ROSES 2016: Earth Science Applications: Water Resources | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

ROSES 2016: Earth Science Applications: Water Resources (Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N WATER) is a NASA Headquarters grant opportunity under the broader ROSES 2016 omnibus solicitation issued by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). This specific element focuses on Earth science applications connected to water resources.

2) What is the main purpose of the Water Resources element?

The Water Resources element is meant to move NASA Earth observations and related research capabilities into work that improves understanding, monitoring, modeling, and decision support for water-related challenges, while still fitting within NASA's broader space and Earth science objectives.

3) What kinds of research does NASA expect under this opportunity?

The solicitation is broad and can include theory, modeling, algorithm development, data analysis, and tools/technologies that enable or enhance SMD science. For water resources applications, this broad scope is typically used to create usable information products, decision support approaches, or application-oriented research that connects NASA observations and models to water management needs.

4) Can proposals focus on analyzing existing NASA data?

Yes. Proposed efforts can involve analysis of NASA science data as part of advancing Earth science applications related to water resources.

5) Are model development or improvements allowed?

Yes. The opportunity allows for development and improvement of models, including integrated Earth system models.

6) Does NASA support projects that translate research into societal benefit?

Yes. The ROSES language explicitly allows for creating systems that translate Earth science research into societal benefit, which aligns closely with water resources decision support and application-focused outcomes.

7) What platforms or investigation types can be included in proposed work?

ROSES allows research and technology development across many platforms and investigation types, including aircraft campaigns, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

8) Are mission concepts, technologies, field campaigns, or lab analyses relevant here?

Under the broader ROSES umbrella, NASA highlights activities such as developing future mission concepts, advancing mission-relevant technologies, supporting field campaigns and Earth surface observations, and laboratory analysis to validate or interpret Earth system observations. Water resources proposals may leverage these areas when they support application outcomes tied to water challenges.

9) How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels vary widely based on project scale and nature. Smaller, focused projects (such as targeted data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while large and complex activities (such as specialized experimental hardware development) can exceed $1,000,000 per year.

10) How much total funding is available in this program element?

NASA notes that total funding available within each program element can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. This affects how many awards may be made.

11) How many awards might NASA make?

The number of awards can vary substantially. Depending on program goals and the quality and volume of submitted proposals, selections can range from only a few awards to several dozen.

12) What is the typical project period?

The typical project period is three years. Some elements may allow projects up to five years, while others may require shorter durations.

13) What types of funding instruments may NASA use?

Awards may be issued via multiple instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, and in some cases contracts or interagency or intraagency transfers. The instrument depends on the work, the proposing organization, and program requirements.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly inclusive. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government or private sector organizations, and for-profit or nonprofit organizations.

15) Are teaming arrangements or partnerships allowed?

Yes. NASA states there are no restrictions on teaming arrangements.

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

Yes, but NASA's policy for projects involving non-U.S. organizations requires no exchange of funds. In practical terms, NASA will not transfer funds to the non-U.S. partner even if they participate in the research.

17) How do we submit a proposal?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization by the due date for the relevant program element. Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov, but in either case the organization must be registered in NSPIRES.

18) Is NSPIRES registration required even if we submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. NASA states that the organization must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

19) What registrations are required for Grants.gov submission?

If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov in addition to being registered in NSPIRES.

20) Who is allowed to submit the proposal?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Registrations must identify the authorized organizational representatives permitted to submit proposals.

21) Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES accounts?

Yes. All principal investigators and other proposal participants (including co-investigators) are required to be registered in NSPIRES, regardless of which submission portal is used.

22) When should applicants start the registration process?

NASA recommends starting registrations and becoming familiar with the submission systems well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute access or compliance problems.

23) What are the key dates for this specific posting?

The posted date is April 8, 2016, and the original and current closing date is May 2, 2016.

24) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 43.001.

25) Where do applicants find the detailed requirements and program contacts?

NASA states that specific programs, requirements, and contacts are laid out in the ROSES appendices. ROSES summary tables (Tables 2 and 3) provide names, due dates, and links for individual calls under the ROSES umbrella.

26) Can ROSES requirements or dates change after posting?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES can be amended over time and directs interested parties to monitor NSPIRES for updates or subscribe to notifications. NASA also maintains an archive (with an RSS feed) for amendments, clarifications, and corrections.

27) Is there an official FAQ resource for ROSES 2016?

Yes. Additional guidance is available through the ROSES 2016 FAQ page.

28) Who should we contact for general policies or procedural questions?

For general policies and procedural questions, NASA provides a central contact through the SMD research office at sara@nasa.gov. Max Bernstein is identified as the lead point of contact for ROSES-wide issues.