Use of the NASA Physical Sciences Informatics System Appendix A | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this NASA funding opportunity about?

This opportunity seeks proposals for ground-based research that makes direct, science-driven use of experimental datasets housed in the NASA Physical Sciences Informatics (PSI) system (psi.nasa.gov). The intent is to extend the value of International Space Station (ISS) physical sciences research by enabling investigators to reanalyze, reinterpret, or build upon existing datasets using an open-science approach consistent with federal open data expectations.

2) What is the NASA Physical Sciences Informatics (PSI) system?

PSI is an online repository containing data from past and ongoing physical science experiments conducted on the ISS, along with related ground-based studies. This solicitation is specifically focused on research that uses those PSI-hosted datasets as the foundation for new analysis, modeling, interpretation, or technology-relevant insight.

3) What is the official name and reference number of the solicitation?

The opportunity is released under a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Use of the NASA Physical Sciences Informatics System - Appendix A" (NNH15ZTT001N 15PSIA).

4) What kind of announcement is this (procurement vs. assistance)?

It is structured as a broad agency announcement under FAR 6.102(d)(2). NASA also notes it may select the most appropriate award instrument for selected proposals, including grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts.

5) What is the core requirement for using PSI data?

Proposals must do more than simply reference PSI. They must present a clear and credible path from specific PSI datasets to the proposed research questions, methods, and expected outcomes, and show how the work will advance scientific knowledge or technology in a meaningful way.

6) Do applicants need to identify specific PSI datasets in the proposal?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes that competitive proposals will identify specific PSI datasets and explain why those data are well-suited to address an important question in one of the target research domains.

7) Are proposals allowed to rely on data that are not yet available in PSI?

No. Appendix A focuses on research areas where complete datasets are expected to be available in PSI by the proposal deadline. Applicants are expected to use investigations already fully accessible in the system rather than proposing work dependent on incomplete or unavailable data.

8) What research areas are targeted under Appendix A?

Appendix A targets five physical sciences domains: Combustion Science, Complex Fluids, Fluid Physics, Fundamental Physics, and Materials Science.

9) What types of research activities are a good fit for this opportunity?

This opportunity is positioned as support for high-impact analysis and discovery driven by already-collected ISS physical sciences data. Proposed work may include reanalysis of experimental data, reinterpretation of results, validation of models, refinement of theories, or development of new technology-relevant understanding, as long as the effort is solidly anchored in PSI datasets.

10) Why does NASA emphasize microgravity and ISS-derived data in this call?

The solicitation notes that microgravity research can reveal physical behavior that is difficult to isolate on Earth because gravity often dominates other forces. Using ISS-derived data can make subtle effects more apparent and can inform space system improvements as well as Earth-based applications.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and largely unrestricted. NASA welcomes proposals from U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, including academia, industry, nonprofits, NASA Centers, and other U.S. government agencies.

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

Yes. The solicitation indicates NASA welcomes proposals from both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, with the understanding that NASA policies governing research with non-U.S. entities must be satisfied for collaborations involving international partners.

13) Are graduate students allowed to submit proposals?

Yes, graduate students from accredited U.S. postsecondary programs are explicitly encouraged as an investigator category. However, a graduate student proposal must be submitted by the faculty advisor.

14) Can teams and collaborations be part of a proposal?

Yes. Collaboration is allowed and can include universities, federal labs, private-sector partners, state and local government labs, and international partners, provided applicable NASA policies are met.

15) How must proposals be submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by an authorized organizational official.

16) What submission systems can applicants use?

Applicants may submit through either NSPIRES (nspires.nasaprs.com) or Grants.gov.

17) If we submit through Grants.gov, do we still need NSPIRES registration?

Yes. Even if a proposal is submitted through Grants.gov, the organization must still be registered in NSPIRES, and the registration must identify the authorized organization representatives who can submit proposals.

18) What does NASA recommend regarding registrations and accounts?

NASA advises teams to begin the registration and system familiarization process well ahead of the deadline. Both submission systems involve registration and participant-account requirements for PIs and co-investigators, and early preparation helps avoid administrative delays.

19) What were the expected release and due dates for Appendix A?

For Appendix A, the solicitation was expected to be available around June 10, 2015, with proposals due around September 30, 2015.

20) How many awards did NASA anticipate making?

NASA anticipated making roughly 15 awards under this opportunity.

21) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the information provided.

22) How long is the broader NRA expected to remain open, and how often are new appendices planned?

The broader NRA was designed to remain open for about two years. New appendix-based proposal opportunities were planned roughly every six months as funding and program priorities allow.

23) What makes a proposal responsive and competitive based on the solicitation description?

Based on the description provided, strong proposals will: (a) anchor the work in specific PSI datasets that are complete and available by the deadline, (b) pose clear research questions in one of the five target domains, (c) describe a rigorous analysis and/or modeling approach tied to the datasets, and (d) articulate expected outcomes that advance scientific knowledge, refine theory, validate models, or generate technology-relevant insight.

24) Who is the program contact for questions?

Questions about the solicitation were directed to the program contact listed in the full announcement: Francis Chiaramonte (francis.p.chiaramonte@nasa.gov).