ROSES 2015: Sustainable Land Imaging-Technology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ROSES 2015: Sustainable Land Imaging-Technology (SLIT)?

ROSES 2015: Sustainable Land Imaging-Technology (SLIT) is a grant opportunity under NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) solicitation (NNH15ZDA001N). It is intended to fund basic and applied research that supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), with an emphasis on advancing the science, tools, and technologies needed for current and future NASA missions.

Is SLIT a standalone solicitation or part of a larger program?

SLIT is one listing within the larger ROSES umbrella solicitation. ROSES covers a wide range of space and Earth science research and related technology development, and SLIT sits within that broader structure.

What kinds of work does ROSES support?

ROSES supports work across the full research-to-technology pipeline, including theoretical studies, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development and use of measurement approaches on aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital reusable launch vehicles; and development of techniques and concepts that could feed into future SMD missions.

Does ROSES support technology development as well as research?

Yes. In addition to research activities (like data analysis, modeling, and theory), ROSES also includes advanced technology development relevant to NASA missions, including development of science experiment hardware in some cases.

Does ROSES support sample analysis work?

Yes. ROSES includes laboratory methods and analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial sample analyses used to validate or interpret Earth-observing mission data.

What Earth science activities are specifically supported?

In Earth science, ROSES explicitly supports field campaigns and Earth surface observations, integrated Earth system model development, and applied systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits and decision-support tools.

How much funding is available for projects?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on the scope and ambition of the proposed work. Smaller, focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger-scale activities (such as developing science experiment hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

How much total money is available under ROSES?

The amount of money available depends on the specific ROSES program element. Each element may have anything from under $1 million to several million dollars available. As a result, NASA may fund only a handful of proposals in one element or several dozen in another, depending on priorities, proposal quality, and the number of strong proposals received.

What award mechanisms can NASA use for ROSES selections?

NASA notes that awards may be issued through several mechanisms depending on the work and the applicant organization, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

What is the typical period of performance?

The usual period of performance is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter or longer timelines, with a stated maximum of five years.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and nonprofit institutions.

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

No restrictions are stated on the number of proposals an organization may submit. There is also no stated restriction on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, international participation is allowed, but NASA's policy is that projects involving non-U.S. organizations must be done on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. That means NASA does not send award money to the non-U.S. partner, even if they participate scientifically.

How do applicants submit proposals?

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

What registrations are required to submit?

Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting via Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

Do principal investigators and co-investigators need to register anywhere?

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

Why does NASA recommend registering early?

NASA strongly advises potential applicants to start registration and system familiarization well before deadlines because different program elements have different due dates and administrative steps can take time.

Where can applicants find the specific requirements for SLIT and other ROSES elements?

NASA directs applicants to the ROSES 2015 appendices, where each individual program element is described, including scope, key information, and relevant program officer contacts.

Where can applicants find due dates for ROSES elements?

Due dates and links for individual calls are compiled in Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES NRA.

Can the ROSES 2015 solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. ROSES can be amended over time. Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES for updates or subscribe to electronic notifications. Amendments were anticipated through February 2016, and NASA indicated a follow-on ROSES would be planned afterward.

Are there official pages for ROSES 2015 amendments and FAQs?

Yes. NASA references an archive page for amendments and an FAQ page for ROSES 2015 as official supporting resources.

Who should applicants contact for general ROSES policy and procedural questions?

General policy and procedural questions can be sent to the SMD research contact email at sara@nasa.gov. Max Bernstein is listed as the lead point of contact for general ROSES policies.

Which NASA office administers this opportunity?

Administratively, the opportunity is listed under NASA Headquarters.

Is this discretionary funding?

Yes. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding.

What instrument types are identified for this opportunity?

Cooperative Agreements and Grants are identified instrument types for this opportunity (with NASA also noting that other mechanisms may be used depending on the work and applicant organization).

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 43.001.

What are the posting date and closing date for this SLIT entry?

The posting date is December 18, 2015. The listed closing date for the SLIT entry is March 30, 2016.

Does SLIT have the same deadline as all ROSES elements?

Not necessarily. Different ROSES program elements have different due dates, and applicants are directed to the ROSES NRA tables and the ROSES appendices for element-specific schedules.