"Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences – 2024" (ROSES-2024), issued by NASA. This announcement invites proposals for various scientific research and technology development activities aligned with the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). Below is a detailed summary of the funding opportunity and what applicants need to know to engage with the solicitation effectively.

ROSES-2024 covers multiple program elements across areas such as Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, and Biological and Physical Sciences. Each program element has its own focus, cadence, and submission deadlines. This comprehensive solicitation offers opportunities for research ranging from flight-based missions (including space-based instruments, CubeSats, and balloons) to Earth-based data analysis, modeling, and experimental studies. Research addressing NASA’s core scientific objectives, such as understanding the Earth’s climate system or solar interactions, is highly encouraged.

The announcement details the inclusion of new elements and amendments from past years. For example, certain planetary science elements have been consolidated, new protocols have been introduced under Earth Science programs, and specific programs will use a dual-anonymous peer review process to ensure fairer proposal evaluations. Applicants are reminded to follow each program element’s specific rules, as those may override the broader ROSES guidelines.

Funding under ROSES is subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds. While NASA expects to receive about 6,000 proposals, only approximately 1,500 awards, representing around $600 million over their lifetimes, will be granted. Awards typically last three years, but some may extend to five years, depending on the project scope. Applicants can submit requests for various types of awards, including grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts, based on the nature of NASA’s involvement and project structure.

Eligibility is open to a wide range of participants, including universities, private companies, non-profits, and federal agencies, provided they are registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). NASA encourages participation from institutions that have not previously received SMD funding, as well as organizations that support diversity and inclusion, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions. However, proposals involving collaboration with entities from the People’s Republic of China are explicitly prohibited.

Proposals must be submitted via the NASA NSPIRES portal or Grants.gov, depending on the program. Some elements use a two-step or phased submission process, where a preliminary proposal or notice of intent is required before submitting the full proposal. Notably, specific new federal requirements for biographical sketches and current and pending support will apply, though these updates do not change proposal preparation steps.

The ROSES-2024 framework emphasizes transparency and accessibility by requiring open science and data management plans. Proposers must outline how data, software, and publications resulting from NASA funding will be made available to the public. Exceptions may apply for proprietary information or security-sensitive content, but the principle of public accessibility is central to NASA’s scientific mission.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with NASA’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) and the detailed instructions outlined in this solicitation. The use of NASA’s computational resources and access to specialized facilities is available upon request, subject to approval. Compliance with formatting and submission guidelines is essential, as noncompliant proposals may be returned without review.

Deadlines and updates will be tracked via the ROSES website and through NASA’s electronic notification systems. For any questions about specific program elements or proposal processes, applicants are directed to contact the relevant NASA program officers listed in the solicitation document.