ROSES 2016: Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2016 - Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the "ROSES 2016: Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples" element under NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella solicitation. It falls under NASA Research Announcement (NRA) number NNH16ZDA001N and is managed by NASA Headquarters within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) What is the main purpose of this ROSES element?

The emphasis is on developing methods and capabilities for laboratory analysis of samples returned by spacecraft, along with related terrestrial samples that help interpret or validate observations from NASA Earth system science missions. More broadly, it aims to strengthen the scientific foundation, tools, and technologies NASA uses to extract high-value measurements from mission data and physical samples, and to mature techniques useful for future missions.

3) What types of research does ROSES support overall?

ROSES is designed to support both basic and applied research that advances NASA science across space science and Earth science, aligned with Science Mission Directorate priorities.

4) What activities are considered in-scope under the broad ROSES framework (as described here)?

The scope is described as intentionally broad and can include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; development and use of experimental approaches suited to future space missions; concepts and planning approaches for future SMD missions; and advanced technologies relevant to NASA mission science.

5) Does the described scope include flight or suborbital platforms?

Yes. The description notes that investigations may use aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

6) What is meant by "Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples" in this context?

In this element, the focus includes laboratory techniques for analyzing extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft. It also includes laboratory work on terrestrial analog or reference samples that can be used to ground-truth, interpret, or verify remote-sensing and other Earth-observing datasets.

7) How does this opportunity connect to Earth science missions?

It includes terrestrial samples used to interpret or validate observations from NASA Earth system science missions. The description also highlights supporting Earth surface observations, field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate Earth science data into societal benefits.

8) Are proposals limited to laboratory work only?

The element emphasizes laboratory methods and capabilities, but the broader description of the solicitation includes theory, modeling, analysis of NASA science data, experimental approaches, mission concepts/planning approaches, and advanced technologies relevant to mission science.

9) What funding amounts are typical?

Funding can vary widely depending on the work. Smaller, targeted efforts (such as data analysis projects) may be funded at under $100,000 per year. Large and complex efforts (such as developing specialized scientific experimental hardware) may exceed $1 million per year.

10) Is there one fixed funding pool for all ROSES awards?

No. The amount available is not described as a single fixed pool across the entire ROSES umbrella. Instead, each program element has its own budget range, typically from under $1 million to several million dollars.

11) How many awards might be made?

Because budgets and selection volume vary by element, the stated budget ranges could support anywhere from a handful of awards to several dozen selections, depending on the element's objectives and the number of high-quality proposals received.

12) What funding instruments might NASA use to make an award?

NASA indicates awards may be issued through different mechanisms depending on the work and applicant type, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

13) What is the typical project period?

The standard project period is typically three years. Some elements may allow projects up to five years, while others may require shorter timelines.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broadly open. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government or private organizations, and both for-profit and non-profit institutions.

15) Are teaming arrangements allowed?

Yes. The information states there is no restriction on teaming arrangements.

16) Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, but with an important condition: projects involving non-U.S. organizations must be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. NASA will not provide funding to the non-U.S. partner, even if they participate scientifically.

17) How do applicants submit proposals?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by the due dates specified for the relevant ROSES program element. Submission can be done through NASA's NSPIRES system or via Grants.gov.

18) Is NSPIRES registration required?

Yes. NSPIRES registration is required for all proposing organizations regardless of whether the proposal is submitted through NSPIRES or through Grants.gov.

19) If submitting via Grants.gov, are there additional registration steps?

Yes. If submitting through Grants.gov, the organization must be registered in both Grants.gov and NSPIRES.

20) Who must be registered in NSPIRES for a proposal to be submitted?

The submission must be made by an authorized organizational representative identified during registration. In addition, all principal investigators and co-investigators must be registered in NSPIRES.

21) What should applicants do to avoid administrative delays?

NASA strongly advises completing registrations and becoming familiar with NSPIRES and/or Grants.gov well ahead of deadlines to avoid administrative delays.

22) Where do applicants find the official due dates and element-specific requirements?

Applicants are directed to the ROSES 2016 appendices for element-by-element requirements, points of contact, and official due dates listed in the ROSES tables.

23) Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and new elements may be released up through February 2017, and encourages interested parties to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications for updates.

24) Where can applicants find additional help or archived materials?

Additional help is available through the ROSES 2016 web archive and FAQ pages. Program-specific questions can be addressed to the program officers listed for each element.

25) Who can answer general policy or procedural questions about ROSES?

General policy and procedural questions for the ROSES solicitation can be sent to the SMD research contact, Max Bernstein, at sara@nasa.gov.

26) What is the posted closing date for this listing?

The posted closing date for this specific listing is April 22, 2016.

27) How is this opportunity categorized in federal assistance terms?

It is categorized as discretionary research and development funding under CFDA 43.001, and it uses grant and cooperative agreement instruments (as listed for this specific opportunity).