ROSES 2016: Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2016 - Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science (HTIDS)

What is this grant opportunity?

It is a NASA Research Announcement under ROSES 2016 (solicitation number NNH16ZDA001N) managed by NASA Headquarters in support of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The specific focus highlighted here is Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science (HTIDS), within the broader ROSES framework.

What is ROSES 2016, and how does HTIDS fit into it?

ROSES 2016 is a broad solicitation that spans space and Earth science research and the supporting infrastructure that makes that research possible. HTIDS is one program element within that larger ROSES framework, and it emphasizes heliophysics-related technology and instrument development while still being tied to the overall SMD objectives described in ROSES.

What is NASA trying to achieve through this opportunity?

NASA is seeking proposals that strengthen NASA science by advancing technologies, instruments, methods, and supporting research needed to plan, build, and fully exploit current and future missions.

How broad is the scope of work NASA will consider?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes both basic and applied efforts. Examples described include theory, modeling, data analysis, new experiment techniques, early mission concept development, enabling technology maturation, and other activities that support SMD missions and science outcomes.

What kinds of research activities are specifically mentioned as in-scope?

Activities described as within scope include:

• Theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data
• New or improved experiment techniques suitable for future missions
• Early development of mission concepts and enabling technologies for future flight projects
• Laboratory and analytical techniques for studying extraterrestrial returned samples, plus terrestrial samples and measurements that help validate or interpret Earth-observing mission data
• Determining key atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze space-based observations and returned samples
• Earth-surface observations and field campaigns that directly support SMD missions
• Integrated Earth system model development
• Applied information systems that translate Earth science data into practical societal benefits

What platforms does NASA mention for maturing ideas before major missions?

NASA notes several platforms used to mature concepts and technologies prior to major missions, including aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station (ISS), CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

Is this opportunity limited only to heliophysics?

This listing highlights heliophysics technology and instrument development, but it is situated inside the larger ROSES 2016 solicitation that spans space science and Earth science research and related infrastructure. The specific scope and requirements ultimately depend on the particular ROSES appendix/program element being addressed.

How much funding is available?

Funding levels vary widely based on the proposed work. Smaller, focused projects (such as bounded data analysis efforts) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while large and complex activities (such as specialized scientific hardware development) can exceed $1 million per year.

Do different ROSES program elements have different budget ranges?

Yes. NASA states that each ROSES program element has its own budget range, generally from less than $1 million to several million dollars total. Because of that, the number of awards can range from only a few to several dozen, depending on the element's goals and the volume and quality of proposals.

What types of award instruments might NASA use?

Awards may take multiple legal/administrative forms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. NASA selects the instrument based on the nature of the work and the proposing organization.

What is the typical period of performance?

Most awards are expected to run for about three years, which is described as the typical period of performance.

Can projects be shorter or longer than three years?

Yes. Some program elements may allow up to five years, while others may require shorter durations. Applicants are expected to follow the rules and timelines for the specific appendix or call they are responding to.

Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants. Organizations of all types may apply, including U.S. and non-U.S. entities, government and private organizations, and for-profit and non-profit groups.

Are teaming arrangements allowed?

The summary states there are no stated restrictions on teaming arrangements.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate, and can they receive NASA funding?

Non-U.S. organizations may apply, but NASA work involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. That means NASA will not transfer funding to the non-U.S. partner.

How do proposals need to be submitted?

Submission is electronic and must be made by an authorized official of the proposing organization by the due date for the specific program element.

Which submission systems are available?

Proposals can be submitted through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov, with registration requirements applying to each.

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

Yes. Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered there as well, in addition to NSPIRES.

Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

The organization must be registered and must identify its authorized organizational representative(s) who can submit proposals. In addition, 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.

Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA emphasizes beginning registration and becoming familiar with the systems early because setup delays can jeopardize on-time submission.

Where are the detailed requirements, evaluation considerations, and due dates located?

They are not contained in the main summary. NASA points applicants to the ROSES appendices and to Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES 2016 document, which list individual calls, links, and deadlines.

Can the ROSES 2016 solicitation change after it is released?

Yes. NASA indicates that amendments and new elements could be released through February 2017 and advises proposers to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for updates.

Where can applicants look for clarifications or corrections?

NASA directs applicants to consult the ROSES 2016 web archive and ROSES FAQ pages for clarifications and corrections, and to monitor NSPIRES for updates.

Who should be contacted for element-specific questions?

Applicants are expected to contact the program officers identified in the relevant ROSES appendix for element-specific questions.

Who can answer general ROSES policy and procedure questions?

General ROSES policy and procedure questions can be directed to the SMD research contact listed: Max Bernstein at sara@nasa.gov.

What is the closing date listed for this item?

The posted opportunity lists an original and current closing date of June 10, 2016 for this item.