NASA Research Announcement

Special Notice for Commerce Business Daily (CBD)



     This is a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) as specified in 
FAR 6.102 (d) (2) and will be released May 24, 1994.  The National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration is soliciting Supporting 
Research and Technology (SR&T) proposals in cosmic, heliospheric, 
solar, magnetospheric, ionospheric, mesospheric, and thermospheric 
physics.  Participation in these programs is open to all categories of 
organizations including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit 
institutions, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies.  Notices 
of intent to propose are due June 24, 1994, and proposals are due 
August 23, 1994.  
     Request NRA 94-OSS-08 from: Space Physics SR&T Program, 
Space Physics Division, Code SS, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 
20546-0001; or contact Dr. J. D. Bohlin  (202/358-0880).


OMB Approval No. 2700-0042



SPACE PHYSICS 
SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 
AND SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS



NASA Research Announcement
Soliciting Proposals for Basic Research
submitted on or before 
August 23, 1994



NRA 94-OSS-08


Issued:  May 24, 1994
Notice of Intent Due: June 24, 1994
Proposals Due:  August 23, 1994


Office of Space Science
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, DC   20546-0001

NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT
SPACE PHYSICS 
SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
AND SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS


Table of Contents

     PAGE
Space Physics Supporting Research AND Technology (SR&T) 
and Suborbital Programs..............................................1-3

Table 1.  Summary of Space Physics Programs for FY 1995     
     3 
     

Appendix A.  Description of the Space Physics Supporting Research 
and Technology (SR&T) and Suborbital Programs ........................A-1 
to -21

1.   Introduction.....................................................A-1  

2.   Goals and Objectives.............................................A-1

3.   Background.......................................................A-2

4.   Research Opportunity.............................................A-3

     4.1  New and Renewal Proposals...................................A-3
     4.2  Limitations on Objectives of Proposals......................A-4

5.   Proposal Preparation and Submission..............................A-4

     5.1  General Provisions..........................................A-4
     5.2  Notice of Intent to Propose.................................A-5
     5.3  Specific Proposal Preparation Information.................. A-6
     5.4  Guidance Specific to Proposals from U.S. Institutions..
     A-7
     5.5  Additional Guidelines for Non-U.S. Proposals .............  A-8
     5.6  Guidelines for Proposals from Multiple Institutions....
     A-9

6.   Proposal Evaluation and Selection...............................A-10

     6.1  Evaluation Criteria........................................A-10
     6.2  Evaluation and Selection Procedures........................A-10

7.   Data Policy.....................................................A-10

8.   Schedule for NRA................................................A-11

9.   Science Discipline SR&T Programs................................A-11

     9.1  Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics............................A-11
     9.2  Solar Physics..............................................A-12
     9.3  Magnetospheric Physics.....................................A-14
     9.4  Ionospheric, Thermospheric, Mesospheric Physics............A-15


10.  Suborbital Program in Magnetospheric, Ionospheric, 
     Thermospheric, Mesospheric (MITM) Physics.......................A-16

     10.1 General Scope..............................................A-16
     10.2 Special Programmatic Policies..............................A-16
     10.3 Proposals for Suborbital Campaigns.........................A-18
     10.4 Flight Schedules...........................................A-18
     10.5 Funding Guidelines.........................................A-18

11.  Space Physics Educational Outreach (SPEO) Program...............A-19

     11.1 Background and Program Definition..........................A-19
     11.2 Supplement Preparation and submission......................A-20
     13.3 Supplement Evaluation and Selection........................A-21



Appendix B.    Guidelines for Responding to NASA Research 
               Announcements ..................................B-1 to B-7


Appendix C.    Proposal Prefatory Material.....................C-1 to B-8

     Cover Sheet......................................................C-2
     Proposal Summary.................................................C-3
     Yearly Budgets and Personnel Summary.............................C-4
     Current and Pending Research Support.............................C-5
     Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
          Other Responsibility Matters................................C-6
     Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
          Requirements................................................C-7
     Certification Regarding Lobbying.................................C-8


Appendix D.    NASA Mailing List Update...............................D-1






SPACE PHYSICS
SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (SR&T)
AND SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS


     This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicits proposals for 
basic research investigations in the subdisciplines of space physics as 
administered by the Space Physics Division of the Office of Space 
Science (OSS).  The science discipline areas of interest are cosmic and 
heliospheric physics, solar physics, magnetospheric physics, and 
ionospheric-thermospheric-mesospheric (ITM) physics.  The purpose 
of this NASA research opportunity is to enable the relevant science 
communities to maintain their expertise at the theoretical and 
experimental frontiers of their respective fields in order to propose 
for and participate in NASA's space physics flight missions.  It is the 
purpose of this program to support only those proposals that have 
clearly demonstrated relevance to NASA's interests.  Specific 
programs in space physics open to proposals through this NRA are 
the Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) programs, including 
opportunities for suborbital (rocket and balloon) programs.  Each of 
these programs is treated in detail in separate sections in Appendix 
A of this Announcement.  In addition, special attention is directed to 
the Space Physics Educational Outreach (SPEO) program that is now 
offered on a continuing basis as a supplement to any of the SR&T 
research programs.  The SPEO program is open to investigators who 
already hold an ongoing grant in this program as well as those who 
wish to submit new proposals.

     Participation in these programs is open to all categories of 
organizations including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit 
institutions, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies.  Selection 
for funding will be based with equal priority on science and technical 
merit as determined by peer review, relevance to NASA programs in 
space physics, and cost.  Funding for selected proposals will derive 
from NASA's budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 1995 beginning 
October 1, 1994.  As of this writing, this budget is still being 
considered for authorization and appropriation through the Federal 
budgetary process.  Therefore, the Government's obligation to make 
awards under this NRA is contingent upon the receipt of proposals 
that the Government determines are acceptable for award and the 
availability of appropriated funds from which awards can be made.

     Table 1 summarizes the Program elements discussed in detail 
in Appendix A, which provides technical and programmatic 
information specific to this NRA.  Appendix B contains standard 
guidance for the preparation and the evaluation of proposals.  
Appendix C provides model formats for summary information that 
must preface each proposal.  The following summary information 
applies:

         Program identifier: NRA 94-OSS-08.

         Date of Announcement issue:                 May 24, 1994.

         Due date for Notice of Intent to propose:  June 24, 1994.
     
         Date for proposal submission:            August 23, 1994.

         Selections announced:                      November 1994.

         Initiation of new grants:                   January 1995.


         Required proposal copies:     
          Signed original manuscript plus 10 copies.

         Address for submission of both Notice of Intent and proposal:
          NASA Space Physics Program Office
          SR&T NRA
          Suite 400
          400 Virginia Avenue, SW
          Washington, DC  20024
          USA.

         Selecting official: 
               Director
               Space Physics Division
               Office of Space Science.

         Contact for additional information: 
               Dr. J. David Bohlin
               Space Physics Division
               Code SS
               NASA Headquarters
               Washington, DC  20546-0001
               Phone:    (202) 358-0880
               Facsimile:     (202) 358-3987
               E-mail:   jbohlin@gm.ossa.hq.nasa.gov

Your interest and cooperation in this program are appreciated.

     Signed

Wesley T. Huntress, Jr.
Associate Administrator 
for Space Science 

Enclosures 






NRA APPENDIX A
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPACE PHYSICS
SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (SR&T)
AND SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS


1.   Introduction

     The overall responsibility of the Space Physics Division of the 
NASA Office of Space Science (OSS) is to support investigations 
concerning the origin, evolution, and interactions of space plasmas 
and electromagnetic fields in the heliosphere and the cosmos.  In 
this, as well as previous NASA Research Announcements (NRA's) for 
this program, the relevant space physics subdisciplines cover:

-    the origin, acceleration, and transport of the solar wind and of 
the solar and galactic cosmic rays, and the coordinated study of the 
three-dimensional composition, structure, and physical processes of 
the heliosphere;

-    the Sun as a typical cool, variable dwarf star, as an influence on 
the Earth, and as the dominant, time-varying source of solar system 
energy, plasma, and energetic particles; 

-    the interactions between the solar wind and the physical 
constituents of the solar system, leading to the formation of the 
magnetospheres of the Earth, other planets, comets, and primordial 
bodies, and magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere interactions; and

-    the physics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, the 
ionosphere, and auroral process of the Earth and the other planets, 
including the coupling and dynamics of these phenomena to the 
planetary atmospheres below and the heliosphere above.  
     
     It is stressed that the primary emphasis in all of these 
subdisciplines is the study of processes that occur naturally in the 
space environment and/or the study of manmade perturbations that 
elucidate natural plasma processes.  Basic plasma physics 
experiments made possible simply by access to space may be 
supported but at a distinctly lower priority, as funding permits.

     Parallel to the science objectives listed above, the four science 
discipline offices in the Space Physics Division are:
     -    Cosmic and Heliospheric (C&H) Physics, 
     -    Solar Physics, 
     -    Magnetospheric Physics, and
     -    Ionospheric, Thermospheric, Mesospheric (ITM) Physics.  
Details of the purview of these offices, as well as the names of the 
currently responsible NASA discipline scientists, are given in 
respective subsections of Section 9 of this Appendix.  


2.   Goals and Objectives
     
     There are four research programs specifically covered by the 
research and analysis programs of the discipline offices listed in 
Section 1:

     (1)  Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) Program.  The 
four Space Physics science disciplines each support on the order of 
50 to 80 individual research tasks that employ a variety of research 
techniques to accomplish specific investigations, e.g., 

     -    theory, numerical simulation, and modeling; 
     -    analysis and interpretation of existing space data;
     -    suborbital (i.e., rocket and/or balloon) experiments; 
     -    development of new instrument concepts; and 
     -    laboratory measurements of relevant atomic and plasma 
          parameters,

all to the extent they have a clearly stated and specific application to 
contemporary problems in space physics and to NASA programs.  
These tasks typically provide about one full-time equivalent (FTE) of 
salary support per year (usually a mix of contributions from the 
Principal Investigator plus a graduate student and/or postdoctorate).  
The SR&T programs are described further in the discipline-specific 
subsections of Section 9 of this Appendix.

