national aeronautics

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICSAND

SPACE ADMINISTRATION

**********

GUIDEBOOK FOR PROPOSERS

RESPONDING TO A

NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (NRA)

Edition: July 2005*

*Including changes summarized on the enclosed Changes from the 2004 Version of the Guidebook Sheet


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Chan!" #$o% 200& '!$"ion o# th! (uid!)oo

The January 2004 edition of the Guidebook has been subsequently updated throughincorporation of significant and administrative changes as listed below.

. This July 200! Guidebook incorporates the following significant changes"

a. Throughout the document #$rogram %ffice& is replaced by #'ission(irectorate.&

b. $age vii) the web site for *+,+-s ision and 'ission statements is added.#,pace /light& is deleted and replaced by #1ploration ,ystems& and #/ormer %ffice of,pace /light& is inserted.

c. $age viii) last paragraph as been rewritten to include references to findingresearch opportunities through /edGrants and Grants.Gov.

d ,ection .) General ackground) is modified as follows" 2ndparagraph) stsentence #from that sponsored by other /ederal +gencies& is added. 3rdparagraph)last sentence) larified the order of precedence for conflicts between this guidebook andother documents. 5aw) regulations and legal instruments will always take precedenceover this guidebook. 4thparagraph) stsentence) #interagency agreements& and #the Jet$ropulsion 5aboratory 6J$57& are deleted.

e. ,ection .2.) 8riting) +nnouncing) and 9eleasing an *9+) is changed asfollows" for clarification the word #$roposal& is deleted and replaced with #+pplication.&2nd paragraph) 3rd sentence) the word #precludes& is replaced by #e1cludes.& 2ndparagraph) 4thsentence #for each office& is deleted and #http"::research.hq.nasa.gov& isdeleted and replaced by #http"::nspires.nasaprs.com:# 3rdparagraph) stsentence)

http"::nspires.nasaprs.com:is added and #by opening #research %pportunities&;...foundthrough the menu& is deleted.

f. ,ection .2.2) $roposal ontent and ,ubmission) 2ndparagraph) 4thbullet)#his:her& is deleted and replaced by #their.&

g. ,ection .2.3) $roposal 9eview and ,election) 3rdparagraph) stsentence theword #evaluate& is deleted and replaced by #consider& and the word #against& is deletedand replaced by #in the conte1t. 4thparagraph) 3rdsentence) #< and that& is deleted andreplaced by #. /urthermore.&

h. ,ection .3.2 valuation for +cceptance for 9eview) last paragraph) after the

last sentence) references are added..

i. ,ection .4.2 $roposal $ersonnel) st bullet entitled) #$rincipal =nvestigator6$=7)& stsentence the word #must& is deleted and replaced by #shall&. +nd in the 2ndparagraph) last sentence) &,uch personnel are to be designated& is deleted andreplaced by #,uch personnel must be designated.&
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>. ,ection .?) $roposals =nvolving *on@A.,. %rganiBations 69ef." +ppendi1 ),ection 6l7) the title is changed to read #%ther Guidelines.& The paragraph has beendivided into .?. and .?.2 and rewritten in its entirety.

k. ,ection 2. %verview) is changed as follows" 2ndparagraph) stsentence)delete #,tarting& and replace by #,ince& and delete #will begin using& and replaced by

#has started to use.& =n the last sentence replace #an& by #a.& +fter 2ndparagraph) a newparagraph is added to provide information regarding 1port ontrol. =n the 4th$aragraph) after the 4thsentence the following is added" #+ffiliation is a two@wayrelationship that requires the approval of the targeted organiBation. %rganiBations maytake some time to respond to requests for affiliations.& +fter the !thsentence) a newsentence is added #This may introduce e1tra time into the proposal preparation andsubmission cycle.& =n the ?thsentence #you will find a variety of& is deleted and replacedby #may be used.& =n the Cthsentence the word #fiscal& is deleted and replaced withalendar.&

l. ,ection 2.2) ,tandard $roposal ,tyle /ormats) stparagraph) a first newsentence is added" #*,$=9, provides for printing of a hardcopy proposal when

mandated by the solicitation that will typically satisfy many of *+,+-s formattingrequirements.& 5ast bullet) stsentence) #unless otherwise specified in the *9+ orpreformatted in *,$=9,& is deleted and replaced by #unless otherwise specified in the*9+ or preformatted in *,$=9,.&

m. ,ection 2.3.) %verview of $roposal) under #onstituent $arts of a $roposal)&3rdbullet) under page limit) #3& is deleted and replaced by #2.&. +nd after last bullet)9eprint6s7:$reprints) the word #6optional7& is deleted and replaced by #*ot allowed.& =nthe last sentence marked by #D& after #where& is changed to read #each #n@page& fold@outcounts as n@pages and each side of a sheet containing te1t or an illustration counts as apage.&

n. ,ection 2.3.2) $roposal over $age and udget ,ummary) this section hasbeen rewritten to incorporate various *,$=9, instructions and to make formattingchanges.

o. ,ection 2.3.3) adds the last sentence) #*,$=9, may provide someassistance in preparing your Table of ontents but you are responsible for its accuracy.&

p. ,ection 2.3.4) #intended& is replaced by #planned) and a clarification isprovided for the use of E40 hours as a basis for determining work commitments.&

q. ,ection 2.3.!) first sentence) #default& is deleted from #. .. default limit is !pages&< #formats& is replaced by #values.&

r. ,ection 2.3.E) urriculum itae.) stsentence) delete #three pages& and replaceby #two pages.& ,ame change in the last sentence.

s. ,ection 2.3.0) ,tatement6s7 of ommitment) one paragraph is added tocover the *,$=9, system electronic statement of commitment capability.

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t. ,ection 2.3.6a76C7) arryover funds will no longer be included as part of thebudget proposal. *+,+ reserves the right to use une1pended funds from prior grantawards) but the availability of such funds will not be an element of proposal submission.

u. ,ection 2.3.6b7 6iv7) this paragraph is rewritten and the *+,+ full costwebsite is incorporated. )

v. ,ection 2.3.2) ,pecial *otifications and:or ertifications is divided into twoparagraphs. 6a7 ,pecial *otifications and:or ertifications and 6b7 $ersonnel from *on@A.,. %rganiBations.

w. ,ection 2.3.3) 9eprint6s7:$reprints6s7 is rewritten in its entirety.

1. ,ection 3.) *otice of =ntent 6*%=7 to $ropose) the web address is correctedas well as wording and web site procedures to reflect the new *,$=9, system

y. ,ection 3.3) ,ubmission of $roposals) the web address is corrected and*,$=9, information is added.

B. ,ection 3.4) Timeline for 9eview and ,election) for clarification only) secondsentence #200 days from the $roposal (ue (ate& is changed to #200 days after the$roposal (ue (ate.&

aa. ,ection 3.!) $roposal 8ithdrawal by $roposer or 9eturn by *+,+) thirdbullet) #/ail to be submitted& is changed to #/ail to be delivered.&

bb. +ppendi1 ) ,ection . %verview) 4thbullet) #budgetary aspects& is deletedand replaced by #cost reasonableness& and at the end of last sentence) the phrase #norfolded into the overall evaluation determination.& is deleted. =n the ?thbullet) the secondsentence is added to notify proposer that they may request a debriefing from *+,+

identifying strengths and weaknesses. + new Cthbullet is added to address 'embers ofongress notifications.

cc. ,ection .3) valuation $rocesses) stparagraph) a 3rdsentence is addedto allow *+,+ to evaluate proposals using only mail reviews. The last sentence allowsthe *+,+ $rogram %fficer to review) and if appropriate the chairperson of the panel. Theasis for ,ummary valuation) and 9elationship of ,ummary valuation to $otential for,election descriptions are revised. 3rdparagraph) #would effectively prevent in part orwholly the proposed ob>ectives from being accomplished) or that otherwise& is deleted.4thparagraph) last sentence) #between& is deleted and replaced by #among.&

dd. ,ection .!.3) (isclosure of ,elections and *onselections) adds third

sentence to allow the proposer the opportunity prior to public disclosure to modify the$roposal summary when the proposal is partially selected by *+,+.

ee. ,ection .2) ,ample *ondisclosure and onflict of =nterest +greement) firstsentence) change #prime& reviewer to #mail@in& reviewer.

ff. ,ection .3) ,ample $roposal valuation form) ,ummary valuation /or=ntrinsic 'erit.) the note is reworded to #This ,ummary may be as long as required but itmust reflect the documented ,trengths and 8eaknesses& for clarification. $aragraph 3)

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ost 9ealism and 9esonableness) delete #available funds& and replace by #proposedpersonnel and purchases:travel:direct costs.& =n the paragraph entitled #,ummaryvaluation of $roposal)& stbullet) the te1t) #may be as long& as required is added and #itmust& clearly identify is added. 2ndbullet) *ote" the word #%nly& is added to) #%nly onerating bo1 is to be checked . . .& in order to prevent more than one bo1 being checked. st

sub@bullet under Guidelines for (etermination of %verall valuation) stsentence is

changed to read" #. + competent proposal that demonstrates a credible response to thesolicitation but strengths and weaknesses essentially balance each other is properlydesignated as #Good.& =n last sub@bullet add #a& before well@defined.

gg. ,ection /.C) #,F,@F/A, # is deleted and replaced by #*+,+-s currentelectronic proposal& system.

