ROSES 2016: Cassini Data Analysis Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2016: Cassini Data Analysis Program (CDAP)

What is ROSES 2016: Cassini Data Analysis Program (CDAP)?

CDAP is a funding opportunity offered under NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2016 umbrella solicitation (NRA NNH16ZDA001N). CDAP is one program element within ROSES and emphasizes analysis and scientific use of existing mission data, specifically supporting Cassini-related research that advances NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) science goals.

What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The opportunity is designed to support basic and applied research that turns existing NASA science data into publishable scientific results, improved models, and deeper scientific understanding. It is focused on data analysis and scientific exploitation of mission datasets rather than building new spacecraft hardware.

Who is the sponsoring agency and which NASA organization manages it?

The sponsoring agency is NASA, and the opportunity is listed by NASA Headquarters (NASA-HQ) under NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) research portfolio.

What is the solicitation identifier for this opportunity?

The ROSES 2016 umbrella solicitation is identified as NRA NNH16ZDA001N. CDAP is a program element within that umbrella.

Is this a grant, or are other award types possible?

NASA may issue awards through multiple legal mechanisms depending on the proposal and applicant, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

What kinds of activities are generally within scope under ROSES (including CDAP as a data analysis element)?

ROSES is intentionally broad and can include activities such as theory and modeling, analysis of SMD science datasets, and research tied to investigations flown on platforms including aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and other suborbital or reusable launch vehicles. It can also include development of experimental techniques and measurement methods for future missions, early-stage concepts for future missions, and advanced technologies that enable SMD objectives.

Does ROSES allow laboratory and field work, or only remote data analysis?

ROSES allows a wide range of supporting work beyond remote sensing and in situ space data, including laboratory analysis of returned extraterrestrial samples and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret NASA Earth observation results. It can also include determining atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret spacecraft and sample data, Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions, development of integrated Earth system models, and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into decision-support or societal uses.

How much funding is available for CDAP or ROSES awards?

Funding size is flexible across ROSES. The announcement notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (often typical of data analysis programs) and can exceed $1 million per year for larger, more extensive efforts. For any given program element such as CDAP, the total available may range from under $1 million to several million dollars, which can support a few to several dozen selections depending on program goals and proposal pressure.

How long are projects typically expected to run?

Most projects are expected to run for about three years. Some program elements allow up to five years, while others may specify shorter periods depending on the nature of the work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is intentionally open. Organizations of essentially every type may submit proposals, including domestic or foreign entities, government or private institutions, for-profit companies, and nonprofit organizations. The solicitation indicates there are no special restrictions on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and can they receive NASA funds?

Non-U.S. participation is permitted, but NASA's policy described here states that projects involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. In practice, that means NASA generally does not send grant money to the foreign partner, even though participation may be possible through other arrangements.

How do applicants submit proposals?

Applications must be submitted electronically by an authorized official of the proposing organization. NASA allows submission through either NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or Grants.gov.

Do we have to register in NSPIRES if we submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. Every organization planning to apply must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered there as well. Additionally, all principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

Who is allowed to submit the application on behalf of an organization?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Registrations must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who can officially submit proposals.

Why does NASA recommend starting registrations and profiles early?

NASA emphasizes that registration and data entry can take time. Applicants are encouraged to register early, learn the submission interface, and complete organizational details and participant profiles well before the due date.

Where are the element-specific instructions for CDAP located?

While the main ROSES document provides overall rules and structure, the specific details for each program element (including what CDAP will and will not fund and any element-specific instructions) are provided in the ROSES appendices and in the tables that list program names, links, and due dates.

What is the closing date for this particular posting?

The opportunity lists an original and current closing date of April 6, 2016.

What is the CFDA number and how is the opportunity categorized?

This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary funding opportunity in the science and technology / research and development domain and references CFDA 43.001.

Can ROSES 2016 be amended after release, and how should applicants track changes?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES can be amended over time. Applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES for updates and amendments through the stated amendment window (through February 2017 for ROSES 2016) and consult the online archive for clarifications or corrections.

Who should we contact for general questions versus CDAP-specific questions?

General policy and procedure questions are directed to the SMD ROSES point of contact (listed as Max Bernstein via sara@nasa.gov). Element-specific questions are directed to the relevant program officers named in the appendices and program officer listings.

Is CDAP focused on creating new hardware or on data analysis?

Based on the description provided, CDAP specifically emphasizes analysis and scientific use of mission data (Cassini-related work) to generate results and understanding, rather than focusing only on building new spacecraft hardware.

How many awards might NASA make under a program element like CDAP?

The description indicates NASA may select anywhere from a few proposals to several dozen within a program element, depending on program goals and the quality and quantity of submissions.