The ROSES 2024 F.11 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon: Stand-Alone Landing Site-Agnostic program, managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), invites proposals for research and technology development projects related to lunar surface science and exploration. This opportunity falls under the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES-2024) initiative, which supports a wide range of basic and applied research in space and Earth sciences. The funding mechanism may involve grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or inter-agency transfers, depending on the specific work proposed. However, the majority of awards are expected to be in the form of grants. The typical duration of awards is three years, though some programs may allow for longer or shorter project timelines.

This program aims to advance scientific knowledge and technological capabilities associated with lunar exploration by supporting projects that are adaptable to various landing sites on the Moon. The initiative is designed to enhance understanding of the Moon's surface environment, develop innovative payloads, and foster collaborations between diverse stakeholders. By maintaining a site-agnostic focus, the program encourages flexibility in addressing scientific and operational challenges across different lunar locations.

Eligible applicants include institutions registered on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) platform. U.S. institutions are the primary recipients of NASA funding, but non-U.S. entities may participate under no-exchange-of-funds arrangements. Additional guidelines for international applicants and specific collaboration scenarios are provided in the NASA Proposer’s Guide. Organizations of all types, including government, private, nonprofit, and for-profit entities, may submit proposals.

Applications for this funding opportunity follow a two-step process. Step-1 proposals, which provide an initial summary of the project, must be submitted by January 29, 2025. Full Step-2 proposals are due by April 1, 2025, but only applicants who submitted Step-1 proposals are eligible to proceed. Detailed instructions, including required forms, can be accessed through the application package on NSPIRES.

Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, the feasibility of the proposed approach, and the potential impact of the project on lunar science and exploration. Proposers are encouraged to consult program-specific documents for guidance on proposal preparation and submission. Regular updates and amendments to this program are communicated through the ROSES-2024 blog and other NASA communication channels.

For more information, applicants should review the full text of the solicitation and the associated program elements available on NSPIRES. Questions about the program can be directed to Kennda Lynch and Ryan Watkins, or other designated points of contact listed in the solicitation materials. Interested parties are also encouraged to subscribe to NASA’s mailing lists and calendar notifications to stay informed about future amendments and deadlines.