2. =n July 200!) the following administrative changes were made"

a. Throughout the document format changes have been made.

b. Throughout the document #January 2004& is changed to read #July 200!&.

c. $age i1 ) second sentence the word #+lternatively& is deleted.

d. ,ection .C) Guidelines for $roposal $reparation) fourth bullet) #a submission&is changed to #an article to be submitted.&

e. ,ection 2.) %verview) 2ndparagraph) !th sentence) #for securing& is changedto #in order to secure.&

f. ,ection 2.3.2) $roposal over $age and udget ,ummary) 3rd paragraph)beginning of second sentence) #*ote that& is deleted.

g. ,ection (.4 /unding ontinuation 6#9enewals&7 of 'ultiple Fear +wards) thelast paragraph is revised in its entirety.

g. ,ection ..) ertification of compliance on $roposal over $age) lastsentence) underlines #they should not be submitted with the proposal.&

h. ,ection /.2) 8ho may be listed as participating personnel on a proposalsecond sentence is reworded for clarity.

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TA+LE O, CONTENTS

$9/+

H =ntroduction to this GuidebookH =ntroduction to *+,+-s ,ponsored 9esearch $rograms

H ,tatements of General $oliciesH *+,+ 8orld 8ide 8eb 68887 Iome $ageH *otification of 9elease of *+,+ 9esearch +nnouncements

. %9=8 %/ TI *+,+ 9,+9I +**%A*'*T 6*9+7. General ackground.2 %verview (escription of the $rocesses

.2. 8riting) +nnouncing) and 9eleasing an *9+.2.2 $roposal ontent and ,ubmission.2.3 $roposal 9eview and ,election

.3 Ansolicited $roposals.3. (efinition

.3.2 valuation for +cceptance for 9eview.4 ategories of $roposal %rganiBations and $ersonnel

.4. $roposing %rganiBations.4.2 $roposal $ersonnel

.! ,uccessor $roposals.? %ther Guidelines .?. $roposals =nvolving *on@A.,. $articipants .?.2 1port ontrol.C Guidelines for $roposal $reparation

2. $9%$%,+5 $9$+9+T=%* +*( %9G+*=+T=%*2. %verview

2.2 ,tandard $roposal ,tyle /ormats2.3 $roposal ontents

2.3. %verview of $roposal2.3.2 $roposal over $age and udget ,ummary2.3.3 Table of ontents2.3.4 ,ummary of $roposal $ersonnel and 8ork ommitments2.3.! ,cientific:Technical:'anagement ,ection2.3.? 9eferences and itations2.3.C /acilities and quipment2.3.E urriculum itae2.3.K urrent and $ending ,upport2.3.0 ,tatement6s7 of ommitment

2.3. udget (etails2.3.6a7 =nstructions for udget ,ummary2.3.6b7 ,pecial udget onsiderations

2.3.2 ,pecial *otifications and:or ertifications2.3.3 9eprint6s7:$reprint6s7

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3. $9%$%,+5 ,A'=,,=%* $9%(A9,3. *otice of =ntent 6*%=7 to $ropose3.2 %n@Time and 5ate $roposals3.3 ,ubmission of $roposals

3.4 Timeline for 9eview and ,election3.! $roposal 8ithdrawal by $roposer or 9eturn by *+,+

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APPENDICES

+. GA=( T% LF (%A'*T, %* TI 8%95( 8=( 8

. =*,T9AT=%*, /%9 9,$%*(=*G T% *+,+ 9,+9I +**%A*'*T,6*+,+ /ederal +cquisition 9egulation ,upplement $art E!2.23!@C27

. $9%$%,+5 $9%,,=*G) 9=8) +*( ,5T=%*. %verview.2 valuation riteria.3 valuation $rocess.4 onflicts of =nterest and onfidentiality.! ,election $rocedures

.!. %verview

.!.2 $artial ,elections.!.3 (isclosure of ,elected and *onselected $roposals

.? (ebriefing of $roposers

(. $9%$%,+5 +8+9(, +*( %*T=*A( ,A$$%9T(. *ew +wards

(.. +wards to *+,+ enters(..2 +wards to *on@*+,+ %rganiBations

(.2 9equests for +ugmentation to an +ward(.3 *o ost 1tensions(.4 /unding ontinuation 6M9enewalsM7 of 'ultiple Fear +wards

(.! ompleting an +ward

. 9T=/=+T=%*,) ,+'$5 +G9'*T,) +*( /%9',. ertifications and +ssurances

.. ertification of ompliance on $roposal over $age..2 #ssurance of Com!liance"#ursuant to $ondiscrimination"&..3 #Certification %egarding &obb'ing&..4 #Certification %egarding (ebarment) Sus!ension) and "&

.2 ,ample *ondisclosure and onflict of =nterest +greement.3 $rototype $roposal valuation /orm

/. /9NA*T5F +,L( NA,T=%*,/. 8ho answers questions about an *9+/.2 =s all the information in this Guidebook needed to prepare a proposal/.3 8ho is responsible for what/.4 8ho determines the types of award to be made/.! 8ho monitors an award/.? =s it MmyM award/.C 'ust every proposal have certain documents

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/.E %nce an award has been implemented) for what must prior approval berequested

/.K 8hat happens if the $= changes organiBations/.0 8ho owns any equipment purchased through the award/. an an award be suspended or terminated/.2 +re there required reports

/.3 8hat is *+,+-s policy about releasing data and results derived through itssponsored research awards

/.4 Iow is *+,+ to be acknowledged in publications/.! an audits occur) and are they important/.? 8hat are the uses of a *o ost 1tension/.C 8hy are all these requirements and details about research awards

necessary/.E 8hy aren-t all proposals that are highly rated by peer review selected for

funding/.K +re proposals from *+,+ enters sub>ect to peer review) and are their

budgets based on /ull ost +ccounting/.20 8hy is an award sometimes slow in being implemented

/.2 8ho may be listed as participating personnel on a proposal/.22 Iow does the *+,+ 9esearch +nnouncement 6*9+7 differ from other

types of *+,+ research solicitations/.23 8hat is *+,+-s policy for submitting late proposals/.24 8hy doesn-t *+,+ release the names of its reviewers

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PRE,ACE

INTRODUCTION TO T-IS (UIDE+OO.

This Guidebook describes the policies and procedures of the road +gency+nnouncement known as the *+,+ 9esearch +nnouncement 6*9+7 used by theprogram offices at the Ieadquarters of the *ational +eronautics and ,pace

+dministration 6*+,+7 that solicit proposals for basic science and technology research.+ll proposers who plan to respond to an *9+ released by *+,+ Ieadquarters shouldadhere to the guidelines contained in the main hapters ) 2) and 3) and +ppendicesunless otherwise noted in the *9+ itself.

=n general) hapters ) 2) and 3 of this Guidebook supplement the material given in its+ppendi1 ) entitled MInstructions or %es!onding +o $S %esearch nnouncements)Mwhich reproduces *+,+ /ederal +cquisition 9egulations 6/+97 ,upplement 6*/,7

E!2.23!@C2 6see +ppendi1 + for access information7. =ts +ppendices and ( describehow *9+ proposals are reviewed) selected) and administered) and are included forcompleteness of information for proposers. +ppendi1 contains a variety ofcertifications and forms that relate to proposals and their evaluations) while +ppendi1 /contains frequently asked questions and answers concerning the *9+ proposal andadministrative processes.

The most recent edition of this Guidebook can always be accessed on the 8orld 8ide8eb 68887 at http"::www.hq.nasa.gov:office:procurement:nraguidebook:. ach *9+will indicate the applicable edition.

This Guidebook may be reproduced in part or in total without restriction.

INTRODUCTION TO NASA/S SPONSORED RESEARC- PRO(RAMS

The *ational +eronautics and ,pace +dministration is an independent /ederal +gencyof the Anited ,tates 6A.,.7 created by the $ational eronautics and S!ace ct of ,-./.The *+,+ ision and 'ission statements are given in the *+,+ ,trategic $lan at the8eb site" http"::nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov:library:display(ir.cfm=nternalO=(P*O$(O000O00OQpageOnamePmain"

*+,+ ision" H To improve life hereects is a privilege accorded to qualified science)engineering) and educational personnel by *+,+ acting on behalf of the citiBens of theAnited ,tates through ongressional action. *+,+-s proposal and selection procedureswork only because the various research communities and *+,+ $rogram %ffices

July 2005P-2
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4 O'ER'IE1 O, T-E NASA RESEARC- ANNOUNCEMENT NRA3

. General ackground

=n fulfillment of the *ational +eronautics and ,pace +ct of K!E) as amended 6accessibleon the 8orld 8ide 8eb at http"::www.hq.nasa.gov:ogc:spaceact.html7) *+,+ endeavors

to sponsor the highest quality research and development of the newest technologiesrelated to the space and aeronautical sciences. Therefore) *+,+ solicits proposals byissuing road +gency +nnouncements of several different types for the particulartargeted ob>ectives sought by each program. This Guidebook specifically discusses thepolicies and procedures of the road +gency +nnouncement known as the *+,+9esearch +nnouncement 6*9+7.

+ key feature that distinguishes the research sponsored by *+,+ from that sponsoredby other /ederal +gencies is that it must be relevant to *+,+-s programs in addition toits being of the highest intrinsic science and technical merits and affordable and realisticin cost. Therefore) proposals that respond to a specific *9+ are called MsolicitedproposalsM) of which *+,+ receives and processes several thousand each year as

submitted in response to many different research solicitations. 9esponsible and timelyhandling of these proposals is crucial for the integrity and efficiency of the review andfunding processes. The standards set forth in this Guidebook not only facilitate theseprocesses but also promote the highest level of professionalism by *+,+ for handlingand reviewing of proposals. Therefore) potential proposers are urged to read thisGuidebook carefully and to adhere to the requirements specific to each *9+ of interestin order to submit a valid) responsive proposal.