     (2)  Suborbital Programs.  The objectives of the suborbital 
stratospheric balloon and sounding rocket program are two fold: (i) 
to allow the procurement of space or near-space data to be obtained 
with relatively low cost instruments, flown occasionally from remote 
locations and/or in conjunction with other events (e.g., a solar eclipse 
or over-flight of a related orbiting spacecraft); and (ii) to proof-test 
new concepts in experiments that may ultimately be proposed for 
orbital space physics missions.  The suborbital programs for C&H 
Physics and Solar Physics are treated in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of this 
Appendix, respectively.  However, owing to its size and complexity, 
the combined suborbital program for magnetospheric and ITM 
physics is treated as a separate program in Section 10.  

     (3)  Space Physics Theory Program (SPTP).  The purpose of this 
program is to allow relatively large groups comprised of a "critical 
mass" of investigators to attack theoretical and modeling problems of 
interest to space physics that are beyond the scope of the nominally 
smaller SR&T tasks discussed in Section 2.(1) above.  This program 
was wholly competed through NRA 92-OSSA-10 and is fully 
subscribed through FY 1995.  Therefore, this program is not 
addressed further in this NRA.  Although there is no opportunity to 
propose for this program through this NRA, it is possible for those 
currently selected SPTP investigators to propose for SPEO 
supplements as described below.

     (4)  Space Physics Educational Outreach (SPEO) Program.  This 
program was initiated in FY 1993 to provide an ongoing opportunity 
to propose for a modest supplement (up to $5K per year) to enable 
an educational outreach effort directed at the elementary school 
through undergraduate college level students and/or teachers, or the 
general public.  Such SPEO efforts may be proposed as supplements 
to new research proposals for any of the programs noted above.  In 
addition, Principal Investigators already holding existing Space 
Physics Division research grants having periods of performance that 
extend into FY 1995 may also propose for a SPEO supplement.  In no 
case, however, is a SPEO grant awarded independent of a "parent" 
research award.  Details are given in Section 11 of this Appendix.


3.   Background

     The programs covered by this NRA have now been 
comprehensively reviewed several times each since the Space 
Physics Division was created in 1987, generally resulting in a 
distribution of one-, two-, and three-year research grants and 
contracts (hereafter collectively called awards).  Since then the 
yearly Space Physics NRA's have solicited proposals for those 
portions of the next year's budget that are anticipated to be 
uncommitted as a result of the expiration of previous awards and/or 
as a result of additional anticipated budget authority.  This NRA is 
the only one to be issued by the Space Physics Division for funding 
during FY 1995 of basic supporting research and analysis.  A 
summary of all program elements covered is provided in Table l, and 
each program is discussed in detail in Sections 9, 10, and 11 below.

     Regardless of the apparent availability of opportunities for 
selection as shown in Table 1, prospective proposers are advised that 
these programs have been extremely competitive in recent years 
and, therefore, the number of selections has been severely restricted 
owing to limitations of available funds.  As a result, in the last 
several years as few as one out of five of the submitted proposals 
have been successful in being selected.  The currently evolving 
Federal budgetary environment makes it difficult to predict the 
selection ratio for this current opportunity, but it may be assumed 
that it will be no better than in the past.  

     NASA recognizes that the data from its oldest flight programs 
have not necessarily been exhausted in terms of their value and, 
therefore, may be used for SR&T investigations suitable for this NRA.  
These data are now for the most part in the public domain and 
available from the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) at the 
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771.  
Information on space physics data available from the NSSDC may be 
addressed to Dr. Joseph King (Code 630; 301/286-7355) for space 
plasma and heliospheric data, and to Dr. Joseph Gurman (Code 682; 
301/286-4767) for solar physics data.  Data from currently active 
missions that have not yet entered the public domain and, therefore, 
for which SR&T proposals are not appropriate under the terms of this 
NRA, are Voyager and Pioneer data less than one year old, the 
Ulysses mission data (jointly sponsored with the European Space 
Agency), and data from the Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric 
Explorer (SAMPEX).  However, data from the first two years of the 
Japanese Yohkoh mission are now available through the NSSDC, and 
investigators wishing to analyze Yohkoh data are advised that a 
special opportunity to propose for support is discussed in Section 
9.2.C. in this Appendix.

Table 1.  Summary of Space Physics Programs for FY 1995

     Program Element
      Summary Status 
        Appendix A Reference

    Space Physics Theory Program  
      Comprehensively reviewed in 1992; fully subscribed through FY 1995;
      proposals not solicited.
       Section 2.(3)

    Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics Theory and Data Analysis Program
      Entire program element is open for competition.
       Section 9.1.A.

    Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics Experimental Program 
      Program fully subscribed, although a few one-year only 
      proposals of exceptional merit may be accepted.
       Section 9.1.B.

    Solar Physics SR&T Program    
      Approximately 35% of the program is open for competition.   
       Section 9.2.A.

    Solar Physics Suborbital Program   
      Program fully subscribed; proposals not solicited. 
       Section 9.2.B

    Participating Scientist Program for Non-U.S. Solar Missions
      New program; approximately $1.5M available for up to 15 new selections.    
       Section 9.2.C.

    Magnetospheric Physics SR&T Program     
      Approximately 33% of the program is open for competition.    
       Section 9.3.A.

    Ionospheric, Thermospheric, Mesospheric Physics SR&T Program   
      Approximately 50% of the program is open for competition.   
       Section 9.4.A.

    MITM Suborbital Program  
      Approximately 25% of the program is open for competition.   
       Section 10.

    Space Physics Educational Outreach (SPEO) Program 
      Up to15 new grants may be selected as supplements to new and/or 
      existing investigations in above programs.   
       Section 11.




4.   Research Opportunity

     4.1  New and Renewal Proposals

     Anyone wishing to be eligible for funding for new tasks to be 
initiated anytime in FY 1995 must respond to this NRA.  All 
proposals received in response to this NRA will be reviewed on an 
equal basis without regard to whether a preceding task by the same 
investigator was previously funded by this or any other Space 
Physics Division program.  Selections from among the proposals of 
highest scientific and technical merit will also take into account 
programmatic factors as determined by the Space Physics Division; 
see Section 6 following below in this Appendix.

     Individuals whose proposals were selected for multiyear Space 
Physics Division awards continuing through FY 1995 do not need to 
respond to this NRA but will need to submit an annual progress 
report.  Consult with the relevant personnel listed in Sections 9 and 
10 below.  Principal Investigators of such ongoing awards, however, 
are strongly encouraged to submit proposals for an Education 
Outreach supplement; see Section 11 of this Appendix.

     4.2  Limitations on Objectives of Proposals
 
     This NRA solicits proposals for research investigations that fall 
within the general scope of the space physics disciplines as defined 
in Section 1 but that are distinctly separate from investigations 
selected for currently approved space flight missions.  Therefore, 
proposals whose intent or purpose is to extend or directly 
supplement an investigation selected for an approved space flight 
mission are not appropriate for this NRA.    

     Proposals for fabrication of flight instruments are not 
appropriate for this NRA except within the context of the suborbital 
programs, details of which are provided in Sections 9 and 10 of this 
Appendix.  However, development of instrument concepts for long-
duration space and/or suborbital flight through to the stage of 
laboratory ("brass board") verification may be proposed as an SR&T 
task provided the proposed activity is in the context of a clearly 
defined science investigation relevant to space physics, even though 
it is not likely the investigation can be carried out without benefit of 
a flight opportunity.  While such hardware proposals are strongly 
encouraged, funding of the development of a laboratory instrument 
concept does not guarantee either a suborbital or orbital flight 
opportunity.

     Proposals for the analysis of data from past missions in space 
physics are solicited (see also Section 3).  However, any such 
proposals must have specific scientific objectives and not just focus 
on reprocessing, archiving, and/or routine reduction of flight data.  

     Some areas of study within space physics overlap with 
research objectives supported by other offices at NASA 
Headquarters.  Prospective respondents to this NRA should consider 
the following guidelines in choosing whether or not to respond to this 
NRA.  In particular,

-  proposals dealing with the interaction of the solar wind with solar 
   system bodies, comparative magnetospheres, ionospheres, and the 
   terrestrial thermosphere and mesosphere are appropriate for this 
   Space Physics Division SR&T NRA;

-  proposals dealing with neutral planetary toruses, rings, and/or 
   atmospheres should be directed to the OSS Solar System Exploration 
   Division (Code SL);

-  proposals dealing with the comparison of the Sun with other stars, 
   or with cosmic x-rays and gamma rays should be directed to the OSS 
   Astrophysics Division (Code SZ); and

-  proposals dealing with the chemistry and/or dynamics of the 
   lower, neutral terrestrial atmosphere (i.e., below the mesosphere) 
   should be directed to the Office of Mission to Planet Earth (Code Y) at 
   NASA Headquarters.


5.   Proposal Preparation and Submission

     5.1. General Provisions

     Justification for support of an investigation submitted in 
response to this NRA lies in its science and technology merits, the 
relevance of the proposed investigation to NASA's flight programs in 
Space Physics, and the proposed cost to NASA, all of approximately 
equal weight.  Further details of the evaluation and selection criteria 
are provided in Section 6 of this Appendix.  Successful proposals are 
typically characterized by the following attributes:

-  a clear description of a specific scientific investigation to be 
   pursued; 

-  a cogent description of how this investigation will be carried out; 

-  a discussion of how the proposed effort will resolve the objective 
   problem; 

-  a discussion of the relevance of the proposed research to NASA's 
   current and/or future Space Physics programs; and

-  a clearly stated budget  requesting support for only the most 
   necessary items to carry the investigation through to completion.

     To ensure that responsibility for the research to be funded is 
focused on the actual practitioner(s) of the work, "umbrella" 
proposals directed by a single Principal Investigator (PI) who only 
serves as an overall director for multiple individual research tasks, 
even though each task may be scientifically sound and/or related by 
a common theme, are not appropriate.  While Co-Investigators are 
allowed on proposals, "Co-Principal" Investigators are not; each 
proposal must have a single PI with overall scientific and fiscal 
responsibility for the task.

