Explore tips, templates, institutional requirements, and sustainability-aligned support for navigating NASA funding opportunities.
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Thinking of Applying got a NASA Grant?
NASA Grant Planning
Pre-Planning Guide for UW–Madison PIs
Applying to NASA can open doors to impactful interdisciplinary research, but NASA proposals can be difficult to navigate—especially for new applicants. With multiple mission directorates, calls through ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences), and unique formatting requirements, early coordination with your research administrator is essential.
1. Expect Nested Guidance (“Russian Doll” Format)
NASA’s proposal instructions often come in multiple layers:
- The NSPIRES system instructions
- The overarching ROSES Summary of Solicitation
- The specific program element (e.g., Heliophysics, Earth Science)
Tip: Be prepared to dig across multiple documents to understand the full picture of what’s required.
2. Templates May Be Busy or Confusing
NASA templates—like the Summary Table of Personnel, Current & Pending Support, or Budget Narratives—are often:
- Visually cluttered
- Hard to interpret
- Lacking clear examples
Tip: Use templates as structure, but confirm with your research administrator what’s required for your solicitation.
3. Requirements Vary Widely by Program
There’s no “standard NASA proposal.” Requirements may include:
- A Scientific/Technical/Management Section with strict formatting
- Budget Narrative using NASA’s format
- Biographical sketches (sometimes custom formats—not SciENcv)
- Unique attachments like Data Management Plans or Letters of Commitment
Note: Don’t assume NSF or DOE experience translates directly—NASA has its own quirks.
4. Start Early & Track Deadlines Carefully
NASA proposals often require:
- Step-1 / Step-2 phased submission
- Strict formatting and page limits
- Submission through NSPIRES
Tip: Build in time to interpret guidance, prepare attachments, and navigate NSPIRES (which can be clunky).
5. Work Closely With Your Research Administrator
- Help interpret the FOA and layered guidance
- Handle budget formatting and routing
- Coordinate routing through RAMP
- Clarify required internal approvals
- RSP handles final submission; your RA leads prep and internal logistics.
6. Questions to Ask Early
- Is this a Step-1 required proposal?
- Does NASA require specific biosketch or budget formats?
- Are there formatting rules (margins, fonts, templates)?
- Who should be listed as key personnel or collaborators?