ROSES 2016: Earth Surface and Interior | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is "ROSES 2016: Earth Surface and Interior" (NNH16ZDA001N)?

ROSES 2016: Earth Surface and Interior (Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N) is a funding opportunity within NASA's annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) solicitation managed by the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). It supports research and technology activities that strengthen NASA's space and Earth science portfolio, specifically within the "Earth Surface and Interior" focus area as part of the larger ROSES framework.

Which NASA office is associated with this opportunity?

The source notice lists the agency as NASA Headquarters, under the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), which runs the ROSES solicitation.

What is the purpose of the ROSES solicitation?

ROSES is designed to fund research that helps interpret NASA science data, advance measurement and analysis capabilities, and mature concepts and technologies that can enable or improve future missions.

Is this a single program with one scope, or part of a larger set of programs?

It is part of a larger omnibus ROSES solicitation that spans multiple disciplines and program elements. The specific requirements, due dates, and details are organized by individual program element described in the solicitation appendices and ROSES tables.

What types of research activities are included in the scope?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes basic and applied research, such as theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data, along with other activities described across ROSES program elements.

Does the opportunity support work based on NASA science data analysis?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly includes theory, modeling, and analysis of Science Mission Directorate (SMD) science data, including narrowly focused data analysis efforts.

What observation platforms or mission types are referenced as being within scope?

The opportunity includes research tied to observations and investigations conducted from aircraft and suborbital platforms, including scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

Are technology development and mission concept activities included?

Yes. The scope includes development of experimental techniques suitable for future NASA missions, early-stage concepts for future missions, and advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives.

Does the solicitation mention laboratory work or sample analysis?

Yes. NASA highlights laboratory and analytical work on samples, including extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret Earth system observations.

Are field campaigns and Earth surface observations included?

Yes. The solicitation calls out support for Earth surface observations and field campaigns aligned with SMD missions.

Does the opportunity include Earth system modeling?

Yes. It includes development of integrated Earth system models.

Does ROSES support applied information systems that produce societal benefits?

Yes. The solicitation includes creation of applied information systems that translate Earth science research results into societal benefit, such as systems that help decision makers use Earth observation data.

What funding levels are typical under this opportunity?

Funding levels can vary widely by program element. Awards can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for large, complex activities (such as specialized science hardware development).

How much total funding is available?

Across program elements, NASA indicates that available funds may range from less than $1 million to several million dollars per program element, depending on the element and NASA priorities.

How many awards might be made?

The number of selections can vary by program element and may range from a handful to several dozen proposals, depending on program goals and the quality of proposals received.

How long are projects expected to run?

Most awards are expected to run for about three years. Some program elements may allow periods of performance up to five years, while other elements may require shorter durations.

What award mechanisms might NASA use?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may submit proposals, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and both for-profit and non-profit applicants.

Are teaming arrangements allowed?

Yes. The notice states there are no special restrictions on teaming arrangements.

What is the key constraint on international (non-U.S.) participation?

NASA policy requires that collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted with no exchange of NASA funds to the non-U.S. partner.

How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative, using either NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or Grants.gov.

Do applicants need to register in NSPIRES?

Yes. All organizations planning to apply must be registered in NSPIRES.

What registrations are required if submitting through Grants.gov?

Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

Do principal investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES accounts?

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

Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA advises applicants to begin system registrations and review submission requirements well before the due date to avoid administrative delays.

Is there one universal deadline for ROSES 2016 proposals?

No. Key logistics and deadlines are organized by individual program element rather than one universal due date.

Where are the element-specific due dates and details listed?

Details, due dates, and links are provided in the ROSES tables and appendices, specifically referenced as Tables 2 and 3 and the appendices within the ROSES 2016 NRA.

What are the posted and closing dates shown in the source notice?

The source notice lists a posting date of March 22, 2016 and a closing date of June 15, 2016, while also noting that actual due dates can vary by program element within ROSES.

Can the ROSES 2016 solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA emphasizes that ROSES is updated through amendments and clarifications, and applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for changes during the amendment period.

How long does the amendment period run, according to the notice?

The notice references an amendment period running through February 2017, when the next ROSES release was anticipated.

What resources are mentioned for tracking amendments and updates?

The notice references a web archive and an RSS feed for amendments, as well as a ROSES 2016 FAQ page.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

For element-specific questions, applicants are directed to program officer contacts for the relevant program element. For general policy and procedure questions, the notice directs applicants to the SMD research contact listed in the announcement.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The administrative details list CFDA number 43.001.

What activity category is listed for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.