=n general) this Guidebook supplements the material given in its +ppendi1 ) entitledMInstructions for %es!onding to $S %esearch nnouncements)M which reproduces*+,+ /ederal +cquisition 9egulation 6/+97 ,upplement 6*/,7 E!2.23!@C2 6see

+ppendi1 + for the 8orld 8ide 8eb access to the */,7. 8here appropriate in this

Guidebook) especially in hapter 2 below) the cross reference to +ppendi1 is providedin brackets 6for e1ample) MS9ef." +ppendi1 ) $art 6a7M7. =n case of any conflict) the orderof precedence to be followed is first) provisions of law) second the */,) third) thespecific requirements noted in the *9+ itself) and lastly the direction provided in thisGuidebook.

The funding mechanisms used by *+,+ for research selected through an *9+ aregrants) cooperative agreements) contracts) and *+,+-s own internal processes forfunding activities at its enters and J$5. /or conciseness) the term Maward& will be usedhereafter in this Guidebook to mean any of these funding mechanisms) and) similarly)M+ward %fficerM will mean either a *+,+ Grant %fficer or a *+,+ ontracting %fficer. =nall cases) only the +ward %fficer has binding authority to obligate Government funds

allocated to a recipient. ,ee +ppendi1 ( for more details about both the definition andadministration of research awards.
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/amendactogc/spaceact.htmlhttp://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/amendactogc/spaceact.html


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.2 %verview (escription of the $rocesses

.2. 8riting) +nnouncing) and 9eleasing an *9+

9egardless of their ob>ectives) *9+s released by *+,+ that specifically incorporate thisGuidebook by reference will be patterned on a standard format that) at a minimum)includes"

%verview =nformation

1ecutive ,ummary

/unding %pportunity (escription

+ward =nformation

ligibility =nformation

+pplication and ,ubmission =nformation

+pplication 9eview =nformation

+ward +dministration =nformation *+,+ ontacts

%ther =nformation

$ursuant to /ederal statute) all *9+s must be synopsiBed in the /ederal usiness%pportunities 6/%7 at http"::www.fedbiBopps.govat least ! calendar days prior to theirrelease. =f the *9+ anticipates the award of both contracts and grants or cooperativeagreements) the *9+ must be synopsiBed to both the /% and Grants.gov) located athttp"::www./edgrants.gov) at least ! calendar days prior to their release. =f an *9+e1pressly e1cludes the award of a contract as a funding instrument) the *9+ must besynopsiBed to Grants.Govno later than three days after the release of the *9+ 6postingin the /% is not legally required7. +s a service to the interested members of thescience) technical) and educational research communities) some *+,+ Ieadquartersprogram offices also provide direct notification of the intended release of their programannouncements through =nternet@based or postal mail services that may be subscribedto by following the instructions found at the research opportunities 8ebsite 6seecomplete listing at http"::nspires.nasaprs.com:7. Iowever) note that *+,+ is notresponsible for inadvertently failing to provide @mail or postal notification of a future*9+. /inally) *9+s may also be accessed through the menu listing #usiness%pportunities& of *+,+Us +cquisition =nternet ,ervice 6*+=,7 athttp"::prod.nais.nasa.gov:cgi@bin:nais:inde1.cgi. =n all cases) a notice in any of thesevenues will always contain at least the following fundamental information"

Title of program for which proposals are solicitedective6s7 and its6their7significance to its field of endeavorudged through review by qualified peers of the proposer and by programmaticevaluation for cost and relevance by *+,+ 6see further details in +ppendi1 of thisGuidebook7. *+,+ will begin this evaluation process as soon as possible after the

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deadline for proposal submission. +t a minimum) the evaluation criteria against whichthe proposals will be >udged will be those listed in ,ection .2 of +ppendi1 ) althoughthese may be supplemented by specific criteria given in the *9+ itself. *+,+ alwaysseeks the best possible evaluations by appropriately qualified peers of the proposer whoare knowledgeable) though not necessarily specialists) in the ob>ective6s7 solicited by the*9+. 1perience has consistently shown that the characteristics of successful

proposals are that they are technically meritorious) logical) complete) convincing) easilyread) and responsive to and affordable by the advertised *+,+ program.

/ollowing peer evaluation) the cogniBant *9+ $rogram %fficer will consider thecompetitively@rated proposals in the conte1t of the programmatic ob>ectives and financiallimitations stated in the *9+. The $rogram %fficer then presents a recommendation forselection based on the entirety of these factors to the *+,+ ,electing %fficial identifiedin the *9+ who then selects those proposals deemed worthy as >udged against theevaluation criteria) the ob>ectives of the *9+) and the available financial resources.

/ollowing selection) each proposer will be notified of the disposition of his:her proposaland) if desired) provided the opportunity to be debriefed. Those proposers who are

selected will be advised that their organiBations will be contacted by the responsible*+,+ $rocurement %ffice to arrange for implementation of an appropriate award. =t isimportant to note that until an award is made) there is no guarantee that therecommended financial resources will be available. /urthermore) awards are made tothe proposing organiBation) and not directly to the $rincipal =nvestigator. +ppendi1 (provides ancillary information about how *+,+ typically implements and managesawards for the proposals selected through its *9+s.

.3 Ansolicited $roposals

.3. (efinition

Ansolicited proposals are defined as those submitted to *+,+ on the initiative of theapplicant rather than in response to an *9+ 6see +ppendi1 + for reference to furtherinformation7. Iowever) since funding resources are rarely available beyond those of*+,+-s formally defined programs) anyone considering the submission of an unsolicitedproposal is strongly advised to consult with appropriate *+,+ program personnel beforepreparing and submitting such a proposal. =n accordance with the *+,+ /+9,upplement $art E!.?) the information *+,+ personnel may provide in discussing thedevelopment of an unsolicited proposal is limited to the general need for the type ofeffort contemplated for the proposal and) as appropriate) the names of other +gencypersonnel for the limited purpose of obtaining an understanding of the +gency missionand responsibilities relative to the type of effort contemplated. *+,+ personnel may notencourage or otherwise #solicit& that a proposal be submitted 6see third item listed in ne1t

paragraph below7. The decision to submit an unsolicited proposal must be entirely thatof the proposer alone.

.3.2 valuation for +cceptance for 9eview

+n unsolicited proposal received by *+,+ is first evaluated to ascertain if it is relevant to*+,+-s interests. =f it is not relevant) it will be handled as technical correspondence andreturned without review. =f it is relevant) it will be assigned to the most appropriate *+,+'ission (irectorate under cover of a copy of a letter informing the proposer of that

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assignment. /or an unsolicited proposal that falls within the domain of a current *+,+program or interest) the proposal will be further assessed to determine if it"

proposes a specific) unique) or innovative pro>ect with sufficient technical andcost information to permit its meaningful evaluationect and who) if selected) agrees to financial arrangements that*+,+ determines as sufficient to ensure the responsible management of appropriated/ederal funds.

*on@A.,. %rganiBations V %rganiBations outside the A.,. that propose on the

basis of a policy of no@e1change@of@funds< consult ,ection 6l7 of +ppendi1 in thisGuidebook for specific details 6*ote" some *9+s may be issued >ointly with a non@A.,.organiBation) e.g.) those concerning guest observing programs for >ointly sponsoredspace science programs) that will contain additional special guidelines for non@A.,.participants7. +lso see ,ections 2.3.6b76vii7 in this Guidebook for special instructionsfor proposals from non@A.,. organiBations that involve A.,. personnel for whom *+,+support is requested.

.4.2 $roposal $ersonnel

very proposal submitted to an *9+ must identify every person and their organiBation ofemployment who is e1pected to play a significant role in the e1ecution of the proposedeffort if it is selected by *+,+ 6see ,ections 2.3.4 and 2.3.! in this Guidebook7 usingone of the following si1 categories of personnel 6*ote" other than the $rincipal=nvestigator) some *9+s may specifically disallow some or all of these categories7"

$rincipal =nvestigator 6$=7 V very proposal shall identify a single $= who is solelyresponsible for the quality and direction of the proposed research and for the proper useof awarded funds regardless of whether or not he:she receives support through theaward. The proposing organiBation has the authority to designate the $= and todesignate any replacements of him:her) if that becomes necessary) although *+,+approval is required for replacement after proposal selection. *ote that *+,+ does notaccept the designation of anyone as a Mo@$rincipal =nvestigatorM with the possiblee1ception of when a proposal includes participation from a non@A.,. organiBation< seefurther discussion below under o@=nvestigators.

*+,+ strongly encourages $rincipal =nvestigators to specify only the most criticallyimportant personnel to aid in the e1ecution of their proposals. ,uch personnel must bedesignated as being in one of the following categories"

o@=nvestigator 6o@=7 V + o@= is a member of the proposal-s investigation teamwho may hold either a full@time or limited@term appointment and who is a critical #partner&for the conduct of the investigation through the contribution of unique e1pertise and:or

July 20051-6


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capabilities. + o@= must have a well@defined) and generally sustained) continuing role inthe proposed investigation) serve under the direction of the $=) and may or may notreceive funding through the award. %nly an individual who has formally agreed to therole may participate as a o@= even if his:her participation is at no cost 6i.e.) contributed7to the proposal. ach o@= must demonstrate his:her commitment to participate in theproposed investigation by way of a brief) signed statement from him:her even if they are

from the proposing organiBation 6see ,ection 2.3.0 in this Guidebook7. The,cientific:Technical:'anagement section of a proposal 6see ,ection 2.3.!7 may alsodesignate that a o@= carry additional responsibilities as appropriate for the followingunique circumstances"

%ne o@= may also be designated as the M,cience $=M for those caseswhere the proposing organiBation does not permit that individual to formally serve as a$= as defined above 6e.g.) nontenured faculty or postdoctoral personnel7. =n such acase) that o@=:,cience $= will be understood by *+,+ to be in charge of the scientificdirection of the proposed work) although the formally designated $= will still be heldresponsible for the overall direction of the effort and use of funds.

