formulation of concepts for future space missions, alongside other research and development activities.

8) Are laboratory studies or sample-related work included?

Yes. The ROSES scope includes laboratory and analytical work tied to extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft. It also includes terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth system observations, and determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze spaceflight data and returned samples.

9) Are Earth science activities mentioned even though this is an exoplanets element?

Yes, under the broader ROSES umbrella, NASA also highlights Earth science activities such as field campaigns supporting NASA missions, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits. For this opportunity, the exoplanets-specific requirements are defined in the Exoplanets Research appendix/program element text.

10) How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels vary substantially depending on the type and scale of the proposed effort. Small, focused projects (for example, narrowly scoped data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year. Large, resource-intensive activities (such as development of science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

11) How much funding is available overall?

NASA notes that the amount of funding available differs by program element, typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This level of funding may enable selection of anywhere from a few to several dozen awards, depending on the program element's objectives and the quality and volume of proposals received.

12) What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may be issued using several different funding instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The instrument depends on the nature of the work and the proposing organization, as well as any program-specific requirements.

13) How long is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter durations, and the maximum period referenced is generally five years.

14) Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Eligibility is broad. Domestic and foreign entities may submit proposals, including governmental and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit institutions.

15) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals an organization can submit?

No restriction is stated in the information provided. The posting notes no stated restriction on the number of proposals or on teaming arrangements.

16) Are teaming arrangements allowed?

Yes. The posting indicates there is no stated restriction on teaming arrangements.

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

Yes, foreign entities may submit proposals. However, NASA emphasizes a key policy for non-U.S. participation: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations must generally be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis, meaning NASA typically does not transfer funding to non-U.S. entities.

18) What does "no exchange of funds" mean for non-U.S. participation?

As described in the posting, it means that NASA typically does not provide funding to non-U.S. entities. Non-U.S. organizations are directed to consult the relevant sections of NASA's Guidebook for Proposers for details and special cases, including situations involving U.S. personnel for whom NASA support is requested.

19) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Submission is electronic and must be completed by an authorized organizational representative.

20) What submission systems can applicants use?

Proposals can be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov. However, organizations must be registered in NSPIRES in all cases. If submitting through Grants.gov, registration with Grants.gov is also required in addition to NSPIRES.

21) Do all investigators need to be registered in NSPIRES?

Yes. All principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the organization submits through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

22) Who must complete the final submission?

The proposal submission must be completed by an authorized organizational representative (electronically).

23) Why does NASA encourage early registration?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to register and become familiar with NSPIRES (and Grants.gov if used) well in advance of deadlines to avoid last-minute administrative issues.

24) What are the key dates listed for this posting?

The posted date is March 3, 2015. The original closing date is March 27, 2015. The current closing date listed is May 22, 2015. The archive date is June 21, 2015.

25) Why might deadlines change or differ across ROSES elements?

ROSES program elements often have distinct due dates and may have evolving amendments. NASA points applicants to the ROSES tables listing program elements and deadlines, the NSPIRES portal for updates and electronic notifications (through February 2016), and an online archive for amendments, clarifications, and corrections.

26) Where do applicants find the specific Exoplanets Research topics and requirements?

The posting indicates that the specific topics and requirements are defined in the relevant ROSES appendix and associated program element text for "Exoplanets Research."

27) Who should applicants contact for general ROSES policy and procedure questions?

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

28) Who should applicants contact for questions about the Exoplanets Research program element?

Questions about specific program elements are directed to the designated program officers identified in the relevant appendix sections.

29) Where should applicants check for amendments, clarifications, and corrections?

NASA references an online archive for amendments, clarifications, and corrections. It also directs applicants to NSPIRES for updates and electronic notifications and to the ROSES tables for program element deadlines.

30) What is the overall purpose of the ROSES solicitation under SMD?

As described, ROSES seeks proposals for basic and applied research that strengthen NASA science and mission capability, spanning everything from fundamental theory and modeling to development and application of new technologies and methods that support current and future NASA investigations.