The Heliophysics Tools and Methods (HTM) program is part of NASA's Heliophysics Research Program, focusing on the development and maintenance of Python-based software tools and methodologies for heliophysics research. This program supports initiatives that benefit NASA Heliophysics missions, including data interpretation and the creation of tools that align with current and anticipated scientific needs. The program encourages integrating efforts within the Python in Heliophysics Community (PyHC) and seeks to enhance the usability, interoperability, and sustainability of open-source Python software relevant to solar and space physics research.

The HTM program is divided into two categories: new proposals and maintenance proposals. New proposals aim to develop tools and methods such as data readers, analysis codes, visualization improvements, and Python integration for existing libraries. Maintenance proposals focus on enhancing existing tools used widely by the community, addressing issues like bugs, updates for newer programming language versions, and alignment with current standards. Both categories require open-source release of the developed software and collaboration with the PyHC group to ensure community-wide benefits.

Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations engaged in heliophysics research. Proposals must demonstrate the scientific and technical relevance of the tools or methods and their alignment with NASA's data policy and PyHC standards. Maintenance proposals must provide evidence of broad community usage, such as citations in publications, download statistics, or software adoption by research missions. Applicants must also agree to the PyHC standards, which include providing clear documentation, version control, testing, and software licensing.

Proposals are limited to a six-page Science/Technical/Management section and must address specific scientific problems, their importance, and the technical methods proposed to solve them. Submissions should include clear resource needs, an archive and dissemination plan, and a description of the effort's relationship to existing tools and datasets. Proposals are submitted electronically via NSPIRES or Grants.gov, adhering to the formatting requirements outlined in the ROSES Summary of Solicitation.

Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, relevance to the program goals, cost reasonableness, and the feasibility of the proposed methods. Awards are expected to be around $50,000 to $100,000 for new proposals and $25,000 to $75,000 annually for maintenance efforts, depending on project scope. A total budget of $500,000 is available, supporting approximately four new proposals and four maintenance proposals annually.

Deadlines and submission instructions are detailed in the ROSES solicitation documents. Projects are expected to start approximately six months after the proposal deadline. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact the program representative or consult the NSPIRES and Grants.gov help desks.