ROSES 2016: NASA Data for Operation and Assessment | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

ROSES 2016: NASA Data for Operation and Assessment (Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N) is part of NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation. It supports basic and applied research that advances the objectives of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD).

2) What is the main purpose of ROSES 2016 under this opportunity?

The purpose is to keep NASA science progressing by funding work that analyzes existing mission data and by supporting the development of models, tools, technologies, methods, and mission concepts that enable future discoveries in Earth science and space science.

3) What kinds of activities are within scope?

The scope is intentionally broad and can include theory, modeling, analysis of NASA science data, and a range of development activities that support current and future SMD missions.

4) What types of NASA-related data sources can proposals focus on?

Proposals may address NASA science data from space missions and also from platforms such as aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

5) Does the opportunity support technology and method development, not just data analysis?

Yes. In addition to analyzing existing data, the solicitation supports developing and improving experiment techniques for future missions, developing concepts for future SMD missions, and advancing technologies relevant to NASA science missions.

6) Are laboratory and field work allowed under this solicitation?

Yes. The scope extends into laboratory and field work, including laboratory analysis techniques for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret observations from Earth system missions.

7) What enabling or supporting work is considered relevant?

Related enabling work is within scope, such as determining key atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze space-based data or returned samples.

8) What Earth science topics are specifically highlighted?

For Earth science, the solicitation highlights Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support NASA missions, the development of integrated Earth system models, and systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits (including applied information systems aligned with SMD goals and data products).

9) How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels vary widely depending on the type and scale of work. Smaller, focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) may be funded at under $100,000 per year, while larger, more complex efforts (such as specialized experimental hardware development) can exceed $1 million per year.

10) Is there one single funding pool for all ROSES 2016 proposals?

No. ROSES is an umbrella solicitation with many program elements. Each program element (listed in the ROSES appendices) has its own funding range, typically from less than $1 million to several million dollars.

11) How many awards might be made?

The number of selections can vary by program element, from only a few to several dozen, depending on program priorities, available funding in that element, and the strength of submissions.

12) What award mechanisms can NASA use?

NASA indicates multiple award mechanisms may be used depending on the work proposed and the applicant organization. Awards may include grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter- or intra-agency transfers. The posting also lists grants and cooperative agreements as funding instruments.

13) What is the typical period of performance?

The typical period of performance is three years. Some program elements allow up to five years, and others may specify shorter durations. Applicants are expected to check the specific appendix entry for the program element they plan to propose to.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of all types may apply, including domestic and foreign entities, government and private organizations, for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

15) Are teaming arrangements or partnerships allowed?

Yes. The solicitation states there are no restrictions on teaming arrangements.

16) Are non-U.S. organizations allowed to participate?

Yes, but NASA notes a key condition: collaborations involving non-U.S. entities generally must be conducted with no exchange of funds. In other words, NASA typically will not send funding to the non-U.S. partner; the foreign partner usually participates using its own resources or separate funding.

17) How must proposals be submitted?

Submissions are required to be electronic and must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative by the due date associated with the specific program element.

18) Where can proposals be submitted?

Proposals can be submitted through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov. However, NSPIRES registration is required in all cases.

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

Yes. Organizations submitting via Grants.gov must be registered with both Grants.gov and NSPIRES, and NSPIRES registration is required regardless of submission portal.

20) Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

The organization must identify authorized representative(s) in NSPIRES who can submit on the organization’s behalf. In addition, all principal investigators and other participants (such as co-investigators) must be individually registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

21) Why does NASA recommend starting registrations early?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registration and system familiarization early because delays in account setup can jeopardize on-time submission.

22) Where do applicants find specific topics and requirements?

Because ROSES contains many distinct program elements, the specific topics, requirements, and deadlines are organized in the ROSES appendices. Names and due dates are summarized in Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES 2016 NRA.

23) Do all program elements share the same deadline?

No. While the posting lists a closing date of May 13, 2016 for this entry, ROSES program elements often have their own individual due dates within the ROSES cycle. Applicants are expected to rely on the schedule in the tables and the relevant appendix for the specific element they are targeting.

24) Can the solicitation change after it is posted?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments, clarifications, and new program elements could be released through February 2017, and proposers are encouraged to monitor NSPIRES or subscribe to notifications.

25) What resources are mentioned for updates and guidance?

NASA references an amendments archive page and a ROSES 2016 FAQ page, and encourages monitoring NSPIRES for amendments, clarifications, and new program elements.

26) Who should be contacted with questions about a specific program element?

Program-element-specific questions should be directed to the Program Officers listed in the relevant appendix for that element.

27) Who should be contacted for general ROSES policy or procedural questions?

General ROSES policy and procedural questions can be directed to the SMD research contact listed in the announcement (Max Bernstein via sara@nasa.gov).

28) Which NASA office is associated with this opportunity?

The posting indicates this is a discretionary opportunity under NASA Headquarters.

29) What CFDA number is associated with the opportunity?

The posting associates the opportunity with CFDA 43.001 (Science).

30) What are the posting and creation dates listed?

The posting date and creation date are both listed as March 1, 2016.