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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2016 Emerging Worlds (NNH16ZDA001N EW)

What is "ROSES 2016: Emerging Worlds"?

ROSES 2016: Emerging Worlds (Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N EW) is a NASA funding opportunity under NASA's annual omnibus solicitation called ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences). It is managed under NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and solicits proposals for basic and applied research that strengthens current and future NASA science missions.

What kinds of work does this opportunity support?

The scope is intentionally broad. It can include work that turns mission measurements into scientific results, matures new measurement or analysis capabilities, and lays groundwork for future investigations across space science and Earth science.

Does the opportunity fund both basic and applied research?

Yes. NASA SMD seeks proposals for both basic and applied research as part of this call.

What are examples of "science" activities that may be supported?

Examples mentioned include theory development, numerical modeling, and analysis of NASA SMD data. It also includes observational and experimental work tied to NASA mission needs, such as field campaigns and Earth surface observations that support Earth science missions.

What are examples of "technology and methods" activities that may be supported?

The solicitation can support development of experiment techniques and instruments suitable for future space missions, maturation of advanced technologies relevant to SMD objectives, and concept development for potential future missions.

Are suborbital and near-space platforms included?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly includes investigations using suborbital and near-space platforms, including aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

Is there an emphasis on laboratory and sample analysis?

Yes. A notable emphasis is placed on laboratory and sample analysis capabilities that help interpret mission observations.

What types of samples and analyses are referenced?

The call includes techniques and laboratory analyses of extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples used to support, calibrate, validate, or otherwise confirm observations from Earth system science missions.

Does the solicitation mention the need for foundational reference measurements?

Yes. It mentions determining atomic and compositional parameters required to analyze space-based data and returned samples, recognizing that laboratory measurements and reference data can be essential for accurate science from remote sensing and in situ measurements.

How does this opportunity relate to Earth science applications and societal needs?

Beyond pure research, ROSES 2016 encourages work that translates NASA Earth observations into usable products. This includes development of integrated Earth system models, systems applying Earth science research data to societal needs, and applied information systems aligned with NASA SMD data and objectives.

What might "applied information systems" or "usable products" look like under this call?

Based on the description, this can include improved modeling frameworks and data assimilation approaches, as well as decision-support or data-delivery systems that make NASA-derived insights more actionable for users.

How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the work. The solicitation notes awards can be under $100,000 per year for narrow, focused tasks such as data analysis, and can exceed $1 million per year for larger efforts like specialized experimental hardware development.

Is there a single budget pool for the entire solicitation?

No. NASA indicates that each specific program element within ROSES has its own funding pool, typically ranging from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

How many awards might be made?

This varies by program element. Some elements may only fund a handful of projects, while others may support several dozen, depending on priorities and the number of meritorious proposals received.

What funding instruments might NASA use?

NASA anticipates using several mechanisms depending on the nature of the work and the proposing organization. These include grants and cooperative agreements, and may also include contracts and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is three years. Some program elements may allow up to five years, while others may specify shorter durations depending on what is being solicited.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of essentially every type may submit proposals, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and both for-profit and nonprofit institutions.

Are teaming arrangements or collaborations allowed?

Yes. Teaming arrangements are not restricted according to the posting.

What is NASA's policy on international participation?

NASA highlights a key constraint: investigations involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted with no exchange of funds. In general, NASA does not provide funding to the non-U.S. partner even if they are part of the collaboration.

How do applicants submit proposals?

Submission is entirely electronic and must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization by the due date associated with the relevant program element.

What submission portals can be used?

Proposals can be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required even if applying through Grants.gov?

Yes. Registration in NSPIRES is required for all organizations planning to submit, and all principal investigators and participants (including co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of which submission portal is used.

Are there additional registration requirements if submitting through Grants.gov?

Yes. Organizations submitting via Grants.gov must also be registered in Grants.gov in addition to being registered in NSPIRES.

Why does NASA recommend registering early?

NASA strongly encourages starting registration and system familiarization well before deadlines to avoid last-minute access or submission issues.

Where are the exact topics, required proposal content, evaluation criteria, and due dates listed?

The posting notes that many critical details (exact topics, required proposal content, evaluation criteria, program-specific budgets, and element-by-element due dates) are provided in the ROSES appendices and the tables listing individual calls, rather than in the main notice itself.

Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that ROSES may be amended over time, and applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2016 web archive for updates, clarifications, and corrections through February 2017.

Who should be contacted for general procedural questions?

General procedural questions can be directed to the ROSES contact listed: Max Bernstein at sara@nasa.gov.

Who should be contacted for topic-specific questions?

Topic-specific questions are routed to the individual program officers for each program element.

What is the stated closing date for this posting?

The posting lists an original and current closing date of March 31, 2016.

When was the opportunity published and created?

The publication and creation dates listed are March 1, 2016.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is focused on science and technology research and development.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 43.001.

Is this opportunity discretionary?

Yes. The opportunity is labeled discretionary.

What are the primary funding instruments listed?

Grants and cooperative agreements are listed among the primary funding instruments, with the final instrument choice depending on the specific project and requirements.