ROSES 2016: Solar System Observations | Apply Online

FAQs: ROSES 2016 - Solar System Observations (NNH16ZDA001N)

What is this funding opportunity?

ROSES 2016: Solar System Observations (Funding Opportunity Number NNH16ZDA001N) is part of NASA's annual ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) omnibus solicitation from the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). Although the listing name highlights Solar System Observations, it sits within the broader ROSES 2016 NASA Research Announcement framework and is intended to support research and technology activities that advance NASA SMD objectives across space science and Earth science.

Is this opportunity only for solar system research?

Not necessarily. The listing is labeled under Solar System Observations, but the description emphasizes that it is part of the larger ROSES 2016 structure, which spans multiple disciplines and program elements across space science and Earth science. The specific topics and requirements depend on the particular ROSES program element you choose to target.

What kinds of projects does ROSES 2016 support under this listing?

The opportunity supports a wide range of research and technology efforts, including basic and applied work. Examples mentioned include theory development, numerical modeling, analysis of existing NASA mission data, laboratory and analytical work tied to samples, and development/maturation of experimental techniques and technologies that could fly on future missions.

Does NASA support technology development as well as science?

Yes. In addition to traditional scientific studies (theory, modeling, data analysis), NASA highlights hands-on work such as designing and maturing experimental techniques and technologies that could be flown on future missions.

Can proposals involve suborbital or near-space platforms?

Yes. NASA explicitly notes support for investigations using suborbital and near-space platforms, including aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles.

Are sample-based laboratory investigations allowed?

Yes. The solicitation includes laboratory and analytical work tied to samples. This can include extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft as well as terrestrial samples used to validate or interpret observations. It also mentions supporting underlying atomic and compositional parameters needed to correctly analyze remote-sensing data and physical specimens.

Does the solicitation include Earth science work?

Yes. On the Earth science side, the description notes activities such as Earth surface observations and field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, applied systems that translate Earth science data into practical societal uses, and information systems that help users work with NASA data products.

How much funding is available per project?

Funding levels are flexible and depend heavily on the scope of the proposed work and the specific ROSES program element. Smaller, focused projects (for example, a discrete data analysis effort) may be under $100,000 per year, while larger efforts (such as building specialized scientific hardware) can exceed $1 million per year.

How are ROSES program elements funded?

NASA indicates each program element within ROSES has its own funding pool. Those pools can range from less than $1 million to several million dollars. As a result, some elements may select only a handful of proposals while others may support several dozen, depending on priorities and proposal quality.

What types of awards can NASA make under ROSES?

NASA can make awards through multiple mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The specific instrument used depends on what is proposed, who is proposing it, and any program-specific requirements. The source data for this listing explicitly calls out grants and cooperative agreements.

What is the typical project period?

The typical project period is three years. However, some ROSES program elements may allow up to five years, while others may require shorter durations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Organizations of essentially every type may apply, including domestic and foreign entities; government and private institutions; for-profit and non-profit organizations; and teams assembled in many configurations.

Can non-U.S. organizations participate?

Yes, but there is an important caveat. NASA's policy for non-U.S. participation generally requires collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations to be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, meaning NASA funds are not typically transferred to non-U.S. partners under those arrangements.

How do proposals have to be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational official, by the due date for the relevant ROSES program element. Submissions can be made through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov, subject to registration requirements.

Do we need to register in NSPIRES if we submit through Grants.gov?

Yes. Organizations planning to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations submitting via Grants.gov must be registered in Grants.gov and also in NSPIRES.

Do investigators and co-investigators need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. NASA requires that the principal investigator and all other participants (such as co-investigators) be registered in NSPIRES regardless of whether the proposal is submitted via NSPIRES or Grants.gov.

Where do we find the specific research topics, requirements, and due dates?

ROSES is a collection of many distinct program elements, and the short listing does not include all topics, requirements, or due dates. Those details are provided in the ROSES 2016 Appendices, including tables listing program names, links, and deadlines.

What is the closing date shown for this listing?

The administrative posting shows the original and current closing date for this listing as April 8, 2016. Because ROSES has multiple program elements with their own due dates, applicants are expected to check the relevant Appendix and program element information for the deadline that applies to their specific submission.

Can requirements or program elements change after the initial release?

Yes. NASA notes that amendments and new program elements may be released through February 2017. Applicants are expected to monitor NSPIRES and the ROSES 2016 web archive (including the RSS feed) for updates, clarifications, and corrections.

Who should we contact with questions?

For program-specific questions, NASA points applicants to the program officers listed for each program element. The solicitation also provides a general SMD policy contact (Max Bernstein) via the SARA email address.

Which NASA office is associated with this opportunity?

The administrative details in the posting indicate the agency is NASA Headquarters.

Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The posting indicates the opportunity is discretionary.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The posting lists CFDA 43.001.