ROSES 2016: Topical Workshops, Symposia, and Conferences | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is "ROSES 2016: Topical Workshops, Symposia, and Conferences" (NNH16ZDA001N)?

This opportunity is part of NASA's annual omnibus research solicitation under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) umbrella. It is a NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) notice of research announcement that invites proposals for basic and applied research and related activities that advance NASA science across space science and Earth science, with a specific program element focused on topical workshops, symposia, and conferences.

2) Which NASA organization is sponsoring this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by NASA Headquarters (NASA-HQ) under NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) as part of ROSES.

3) What is the main purpose of ROSES in general (including this element)?

ROSES is designed to fund work that strengthens the scientific return of NASA missions, improves tools used to interpret NASA data, and develops capabilities that enable future investigations in space and Earth sciences.

4) What kinds of activities are within scope?

The scope described is intentionally broad and can include basic and applied research and related activities supporting SMD objectives. Examples explicitly mentioned include theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; investigations using aircraft, scientific balloons, sounding rockets, the International Space Station, CubeSats, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles; and development of experimental techniques for future NASA missions.

5) Does the solicitation include technology development or mission concept work?

Yes. Examples in the description include early-stage mission concepts and advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions, as well as developing specialized scientific hardware (noting such activities can be larger in scale and budget).

6) Are laboratory methods and sample analysis activities included?

Yes. The description includes laboratory and analytical methods for studying extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as Earth samples that help validate or interpret Earth-observing mission data.

7) Are Earth science field campaigns and observation efforts eligible?

Yes. The solicitation description includes conducting Earth surface observations and field campaigns that directly support NASA science missions.

8) Does this opportunity cover Earth system modeling and applied information systems?

Yes. Examples called out include improving integrated Earth system models and building applied information systems that translate Earth science research data into societal benefits.

9) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels can vary widely depending on what is proposed. The notice describes awards that may be under $100,000 per year for smaller, focused efforts (such as data analysis) and can exceed $1 million per year for larger, more complex activities (such as developing specialized scientific hardware).

10) How much funding is available within each ROSES program element?

The amount available within each individual ROSES program element typically ranges from less than $1 million to several million dollars. Depending on program goals and the number of high-quality submissions, NASA may select only a handful of proposals in some elements or several dozen in others.

11) What award mechanisms might NASA use?

NASA anticipates using multiple award mechanisms depending on the nature of the work and the proposing organization. Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or interagency/intraagency transfers.

12) Is this listed as a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The posting identifies it as a discretionary opportunity.

13) What is the typical project (performance) period?

A typical performance period is about three years. However, some program elements allow up to five years and others may require shorter timelines, so the allowable duration depends on the specific appendix and call tied to the element being targeted.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

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

15) Are there restrictions on teaming arrangements or partnerships?

No restrictions on teaming arrangements are described in the posting. However, collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations must follow NASA's no-exchange-of-funds policy.

16) What is NASA's policy on funding non-U.S. partners?

The posting states that collaborations involving non-U.S. organizations must follow NASA's no-exchange-of-funds policy, meaning NASA generally will not transfer funds to non-U.S. partners. Teams typically structure participation so each side covers its own costs.

17) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational representative.

18) What electronic submission systems can be used?

Submissions can be made through NSPIRES (NASA's proposal system) or through Grants.gov (with related requirements).

19) What registrations are required to submit?

Any organization intending to submit must be registered in NSPIRES. If submitting via Grants.gov, the organization must also be registered in Grants.gov in addition to NSPIRES.

20) Who must be registered in NSPIRES (organization vs. individuals)?

The organization must be registered in NSPIRES. 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) Who is allowed to actually submit the proposal?

The proposal must be submitted by an authorized organizational representative. The authorized representative(s) who will submit must be identified during registration.

22) Why does NASA recommend starting registration early?

NASA strongly encourages applicants to start registration and system familiarization early because those steps can take time and are required before submission.

23) Where do I find the specific topics, requirements, and due dates?

Because ROSES includes many distinct program elements, the specific topics, requirements, and deadlines are provided in the ROSES appendices. Names, due dates, and links are compiled in Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES document.

24) Is there one deadline for everything under ROSES 2016?

The posting lists an overall closing date of March 31, 2017 for this opportunity, but it also notes that many ROSES elements have their own individual due dates within the broader ROSES window. Applicants should rely on the appendix for the specific element they are targeting.

25) Can requirements or deadlines change after the initial posting?

Yes. Applicants are expected to track updates, amendments, and clarifications. The posting indicates these may be issued through February 2017.

26) Where are official updates and amendments posted?

NASA points applicants to NSPIRES for notifications and to the ROSES 2016 web archive (including an RSS feed) for formal amendments. NASA also references an FAQ page for common process questions.

27) Who should I contact for questions about a specific ROSES element?

For element-specific questions, NASA directs proposers to the program officers listed in each appendix.

28) Who should I contact for general policy and procedure questions?

General policy and procedure questions can be sent to the SMD research contact, Max Bernstein, via sara@nasa.gov.

29) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 43.001.

30) How is this opportunity classified?

The posting classifies it under science and technology and other research and development.

31) What are the posting and creation dates?

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

32) When is the closing date listed on the posting?

The listed closing date is March 31, 2017, with the caveat that individual ROSES elements may have their own due dates within the overall window.