Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH16ZDA001N ATP
Apply for NNH16ZDA001N ATP
- The NASA-HQ in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ROSES 2016: Astrophysics Theory Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 07, 2016 and posted on Apr 07, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 08, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
ROSES 2016: Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) is one element of NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2016 omnibus solicitation (NRA number NNH16ZDA001N), issued by NASA Headquarters under the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). In practical terms, it is a competitive research funding opportunity meant to support the science return of NASA missions and the development of future mission capabilities by funding a wide range of basic and applied research activities. While this specific listing is labeled for the Astrophysics Theory Program, it sits inside a solicitation that spans much more than astrophysics theory alone, covering many kinds of space science and Earth science supporting research, from theory and modeling to technology development and applied information systems tied to NASA science data.
The scope of work described under ROSES 2016 is intentionally broad. NASA invites proposals for activities such as theoretical studies, numerical modeling, and analysis of SMD science data, as well as investigations using platforms like aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles. It also includes development of experimental techniques and instrumentation concepts that could enable future SMD missions, development of mission concepts themselves, and advancement of technologies relevant to NASA's science goals. On the laboratory and measurement side, the solicitation covers work related to analyzing extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples that help validate Earth-observing mission results, along with the determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret remote sensing or sample data. For Earth science, it explicitly includes field campaigns and surface observations, integrated Earth system model development, and systems that translate Earth science research data into societal applications and usable information products.
Funding levels and award sizes vary widely depending on the program element and the scale of the proposed effort. The solicitation notes that awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused work such as discrete data analysis projects, and can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex efforts such as developing specialized scientific hardware. For each specific ROSES program element, the total funding available typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars, which means NASA might select anywhere from just a few proposals to several dozen, depending on program priorities and the quality and volume of submissions.
NASA indicates multiple possible award mechanisms, selected based on the nature of the proposed work and the proposing organization. Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The typical period of performance is three years, but some program elements may allow up to five years, and others may require shorter durations, so applicants need to check the particular appendix and program element instructions tied to the Astrophysics Theory Program and any related calls.
Eligibility is broad and open. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and non-profit institutions, with no special restrictions on teaming arrangements. A key policy point is highlighted for international participation: NASA states that investigations involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA generally does not transfer funds to non-U.S. entities even if they participate in the work.
Submission is electronic and must be handled by an authorized organizational official by the relevant due date for the specific program element. Proposals may be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov, but in either case organizations must be registered in NSPIRES, and if submitting via Grants.gov they must be registered there as well. The registration process must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who are permitted to submit on behalf of the institution. In addition, all principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used. NASA encourages applicants to complete registrations and familiarize themselves with the system well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute technical or administrative problems.
Key dates and the exact requirements for Astrophysics Theory Program proposals are governed by the ROSES 2016 appendices and the tables that list individual calls, links, and due dates. For this opportunity listing, the closing date shown is July 8, 2016. NASA also points applicants to NSPIRES for updates and to subscribe for notifications, since ROSES solicitations are commonly amended over time with clarifications, corrections, or newly added program elements. NASA maintained an amendments archive and RSS feed for ROSES 2016, provided an FAQ page for common questions, and directed applicants with program-element-specific questions to the program officers listed in the appendices. General policy and procedural questions for ROSES were directed to Max Bernstein in SMD via sara@nasa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2016: Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP)
What is the ROSES 2016 Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) opportunity?
Astrophysics Theory Program (ATP) is a program element within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2016 omnibus solicitation (NRA number NNH16ZDA001N). It is a competitive research funding opportunity intended to support the science return of NASA missions and to help develop future mission capabilities.
Is this opportunity only for astrophysics theory work?
The listing is labeled for the Astrophysics Theory Program, but it sits inside the larger ROSES 2016 solicitation, which spans many areas beyond astrophysics theory. The overall ROSES 2016 scope covers a wide range of space science and Earth science supporting research activities, including theory, modeling, technology development, and applied information systems tied to NASA science data.
What types of activities does ROSES 2016 invite proposals for?
ROSES 2016 invites proposals for a broad set of activities, including theoretical studies, numerical modeling, and analysis of Science Mission Directorate (SMD) science data. It also includes investigations using platforms such as aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.
Does the solicitation support technology, instrumentation, or mission concept work?
Yes. ROSES 2016 includes development of experimental techniques and instrumentation concepts that could enable future SMD missions, development of mission concepts, and advancement of technologies relevant to NASA's science goals.
Does ROSES 2016 support laboratory analysis or sample-related research?
Yes. The solicitation includes work related to analyzing extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that help validate Earth-observing mission results. It also covers determination of atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret remote sensing or sample data.
Are Earth science activities included under ROSES 2016?
Yes. For Earth science, ROSES 2016 explicitly includes field campaigns and surface observations, integrated Earth system model development, and systems that translate Earth science research data into societal applications and usable information products.
How much funding is available, and what are typical award sizes?
Funding levels and award sizes vary widely by program element and the scale of work. The solicitation indicates awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused efforts (such as discrete data analysis projects) and can exceed $1 million per year for large, complex efforts (such as developing specialized scientific hardware). For each specific ROSES program element, total funding available typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars.
How many awards might NASA make under a program element?
Because total funding varies by program element and depends on program priorities and submission quality/volume, NASA may select from just a few proposals to several dozen within a given program element.
What kinds of award mechanisms might be used?
NASA notes multiple possible award mechanisms depending on the proposed work and the proposing organization. Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers.
What is the typical period of performance?