+ o@= at an organiBation other than that of the $= institution who ismaking a ma>or contribution to the proposal 6e.g.) providing a significant piece ofhardware7 and who serves as the point of contact at that o@=-s organiBation) may alsobe designated as the M=nstitutional $=M for that o@=-s organiBation 6*ote" if specificallystated in the *9+) *+,+ may elect to provide an award directly to that o@= organiBationwith the o@=:%rganiBational $= serving as a M$=M for that award at his:her organiBation7.

+ o@= from a non@A.,. organiBation may also be designated as aMo@$rincipal =nvestigatorM 6o@$=7 should such a designation be required to fulfilladministrative requirements of that o@=-s organiBation and:or to enable the procurementof funding by that o@= from his:her sponsoring funding authority 6see also +ppendi1 ),ection 6l77.

$ostdoctoral +ssociate V + $ostdoctoral +ssociate holds a $h.(. or equivalentdegree) is usually employed full time at the proposing $= organiBation) is identified as ama>or participant 6but not e1plicitly as a o@=7 for the e1ecution of the proposed research)and is appropriately remunerated for that effort through the proposal-s budget. ,uch a$ostdoctoral +ssociate should be identified by name) if known) by the time the proposalis submitted or may be identified only by designated function in those cases whererecruitment depends on the successful selection of the proposal.

%ther $rofessional V This category is appropriate for personnel who support aproposal in a critical manner) e.g.) a key $ro>ect ngineer and:or 'anager) but who isnot identified as a o@= or $ostdoctoral +ssociate.

Graduate and:or Andergraduate ,tudentsV + proposal may incorporate studentsworking for graduate or postgraduate degrees who will be paid through the proposal-sbudget to help carry out the proposed research under direction of the $= or one of thedesignated o@=-s. ,uch students should be identified by name if known when theproposal is submitted but may be designated only by function in those cases where theirrecruitment depends on the successful selection of the proposal. *ote) however) that

July 20051-7


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direct support for Andergraduate ,tudents is nominally allowed only if specifically statedin the *9+.

onsultant V + onsultant is an individual who is critical to the completion of theproposed effort and is to be paid a fee for his:her services) which may include travel inorder to consult with the $=) but who is not considered a sustaining #partner& in theproposed activities as is a o@= 6*ote" the requirements for the proposal budget includes

the identification) >ustification) and costs of all onsultants 6see ,ections 2.3.2 and2.3. below77.

ollaborator V + ollaborator is an individual who is less critical to the proposalthan a o@= but who is committed to provide a focused but unfunded contribution for aspecific task 6*ote" if funding support is requested in the proposal) such a person mustbe identified in one of the other categories above7. /or a proposal that might beavailable for submission via Grants.gov) collaborators should be listed on the $ro>ect9ole #%ther& line of the ,enior:Ley $erson portion of the 9Q9 424 form.

.! ,uccessor $roposals S9ef." +ppendi1 ) ,ection 6d7

Iolders of e1isting research awards frequently submit follow@on or #successorproposals& to successive *9+s that are issued for continued pursuit of the same *+,+program ob>ectives in order to e1tend an ongoing research activity to its ne1t logicalstep. Iowever) in order to ensure equitable treatment of all submitted proposals) *+,+does not e1tend any special consideration to such successor proposals in terms ofpreferential handling) review) or priority for selection. Therefore) all proposals inresponse to an *9+ are considered new regardless of their previous history of *+,+funding and will be reviewed on an equal basis with all other proposals submitted to the*9+.

,uch successor proposals are welcomed and encouraged) and may reference therelevant achievements made during the course of the previous award6s7 in their

,cientific:Technical:'anagement ,ection 6see ,ection 2.3.! below in this Guidebook7.=n addition) the $roposal over $age 6see ,ection 2.3.27 provides a space for enteringthe *+,+ identifier number of any e1isting award that is a logical predecessor to thesuccessor proposal that is being submitted. =f a successor proposal is selected) it is*+,+-s preference to fund it through a new award) although *+,+ reserves the right tofund the proposal by issuing an amendment to the e1isting award. =n either case) thestarting date of a successor award will follow the e1piration date of the preceding award)i.e.) a successor award to the same $= at the same organiBation may not overlap ane1isting award.

.? %ther Guidelines

.?.. $roposals =nvolving *on@A.,. %rganiBations S9ef." +ppendi1 ) ,ection6l7

*+,+ welcomes proposals that involve non@A.,. organiBations including proposals thatrequest funds from *+,+ for support of qualified participants. ,uch proposals may befrom A.,. organiBations with participants employed by non@A.,. organiBations or fromnon@A.,. organiBations with participants employed by A.,. organiBations. =n all cases

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such proposals must be compliant with the policies stated in ,ection 6l7 of +ppendi1 inthis Guidebook.

/or such proposals) it is critical for the sponsoring non@A.,. organiBation or agency tocertify that support for their own proposing personnel will be forthcoming should theproposal be selected by *+,+. ,uch personnel may fill any of the roles defined in

,ection .4.2 above e1cept that of being a paid onsultant. /urther details concerningbudgets of such proposals are given in ,ection 2.3.6vii7 of this Guidebook. =n addition)proposals that contain the participation of non@A.,. personnel should be aware of animportant provision as follows"

E67o$t Cont$ol (uid!lin!" A77li8a)l! to ,o$!in P$o7o"al"and P$o7o"al" In8ludin ,o$!in Pa$ti8i7ation

/oreign proposals and proposals including foreign participation must includea section discussing compliance with A.,. e1port laws and regulations) e.g.)22 /9 $arts 20@30 and ! /9 $arts C30@CC4) as applicable to thecircumstances surrounding the particular foreign participation. The

discussion must describe in detail the proposed foreign participation and is toinclude) but not be limited to) whether or not the foreign participation mayrequire the prospective proposer to obtain the prior approval of the(epartment of ,tate or the (epartment of ommerce via a technicalassistance agreement or an e1port license) or whether a licensee1emption:e1ception may apply. =f prior approvals via licenses arenecessary) discuss whether the license has been applied for or if not) thepro>ected timing of the application and any implications for the schedule.=nformation regarding A.,. e1port regulations is available at the A.,.(epartment of ,tate 8eb site http"::www.pmdtc.organd through the A.,.(epartment of ommerce-s ureau of =ndustry and ,ecurity 8eb site athttp"::www.bis.doc.gov . $roposers are advised that under A.,. law and

regulations) spacecraft and their specifically designed) modified) orconfigured systems) components) and parts are generally considered#(efense +rticles& on the Anited ,tates 'unitions 5ist and sub>ect to theprovisions of the =nternational Traffic in +rms 9egulations 6=T+97) 22 /9$arts 20@30.

%wing to these legal provisions and requirements) proposals involving non@A.,.participants should be aware that such participation can add to management comple1ityand risk) and) therefore) proposers should limit such cooperative arrangements to thoseoffering significant benefits while maintaining the clearest and simplest possibletechnical and management interfaces.

.?.2 1port ontrol

*+,+ is also advising proposers that) under A.,. law and regulations) spacecraft andtheir specifically designed) modified) or configured systems) components) and parts aregenerally considered M(efense +rticlesM on the Anited ,tates 'unitions 5ist and sub>ectto the provisions of the =nternational Traffic in +rms 9egulations 6=T+97) 22 /9 $arts20@30. =nformation regarding A.,. e1port regulations is available athttp"::www.pmdtc.organd athttp"::www.bis.doc.gov . 8hile e1plicit inclusion of suchmaterial in a proposal is not prohibited it may) in some circumstances) complicate

July 20051-9
http://www.pmdtc.org/http://www.bis.doc.gov/http://www.pmdtc.org/http://www.bis.doc.gov/http://www.bis.doc.gov/http://www.pmdtc.org/http://www.bis.doc.gov/http://www.pmdtc.org/http://www.bis.doc.gov/


22/75

*+,+-s ability to evaluate the proposal since occasionally *+,+ may use the services offoreign nationals who are not lawful permanent residents of the A.,. to review proposalssubmitted in response to this *9+. Therefore) proposers to this *9+ are stronglyencouraged not to include material sub>ect to the provisions of =T+9 in their proposals)although the effort being proposed may itself be sub>ect to =T+9 6see 8eb sites notedabove7. =f it is essential to include any e1port controlled information sub>ect to =T+9 in a

proposal) a notice to that effect must be prominently displayed on the first page of theproposal that shall state"

The information 6data7 contained in Sinsert page numbers or other identification of thisproposal is 6are7 sub>ect to A.,. e1port laws and regulations. =t is furnished to theGovernment with the understanding that it will not be e1ported without the prior approvalof the proposer under the terms of an applicable e1port license or technical assistanceagreement.

*ote that it is the responsibly of the proposer to determine whether any proposalinformation is sub>ect to the provisions of =T+9.

.C Guidelines for $roposal $reparation

*+,+-s e1tensive e1perience in the review of proposals submitted in response to a widevariety of program announcements has shown that the following guidelines are valuablein helping to ensure the submission of a valid) competitive proposal"

/ollow the instructions in the specific *9+ of interest with care in order torespond to the opportunity as published) since *+,+ is legally obligated to review andselect proposals in accordance with their published provisions.

learly state the ob>ectives of the proposal and its implementation plan so thatboth *+,+ and the peer reviewers can easily understand what is proposed to be doneand how it will be accomplished.