     Proposers may propose investigations requiring periods of 
performance for up to three years, even though NASA can provide 
awards for only one year at a time.  In the case of multiyear 
proposals, the scope of the proposed research must justify such 
funding, although NASA reserves the right to request a revised 
proposal with restricted objectives appropriate for a reduced period 
of performance and/or reduced budget.  If a proposal is accepted for 
a multiyear award, continued funding is subject to the availability of 
funds, demonstration of satisfactory progress as evidenced by a brief 
annual report, and submission of an updated budget.  In the case of a 
shortage of funds, renewal of multiyear awards usually take priority 
over the initiation of new awards.  In any case, NASA reserves the 
right to negotiate funding for multiyear awards as a condition for 
their continuation.  Finally, unless distinctly different objectives and 
personnel are involved, a new award will not be started that runs 
concurrently with an existing award held by the same investigator.  
Therefore, if a proposal selected through this NRA is an extension of 
effort to one that is expiring, the anniversary date of the new award 
will be adjusted to be contiguous with the start of the expiring one. 

     5.2  Notice of Intent to Propose

     Advance knowledge of the proposals likely to be submitted is 
useful for planning the review process.  Therefore, a descriptive 
Notice of Intent to propose should be submitted to the address given 
in the NRA letter covering this Appendix, according to the schedule 
given in 
Section 8.  For purposes of allowing the compilation of the data base 
needed for efficient log-in and tracking of the final proposals, this 
Notice should include:
     
-  reference to this NRA by its alpha-numeric identifier; 

-  the Program Element and Technique/Research area (see page C-2 
   of Appendix C) to   which the proposal is expected to be directed; 

-  the name, institutional address, and phone number of the Principal 
   Investigator, and of any Co-Investigators (to the extent identified 
   by the date of the Notice); 

-  an indication of whether an Educational Outreach supplement may 
   be proposed (see    Section 11 of this Appendix);

-  the expected title of the investigation; and,

-  a brief description of the investigation expected to be proposed.  


5.3  Specific Proposal Preparation Information

     Proposals submitted in response to this NRA should follow 
provisions of Appendix B, "Instructions for Responding to NASA 
Research Announcements for Solicited Proposals," with the following 
exceptions:  

  Replace Section 7., paragraph () b., entitled "Transmittal Letter or 
   Prefatory Material," in its entirety as follows:

"b.  Transmittal Letter or Prefatory Material

"In addition to any transmittal letter that the sponsoring institution 
may wish to send, the first four pages of a proposal shall constitute 
summary sheets using the Proposal Prefatory Material in Appendix C 
of this NRA as follows:

-    Cover Sheet                                       (p. C-2)
-    Proposal Summary                                  (p. C-3)
-    Budget and Personnel Summary                      (p. C-4)
-    Current and Pending Research Support              (p. C-5).

"Note that careful attention should be given to an accurate and 
complete preparation of the Proposal Summary in accord with the 
model format given on p. C-3.  This item is used as the executive 
summary of the proposal for a variety of purposes, e.g., as an 
abstract of the proposal for peer review panels, to document the 
content of the program for NASA upper management, for related 
program offices in other Government agencies, and/or for historical 
record.  This Proposal Summary may also serve as the Abstract for 
the investigation.

"All new proposals from educational and private institutions must be 
accompanied by properly executed certifications as follows (sample 
forms are enclosed as pages C-6, C-7, and C-8, respectively, of 
Appendix C): 

-  Pursuant to Executive Order 12549, a Certification for Debarment 
   and Suspension;

-  Pursuant to Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, a Certification for 
   Drug Free Workplace; and

-  Pursuant to Title 31 of the U.S. Code, a Certification Regarding 
   Lobbying."

  Replace Appendix B, Section 9, entitled "LENGTH," in its entirety as 
   follows:

"Proposals should be as brief as possible, containing only substantive 
material essential for a complete understanding of the proposed 
project.  A proposal shall not exceed 16 pages for all programs, 
except the suborbital rocket and balloon programs for which the 
limit is 26 pages.  Neither the required prefatory pages (Appendix C) 
nor bibliographic references count in these page limits.  Each side of 
a sheet of paper containing text or figures is considered a page.  Text 
may be single spaced but limited to 55 lines per page and use a font 
having no more than ~5.5 characters per cm (~14 per inch).  A one 
page curriculum vitae and a bibliography relevant to the proposed 
research may be appended for the PI and each Co-I.  The full 
institutional budget format may be appended to U.S. proposals.  

"Restrictions.  Peer reviewers will not be required to read more than 
the specified page limits noted above for the Investigation 
Description.  Proposals missing the requested prefatory materials will 
be returned.  Do not send reprints or preprints of articles, nor audio 
or visual recordings.  Proposals must use metric units.  In order to 
facilitate recycling and minimize the use of paper, proposals should 
be on white paper with a minimum of color or photographic inserts, 
printed double-sided if possible, and bound in a manner that 
facilitates disassembly (e.g., staples or loose-leaf plastic bindings are 
preferred over permanent bindings)."

     5.4  Guidance Specific to Proposals from U.S. Institutions

     All proposals submitted by a U.S. institution or from non-U.S. 
institutions that include U.S-based Co-Investigators must comply 
with the guidance in Section 7., i. of Appendix B, entitled "PROPOSED 
COSTS."  In addition, this section is supplemented by the following 
two subsections concerning details of proposal costs:

     "(4)  The proposal should contain sufficient cost details and 
supporting information to facilitate a speedy evaluation and award.  
Dollar amounts proposed with no explanation (e.g., Equipment: 
$5,000, or Labor: $23,000) may cause delays in funding should the 
proposal be selected.  The proposed costing information should be in 
sufficient detail to allow the Government to identify budgeted 
elements for evaluation purposes.  Generally, the Government will 
evaluate costs in terms of their reasonableness and allowability.  
Each category should be explained.  Offerers should exercise prudent 
judgment, since the amount of detail necessarily varies with the 
complexity of the proposal.

"Direct labor costs should be separated by titles or disciplines (e.g., 
Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, clerical support, etc.) with 
estimated hours, hourly rates, and total amounts for each.  Estimates 
should include a basis of estimate such as currently paid rates or 
outstanding offers to prospective employees.  This format allows the 
Government to assess for reasonableness by various means, including 
comparison to similar skills at other organizations.  Indirect costs 
should be explained in order for the Government to understand the 
basis of the estimates. 

"With regard to other costs, each significant category should be 
detailed, explained, and substantiated.  For example, proposals for 
equipment purchases should specify the type of equipment, number 
of units, and unit cost.  Requested travel allowances should include 
the number of trips, duration of each trip, air fare, per diem, rental 
car expenses, etc.       

"All subcontracts for commercial services or products associated with 
an individual proposal must receive approval before an award is 
made.  Therefore, it is necessary to describe in some detail all 
intended subcontracts by furnishing documentation such as a 
Statement of Work, proposed personnel, cost, fee, etc., so that a NASA 
awards specialist can conduct a thorough review.  Subcontracts 
should be competitive whenever possible in order to achieve the 
lowest possible cost to the Government.  

     "(5)  Computing Resources.  Proposing investigators may intend 
to use NASA super computers located at the Ames Research Center, 
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or 
Lewis Research Center.  Starting in FY 1993, the Space Physics 
Division (SPD) now must reserve and directly pay for each Computing 
Unit (CU) to use the NASA Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) 
at GSFC.  These funds will be provided out of the overall budget for 
this SR&T program.  Therefore, if the GSFC NCCS is proposed for use, 
the proposing investigator must estimate the number of "Cray YMP 
Equivalent" CU's on the summary budget sheet (Appendix C, p. C.4).  
Conversely, if the proposing investigator intends to use computing 
resources to be provided at no additional cost to NASA, the 
investigator must identify the location of the facility on the Summary 
Budget sheet (Appendix C, p. C.4) and include a letter of endorsement 
from the appropriate authority committing that computer support if 
the proposal is selected."

     5.5  Additional Guidelines for Non-U.S. Proposals 

     A scientist from a non-U.S. institution may propose for this 
program either as a Co-I for a proposal submitted by a U.S. PI, as a 
PI with a U.S. Co-I, or as a PI without any U.S. personnel involved.  In 
any case, NASA only funds PI's or Co-I's, regardless of citizenship, 
who are staff members of a U.S. institution.  The following guidelines 
indicate the appropriate measures to be taken by such non-U.S. 
proposers, their own national sponsoring agencies, and NASA leading 
to the selection of such a joint proposal and execution of appropriate 
arrangements.

1.   A Notice of Intent to propose must be submitted as indicated in 
Section 5.2.  An additional copy of this Notice of Intent to propose 
must also be sent to:
          
          International Relations Division
          Code IRD (Attn. NRA 94-OSS-Z)
          National Aeronautics and Space Administration
          Washington, DC  20546-0001
          USA.
          
2.   Proposals should be submitted in accordance with the 
provisions in Appendix B, as amended by Section 5.3.  If the proposal 
involves a Co-I from a U.S. institution, the material in Section 5.4 
above is applicable to that Co-I.  Proposals must be typewritten and 
in English.  All non-U.S. proposals will undergo the same evaluations 
and selection processes as U.S. proposals. 

3.   Non-U.S. PI's or Co-I's planning to submit a proposal should 
arrange with their appropriate governmental agency for 
endorsement of the proposed activity.  Such endorsement by their 
national funding organization should indicate that the proposal 
merits careful consideration by NASA, and that if the proposal is 
selected, sufficient funds at the sponsoring agency will be available 
to undertake the activity envisioned.

4.   The required copies (10 plus the signed original ) of the 
proposal should be sent directly to the address given in the NRA 
letter covering this Appendix, and one copy of the proposal and the 
letter of endorsement must be sent to the second address item 1. 
above.

5.   All proposals must be received before the established closing 
date (see Section 8).  Those received after the closing date will be 
treated in accordance with NASA's provisions for late proposals 
(Appendix B, Section 11), should such action be in NASA's best 
interest.  If review and endorsement are not possible before the 
announced closing date, non-U.S. sponsoring agencies may forward a 
proposal without endorsement along with the date when a decision 
on endorsement can be expected.

6.   Shortly after the deadline for this Announcement, the NASA 
Program Office coordinating this Announcement will send an 
acknowledgment of the receipt of proposals to each proposer.  

