ROSES 2016: Exobiology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2016: Exobiology (NNH16ZDA001N, element EXO)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

It is the NASA Headquarters solicitation "ROSES 2016: Exobiology" under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella, run by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The specific element is Exobiology (EXO) under Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N.

2) What is the purpose of the ROSES Exobiology element?

The call is designed to fund both basic and applied research that advances NASA science goals. Within ROSES, the Exobiology element supports work that builds the scientific groundwork for understanding life in the universe and the environments that could host it, and it supports knowledge, methods, and technologies NASA needs to interpret observations and enable future missions.

3) What kinds of research activities are within scope?

The scope is intentionally broad. It includes theory, modeling, and data analysis of SMD mission data, as well as experimental work and technology development. The opportunity also supports development of methods to collect future data and the creation of advanced technologies directly relevant to NASA's science roadmap.

4) Does the solicitation support both data analysis and hands-on experimental work?

Yes. NASA explicitly invites proposals that analyze or synthesize data from current and past missions and platforms, and also proposals that develop experimental techniques, instrumentation concepts, mission concepts, and advanced technologies relevant to NASA science objectives.

5) What types of platforms or mission-related activities can be supported?

Supported platforms and investigation types can include aircraft campaigns, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles. The solicitation also supports investigations tied to current and past missions and platforms, as well as work aimed at enabling future missions.

6) Is sample-related research supported?

Yes. A major area highlighted is sample-related research, including techniques and laboratory analyses for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, along with terrestrial analog samples used to validate or interpret observations from Earth system science missions.

7) What does the solicitation mean by "atomic and compositional parameters" work?

The call notes the importance of determining atomic and compositional parameters required to analyze remote-sensing data and returned samples from Earth or space. Proposals that address these needs are described as part of the supported scope.

8) Are Earth science activities included even though the element is "Exobiology"?

The description states that ROSES supports Earth surface observations and field campaigns tied back to NASA mission objectives, as well as development of integrated Earth system models. It also mentions applied systems that translate Earth science research outputs into societal benefit, aligned with SMD objectives.

9) Does this opportunity support applied information systems for societal benefit?

Yes. On the applied side, it covers systems that translate Earth science research outputs into societal benefit, including applied information systems that make NASA data more usable for decision-making aligned with SMD objectives.

10) How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on the work proposed. Smaller, focused efforts such as discrete data analysis projects may come in under $100,000 per year, while large, complex efforts such as building specialized scientific hardware can exceed $1 million per year.

11) How many awards will NASA make under this element?

Total funding is managed at the level of individual ROSES program elements. Each element may have anywhere from less than $1 million to several million dollars available. As a result, NASA may fund only a handful of awards in some areas or several dozen in others, depending on priorities and the quality and quantity of proposals received.

12) What award mechanisms can NASA use?

NASA can issue awards through multiple mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The mechanism depends on the nature of the proposed work, the type of proposing organization, and programmatic requirements.

13) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is three years. Some ROSES elements allow up to five years and others require shorter durations, so applicants are directed to check the specific appendix for the Exobiology element and any related calls for exact constraints.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, and both for-profit and nonprofit institutions. The notice states there are no special restrictions on teaming arrangements.

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

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA expects collaborations with non-U.S. organizations to be on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. In practice, NASA generally will not transfer funds to non-U.S. partners, so teams must structure roles and budgets accordingly.

16) How do proposals have to be submitted?

Submission is electronic only. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative by the due date associated with the relevant program element.

17) What submission systems can applicants use?

Applicants can submit through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov. However, NSPIRES registration is required in all cases. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered with both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

18) Do all team members need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. NASA requires that all named participants, including principal investigators and co-investigators, be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

19) Why does NASA emphasize registering early?

The notice explains that registrations and account permissions can take time. Proposers are encouraged to register early and to familiarize themselves with NSPIRES and (if applicable) Grants.gov well ahead of deadlines.

20) Where are the detailed requirements and objectives for the Exobiology element?

The notice directs applicants to the ROSES 2016 appendices for the detailed requirements and objectives of each solicited program element, including Exobiology (EXO).

21) Where can applicants find due dates and links to the individual calls?

Due dates, program names, and links to individual calls are referenced as being in Tables 2 and 3 in the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) for ROSES 2016.

22) Can the ROSES 2016 opportunity change after it is posted?

Yes. The notice states that amendments and new program elements can be released through February 2017. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for updates.

23) What support resources are mentioned for applicants?

The notice mentions an amendments archive page for ROSES 2016, a ROSES FAQ page, and contacting the specific program officers listed for each program element.

24) Who is the general point of contact for ROSES policies and procedures?

For general ROSES policies and procedures, the listed point of contact is Max Bernstein at sara@nasa.gov.

25) What is the closing date for this Exobiology opportunity?

The original and current closing date shown for this Exobiology opportunity is May 20, 2016.

26) How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized as discretionary science and technology research and development, and it is associated with CFDA 43.001.

27) What NASA organization runs ROSES?

ROSES is run by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), and this call is described as a NASA Headquarters solicitation under the ROSES umbrella.

28) What is the relationship between ROSES and the Exobiology element?

ROSES is the overarching solicitation umbrella (ROSES 2016). Exobiology (EXO) is one program element under that umbrella, with its own detailed requirements and due dates referenced in the ROSES appendices and tables.

29) If a project involves building specialized scientific hardware, is that considered in scope?

Yes. The description notes that large, complex efforts such as building specialized scientific hardware can be supported, and it gives funding scale examples that such efforts can exceed $1 million per year depending on need and ambition.

30) Are mission concepts and instrumentation concepts eligible activities?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes development of experimental techniques and instrumentation concepts suitable for upcoming missions, development of mission concepts, and creation of advanced technologies relevant to NASA's science roadmap.