,trive to ensure that the proposal clearly addresses the advertised ob>ectives asstated in the *9+) since *+,+ is a program@oriented +gency that is obligated to sponsoronly that research that supports its goals and ob>ectives as stated in its strategic plansand research solicitations.

=f proposing innovative work in a new or emerging field) strive to achieve abalance between the provision of tutorial material and the description of the newactivities being proposed.

$rovide appropriate recognition of preceding accomplishments) demonstrateknowledge of the literature by citing key recent) significant publications in the field) andshow how the proposed activity will e1tend and build on what has already beenaccomplished 6whether by the proposer or by others7.

$roof read the proposal carefully before submission) and) if at all possible) ask acolleague to critically review it for completeness and comprehensibility< strive for aquality and clarity of te1t comparable to that for an article to be submitted to a peer@reviewed >ournal.

Leep the proposal as short as possible consistent with completeness andunderstandability< use legible printer fonts and illustrations and a clear) simpleorganiBation.

$ropose fresh) new ideas rather than slight modifications of proposals that mayhave been re>ected in previous competitions 6*ote" simply revising a proposal to meet

July 20051-10


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deficiencies identified in a previous review6s7 does not necessarily guarantee a higherrating) since reviewers are rarely the same) *+,+ ob>ectives evolve) and fields ofresearch mature) all over a period as short as one year7.

=nclude all requested proposal information in its specified order and incompliance with stated page limits.

,trive for realism as well as adequacy of the requested budget) and provide allthe details necessary to >ustify and facilitate understanding of the proposed costs 6*ote"a relatively low cost does not necessarily provide a competitive advantage to a proposalunless all other factors are equal< likewise) a proposal >udged to be of especially highscience:technical merit is not necessarily re>ected because it requests a budget beyondthe norm advertised for the program7.

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2 PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND OR(ANI9ATION

2. %verview

=t is e1pected that this Guidebook will be updated as required. Therefore) each *9+ wille1plicitly identify the edition date of this Guidebook that should be followed to ensure the

submission of a valid proposal) and material contained in the Guidebook will not berepeated in the individual *9+s. +ny deviations from the Guidebook will be clearlyidentified in the *9+ but will only be introduced if needed for the unique needs of theprogram being solicited.

,ince January of 200!) *+,+ has started to use its updated proposal and evaluationautomated management system known as *,$=9,. *,$=9, is designed to becapable of receiving full electronic proposals directly 6or through Grants.gov for those*9+ solicitations that will not be e1clusively awarding contracts. =t is e1pected) however)that a phased implementation of *,$=9, capabilities will occur. $lease e1amine eachsolicitation 6or element thereof for any omnibus solicitation7 to verify the e1tent to which*,$=9, capabilities will be employed. *,$=9, will provide e1tensive assistance for

offerors) including on@line assistance and a help desk.

Guidance to the information requested on the required $roposal over $age) whichincludes a udget ,ummary and is needed for *9+s that reference this Guidebook) isgiven below. The address on the 8orld 8ide 8eb for the direct electronic access to andsubmission of this $roposal over $age is http"::nspires.nasaprs.com:e1ternal:. *otethat access into this 8eb site requires that the user initially register with their name andorganiBational address) after which they are given an identification =( and password thatallows immediate future log@in access. %nce access is gained into the data system)access for application to a given *9+ is provided through a menu entitled #Solicitations&then accessing the link !en Solicitations=f you intend to submit a proposal) usersshould use the *,$=9, registration module to affiliate with an organiBation. +ffiliation

is a two@way relationship that requires the approval of the targeted organiBation.%rganiBations may take some time to respond to requests for affiliations. *+,+ nowrequires that an organiBation) rather than a $rincipal =nvestigator submit proposals. Thismay introduce e1tra time into the proposal preparation and submission cycle. 8henpreparing a proposal in *,$=9,) online help) as well as a Ielp (esk that can bereached by telephone may be used to address questions or issues in proposalpreparation. /or proposals prepared in alendar Fear 200!) we e1pect most *+,+solicitations using *,$=9, will still require a paper copy to be printed and submitted.Fou should review the solicitation document submission instructions 6and individualelement instructions for an omnibus solicitation7 to ensure you comply with the precisesubmission requirements for that solicitation. e certain to verify you are using thecorrect mailing address for any hard copies of a proposal being submitted.

=t is *+,+ policy that proposals should not contain security classified material 6see also+ppendi1 ) $art 6c76K7 in this Guidebook7. Iowever) should the pro>ect proposedrequire access to classified information) or should the result of the pro>ect generate suchmaterial) the proposer shall comply with all Government security regulations.


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2.2 ,tandard $roposal ,tyle /ormats

*,$=9, provides for printing of a hardcopy proposal when mandated by the solicitationthat will typically satisfy many of *+,+-s formatting requirements. Anless otherwisespecified in the *9+ of interest) the standard formats for a proposal submitted inresponse to all *9+s issued by *+,+ are as follows"

,ingle@spaced) typewritten) nglish@language te1t) formatted using one ortwo columns) and using an easily read font having no more than W! characters per inch6typically 2@point font7ect. $rovide thenumber of /ull Time quivalent 6/T7 *+,+ personnel to be used on the pro>ect for

each fiscal year of the proposal. *+,+ requires this information to comply with an %fficeof 'anagement and udget request for data on *+,+ civil service personnel sub>ect toopen competitions such as an *9+.

nvironmental =mpact. +nswer the question about actual or potentialenvironmental impact and the question regarding environmental assessment orenvironmental impact statement with a yes or no. $rovide sufficient information in thespace provided for an e1planation of environmental impact so that *+,+ may determinewhat actions) if any) the agency will be required to perform per *$+ requirements.

+nswer the historic site:ob>ect impact question with a yes or no answer) and thenprovide a sufficiently detailed e1planation of any impact to assist *+,+ in fulfilling itsduties under federal historic preservation laws.

,ection =Y

udget ,ummary" /ill in the tables as presented) which requires the totalamounts for each of the following items for each year of the proposed period ofperformance) as well as for the total proposed effort) as supported by the udget (etailsportion of the proposal 6see ,ection 2.3. below in this Guidebook for furtherinstructions about each item7"

ategories of ntries for udget ,ummary

(=9T 5+%9 V LF $9,%**5(=9T 5+%9 V %TI9 $9,%**5(=9T %,T, V NA=$'*T(=9T %,T, V T9+5(=9T %,T, V $+9T==$+*T:T9+=* ,A$$%9T %,T,

%TI9 (=9T %,T, 'aterials and ,upplies $ublication costs onsultant services +($:computer services ,ubawards:consortium:contractual costs

V quipment or facility rental:user fees@ +lterations and renovations

V %ther =*(=9T %,T,

/

T%T+5 %,T 6A(GT T%T+57

July 20052-7


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,pecial conditions and instructions concerning the #ro!osal Coer #age"

6i7 lectronic submission of only the #ro!osal Coer #agedoes not satisfy thedeadline for proposal submission. =f the solicitation e1pressly states that onlyauthenticated electronic proposals 6electronically authoriBed by the +%97 are to be

submitted) and all required attachments are also supplied electronically with a completecover page by the submission due date) then the proposal will be considered complete.8hen hard copy submission is required) however) the required number of copies of theproposal 6as specified in the *9+7 including a printed copy of the #ro!osal Coer #age6with the *,$=9, assigned proposal number) see ,ection 2.3.2 above7) one withoriginal signature) must be received at the indicated address by close of business 64"30p.m. astern Time7 on the proposal due date 6*ote" see ,ection 6g7 of +ppendi1 ) aswell as ,ection 3.2) both in this Guidebook) for *+,+ policy on late proposals7.

6ii7 $hysical changes 6such as whiteout or strikethrough7 of any kind to theprinted version of a #ro!osal Coer #agethat has been electronically submitted are notpermitted. +ny needed changes may only be made by editing the electronic version

following the instructions on its 8eb site) after which the revised #ro!osal Coer #ageisthen printed for purposes of securing the necessary signatures 6*ote" for this reason) itis recommended that this item be produced from the specified 8eb site well in advanceof the proposal due date7.

2.3.3 Table of ontents

The one@page +able of Contentsshould provide a guide to the organiBation and contentsof the proposal. This item may also incorporate customiBed formats of the proposer-sown choosing) e.g.) identification of the submitting organiBation through use of letterheadstationary) pro>ect logos) etc. *,$=9, may provide some assistance in preparing yourTable of ontents but you are responsible for its accuracy.

2.3.4 ,ummary of $roposal $ersonnel and 8ork fforts

The item must provide a summary list) using a tabular format of the proposer-s ownchoosing) of the names and planned work commitments 6in units of a percentage of anominal full time work year of the $= and of every o@= in the proposed investigation forwhom salary support is requested for each year of the proposed period of performance./or the purpose of identifying work commitment only) a work year will be based on E40hours of productive effort V this work commitment information should *%T change youruse of your institution-s standard financial practices for budget submittal purposes.

2.3.! ,cientific:Technical:'anagement ,ection

S9ef." +ppendi1 ) $arts 6c7647) 6c76!7) and in@part 6c76?7

+s the main body of the proposal) this section must cover the following topics in theorder given) all within the specified page limit 6unless otherwise specified) the limit is !pages using the default values given in ,ection 2.3. above7"

The ob>ectives and e1pected significance of the proposed research)especially as related to the ob>ectives given in the *9+ect) whether it is already available or would need to bepurchased. efore requesting an item of capital equipment) the proposer shoulddetermine if sharing or loan of equipment already within the organiBation is a feasiblealternative and) if not) why such arrangements cannot be made. The need for generalpurpose items that typically can be used for research and nonresearch purposes shouldbe e1plained. $roposed costs for purchased facilities) tooling) or equipment must beentered in the proposal 7udget Summar'and described in the 7udget (etails6see,ection 2.3. below in this Guidebook7.