7.   Successful and unsuccessful proposers will be contacted 
directly by the NASA Program Office coordinating this NRA according 
to the schedule in Section 8.  Copies of these letters will also be sent 
to the sponsoring governmental agency.

8.   NASA's International Relations Division will make 
arrangements to provide for the selectee's participation in the 
program.  Depending on the nature and extent of the proposed 
cooperation, these arrangements may entail a letter of notification by 
NASA, an exchange of letters between NASA and the sponsoring 
foreign governmental agency, or an agreement between NASA and 
the sponsoring foreign governmental agency.

     5.6  Guidelines for Proposals from Multiple Institutions

     Proposals to several of the programs described in this NRA 
(notably those for C&H Physics and MITM Suborbital) may involve 
collaborations among several institutions for the purpose of 
conducting a focused scientific investigation for the development a 
complicated suborbital payload.  Such proposals should be in the 
form of individual investigation proposals, which may include Co-I's 
from the PI's home institution and/or from other institutions.  Since 
the evaluation of each proposal is based upon the scientific merit of 
the investigation, it is important that all the information required to 
perform that evaluation be concentrated in one place, without 
extraneous material relating to other investigations in which the PI 
or any Co-I's may be participating.  There are two possible 
institutional arrangements:

(i)  If all Co-I's in an investigation are from the same institution as 
the PI, only a single (26 page) proposal is to be submitted (see 
previous parts of this Section 5).  In this case, the role of each Co-I 
must be fully defined and the investigation budget must include any 
budgets for those Co-I's.  

(ii)  For multiinstitution investigations, i.e., those with  Co-I's from 
institutions other than that of the PI, each such institution must:

(a)  submit a task statement, not to exceed five pages, as an 
Appendix to the PI's proposal describing the contribution of that 
institution to the investigation, the roles of the Co-I(s) (if more than 
one, define a single Lead Co-I for that institution), and a summary 
budget for the task; and, 

(b)  submit the same five-page task statement and budget as a 
separate proposal directly to NASA from that institution as 
authorized by an appropriate institutional representative, including a 
clear cross-reference to the PI's proposal (see Appendix C, page C-2); 
the  Lead Co-I from that institution should serve as the "Institutional 
PI" for the proposed task.

     Regardless of the institutional affiliation of any Co-I's, the only 
proposal that will be reviewed is that from the PI (see also Appendix 
B, Section 10).  Therefore, Co-I tasks will not be considered for 
funding independently from the overall investigation submitted by 
the relevant PI.  Conversely, NASA reserves the right to select all, 
some, or none of the Co-I's that may be proposed as part of an 
investigation.  Cases involving partial selections of Co-I's will be 
negotiated with the PI before a final decision is reached.  If such a 
multiinstitutional investigation is selected for funding, separate 
awards will generally be made to each institution involved in the 
investigation, with a Lead Co-I from each non-PI institution serving 
as an "Institutional PI" for the award to that Co-I institution.  
Alternatively, at the request of the PI, a subcontracting arrangement 
between the PI institution and that Co-I institution may be proposed. 


6.   Proposal Evaluation and Selection

     6.1  Evaluation Criteria 

     The criteria to be used for evaluation of proposals are given in 
Appendix B, Section 13, entitled "EVALUATION FACTORS," with the 
exceptions that:

  Section 13., a., is replaced in its entirety by the following:  

"a.  Recommendations for selection of a proposal will be based on 
evaluations of the following factors, which have approximately equal 
weight: (1) intrinsic scientific and technical merit, (2) relevance to 
NASA's Space Physics program objectives, and (3) reasonableness, 
realism, and total amount of proposed costs." 

  The first two sections of Section 13., c., are replaced in their 
entirety by the following:

"c.  Evaluation of a proposal's intrinsic scientific and technical 
merits includes the consideration of the following factors, which are 
listed in the order of decreasing priority:

     1)  Overall scientific or technical merit of the proposal, or 
unique and innovative methods, approaches, or concepts 
demonstrated by the proposal, especially regarding the infusion of 
the newest materials and/or technologies into any proposed 
hardware."

     6.2  Evaluation and Selection Procedures

     Proposal evaluations will be achieved as described in Appendix 
B, Section 14.  It is anticipated that a non-Government contractor will 
aid NASA in organizing and documenting the peer reviews of the 
proposals, which will be done by mail-in and/or panel reviews.  
External reviewer comments are considered primarily only for the 
science and technical merit of the proposals, whereas cost and 
relevance factors are the purview of NASA.  All non-Government 
reviewers, whether participating on a panel or only by mail, are 
required to sign nondisclosure statements prior to their participation 
in the evaluation process.  All final selections will be made by the 
Director, Space Physics Division, in consultation with the Division's 
science staff.
     
     Should a non-U.S. proposal, or a U.S. proposal with non-U.S. 
participation, be selected, NASA's International Relations Division 
will arrange with the non-U.S. sponsoring agency for the proposed 
participation on a no exchange of funds basis, in which NASA and the 
non-U.S. sponsoring agency will each bear the cost of discharging 
their respective responsibilities; see Section 5.5.8 of this Appendix 
for further details.


7.   Data Policy

     The completion of some of the investigations selected as a 
result of this NRA may result in the acquisition of new data from 
ground or suborbital (rocket and balloon) facilities.  In such cases, 
the PI may retain sole rights to these data for the period of his/her 
award, until the analysis of the data is completed and published 
(normally expected to be in the archival scientific literature), or one 
year after the data are obtained, whichever comes first.  At that 
time, all such data shall be considered in the public domain even 
though the data may still be maintained at the PI's institution.  In 
cases where data may be considered to be of widespread and 
enduring interest, NASA may require them to be deposited in an 
approved data archive such as the NSSDC (see Section 3 of this 
Appendix).  In such cases, NASA will provide adequate funding to 
enable reduction and calibration of the data into physical units and a 
format amenable for use by peer scientists.


8.   Schedule for NRA 

     The schedule for all program elements solicited in this NRA 
     (Sections 9, 10, and 11) is:

     Release of NRA May 24, 1994
     Notice of Intent due     June 24 1994
     Proposal due   August 23, 1994, 4:30 PM EDT
     Announcement of selections    November 1994
     Commencement of funding (new proposals) January 1995.


9.   Science Discipline SR&T Programs

NOTE:  During the last year an effort has been initiated by NASA to 
promote the infusion of the newest hardware, materials, and 
technologies into its flight programs, with the intent of down sizing 
flight payloads and saving development cost and time.  Therefore, 
proposals seeking to develop hardware for suborbital programs, as 
well as for new instrument concepts in the SR&T programs, both 
discussed in this Section below, should note the change in the 
evaluation criteria noted in Section 6.1 in this Appendix.

     9.1  Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics

     The Cosmic and Heliospheric (C&H) Physics program supports 
studies of the origin, acceleration, and transport of energetic particles 
in the galaxy and heliosphere, and the transport of energy, plasmas, 
and magnetic fields in the heliosphere and beyond.  Fundamental 
measurements include the elemental abundances, isotopic 
composition, and energy spectra of galactic cosmic rays and energetic 
particles from the Sun, and particles accelerated in the heliosphere.  
Additionally, searches for antimatter, exotic particles, and dark 
matter provide tests of cosmological models.  Studies of the processes 
governing the evolution and structure of the solar wind, as well as of 
the acceleration and transport of energetic particles in it, provide an 
understanding of transport processes in the heliosphere and, by 
extension, to particle transport throughout our Galaxy.

     A.  C&H Physics Theory and Data Analysis Program.  This 
program supports indepth data analysis and synthesis, theory, 
simulation, and modeling efforts relevant to understanding the 
science objectives of the discipline, with focuses on both galactic 
cosmic rays and the study of both steady-state and dynamic 
heliospheric phenomena.  This program will undergo a 
comprehensive review in 1994 in response to this NRA, with the 
intent of supporting up to about 30 three-year awards with a budget 
of approximately $2M.

     B.  C&H Physics Experimental Program.  This experimental 
research program primarily supports science investigations utilizing 
large stratospheric balloons to carry instruments above about 99% of 
the Earth's atmosphere.  It also supports the exploration and 
demonstration of new instrument concepts pertinent to the science 
goals of the discipline, but it  does not support the development of 
space flight instruments per se.  This program underwent a 
comprehensive review in 1992 resulting in a substantial number of 
three-year awards that essentially subscribed the available funds 
through 1995.  However, one-year proposals of exceptional quality 
and needing only limited financial support before the next major 
review in 1995 may be considered if submitted in response to this 
NRA.  Special guidance for proposals that may involve a 
multiinstitutional proposal for this program is contained in Section 
5.6 of this Appendix.

     C.  General Information.  Questions concerning the Cosmic and 
Heliospheric Physics program should be addressed to:

     Dr. W. Vernon Jones 
     Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics Discipline
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone:(202) 358-1514.
     E-mail:   NHQVAX::WVJONES
               WVJONES@NHQVAX.HQ.NASA.GOV

     9.2  Solar Physics

     The Solar Physics program has as its objective the 
comprehensive study of all solar regimes, including the solar interior, 
the quiet solar atmosphere, solar activity, and the solar corona (the 
latter to the extent that it is observed remotely by optical means).  
Emphasis is currently given to proposals focused on either the 
recently concluded Solar Maximum Mission or future solar flight 
programs, in particular the Mechanisms of Solar Variability - Phase 
Zero (MSV-0) program that was started in FY 1994; the joint 
European/U.S. Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) that will be 
launched in July 1995; and the High Energy Solar Physics (HESP) 
mission planned for later in this decade.

     A.  Solar Physics Supporting Research and Technology Program.  
The Solar Physics SR&T program supports investigations involving 
analyses of existing data that are in the public domain and are not 
currently supported by a specific guest investigator or participating 
scientist program nor being analyzed by science teams of an active 
flight mission using Mission Operations and Data Analysis funding.  
Such acceptable SR&T investigations include the development of 
theoretical models and numerical simulation techniques pertinent to 
solar physics, and, in special cases, the development or coordination 
of solar ground-based observing capabilities that support NASA Solar 
Physics flight programs.  This SR&T program also supports the 
exploration and demonstration of new instrument concepts pertinent 
to discipline goals, but it does not support the development of space 
flight instruments per se.  

