ROSES 2015 Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is the ROSES 2015 Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist Program (MSLPSP)?

The ROSES 2015 Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist Program (MSLPSP) is a discretionary NASA Headquarters funding opportunity issued under NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella solicitation. It supports research aligned with NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and is intended to bring in qualified researchers to strengthen the science return from the Mars Science Laboratory mission by performing mission-relevant analysis, modeling, interpretation of mission data, and other investigations that contribute publishable scientific results and integrate with the broader mission science effort.

2) What is the umbrella solicitation and the related NASA reference number?

This opportunity is part of ROSES 2015, under NASA's umbrella solicitation titled Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). The associated NRA (funding opportunity) number is NNH15ZDA001N, and this listing references the MSL Participating Scientist Program element (MSLPSP).

3) What kinds of activities does ROSES 2015 support in general?

ROSES 2015 describes a broad scope across space science and Earth science, including theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; suborbital and platform-based investigations (aircraft, balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and reusable suborbital vehicles); development of new experiment techniques and concepts for future missions; and development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions. It also covers laboratory and analytical work related to extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, terrestrial sample analysis used to validate or support Earth-observing missions, determination of key atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements, Earth surface observations and field campaigns supporting SMD objectives, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits.

4) How does the MSL Participating Scientist element fit within the broader ROSES scope?

Within the broader ROSES 2015 package, the Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist element is specifically focused on strengthening the science return from the Mars Science Laboratory mission. Proposals are typically expected to bring focused expertise and mission data interpretation, producing publishable scientific results that contribute to mission-related science objectives and integrate with the mission science effort.

5) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 43.001 (Science).

6) What is the funding range for awards under this opportunity?

Funding can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the proposed work. The announcement notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (for example, targeted data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for larger-scale activities (for example, building or developing science hardware).

7) How much total funding is available for ROSES program elements?

The total funds available within each ROSES program element can range from under $1 million to several million dollars. This range allows NASA to select anywhere from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on program priorities and the quality and volume of submissions.

8) What is the typical period of performance for awards?

Most awards are structured around a typical four-year period of performance. Some program elements may be shorter or longer, with an overall maximum period generally capped at five years.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is listed for this opportunity.

10) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards through several mechanisms depending on the proposing organization and the nature of the work, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to organizations of all types (government or private; for-profit or nonprofit; domestic or foreign), based on the information provided in the opportunity description.

12) Are there restrictions on the number of proposals an organization can submit or how teams can be formed?

No. The opportunity states there is no restriction on the number of proposals or teaming arrangements an organization may use.

13) What is NASA's policy regarding non-U.S. participation?

NASA states that collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis. Proposers outside the United States are directed to consult the ROSES Guidebook (including the cited sections) for detailed instructions, especially for cases involving support for U.S. personnel.

14) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by the due date for the relevant program element, and they must be transmitted by an authorized organizational representative.

15) What submission systems can applicants use?

Submissions can be made through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov. However, organizations must be registered in NSPIRES in all cases, and organizations submitting through Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov.

16) Do investigators and team members need NSPIRES registration?

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.

17) What does NASA recommend regarding registrations and submission readiness?

NASA strongly encourages prospective applicants to complete required registrations and become familiar with the submission systems well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute administrative problems.

18) What are the key dates for this listing?

The opportunity was posted on April 13, 2015. The original closing date was May 6, 2015, and the revised/current closing date was June 3, 2015. The archive date is listed as July 3, 2015.

19) Where should applicants look for program-element-specific requirements and due dates?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES appendices and to Tables 2 and 3 within the ROSES NRA for program-element-specific requirements, due dates, and links.

20) Should applicants expect amendments or updates, and where would those appear?

NASA recommends monitoring NSPIRES for amendments, noting that amendments could occur through approximately February 2016.

21) Who is the general point of contact for ROSES policy and procedural questions?

For general policy and procedural questions about ROSES, the identified point of contact is Dr. Max Bernstein (SMD), reachable via sara@nasa.gov.

22) Who should applicants contact for questions specific to the MSLPSP element?

Element-specific questions are directed to the relevant program officers listed in the ROSES documentation (as referenced in the opportunity description).

23) What is the official opportunity title and identifier information?

The official opportunity title is "ROSES 2015 Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientist Program." The funding opportunity number is NNH15ZDA001N (MSLPSP), and the CFDA is 43.001.