ROSBio Appendix D: Solicitation of Proposals to Conduct Research Using Microgravity Simulation Devices | NNH16ZTT001N MS

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ROSBio Appendix D (Solicitation Number NNH16ZTT001N-MS) is a NASA Headquarters grant opportunity released on August 16, 2017 under the broader Research Opportunities in Space Biology (ROSBio) 2016 Omnibus NASA Research Announcement (NNH16ZTT001N). The focus of this appendix is to fund hypothesis-driven space biology research that uses microgravity simulation devices to study how altered gravity affects biological systems. NASA is looking for studies that can meaningfully test specific mechanistic ideas in organisms and model systems that matter to spaceflight biology, ranging from cells and tissues to microorganisms, plants, and whole organisms. While the work is ground-based (simulated microgravity rather than flight), the intent is to generate results that directly support NASA priorities in space biology and help shape or de-risk future spaceflight experiments.

A key feature of the call is flexibility in where and how the simulated microgravity research is carried out. Investigators may choose to use the Microgravity Simulation Support Laboratory (MSSL) at NASA Kennedy Space Center, or they may propose use of comparable microgravity simulation devices located elsewhere. In either case, the proposed research must clearly tie to NASA space biology priorities, specifically the research emphases, visions, and goals laid out in the ROSBio-2016 Omnibus NRA and/or the Space Biology Science Plan 2016-2025, and it may also address relevant recommendations from the discipline Decadal Survey. In practical terms, proposals are expected to make a strong case for NASA relevance, explain why simulated microgravity is the right tool for the hypothesis, and show how the results will move the field forward in ways that matter for human and robotic exploration.

NASA anticipated making up to five awards. Each award could run for up to three years, with a maximum total budget of $300,000 per award inclusive of both direct and indirect costs. The solicitation also allows project budgets to include travel to and lodging near the MSSL when that facility is used, which signals that NASA expects some teams to rely on Kennedy Space Center resources and wants to make participation feasible for external researchers.

The timeline for submissions is clearly defined and uses a two-step process. Non-binding Notices of Intent (NOIs) were due September 14, 2017 by 5:00 PM Eastern Time, followed by full proposals due October 16, 2017 by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The estimated selection date was March 15, 2018. The technical proposal narrative was capped at 15 pages, which typically pushes applicants to be focused and explicit about their hypothesis, approach, experimental design, analysis plan, and expected outcomes, while still addressing NASA relevance and feasibility.

Eligibility is broad across U.S. institutions, reflecting the “unrestricted” category in the opportunity listing. Universities, federal laboratories, private sector entities, and state and local government labs are all within scope. Teams may also collaborate internationally, with an explicit exception excluding collaborations with China. This structure is meant to encourage strong interdisciplinary project teams while still complying with federal restrictions and NASA policy. The award instrument type is a grant (and more generally, awards made under this and related appendices are expected to be grants or cooperative agreements), and the announcement is characterized as a broad agency announcement consistent with FAR 6.102(d)(2).

From a submission and compliance standpoint, NASA required electronic submission by an authorized organizational official, and applicants could submit through either NSPIRES (NASA’s proposal system) or Grants.gov. Organizational registration in NSPIRES was mandatory for any entity intending to submit, including designation of authorized organizational representatives who are permitted to transmit proposals. In addition, the principal investigator and all participating personnel (such as co-investigators) needed to be registered in the system. NASA emphasized registering and getting familiar with the submission portals well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute access or validation issues that can derail on-time submission.

The programmatic point of contact listed for scientific and program questions was Dr. David L. Tomko, Program Scientist for Space Biology in NASA’s Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Division (NASA Headquarters), reachable at 202-358-2211 and dtomko@nasa.gov. Contracting and award-related questions were directed to Benjamin S. Benvenutti, Lead Contract Specialist at the NASA Shared Services Center, reachable at (228) 813-6128 and benjamin.s.benvenutti@nasa.gov. The solicitation was posted through NASA’s research opportunities portal (NSPIRES), and the public listing referenced the ROSBio-MS link for direct access.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ROSBio Appendix D: Solicitation of Proposals to Conduct Research Using Microgravity Simulation Devices" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.003.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 16, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 16, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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