2.3.E urriculum itae S9ef." +ppendi1 " $art 6c76?7

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The $rincipal =nvestigator must include a curriculum itae6not to e1ceed two pages7 thatincludes his:her professional e1periences and positions and a bibliography of recentpublications) especially those relevant to the proposed investigation. + one@page vitaefor each o@=nvestigator must also be included 6*ote" any o@= also serving in one of thethree special o@= categories defined in ,ection .4.2 may use the same two page limitas for the $=7.

2.3.K urrent and $ending ,upport S9ef." +ppendi1 ) $art 6c7607

=nformation must be provided for all ongoing and pending pro>ects and proposals thatinvolve the proposing $=. This information is also preferred but not required for any o@=s who are proposed to perform a significant share 6[0 percent7 of the proposed work.This information must be provided for each such individual for each of the following twocategories of awards that may e1ist at the time of the proposal submission deadline)namely)

+. urrent +wards 6for any of the period that overlaps with the submitted

proposal7) and. $ending +wards 6including the proposal being submitted to *+,+7.

/or each of these two categories) and using a format of the proposer-s own choosing)provide the following information"

Title of award or pro>ect titleect) and rates of pay 6not to e1ceed the equivalent ofthe daily rate for 5evel = of the 1ecutive ,chedule) e1clusive of e1penses andindirect costs7. The 1ecutive ,chedule is located athttp"::www.opm.gov:oca:0!tables:inde1,,.asp*ote" =f %' updates thee1ecutive rate schedule) the limit shall be that of the most current schedule..c. quipment" 5ist separately. 1plain the need for items costing more thanZ!)000. (escribe basis for estimated cost. General purpose equipment is notallowable as a direct cost unless specifically approved by the *+,+ Grant%fficer. +ny general purpose equipment purchase requested to be made as adirect charge under this award must include the equipment description) how it willbe used in the conduct of the basic research proposed and include a written

certification that the equipment will be used e1clusively for research) activities.d. ,upplies" $rovide general categories of needed supplies) the method ofacquisition) and the estimated cost.e. Travel" (escribe the purpose of the proposed travel in relation to the grantand provide the basis of estimate) including information on destination andnumber of travelers where known.f. %ther" nter the total of direct costs not covered by 2a through 2e. +ttach anitemiBed list e1plaining the need for each item and the basis for the estimate.

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3. /+=5=T=, +*( +('=*=,T9+T= 6/Q+7 %,T," =dentify /Q+ cost rate6s7and base6s7 as approved by the cogniBant /ederal agency) including the effectiveperiod of the rate. $rovide the name) address) and telephone number of the/ederal agency official having cogniBance. =f unapproved rates are used) e1plainwhy) and include the computational basis for the indirect e1pense pool and

corresponding allocation base for each rate.

4. %TI9 +$$5=+5 %,T," nter total e1plaining the need for each item.

!. ,AT%T+5@,T='+T( %,T," nter the sum of items through 4.

?. 5,, $9%$%,( %,T ,I+9=*G 6=/ any7" nter any amount proposed. =fcost sharing is based on specific cost items) identify each item and amount in anattachment.

C. T%T+5 ,T='+T( %,T," nter the total after subtracting items ? and Cfrom item !.

2.3.6b7 ,pecial udget onsiderations

=n complying with the requirements of the udget ,ummary and for providing adequateadditional information to understand its entries) the following additional important *+,+procurement policies apply"

6i7 $urchase of $ersonal omputers and:or ,oftware. *ote the discussion ofitem M2.c. quipmentM on the =nstructions above regarding the proposed purchase ofpersonal computers and:or commercial software. ,uch items are usually considered by*+,+ to be general purpose equipment that must be purchased from general

organiBational overhead budgets and not directly from the proposal budget unless it canbe demonstrated that such items are to be used uniquely and only for the proposedresearch. =f a proposal is selected for award) failure to adequately address theprovisions of the instructions for item 2.c will require that *+,+ contact the proposingorganiBation for the required information. ,uch activity may delay the award until thepurchase is >ustified as a direct charge for general purpose equipment to be usede1clusively for research activities.

6ii7 Joint $roposals =nvolving a 'i1 of A.,. Government and *on@Government%rganiBations.

6a7 =f a $= from any type of private or public organiBation proposes to team

with a o@= from and:or use a facility at a A.,. Government organiBation 6including *+,+enters and the Jet $ropulsion 5aboratory7) then any required budget for thatGovernment o@= and:or facility should be included in the proposal-s 7udget (etailsandshould be listed as M%ther +pplicable ostsM in the required 7udget Summar'. =f theproposal is selected) *+,+ will e1ecute an inter@ or intra@+gency transfer of funds) asappropriate) to cover the applicable costs at that Government organiBation.

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6b7 =f a $= from a A.,. Government organiBation 6including *+,+ entersand the Jet $ropulsion 5aboratory7 proposes to team with a o@= from a non@Government organiBation) then the proposing Government organiBation must coverthose o@= costs through an appropriate award for which that Government $=organiBation is responsible. ,uch non@Government o@= costs should be entered as aM,ubcontractM on the udget ,ummary.

6iii7 9esponsibility of the $roposing %rganiBation to $lace ,ubawards for o@=-sat %ther %rganiBations. %ther than the special cases discussed in item 6ii7 above) andunless specifically noted otherwise in the *9+) the proposing $= organiBation mustsubcontract the funding of all proposed o@=-s who reside at other non@GovernmentorganiBations) even though this may result in a higher proposal cost because ofsubcontracting fees.

6iv7 /ull@ost +ccounting at *+,+ enters. *+,+ is now operating using fullcost budgeting) accounting) and management practices. Therefore) all researchproposals originating from a *+,+ enter or the Jet $ropulsion 5aboratory must besubmitted with fully loaded costs including procurement) civil service labor) travel)

service pools) center GQ+) and corporate GQ+. =n compliance with the full cost policies).proposals that are submitted by non@*+,+ organiBations but that involve a *+,+organiBation must ensure that any *+,+ costs are fully documented in compliance withfull cost accounting. The web address for *+,+-s /ull ost =nitiative is"http"::www.hq.nasa.gov:fullcost.

6v7 Anallowable osts. The %ffice of 'anagement and udget 6%'7 irculars+@2 and +@22) and the /ederal +cquisition 9egulation 6/+97 at 4E /9 $art 3)identify certain costs that may not be included in a proposed budget. The use ofappropriated funds for such purposes are unallowable and may lead to cancellation ofthe award and possible criminal charges. Grant recipients should be aware of costprinciples applicable to their organiBation as set forth in the above regulations.

6vi7 $rohibition of the Ase of *+,+ /unds for *on@A.,. 9esearch. *+,+-spolicy welcomes the opportunity to conduct research with non@A.,. organiBations on acooperative) no@e1change@of@funds basis. +lthough o@=s or collaborators employed bynon@A.,. organiBations may be identified as part of a proposal submitted by a A.,.organiBation) *+,+ funding may not normally be used to support research efforts bynon@A.,. organiBations at any level< however) the direct purchase of supplies and:orservices that do not constitute research from non@A.,. sources by A.,. award recipientsis permitted. ,ee also ,ection 6l7 of +ppendi1 .

6vii7 $roposals from non@A.,. $= organiBations that propose the funding of A.,.o@=s. + proposal submitted by a non@A.,. organiBation that involves A.,. o@=s for

whom *+,+ funding is requested must provide the budgets for those A.,. o@=s incompliance with all applicable provisions in this ,ection 2.3.. =n addition) compliance isrequired by the proposing non@A.,. organiBation with the provisions of ,ection 6l7 of

+ppendi1 .

2.3.2 ,pecial *otifications and:or ertificationsS9ef." +ppendi1 ) $art 6c767

2.3.26a7 ,pecial *otifications and:or ertifications

July 20052-13
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/fullcosthttp://www.hq.nasa.gov/fullcost


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,ome *9+s may require proposals to include special notifications or certificationsregarding the impact of research including) e.g.) environmental) human) or animal careprovisions) conflicts of interest) or other topics as may be required by statute) 1ecutive%rder) or Government policies. ompliance with such requirements is important toensure submission of a complete proposal) and such items must be included in this

section of the proposal.

2.3.26b7 $ersonnel from *on@A.,. %rganiBations

=f any of the proposal-s personnel are from a non@A.,. organiBation) appropriately signedletter6s7 of certification must be included that verifies that their support will be providedby a responsible organiBation6s7 or government agency6ies7 should the proposal beselected by *+,+.

2.3.3 9eprint6s7:$reprint6s7

9eprints and:or preprints are not permitted to be appended to a proposal unless they are

accommodated within the proposal page limit. +ll information and material necessary foran informed peer review of the proposal must be included within the proposal in amanner that is compliant with the proposal page limit and permitted appendices.

July 20052-14


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PROPOSAL SU+MISSION PROCEDURES

3. *otice of =ntent 6*%=7 to $ropose

To plan for and e1pedite the review process) and thus minimiBe the time required forannouncement of selections) all *9+s released by *+,+ Ieadquarters that reference

this Guidebook will request that an optional *otice of =ntent 6*%=7 to propose besubmitted by typically no later than about ?0 days prior to the $roposal (ue (ate.

+lthough the information in a *%= is not binding on the submitter) it should be asaccurate and complete as possible by its due date. +n *%= is submitted by logging into*,$=9,athttp"::nspires.nasaprs.comand then clicking on the #$roposals& link.%fferor-s must be registered with *,$=9, to create and submit an *%=. ,pace isprovided for the applicant to provide) at a minimum) the following information) althoughthe additional special requests may also be indicated"

+ ,hort Title of the anticipated proposal 6!0 characters or less7ectives and:or provisions of the *9+ect to the /ederal +cquisition

9egulation and the *+,+ /+9 ,upplement. +ny resultant grants or cooperativeagreements will be awarded and administered in accordance with the *+,+ Grant andooperative +greement Iandbook 6*$G !E00.7.