     For purposes of the management of subdiscipline balance, the 
NASA Solar Physics program is organized by a matrix of five 
techniques, viz., 
     -  Development of Instrument Concepts, 
     -  Ground-based Observations, 
     -  Theory and Modeling, 
     -  Data Analysis, and 
     -  Ancillary Laboratory Support (e.g., derivation of atomic 
        constants, photometric   calibrations, etc.), 
as applicable for the study of each of four solar research regimes 
noted in the introduction to this section.  Investigations in all matrix 
categories are invited.  Although no priorities are imposed on these 
categories, an ideal program is envisaged as a balance among them, 
consistent with the quality of submitted proposals and their 
relevance to the current Solar Physics flight programs.  Therefore, it 
is imperative that the Cover Sheet (Appendix C, p. C.2) for Solar 
Physics proposals include a subdiscipline descriptor (e.g., 
Theory/Corona; Ground-based Observations/Solar Interior; etc.) as 
the "Technique/Research Area" designation to aid in the 
identification of peer reviewers.

     The Solar Physics SR&T program has had several 
comprehensive reviews since 1988 resulting in a distribution of one-, 
two-, and three-year grants, leaving only a portion of the program 
available for competition each year.  Program funds of $6.2 M 
supported about 82 grants in FY 1994 ; it is anticipated that 25-30 
new grants will be started in FY 1995 as a result of selections 
through this NRA.  

     B.  Suborbital Program in Solar Physics.  This program 
underwent comprehensive review in 1993 for a three-year cycle 
beginning in FY 1994.  Therefore, this program is fully subscribed 
and additional proposals are not solicited.  However, SR&T proposals 
may be submitted for the laboratory development of new instrument 
concepts that hold promise for future suborbital flight investigations 
or for the analysis of suborbital data that are currently in the 
public domain.

     C.  Participating Scientist Program for Non-U.S. Solar Missions.  
Approximately $1.5M is expected to be available to support up to 15 
scientists from U.S. institutions for data analysis activities for the 
following two non-U.S. solar space flight programs:

(1)  Yohkoh.  This Japanese solar physics mission, launched in 1991,
carries a suite of four high energy instruments for the study of solar
activity, the evolution of global structure of the corona, and changes
in irradiance with the solar activity cycle (see L. Acton et al.,
Science 258 (1992) 618).  To date, NASA support for Yohkoh has included
collaboration on the Soft X-Ray Telescope investigation, tracking and
return of data, mission operations, and data analysis.  The objective
of this Participating Scientist program is to further promote data
analysis in collaboration with the Yohkoh investigators and science
teams.  Therefore, travel to Japan may be proposed.  Data from the full
complement of all Yohkoh instruments more than 14 months old are
currently available through the Solar Data Analysis Center at NASA GSFC
(see Section 3 in this Appendix).  Letters of intent and subsequent
proposals for this program will be accepted up to one month after the
nominal dates for the main SR&T announcement (see Section 8).  All
other provisions outlined in this NRA concerning the preparation and
evaluation of proposals remain unchanged.  Interested parties may
inquire by postal or electronic mail, or by phone, to the person
identified in subsection D below for additional information about the
details of this opportunity.

(2)  Coronas-I.  The Russian Coronas-I and -J missions are focused on
solar activity, the flare process, and solar oscillations. The
U.S./Russian Joint Working Group on Solar Terrestrial Science has
agreed that U.S. Participating Scientists would be invited to work with
the investigator teams of these missions for planning of mission
operations and subsequent analysis of data.  The Coronas-I was launched
in early March 1994.  Selections of proposals to serve as U.S.
Coronas-I Participating Scientists received in response to this
Announcement will be funded conditional on the successful availability
of data from this mission.  Since data from this mission are expected
to be available only from the mission science teams themselves, travel
by selected U.S. Participating Scientists to Russia and/or East
European countries will likely be required.  Letters of intent and
subsequent proposals for this program will be accepted up to one month
after the nominal dates for the main SR&T announcement (see Section 8).
All other provisions outlined in this NRA concerning the preparation
and evaluation of proposals remain unchanged.  Interested parties may
inquire by postal or electronic mail, or by phone, to the person in
subsection D below for additional written information describing the
details of this opportunity.

     D.  General Information.  Questions concerning the Solar Physics 
program may be addressed to:

     Dr. William J. Wagner 
     Solar Physics Discipline
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone: (202) 358-0911
     E-mail:    WWAGNER@SOLAR.STANFORD.EDU

     9.3  Magnetospheric Physics

     The Magnetospheric Physics program supports studies of the 
structure and dynamics of magnetospheres and the interactions of 
planetary magnetospheres and other natural space bodies with space 
plasmas.  Research emphases are on planetary magnetospheres, 
Moon-plasma interactions, and comet environments.  Primary data 
are provided by in situ measurements of plasmas, plasma waves, 
energetic particles, electric fields, and magnetic fields.  Active 
experiments contribute additional data and enable the direct control 
of physical parameters.  Space plasma physics is the disciplinary 
focus, with attention given to both large-scale system structure and 
micro physics.  The geospace portion of the solar-terrestrial chain, 
including solar wind-magnetosphere interaction, is a topical focus 
with an emphasis on the role of the magnetosphere.

     A.  Magnetospheric Physics Supporting Research and 
Technology Program.   This program supports theory, simulation, 
modeling, and data interpretation and synthesis.  Modelers should 
state the function of the model, i.e., whether it is intended as a 
purely theoretical construction, for statistical purposes, as a tool for 
data analysis, etc.  This program  also supports the development of 
new instrument concepts pertinent to discipline goals, but not the 
development of flight instruments per se.  Total funding in this 
program has been about $4.0M per year.  This program has 
undergone several comprehensive reviews since 1988, resulting in a 
distribution of one-, two-, and three-year grants.  There are about 70 
grants supported in FY 1994, of which about a third are in their final 
year of funding.  

     B.  Suborbital Program in Magnetospheric, Ionospheric, 
Thermospheric Mesospheric (MITM) Physics.  This program supports 
studies of in situ  phenomena utilizing experiments carried by 
stratospheric balloons and sounding rockets.  See the separate 
program description in Section 10 of this Appendix for further 
details.

     C.  General Information.  Questions concerning the 
Magnetospheric Physics programs may be addressed to:

     Dr. Elden Whipple 
     Magnetospheric Physics Discipline 
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone: (202) 358-1514
     E-mail:    EWHIPPLE@NHQVAX.HQ.NASA.GOV

     9.4  Ionospheric, Thermospheric, mesospheric Physics

     The Ionospheric, Thermospheric, Mesospheric (ITM) Physics 
program supports studies of the mesosphere and thermosphere 
regions of the upper atmosphere, the ionosphere, and the auroral 
processes of the Earth and comparisons with similar processes at 
other planets, with the goal of understanding the formation, 
structure, coupling, and dynamics of these systems.  Magnetosphere-
ionosphere coupling (which includes auroral phenomena) is treated 
within the ITM program.  The primary emphasis in all cases is the 
study of processes that occur naturally in space, including the study 
of manmade perturbations that elucidate natural processes.  Basic 
plasma physics experiments made possible simply by access to space 
may be supported but at a distinctly lower priority.

     The primary data sets utilized for these studies include in situ 
and remotely sensed measurements of composition, densities, and 
temperatures of the neutral and ionized atmosphere, plasmas, 
plasma waves, energetic particles, and electric and magnetic fields as 
obtained from spacecraft, sounding rockets, and balloons.  Ground-
based data that is directly relevant to flight program goals are also 
utilized.  This discipline also supports laboratory studies and active 
experiments that directly and explicitly address problems in ITM 
physics.  The Earth's ITM regions are an important part of the solar-
terrestrial chain.  The discipline thus supports studies of solar-
terrestrial processes, including studies of coupling processes outward 
into the magnetosphere and inward to the upper atmosphere.

     A.  Ionospheric, Thermospheric, Mesospheric Physics (ITM) 
Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) Program.  This program 
supports theory, simulation, and modeling, indepth data analysis and 
synthesis, laboratory studies, and active experiments pertinent to the 
study of the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere of the Earth 
and comparative studies between these terrestrial systems and those 
of other solar system bodies.  It also supports the exploration and 
demonstration of new instrument concepts pertinent to discipline 
goals but does not support the development of space flight 
instruments per se.  Total funding for the existing ITM program had 
been about $4.0 M per year.  Of the 68 grants currently being 
funded, approximately one half will expire in FY 1994.

     B.  Suborbital Program in Magnetospheric, Ionospheric, 
Thermospheric Mesospheric (MITM) Physics.  This Suborbital 
program supports studies of in situ  physics utilizing experiments 
carried by stratospheric balloons and sounding rockets.  See the 
separate program description in Section 10 of this Appendix for 
further details.

     C.  General Information.  Questions concerning the ITM Physics 
Program should be addressed to:

     Dr. Mary Mellott
     ITM Physics Discipline
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone: (202) 358-1514
     E-mail:    MMELLOTT@NHQVAX.HQ.NASA.GOV


10.  Suborbital Program in Magnetospheric, Ionospheric, 
Thermospheric, Mesospheric (MITM) Physics

     10.1 General Scope

     The MITM Suborbital program supports primarily stratospheric 
balloon and sounding rocket investigations to conduct research on 
both microscopic and macroscopic phenomena relevant to 
mesospheric, thermospheric, ionospheric, and magnetospheric 
physics.  Distinctly lower priority is given to investigations proposed 
for Shuttle flights (e.g., Hitchhiker payloads).  Supported 
investigations emphasize studies of MITM science through the use of 
balloon- or rocket-borne in situ, remote sensing, or active techniques. 

     This program usually plans launches several years in advance.  
Proposals submitted in response to this NRA, therefore, may submit 
budgets for up to three years that are expected to cover a complete 
suborbital investigation including payload construction, launch phase, 
and data analysis.  An appropriate data analysis effort following the 
payload flight must be included as part of the three-year program.  

