ROSES 2016: Exoplanets Research Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ROSES 2016: Exoplanets Research Program (XRP)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the ROSES 2016: Exoplanets Research Program (XRP), which is part of NASA's annual omnibus solicitation called ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences). It was issued by NASA Headquarters under funding opportunity number NNH16ZDA001N.

Is this opportunity only for exoplanets research?

This listing is labeled for the Exoplanets Research Program (XRP), but it sits within the larger ROSES framework. ROSES covers many program elements that support a broad range of NASA Space Science and Earth Science research and technology objectives. Specific topics and requirements are defined in the ROSES appendices for each program element.

What kinds of work does ROSES 2016 support under this framework?

ROSES supports basic and applied research that strengthens NASA science missions and the broader Science Mission Directorate (SMD) research portfolio. Supported work can include theory development, numerical modeling, and analysis of NASA mission data, as well as mission-enabling activities such as developing new experimental techniques, maturing advanced technologies relevant to future SMD missions, and proposing concepts for new space missions.

Does the solicitation support technology development or only traditional research?

It supports both. In addition to traditional scientific research (e.g., modeling and data analysis), ROSES can support mission-enabling work like developing experimental techniques, advancing technologies, and building specialized scientific hardware where appropriate to the program element.

What platforms and investigation types are included?

The solicitation emphasizes research using a variety of platforms and investigation types, including aircraft and suborbital campaigns (scientific balloons, sounding rockets, and reusable suborbital vehicles), investigations on the International Space Station, and small satellite approaches such as CubeSats.

Does ROSES support laboratory and sample analysis work?

Yes. ROSES supports laboratory work tied to sample analysis, including extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial analog samples used to interpret or validate NASA observations.

Does this opportunity include Earth science-related work too?

Within the broader ROSES framework, yes. The solicitation description includes Earth science activities such as determining atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze remote-sensing data, conducting Earth surface observations and field campaigns, building integrated Earth system models, and developing applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits. The specific applicability depends on the relevant ROSES program element and appendix.

Where are the specific topics, requirements, and due dates defined?

The full set of topics and requirements for each specific program element are laid out in the ROSES appendices. The main solicitation includes tables that provide the names of the program elements, due dates, and links to more detailed instructions.

How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels are flexible and depend on the type and scale of work proposed. NASA describes awards that can range from under $100,000 per year for narrowly scoped efforts (such as focused data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, resource-intensive activities (such as building specialized scientific hardware).

Is there a single fixed budget for this opportunity?

No. Rather than one fixed budget, each ROSES program element typically has its own funding pool. These pools can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars depending on the element.

How many proposals might NASA fund?

Because funding pools vary by program element and depend on available funds, priorities, and proposal quality, NASA may fund anywhere from only a handful to several dozen proposals within a given element.

What award types or funding mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA may issue awards through several mechanisms depending on the work and the proposing organization, including a grant, cooperative agreement, contract, or an interagency or intraagency transfer.

How long 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 require shorter durations, depending on the nature of the work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign institutions, government and private entities, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Teaming arrangements are not restricted, but applicants are expected to follow eligibility and participation rules in the ROSES documentation and the relevant program element appendix.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, collaborations with non-U.S. organizations are allowed, but NASA's policy generally requires them to be on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA funds are not transferred to the non-U.S. partner. Applicants must follow the specific ROSES eligibility and participation rules.

How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Submissions can be made through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov.

Is NSPIRES registration required?

Yes. Every organization intending to apply must be registered in NSPIRES. Also, all principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

If submitting through Grants.gov, what registrations are required?

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

Who is allowed to transmit the proposal submission?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization. The NSPIRES registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will transmit proposals.

Does NASA recommend registering early?

Yes. NASA encourages applicants to begin registration and system familiarization well ahead of relevant due dates to avoid last-minute issues.

What is the closing date listed for this posting?

The original and current closing date listed for this posting is March 29, 2016.

Are deadlines the same for all ROSES program elements?

Not necessarily. Within the ROSES structure, many program elements have distinct deadlines. Applicants are directed to the ROSES tables and appendices for element-specific dates and instructions.

Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and new program elements may be added over time. For ROSES 2016, proposers were advised to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for updates through February 2017 (when a subsequent ROSES solicitation was planned).

Where can applicants find amendments and additional supporting resources?

The opportunity description references additional resources including an amendment archive page, an FAQ page for ROSES-2016, and program officer contact information listed by program element.

Who should be contacted for general questions about ROSES policies and procedures?

General questions about ROSES policies and procedures are directed to the SMD research contact email: sara@nasa.gov. The solicitation names Max Bernstein as the point of contact for overarching ROSES guidance.

Who should be contacted for program element-specific questions?

Program officer contact information is listed by program element. Applicants should use the contact identified for the specific ROSES appendix/program element they are applying to.