6!7 *+,+ does not have mandatory forms or formats for responses to *9+sect within the areas delineated by the *9+< contain sufficient technical andcost information to permit a meaningful evaluation< be signed by an official authoriBed to

legally bind the submitting organiBation< not merely offer to perform standard services or to>ust provide computer facilities or services< and not significantly duplicate a more specificcurrent or pending *+,+ solicitation.

6b7 NRA


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6c7 The following information is needed to permit consideration in an ob>ective manner.*9+s will generally specify topics for which additional information or greater detail isdesirable. ach proposal copy shall contain all submitted material) including a copy of thetransmittal letter if it contains substantive information.

67 T$an"%ittal L!tt!$ o$ P$!#ato$yMat!$ial

6i7 The legal name and address of the organiBation and specific division orcampus identification if part of a larger organiBationect title intelligible to a scientifically literatereader and suitable for use in the public pressect to the notice by inserting an appropriate identification in the notice. =nany event) information contained in proposals will be protected to the e1tent permitted by

law) but *+,+ assumes no liability for use and disclosure of information not made sub>ectto the notice.

Noti8!R!"t$i8tion on U"! and Di"8lo"u$!o# P$o7o"al In#o$%ation

The information 6data7 contained in Sinsert page numbers or otheridentification of this proposal constitutes a trade secret and:or informationthat is commercial or financial and confidential or privileged. =t is furnishedto the Government in confidence with the understanding that it will not)without permission of the offeror) be used or disclosed other than forevaluation purposes< provided) however) that in the event a contract 6orother agreement7 is awarded on the basis of this proposal the Governmentshall have the right to use and disclose this information 6data7 to the e1tent

provided in the contract 6or other agreement7. This restriction does not limitthe GovernmentUs right to use or disclose this information 6data7 if obtainedfrom another source without restriction.

637 A)"t$a8t =nclude a concise 6200@300 word if not otherwise specified in the*9+7 abstract describing the ob>ective and the method of approach.


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647 P$o=!8t D!"8$i7tion6i7 The main body of the proposal shall be a detailed statement of the work to

be undertaken and should include ob>ectives and e1pected significance< relation to thepresent state of knowledge< and relation to previous work done on the pro>ect and torelated work in progress elsewhere. The statement should outline the plan of work)including the broad design of e1periments to be undertaken and a description of

e1perimental methods and procedures. The pro>ect description should address theevaluation factors in these instructions and any specific factors in the *9+. +nysubstantial collaboration with individuals not referred to in the budget or use ofconsultants should be described. ,ubcontracting significant portions of a researchpro>ect is discouraged.

6ii7 8hen it is e1pected that the effort will require more than one year) theproposal should cover the complete pro>ect to the e1tent that it can be reasonablyanticipated. $rincipal emphasis should be on the first year of work) and the descriptionshould distinguish clearly between the first yearUs work and work planned for subsequentyears.

6!7 Mana!%!nt A77$oa8h /or large or comple1 efforts involving interactions

among numerous individuals or other organiBations) plans for distribution ofresponsibilities and arrangements for ensuring a coordinated effort should be described.

6?7 P!$"onn!l The principal investigator is responsible for supervision of thework and participates in the conduct of the research regardless of whether or notcompensated under the award. + short biographical sketch of the principal investigator) alist of principal publications and any e1ceptional qualifications should be included. %mitsocial security number and other personal items which do not merit consideration inevaluation of the proposal. Give similar biographical information on other seniorprofessional personnel who will be directly associated with the pro>ect. Give the namesand titles of any other scientists and technical personnel associated substantially with thepro>ect in an advisory capacity. Aniversities should list the appro1imate number of

students or other assistants) together with information as to their level of academicattainment. +ny special industry@university cooperative arrangements should bedescribed.

6C7 ,a8iliti!" and E>ui7%!nt6i7 (escribe available facilities and ma>or items of equipment especially

adapted or suited to the proposed pro>ect) and any additional ma>or equipment that will berequired. =dentify any Government@owned facilities) industrial plant equipment) or specialtooling that are proposed for use. =nclude evidence of its availability and the cogniBantGovernment points of contact.

6ii7 efore requesting a ma>or item of capital equipment) the proposer shoulddetermine if sharing or loan of equipment already within the organiBation is a feasible

alternative. 8here such arrangements cannot be made) the proposal should so state.The need for items that typically can be used for research and non@research purposesshould be e1plained.

6E7 P$o7o"!d Co"t" U S P$o7o"al" Only36i7 $roposals should contain cost and technical parts in one volume" do not

use separate MconfidentialM salary pages. +s applicable) include separate cost estimatesfor salaries and wages< fringe benefits< equipment< e1pendable materials and suppliesor capital equipment items to be acquired< purposeand estimated number and lengths of trips planned< basis for indirect cost computation6including date of most recent negotiation and cogniBant agency7< and clarification of otheritems in the cost proposal that are not self@evident. 5ist estimated e1penses as yearlyrequirements by ma>or work phases.

6iii7 +llowable costs are governed by /+9 $art 3and the *+,+ /+9,upplement $art E36and %' irculars +2 for educational institutions and +@22 fornonprofit organiBations7.

6iv7 Ase of *+,+ funds@@*+,+ funding may not be used for foreign researchefforts at any level) whether as a collaborator or a subcontract. The direct purchase ofsupplies and:or services) which do not constitute research) from non@A.,. sources by A.,.award recipients is permitted. +dditionally) in accordance with the *ational ,pace

Transportation $olicy) use of a non@A.,. manufactured launch vehicle is permitted onlyon a no@e1change@of@funds basis.

6K7 S!8u$ity $roposals should not contain security classified material. =f theresearch requires access to or may generate security classified information) the submitterwill be required to comply with Government security regulations.

607 Cu$$!nt Su77o$t /or other current pro>ects being conducted by theprincipal investigator) provide title of pro>ect) sponsoring agency) and ending date.

67 S7!8ial Matt!$"6i7 =nclude any required statements of environmental impact of the research)

human sub>ect or animal care provisions) conflict of interest) or on such other topics asmay be required by the nature of the effort and current statutes) e1ecutive orders) or othercurrent Government@wide guidelines.

6ii7 =dentify and discuss risk factors and issues throughout the proposalwhere they are relevant) and your approach to managing these risks.

6iii7 $roposers should include a brief description of the organiBation) itsfacilities) and previous work e1perience in the field of the proposal. =dentify thecogniBant Government audit agency) inspection agency) and administrative contractingofficer) when applicable.

6d7 R!n!?al P$o7o"al"67 9enewal proposals for e1isting awards will be considered in the same manner

as proposals for new endeavors. + renewal proposal should not repeat all of theinformation that was in the original proposal. The renewal proposal should refer to itspredecessor) update the parts that are no longer current) and indicate what elements ofthe research are e1pected to be covered during the period for which support is desired. +description of any significant findings since the most recent progress report should beincluded. The renewal proposal should treat) in reasonable detail) the plans for the ne1tperiod) contain a cost estimate) and otherwise adhere to these instructions.
http://www.arnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart_31_1.html#1069490http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/1831.htmhttp://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/1831.htmhttp://www.arnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart_31_1.html#1069490http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/1831.htmhttp://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/1831.htm


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627 *+,+ may renew an effort either through amendment of an e1isting contract orby a new award.

6e7 L!nth Anless otherwise specified in the *9+) effort should be made to keepproposals as brief as possible) concentrating on substantive material. /ew proposalsneed e1ceed !@20 pages. *ecessary detailed information) such as reprints) should be

included as attachments. + complete set of attachments is necessary for each copy of theproposal. +s proposals are not returned) avoid use of Mone of a kindM attachments.

6f7 Joint P$o7o"al"67 8here multiple organiBations are involved) the proposal may be submitted by

only one of them. =t should clearly describe the role to be played by the otherorganiBations and indicate the legal and managerial arrangements contemplated. =n otherinstances) simultaneous submission of related proposals from each organiBation might beappropriate) in which case parallel awards would be made.

627 8here a pro>ect of a cooperative nature with *+,+ is contemplated) describethe contributions e1pected from any participating *+,+ investigator and agency facilities

or equipment which may be required. The proposal must be confined only to that whichthe proposing organiBation can commit itself. MJointM proposals which specify the internalarrangements *+,+ will actually make are not acceptable as a means of establishing anagency commitment.

6g7 Lat! P$o7o"al" $roposals or proposal modifications received after the latest datespecified for receipt may be considered if a significant reduction in cost to theGovernment is probable or if there are significant technical advantages) as comparedwith proposals previously received.

6h7 1ithd$a?al $roposals may be withdrawn by the proposer at any time before award.%fferors are requested to notify *+,+ if the proposal is funded by another organiBation or

of other changed circumstances which dictate termination of evaluation.

6i7 E@aluation ,a8to$"67 Anless otherwise specified in the *9+) the principal elements 6of

appro1imately equal weight7 considered in evaluating a proposal are its relevance to*+,+Us ob>ectives) intrinsic merit) and cost.

627 valuation of a proposalUs relevance to *+,+Us ob>ectives includes theconsideration of the potential contribution of the effort to *+,+Us mission.

637 valuation of its intrinsic merit includes the consideration of the following

factors of equal importance"

6i7 %verall scientific or technical merit of the proposal or unique and innovativemethods) approaches) or concepts demonstrated by the proposal.