     10.2 Special Programmatic Policies

     A.  Infusion of advanced technologies.  Special attention is 
directed to the "NOTE" that prefaces Section 9 in this Appendix.

     B.  Support for extended data analysis.  Support for data 
analysis extending beyond the nominal three-year proposal should 
be proposed separately to the appropriate discipline SR&T program 
(i.e., Magnetospheric Physics or ITM Physics). 

     C.  Reflight policy.  The advantage of the quick, relatively 
inexpensive access to space provided by this suborbital program 
necessarily implies a significant element of risk.  Therefore, NASA 
cannot guarantee a reflight opportunity for an investigation that 
experiences an equipment failure, regardless of whether the failure 
is due to malfunction of the payload or the launch vehicle.  Although 
it can be cost effective to refly payloads that have been recovered 
intact after some type of flight failure, decisions on reflights must 
take into account current MITM science priorities and budgets as 
well as operational support capabilities.  Therefore, such decisions 
can and will be made only on a case by case basis.

     D.  Add-on instruments.  When MITM proposals are initially 
selected for funding, they are accepted as comprehensive scientific 
investigations.  The addition of another instrument to an ongoing 
program, whether provided by the selected investigation team or by 
someone outside of that team, must secure approval by the NASA 
program office based on the demonstration that the proposed 
addition is important to the completion of the scientific goals of the 
original proposal.  This program will not accept expansions of scope 
beyond the original proposal without additional review of the 
project. 

     E.  Launch Voucher Demonstration (LVD) Program.  NASA has 
been directed by Congress to test the validity of allowing the private 
sector to provide launch services for a representative sample of its 
sounding rocket payloads launched from White Sands Missile Range 
(WSMR).  The approach to such a demonstration program that is 
being considered is that NASA will provide a "voucher" to each of a 
small number (up to about five) of the selected suborbital rocket 
investigators to enable them to solicit and procure launch services 
from the private sector (i.e., independent of NASA) that meets the 
WSMR launch schedules proposed by those investigators.  

     Therefore, proposers to the MITM Suborbital program are 
advised that this LVD program may be initiated with at least some of 
the proposals whose selections are anticipated from among those 
submitted in response to this NRA.  MITM Principal Investigator 
proposers should indicate their willingness to consider participation 
in the LVD program on the Cover Sheet, (Appendix C, page C.2), of the 
required prefatory material (see Section 5.3).  It is emphasized that 
volunteering to consider such participation will not be considered 
binding on the proposer nor will it increase the chance for selection 
(which will be based on the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 
6.1 of this Appendix).  If selected, such LVD participation will not 
provide additional financial resources for development of the 
payload.  The reflight policy discussed above in this Section 10.2 
remains unchanged regardless of the provider of launch services.  

     Should the LVD program be initiated and there are insufficient 
volunteers from among the investigations as may be selected for this 
MITM program, additional participants may be solicited from among 
those scheduled for suborbital rocket flights who have been 
successfully selected as a result of proposals submitted to other 
recent NASA OSS SR&T announcements.  Questions specifically about 
this LVD program may be directed to:

     Mr. Paul DeMinco
     Manager, Suborbital Programs
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone:  (202) 358-0887.

     F.  Proposals for Investigations Involving Multiple Launches 
and/or Multiple Institutions.  Proposals to the MITM Physics 
Suborbital program should be in the form of individual investigation 
proposals as described in Section 5 even though they may propose 
multiple rocket launches either simultaneously or in sequence to the 
extent that the scientific objective(s) of the investigation clearly 
requires them.  Rocket launches and ground-based observations that 
are to be performed in support of, or in scientific collaboration with, 
an investigation should be included in the investigation proposal, 
with key participants included as Co-I's.  Special guidance for 
proposals that may involve a multiinstitutional proposal for this 
program is contained in Section 5.6 of this Appendix.

     G.  Desire for Minimization of NASA Operational Costs.  In 
recent years, a confluence of factors has made it highly desirable to 
minimize the operational costs to NASA for the preparation (payload 
integration and test) and field operations (especially the need for 
campaigns and/or launches from remote or non-U.S. sites) for its 
suborbital programs.  Therefore, starting with this NRA, investigators 
interested in submitting new MITM proposals are strongly 
encouraged to propose investigations that minimize these operational 
factors, especially with regard, but not limited, to payload complexity 
and nontraditional launch sites.

     10.3 Proposals for Suborbital Campaigns

     The MITM Suborbital program supports research in the 
"campaign mode," typically characterized as a group of individual 
investigations that use a common launch location, time, and launch 
support infrastructure.  Investigators who are planning a campaign 
must do so within the context of a proposal from a single "Campaign 
Scientist" that describes the overall campaign, the management 
scheme, and the total cost to NASA.  In addition, each participating PI 
must:

-  provide a task statement describing his/her scientific and technical 
   role in the campaign with a summary budget for that task, to be 
   appended to the Campaign Scientist's proposal (each PI's budget cost 
   must be included in a summary of the total cost to NASA for the 
   investigation); and 

-  submit a separate proposal directly to NASA with the same task 
   description and a detailed budget authorized by an appropriate 
   institutional representative.  Clear cross-reference must be made to 
   the Campaign Scientist's proposal (see Appendix C, page C.2).  
   Proposers for campaigns are advised that NASA typically supports 
   only one remote-location campaign per year and that campaigns are 
   usually planned several years in advance.  

     However, before proposing such campaigns, investigators are 
strongly encouraged to consider the guidance in Section 10.2.G. above 
in this Appendix.

     10.4 Flight Schedules

     NASA launches about four to five balloons and 30 to 35 
sounding rockets per year in support of investigations, including 
campaigns, sponsored by the MITM Physics Suborbital program, 
which is expected to continue in future years.  However, since the 
flight schedule for FY 1995 is subscribed, flight schedule 
requirements for proposals submitted to this NRA should begin no 
earlier than FY 1996.

     10.5 Funding Guidelines

     New MITM Physics Suborbital proposals selected under this 
NRA will be phased into the program as rapidly as resources permit.  
As a rule, new investigations are awarded definition-level funding in 
their first year, followed by full funding for development in their 
second year, leading to flight early in their third year, and then 
followed by data analysis.  Total funding in this program has been 
about $4.0M per year; annual funding levels have averaged $200K 
per investigation and $130K per individual investigator.  Of the 17 
investigations currently being funded, five will expire in FY 1994.

Questions concerning this program should be addressed to: 

     Dr. Mary Mellott  
     Suborbital MITM Physics Program
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone: (202) 358-1514
     E-mail :   NHQVAX::MMELLOTT


11.  Space Physics Educational Outreach (SPEO) Program 

     11.1  Background and Program Definition

     In support of NASA's education strategy, the Space Physics 
Division began an ongoing opportunity in FY 1993 for proposers to 
any of the research programs described herein to additionally 
propose for a modest supplement to enable an educational outreach 
effort in their local community.  The intent of this Space Physics 
Educational Outreach (SPEO) program is to encourage the space 
physics research PI's and Co-I's to become actively involved with 
local schools and/or undergraduate colleges, as well as with 
appropriate public educational institutions such as science museums 
or planetariums.  In doing so, it is emphasized that the purpose of 
this SPEO program is to provide educational opportunities and/or 
materials that promote general scientific literacy especially with 
respect to the understanding of the space sciences.  Therefore, and in 
keeping with NASA policy, SPEO proposals should have as their main 
focus the teachers of science and mathematics and/or large numbers 
of students or the general public.  In general, it is expected that SPEO 
projects will either:

-  actively involve the proposing PI with the intended audience of 
the SPEO program, which in itself should actively promote science 
literacy (for example, it is in the spirit of this program to propose 
funding local teachers as summer research interns or to conduct a 
workshop for teachers; it is not in the spirit of this program to simply 
buy equipment for an educational institution no matter how valuable 
such hardware may be to the education program of the institution); 
or 

-  develop educational materials commensurate with the goals of 
NASA's Strategic Plan for Education (for example, a NASA Educational 
Brief; self-explanatory visual materials for the classroom; educational 
software; or a NASA Curriculum Supplement that allows 
appropriately explained concepts and/or data of space physics to 
illustrate the application of the basic principles of physics and/or 
mathematics).  

Specific elements for successful proposals in response to this SPEO 
program that should be met are:

-  target the educational outreach activity at the general public, 
students or, especially teachers at the elementary through high 
school, or undergraduate collegiate levels;

-  include active involvement by the SPEO PI (who must be the PI or 
Co-I of a selected space physics research award) for the development 
and execution of the outreach activity; 

-  if the SPEO activity is done for some educational institution, 
provide for an active "partnership" between the PI and the 
benefiting institution for planning/execution of the outreach activity;

-  have a reasonable intellectual linkage of the proposed outreach 
activity to that of the PI's expertise and/or the subject matter 
proposed in the "parent" space physics research grant; and

-  outline a plan for evaluating the success of the proposed SPEO 
project, to be fulfilled by submission of a final report within three 
months of the completion of the activity.

     In all cases the emphasis of this SPEO program is on active 
participation of the proposing researchers with the activities 
proposed and on the sizing of the proposed task to ensure its 
completion within its proposed cost and duration (not to exceed that 
of the parent research award itself).  Originality of a proposed effort 
is not a criterion for selection.  What is important is providing 
assurance that the effort is well planned, that it form a true 
"partnership" between the researcher and the general public and/or 
school system or provide assurance that some educational materials 
will be produced, and that the proposed effort will be carried out.  
An excellent discussion of the philosophy inherent in this program 
may be found in Science Education Partnerships - Manual for 
scientists and K-12 Teachers, ed. A. Sussman, Science Press, San 
Francisco (1993).

     The maximum award for a SPEO supplement is $5.0K per year 
for a period not to exceed that of the parent research proposal, 
assuming that the complexity of the proposed activity warrants such 
duration.  A SPEO grant supplement is seen as a direct educational 
benefit to the local community of the PI's institution and will be 
provided only as an add-on to their research grant for which full 
institutional overhead is normally billed to NASA.  Therefore, it is 
desired but not required that the PI's institutional overhead be 
waived for these supplements.  It is also hoped that the provision of 
a SPEO grant will act to promote matching support from the PI's or 
other local benefiting institution(s).  