The typical period of performance is three years. However, some program elements may allow up to five years, and others may require shorter durations. Applicants are instructed to check the specific appendix and program element instructions associated with Astrophysics Theory Program and any related calls.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and for-profit and non-profit institutions. The solicitation also states there are no special restrictions on teaming arrangements.
Can non-U.S. organizations participate?
Yes, but NASA highlights a key policy point: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. This means NASA generally does not transfer funds to non-U.S. entities even if they participate in the work.
How do proposals have to be submitted?
Submission is electronic and must be handled by an authorized organizational official by the due date for the specific program element. Proposals may be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov.
Do we need to register in NSPIRES even if we submit through Grants.gov?
Yes. Organizations must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether they submit through NSPIRES or Grants.gov. If submitting via Grants.gov, organizations must be registered in Grants.gov as well.
Who is allowed to submit the proposal on behalf of an organization?
The registration process must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who are permitted to submit on behalf of the institution. Submission must be handled by an authorized organizational official.
Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registration?
Yes. All principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.
What is the closing date shown for this opportunity listing?
The closing date shown for this opportunity listing is July 8, 2016. Applicants are directed to consult the ROSES 2016 appendices and tables for the controlling due dates and detailed requirements for the Astrophysics Theory Program proposals.
Where do we find the exact requirements, appendices, and program element due dates?
Key dates and exact requirements are governed by the ROSES 2016 appendices and the tables listing individual calls, links, and due dates. NSPIRES is referenced as a source for updates.
Can the ROSES 2016 solicitation be amended after it is released?
Yes. NASA notes that ROSES solicitations are commonly amended over time with clarifications, corrections, or newly added program elements. Applicants are pointed to NSPIRES for updates and the ability to subscribe for notifications.
Are there official resources for amendments and common questions?
Yes. NASA maintained an amendments archive and RSS feed for ROSES 2016 and provided an FAQ page for common questions.
Who should we contact with questions about a specific program element?
For program-element-specific questions, NASA directs applicants to the program officers listed in the appendices.
Who should we contact for general ROSES policy and procedural questions?
General policy and procedural questions for ROSES were directed to Max Bernstein in SMD via sara@nasa.gov.
What practical steps does NASA recommend to avoid submission problems?
NASA encourages applicants to complete required registrations and to familiarize themselves with the submission systems well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute technical or administrative issues.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Strengthening Partnerships with State Legislatures to Promote the Safety of FDA Regulated Products and Advance Public Health (U18)
Previous opportunity: NOI - GAP ANALYSIS PROGRAM - FRAMEWORK FOR PAD SUPPORT
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for NNH16ZDA001N ATP
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NNH16ZDA001N ATP) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| ROSES 2016: Earth Science Applications: Water Resources Apply for NNH16ZDA001N WATER Funding Number: NNH16ZDA001N WATER Agency: NASA-HQ Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2016: Instrument Incubator Program Apply for NNH16ZDA001N IIP Funding Number: NNH16ZDA001N IIP Agency: NASA-HQ Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Minority-Serving Institution ARRT Apply for HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR AR 0156 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR AR 0156 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Interventions to Promote Community Living Among Individuals with Disabilities Apply for HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR RT 0139 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR RT 0139 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employer Practices Leading to Successful Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Disabilities Apply for HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR RT 0138 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL NIDILRR RT 0138 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| RFI Occupancy Sensors and Controls Apply for DE FOA 0001580 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001580 Agency: DOE-ARPAE Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer Research Program Clinical Exploration Award Apply for W81XWH 16 LCRP CEA Funding Number: W81XWH 16 LCRP CEA Agency: DOD-AMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer Research Program Career Development Award Apply for W81XWH 16 LCRP CDA Funding Number: W81XWH 16 LCRP CDA Agency: DOD-AMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer Research Program Investigator-Initiated Translational Research Award Apply for W81XWH 16 LCRP IITRA Funding Number: W81XWH 16 LCRP IITRA Agency: DOD-AMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY16 Acquisition Research Program Apply for NPS FOA 16 001 Funding Number: NPS FOA 16 001 Agency: DOD-ONR-SUP Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award Apply for W81XWH 16 LCRP IDA Funding Number: W81XWH 16 LCRP IDA Agency: DOD-AMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2016: Terrestrial Ecology: An Airborne Campaign for the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) Apply for NNH16ZDA001N TE Funding Number: NNH16ZDA001N TE Agency: NASA-HQ Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Rhizosphere Observations Optimizing Terrestrial Sequestration (ROOTS) Apply for DE FOA 0001565 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001565 Agency: DOE-ARPAE Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Next Generation Energy Technologies for Connected and Auotmated On-Road Vehicles (NEXTCAR) Apply for DE FOA 0001564 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001564 Agency: DOE-ARPAE Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative Apply for N00014 16 R FO05 Funding Number: N00014 16 R FO05 Agency: DOD-ONR Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Theoretical Research in Magnetic Fusion Energy Science Apply for DE FOA 0001560 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001560 Agency: PAMS-SC Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Noncompetitive Action Apply for USGS 16 FA 0124 Funding Number: USGS 16 FA 0124 Agency: DOI-USGS1 Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NOAA Atlas 14 Volume for Texas Apply for W9126G 16 2 RFP 0750 Funding Number: W9126G 16 2 RFP 0750 Agency: DOD-COE-FW Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| ROSES 2016: Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements Apply for NNH16ZDA001N HDEE Funding Number: NNH16ZDA001N HDEE Agency: NASA-HQ Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2016: Exobiology Apply for NNH16ZDA001N EXO Funding Number: NNH16ZDA001N EXO Agency: NASA-HQ Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NNH16ZDA001N ATP", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.