6ii7 %fferorUs capabilities) related e1perience) facilities) techniques) or uniquecombinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal ob>ectives.

6iii7 The qualifications) capabilities) and e1perience of the proposed principalinvestigator) team leader) or key personnel critical in achieving the proposal ob>ectives.

6iv7 %verall standing among similar proposals and:or evaluation against thestate@of@the@art.


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647 valuation of the cost of a proposed effort may include the realism andreasonableness of the proposed cost and available funds.

6>7 E@aluation T!8hni>u!" ,election decisions will be made following peer and:orscientific review of the proposals. ,everal evaluation techniques are regularly used within

*+,+. =n all cases proposals are sub>ect to scientific review by discipline specialists in thearea of the proposal. ,ome proposals are reviewed entirely in@house) others areevaluated by a combination of in@house and selected e1ternal reviewers) while yet othersare sub>ect to the full e1ternal peer review technique 6with due regard for conflict@of@interest and protection of proposal information7) such as by mail or through assembledpanels. The final decisions are made by a *+,+ selecting official. + proposal which isscientifically and programmatically meritorious) but not selected for award during its initialreview) may be included in subsequent reviews unless the proposer requests otherwise.

6k7 S!l!8tion #o$ A?a$d67 8hen a proposal is not selected for award) the proposer will be notified. *+,+

will e1plain generally why the proposal was not selected. $roposers desiring additional

information may contact the selecting official who will arrange a debriefing.

627 8hen a proposal is selected for award) negotiation and award will be handledby the procurement office in the funding installation. The proposal is used as the basis fornegotiation. The contracting officer may request certain business data and may forward amodel award instrument and other information pertinent to negotiation.

6l7 Additional (uid!lin!" A77li8a)l! to ,o$!in P$o7o"al" and P$o7o"al" In8ludin,o$!in Pa$ti8i7ation

67 *+,+ welcomes proposals from outside the A.,. Iowever) foreign entitiesare generally not eligible for funding from *+,+. Therefore) unless otherwise noted inthe *9+) proposals from foreign entities should not include a cost plan unless the

proposal involves collaboration with a A.,. institution) in which case a cost plan foronly the participation of the A.,. entity must be included. $roposals from foreign entitiesand proposals from A.,. entities that include foreign participation must be endorsed bythe respective government agency or funding:sponsoring in the country from which theforeign entity is proposing. ,uch endorsement should indicate that the proposal meritscareful consideration by *+,+) and if the proposal is selected) sufficient funds will bemade available to undertake the activity as proposed.

627 +ll foreign proposals must be typewritten in nglish and comply with all othersubmission requirements stated in the *9+. +ll foreign proposals will undergo the sameevaluation and selection process as those originating in the A.,. +ll proposals must bereceived before the established closing date. Those received after the closing date will

be treated in accordance with paragraph 6g7 of this provision. ,ponsoring foreigngovernment agencies or funding institutionsmay) in e1ceptional situations) forward aproposal without endorsement if endorsement is not possible before the announcedclosing date. =n such cases) the *+,+ sponsoring office should be advised when adecision on endorsement can be e1pected.

637 ,uccessful and unsuccessful foreign entities will be contacted directly by the*+,+ sponsoring office. opies of these letters will be sent to theforeign sponsor.,hould a foreign proposal or a A.,. proposal with foreign participation be selected)


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*+,+Us %ffice of 1ternal 9elations will arrange with the foreign sponsor for theproposed participation on a no@e1change@of@funds basis) in which *+,+ and the non@A.,. sponsoring agency or funding institution will each bear the cost of discharging theirrespective responsibilities.

647 (epending on the nature and e1tent of the proposed cooperation) these

arrangements may entail"6i7 +n e1change of letters between *+,+ and theforeign sponsoror6ii7 + formal +gency@to@+gency 'emorandum of Anderstanding 6'%A7.

6m7 Can8!llation o# NRA *+,+ reserves the right to make no awards under this *9+and to cancel this *9+. *+,+ assumes no liability for canceling the *9+ or for anyoneUsfailure to receive actual notice of cancellation.

End o# 7$o@i"ion3


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APPENDI; C

PROPOSAL PROCESSIN(B RE'IE1B AND SELECTION

. %verview

*+,+ takes seriously its responsibility for ensuring that proposals are treated with theutmost confidentiality and are evaluated fairly and ob>ectively without conflict of intereston the part of the reviewers. Therefore) regardless of the mailing address to which an*9+ may direct proposals to be sent) it is *+,+ policy that *+,+ ivil ,ervicepersonnel will be in charge of and direct all aspects of the review and selectionprocesses) including the identification and invitation of peer review personnel) in@personmonitoring of the deliberations of any peer review panel) and the ad>udication of conflictsof interest that may be declared by panel personnel. +lso) all non@Governmentreviewers are prohibited from making unauthoriBed disclosure of proposal informationand evaluation materials and:or information 6see the sample *ondisclosure +greementin ,ection .2) +ppendi1 7) whereas Government employees who may be involved inthe peer review process are bound by the proscriptions of ivil ,ervice employment not

to divulge confidential aspects of their duties.

+lthough proposers are provided with e1planations for the final decisions regarding theirproposals) it is *+,+ policy not to release the identities of the reviewers themselves northe details of panel deliberations that culminate in the final assessments of theproposals. *+,+ depends upon the scientific community involved as peer reviewers toacknowledge conflicts of interest when they e1ist) to maintain confidentiality of theproceedings and results both during and after a review process) and to provide thefairest and most competent peer review possible.

+n overview of the process from proposal submission through selection is as follows"

+t the time of the electronic submission of its #ro!osal Coer #ageby theproposer) each proposal is given a unique identification code that is maintainedthroughout the entire process) and a log of all proposals received is provided to thecogniBant *+,+ $rogram %fficer within three working days if number of proposalsreceived is less than 2!0< within five working days if number of proposals received ismore than 2!0.

The $rogram %fficer selects panel and:or mail reviewers based on their knowne1pertise relevant to the content of each proposal and avoidance of conflicts of interest)and requests their reviews based on the evaluation criteria established in the *9+ 6seealso ne1t section below7.

8hether by mail or as a member of a panel) *+,+ instructs all reviewers to basetheir comments on the specified evaluation criteria) to maintain confidentiality of theiractivities and of all proposal and review materials provided to them) to avoid anyactivities that may knowingly lead to conflicts of interest) and to report any conflicts asmay become known to them during the course of the review activities. To this end) allreviewers not employed by the A.,. Government must submit a signed $ondisclosure

greementbefore they are allowed to review any proposals 6see ,ection .2 in+ppendi1 in this Guidebook7.


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The scientific and technical merits of each proposal are determined by the peerreviewers while meeting as a panel monitored by the cogniBant *+,+ $rogram %fficeror another *+,+ Ieadquarters employee 6including those who may be serving underauspices of an =ntergovernmental $ersonnel +ct 6=$+7 appointment7. The peer reviewersmay also be asked to comment on the perceived programmatic relevancy and costreasonableness of the proposals.

+ recommendation for selection or nonselection of each proposal is developed bythe cogniBant $rogram %fficer and presented to the ,electing %fficial 6as identified in the*9+7 based on the quality of its science:technical peer review) any program@uniquecriteria 6e.g.) program balance7 stated in the *9+) its relevance to the researchob>ectives stated in the *9+ and to *+,+Us strategic goals in general) its comparison tocompeting proposals of equal merits and ob>ectives) and the available budget resources.,elections are then made by the *+,+ ,electing %fficial.

+fter selection) each proposer is notified by letter or electronic mail of thedisposition of his:her proposal. ,ometimes this communication may also transmit ananonymous copy of the proposal-s peer review. =n any case) the proposer may requesta debriefing from *+,+) identifying strengths and weaknesses. *+,+ will decidewhether this debriefing will be accomplished by sending the peer reviews by mail to theproposer or by oral communication.

*+,+ also notifies 'embers of ongress of awards to any of their constituents./ollowing notification of proposers and of ongress) a list of selected proposals isposted at http"::nspires.nasaprs.com:. =n addition to the proposal title) $=) and proposingorganiBation) the abstract may also be posted. 69ef. *+,+ /+9 ,upplement E0!.3@@7

%fficial notification of selection for the solicitation is then forwarded by the$rogram %fficer to a *+,+ +ward %ffice that will contact the proposing organiBation to

negotiate funding through an appropriate award instrument 6see further in +ppendi1 ( inthis Guidebook7.

.2 valuation riteria S9ef." +ppendi1 ) $art 6i7

The evaluation criteria in +ppendi1 ) $art 6i7) of this Guidebook) as amended below bythe words in italics) will apply to all *9+s released by *+,+) unless otherwise stated inthe individual *9+"

M6i7. valuation /actors.

M67 Anless otherwise specified in the *9+) the principal elements 6of appro1imately

equal weight7 considered in evaluating a proposal are its intrinsic merit) its relevanceto *+,+Us ob>ectives) and its cost. +he failure of a !ro!osal to be rated highl' in an'one of these elements is sufficient cause for the !ro!osal to not be selected.

M627 valuation of a proposalUs relevance to *+,+Us ob>ectives includes theconsideration of the potential contribution of the effort to *+,+Us mission ase>!ressed in its most recent $S strateg' documents and the s!ecific ob?ectiesand goals gien in the solicitation to @hich the !ro!osal is submitted.

July 2005)-2
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M637 valuation of intrinsic merit includes consideration of the following factors"

6i7 %verall scientific or technical merit of the proposal and:or uniqueand innovative methods) approaches) concepts) or advanced technologiesdemonstrated by the proposalectivesectives< and6iv7 %verall standing amon

national aeronautics

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