     Anyone submitting a SPEO supplement should avoid proposing 
any activity that could be perceived as engendering a personal 
conflict of interest.  In particular, SPEO proposers should avoid 
proposing tasks or expenditure of funds that directly benefits 
members of their immediate families.  Contact the individual noted 
in Section 11.3 if there are any questions.

     Depending on the submission of proposals of merit, it is 
envisioned that up to 30 such awards will be funded simultaneously 
by the Space Physics Division in any one fiscal year (approximately 
six awards for each of the four Space Physics science discipline 
offices, three for the MITM Suborbital program, and three for the 
Space Physics Theory Program).  SPEO proposals are encouraged as 
supplements to all new proposals.  In addition, PI's already holding a 
grant are invited to submit a SPEO proposal for a period of 
performance not to exceed the remainder of their existing award.


     11.2  Supplement Preparation and Submission

     Indication that a SPEO supplement is being sought for a new 
proposal should be shown as provided on the proposal's cover sheet 
(see Appendix C, page C.2).  Such a SPEO proposal should be bound 
separately from but submitted with the main research proposal.  A 
SPEO proposal submitted as a supplement to an existing space 
physics research grant should be submitted as a stand-alone 
document in accordance with Sections 5 and 8.  In either case, a SPEO 
proposal should consist of a succinct but thorough description (not to 
exceed six pages) of the intended educational outreach project, with 
careful attention to addressing the key elements noted in Section 
11.1, prefaced by a brief, descriptive abstract; and a budget listing 
each main cost item, in accordance with the budget format described 
in Section 5.4 of this Appendix.  Waiver of overhead by the PI's 
institution, if offered, should be noted (see Section 11.1), as should 
the promise of any matching resources from the PI or other 
institution, by appended authorizing letters.

     11.3  Supplement Evaluation and Selection    

     All SPEO proposals submitted as supplements to existing 
(ongoing) Space Physics research awards will be evaluated, whereas 
the only SPEO supplements to new research proposals that will be 
evaluated will be those associated with proposals selected for 
funding on the merits of their research objectives; i.e., SPEO proposals 
will not be funded independently of a "parent" research award.  The 
evaluation of SPEO proposals will be conducted by members of the 
NASA Headquarters Space Physics Division, other interested 
members of the Office of Space Science at large, and representatives 
of the Education Division of NASA's Office of Human Resources and 
Education.  Selections for awards will be made by the Director, Space 
Physics Division, based on the results of these reviews and 
availability of funds.  Although announcement of SPEO supplement 
selections may lag those for the research grants by a few weeks, 
funding of SPEO supplements will be simultaneous with the parent 
research grant, whether new or ongoing.

     Anyone interested in this SPEO program should so note in their 
Notice of Intent to propose (Section 5.2).  Questions concerning this 
SPEO program may be directed to:

     Dr. J. David Bohlin
     Space Physics Division
     Code SS
     NASA Headquarters
     Washington, DC  20546-0001
     Telephone: (202) 358-0880
     Fax:       (202) 358-3987
     E-mail:    JBOHLIN@GM.OSSA.HQ.NASA.GOV





NRA APPENDIX B




NFSD 89-0   (JUNE 30, 1989)

PART 18-70   NASA SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS       
               18-70-203, App. I





GUIDELINES FOR RESPONDING TO
NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENTS (NRA)
FOR SOLICITED BASIC RESEARCH PROPOSALS

(AUGUST 1988)





OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON, DC  20546

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO
NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR SOLICITED RESEARCH PROPOSALS

(AUGUST 1988)

1.  FOREWORD

a.   NASA depends upon industry, educational institutions and 
other nonprofit organizations for most of its research efforts.  While a 
number of mechanisms have been developed over the years to 
inform the research community of those areas in which NASA has 
special research interests, these instructions apply only to "NASA 
Research Announcements," a form of "broad agency announcement" 
described in 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016 of the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR).  The "NASA Research Announcement (NRA)" 
permits competitive selection of research projects in accordance with 
statute while at the same time preserving the traditional concepts 
and understandings associated with NASA sponsorship of research.

b.   These instructions are Appendix I to 18-70.203 of the NASA 
Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.


2.  POLICY

a.   NASA fosters and encourages the submission of research 
proposals relevant to agency mission requirements by solicitations, 
"NASA Research Announcements," which describe research areas of 
interest to NASA.  Proposals received in response to an NRA will be 
used only for evaluation purposes.

b.   NASA does not allow a proposal, the contents of which are not 
available without restriction from another source, or any unique 
ideas submitted in response to an NRA to be used as the basis of a 
solicitation or in negotiation with other organizations, nor is a pre
award synopsis published for individual proposals.

c.   A solicited proposal that results in a NASA award becomes part 
of the record of that transaction and may be available to the public 
on specific request; however, information or material that NASA and 
the awardee mutually agree to be of a privileged nature will be held 
in confidence to the extent permitted by law, including the Freedom 
of Information Act.


3.  PURPOSE

These instructions are intended to supplement documents identified 
as "NASA Research Announcements."  The NRAs contain program
matic information and certain "NRA-specific" requirements which 
apply only to proposals prepared in response to that particular 
announcement.  These instructions contain the general proposal 
preparation information which applies to responses to all NRAs.


4.  RELATIONSHIP TO AWARD

a.   A contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other agreement 
may be used to accomplish an effort funded on the basis of a 
proposal submitted in response to an NRA.  NASA does not have 
separate "grant proposal" and "contract proposal" categories, so all 
proposals may be prepared in a similar fashion.  NASA will 
determine the appropriate instrument.

b.   Grants are generally used to fund basic research in educational 
and nonprofit institutions, while research in other private sector 
organizations is accomplished under contract.  Additional information 
peculiar to the contractual process (certifications, cost and pricing 
data, facilities information, etc.) will be requested, as necessary, as 
the procurement progresses.  Contracts resulting from NRAs are 
subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the NASA FAR 
Supplement (NHB 5100.4).  Any resultant grants or cooperative 
agreements will be awarded and administered in accordance with 
the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook 
(NHB5800.1).


5.  CONFORMANCE TO GUIDANCE

a.   NASA does not have any mandatory forms or formats for 
preparation of responses to NRAs; however, it is requested that 
proposals conform to the procedural and submission guidelines 
covered in these instructions.  In particular, NASA may accept 
proposals without discussion; hence, proposals should initially be as 
complete as possible, and be submitted on the proposers' most 
favorable terms.

b.   In order to be considered responsive to the solicitation, a 
submission must, at a minimum, present a specific project within the 
areas delineated by the NRA; contain sufficient technical and cost 
information to permit a meaningful evaluation; be signed by an 
official authorized to legally bind the submitting organization; not 
merely offer to perform standard services or to just provide 
computer facilities or services; and not significantly duplicate a more 
specific current or pending NASA solicitation.  NASA reserves the 
right to reject any or all proposals received in response to an NRA 
when such action is considered in the best interest of the Government.


6.  NRA-SPECIFIC ITEMS

a.   Several proposal submission items will appear in the NRA 
itself.  These include:  the unique NRA identifier; when to submit 
proposals; where to send proposals; number of copies required; and 
sources for more information.

b.   Items included in these instructions may be supplemented by 
the NRA, as circumstances warrant.  Examples are:  technical points 
for special emphasis; additional evaluation factors; and proposal 
length.


7.  PROPOSAL CONTENTS

a.   The following general information is needed in all proposals in 
order to permit consideration in an objective manner.  NRAs will 
generally specify topics for which additional information or greater 
detail is desirable.  Each proposal copy shall contain all submitted 
material, including a copy of the transmittal letter if it contains 
substantive information.

b.   Transmittal Letter or Prefatory Material

     1)   The legal name and address of the organization and specific 
          division or campus identification if part of a larger
          organization;

     2)   A brief, scientifically valid project title intelligible 
          to a scientifically literate reader and suitable for
          use in the public press;

     3)   Type of organization: e.g., profit, nonprofit,educational,
          small business, minority, women-owned, etc.;

     4)   Name and telephone number of the principal investigator and 
          business personnel who may be contacted during evaluation or
          negotiation;

     5)   Identification of any other organizations that are currently 
          evaluating a proposal for the same efforts;

     6)   Identification of the specific NRA, by number and title, 
          to which the proposal is responding;

     7)   Dollar amount requested of NASA, desired starting date, and 
         duration of project;

     8)   Date of submission; and

     9)   Signature of a responsible official or authorized representative 
          of the organization, or any other person authorized to legally 
          bind the organization (unless the signature appears on the 
          proposal itself).

c.   Restriction on Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information

It is NASA policy to use information contained in proposals for 
evaluation purposes only.  While this policy does not require that the 
proposal bear a restrictive notice, offerors or quoters should, in order 
to maximize protection of trade secrets or other information that is 
commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, place the 
following notice on the title page of the proposal and specify the 
information subject to the notice by inserting appropriate identifica-
tion, such as page numbers, in the notice.  In any event, information 
(data) contained in proposals will be protected to the extent 
permitted by law, but NASA assumes no liability for use and disclo-
sure of information not made subject to the notice.

NOTICE

Restriction on Use and Disclosure
of Proposal Information

The information (data) contained in [insert page numbers or other 
identification] of this proposal constitutes a trade secret and/or 
information that is commercial or financial and confidential or 
privileged.  It is furnished to the Government in confidence with the 
understanding that it will not, without permission of the offeror, be 
used or disclosed other than for evaluation purposes; provided, 
however, that in the event a contract (or other agreement) is 
awarded on the basis of this proposal the Government shall have the 
right to use and disclose this information (data) to the extent 
provided in the contract (or other agreement).  This restriction does 
not limit the Government's right to use or disclose this information 
(data) if obtained from another source without restriction.

d.   Abstract

Include a concise (200-300 word if not otherwise specified in the 
NRA) abstract describing the objective of the proposed effort and the 
method of approach.

e.   Project Description

     1)   The main body of the proposal shall be a detailed statement 
of the work to be undertaken and should include objectives 
and expected significance; relation to the present state of knowledge 
in the field; and relation to previous work done on the project and to 
related work in progress elsewhere.  The statement should outline 
the general plan of work, including the broad design of experiments 
to be undertaken and an adequate description of experimental 
methods and procedures.  The project description should be prepared 
in a manner that addresses the evaluation factors in these instruc
tions and any additional specific factors in the NRA.  Any substantial 
collaboration with individuals not referred to in the budget or use of 
consultants should be described.  Note, however, that subcontracting 
significant portions of a research project is discouraged.

     2)   When it is expected that the effort will require more than 
one year for completion, the proposal should cover the complete 
project to the extent that it can be reasonably anticipated. Principal 
emphasis should, of course, be on the first year of work, and the 
description should distinguish clearly between the first year's work 
and work planned fur subsequent years.

f.   Management Approach

For large or complex efforts involving interactions among numerous 
individuals or other organizations, plans for distribution of 
responsibilities and any necessary arrangements for ensuring a 
coordinated effort should be described.  Aspects of any required 
intensive working relations with NASA field centers that are not 
logical inclusions elsewhere in the proposal should be described in 
this section.

g.   Personnel

The principal investigator is responsible for direct supervision of the 
work and participates in the conduct of the research regardless of 
whether or not compensation is received under the award. A short 
biographical sketch of the principal investigator, a list of principal 
publications and any exceptional qualifications should be included.  
Omit social security number and other personal items which do not 
merit consideration in evaluation of the proposal.  Give similar 
biographical information on other senior professional personnel who 
will be directly associated with the project.  Give the names and titles 
of any other scientists and technical personnel associated 
substantially with the project in an advisory capacity.  Universities 
should list the approximate number of students or other assistants, 
together with information as to their level of academic attainment.  
Any special industryuniversity cooperative arrangements should be 
described.

h.   Facilities and Equipment

     1)   Describe available facilities and major items of equipment 
especially adapted or suited to the proposed project, and any 
additional major equipment that will be required.  Identify any 
Governmentowned facilities, industrial plant equipment, or special 
tooling that are proposed for use on the project.

     2)   Before requesting a major item of capital equipment, the 
proposer should determine if sharing or loan of equipment already 
within the organization is a feasible alternative to purchase. Where 
such arrangements cannot be made, the proposal should so state.  
The need for items that typically can be used for both research and 
nonresearch purposes should be explained.

i.   Proposed Costs

     1)   Proposals should contain cost and technical parts in one 
volume; do not use separate "confidential" salary pages.  As 
applicable, include separate cost estimates for salaries and wages; 
fringe benefits; equipment; expendable materials and supplies; 
services; domestic and foreign travel; ADP expenses; publication or 
page charges; consultants; subcontracts; other miscellaneous 
identifiable direct costs; and indirect costs.  List salaries and wages in 
appropriate organizational categories (e.g., principal investigator, 
other scientific and engineering professionals, graduate students, 
research assistants, and technicians and other nonprofessional 
personnel).  Estimate all manpower data in terms of manmonths or 
fractions of fulltime.

     2)   Explanatory notes should accompany the cost proposal to 
provide identification and estimated cost of major capital equipment 
items to be acquired; purpose and estimated number and lengths of 
trips planned; basis for indirect cost computation (including date of 
most recent negotiation and cognizant agency); and clarification of 
other items in the cost proposal that are not selfevident.  List 
estimated expenses as yearly requirements by major work phases. 
(Standard Form 1411 may be used.)

     3)   Allowable costs are governed by FAR Part 31 and the 
NASA FAR Supplement Part 1831 (and OMB Circulars A21 for 
educational institutions and A122 for nonprofit organizations).

j.   Security

Proposals should not contain security classified material.  However, if 
the proposed research requires access to or may generate security 
classified information, the submitter will be required to comply with 
applicable Government security regulations.

k.   Current Support

For other current projects being conducted by the principal 
investigator, provide title of project, sponsoring agency, and ending 
date.

l.   Special Matters

     1)   Include any required statements of environmental 
impact of the research, human subject or animal care provisions, 
conflict of interest, or on such other topics as may be required by the 
nature of the effort and current statutes, executive orders, or other 
current Governmentwide guidelines.
     2)   Proposers should include a brief description of the 
organization, its facilities, and previous work experience in the field 
of the proposal.  Identify the cognizant Government audit agency, 
inspection agency, and administrative contracting officer, when 
applicable.


8.  RENEWAL PROPOSALS

a.   Renewal proposals for existing awards will be considered in the 
same manner as proposals for new endeavors.  It is not necessary 
that a renewal proposal repeat all of the information that was in the 
original proposal upon which the current support was based.  The 
renewal proposal should refer to its predecessor, update the parts 
that are no longer current, and indicate what elements of the 
research are expected to be covered during the period for which 
extended support is desired.  A description of any significant findings 
since the most recent progress report should be included.  The 
renewal proposal should treat, in reasonable detail, the plans for the 
next period, contain a cost estimate, and otherwise adhere to these 
instructions.

b.   NASA reserves the right to renew an effort either through 
amendment of an existing contract or by a new award.


9.  LENGTH

Unless otherwise specified in the NRA, every effort should be made 
to keep proposals as brief as possible, concentrating on substantive 
material essential for a complete understanding of the project.  
Experience shows that few proposals need exceed 1520 pages.  Any 
necessary detailed information, such as reprints, should be included 
as attachments rather than in the main body of the proposal.  A 
complete set of attachments is necessary for each copy of the 
proposal. As proposals are not returned, avoid use of "oneofakind" 
attachments; their availability may be mentioned in the proposal.


10.  JOINT PROPOSALS

a.   Some projects involve joint efforts among individuals in 
different organizations or mutual efforts of more than one organiza
tion.  Where multiple organizations are involved, the proposal may 
be submitted by only one of them.  In this event, it should clearly 
describe the role to be played by the other organizations and indicate 
the legal and managerial arrangements contemplated.  In other 
instances, simultaneous submission of related proposals from each 
organization might be appropriate, in which case parallel awards 
would be made.

b.   Where a project of a cooperative nature with NASA is 
contemplated, the proposal should describe the contributions 
expected from any participating NASA investigator and agency 
facilities or equipment which may be required. However, the 
proposal must be confined only to that which the proposing organiza
tion can commit itself.  "Joint" proposals which purport to specify the 
internal arrangements NASA will actually make are not acceptable as 
a means of establishing an agency commitment.


11.  LATE PROPOSALS

A proposal or modification thereto received after the date or dates 
specified in an NRA may still be considered if the selecting official 
deems it to offer NASA a significant technical advantage or cost 
reduction.


12.  WITHDRAWAL

Proposals may be withdrawn by the proposer at any time.  Offerors 
are requested to notify NASA if the proposal is funded by another 
organization or of other changed circumstances which dictate 
termination of evaluation.


13.  EVALUATION FACTORS

a.   Unless otherwise specified in the NRA, the principal elements 
(of approximately equal weight) considered in evaluating a proposal 
are its relevance to NASA's objectives, intrinsic merit, and cost.

b.   Evaluation of a proposal's relevance to NASA's objectives 
includes the consideration of the potential contribution of the effort 
to NASA's mission.

c.   Evaluation of its intrinsic merit includes the consideration of 
the following factors, none of which is more important than any 
other:

     1)   Overall scientific or technical merit of the proposal or 
unique and innovative methods, approaches, or concepts 
demonstrated by the proposal.

     2)   The offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, 
techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral 
factors for achieving the proposal objectives.

     3)   The qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the 
proposed principal investigator, team leader, or key personnel who 
are critical in achieving the proposal objectives.

     4)   Overall standing among similar proposals available for 
evaluation and/or evaluation against the known stateoftheart.

d.   Evaluation of the cost of a proposed effort includes the 
consideration of the realism and reasonableness of the proposed cost 
and the relationship of the proposed cost to available funds.


14.  EVALUATION TECHNIQUES

Selection decisions will be made following peer and/or scientific 
review of the proposals.  Several evaluation techniques are regularly 
used within NASA.  In all cases, however, proposals are subject to 
scientific review by discipline specialists in the area of the proposal.  
Some proposals are reviewed entirely inhouse where NASA has 
particular competence; others are evaluated by a combination of in
house people and selected external reviewers, while yet others are 
subject to the full external peer review technique (with due regard 
for conflictofinterest and protection of proposal information), such 
as by mail or through assembled panels.  Regardless of the technique, 
the final decisions are always made by a designated NASA selecting 
official.  A proposal which is scientifically and programmatically 
meritorious, but which is not selected for award during its initial 
review under the NRA may be included in subsequent reviews 
unless the proposer requests otherwise.


15.  SELECTION FOR AWARD

a.   When a proposal is not selected for award, and the proposer 
has indicated that the proposal is not to be held over for subsequent 
reviews, the proposer will be notified that the proposal was not 
selected for award.  NASA will notify the proposer and explain 
generally why the proposal was not selected.  Proposers desiring 
additional information may contact the selecting official who will 
arrange a debriefing.

b.   When a proposal is selected for award, negotiation and award 
will be handled by the procurement office in the funding installation. 
The proposal is used as the basis for negotiation with the submitter.  
Formal RFPs are not used to obtain additional information on a 
proposal selected under the NRA process.  However, the contracting 
officer may request certain business data and may forward a model 
contract and other information which will be of use during the 
contract negotiation.


16.  CANCELLATION OF NRA

NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this NRA and, in 
the absence of program funding or for any other reason, to cancel 
this NRA by having a notice published in the Commerce Business 
Daily.  NASA assumes no liability for canceling the NRA or for 
anyone's failure to receive actual notice of cancellation. Cancellation 
may be followed by issuance and synopsis of a revised NRA, since 
amendment of an NRA is normally not permitted.



     APPENDIX C 


PROPOSAL PREFATORY MATERIALS


C-1

PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO NRA
"SPACE PHYSICS SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
AND SUBORBITAL PROGRAMS"

PROGRAM ELEMENT:  (identify as appropriate)
         Cosmic and Heliospheric Physics (C&HP)  
         Solar Physics  
         Magnetospheric Physics   
         Ionospheric, Thermospheric,  Mesospheric Physics  
         MITM Suborbital:   

         -  as a PI Proposal
         -  Willing to participate in a Launch Voucher 
            Demonstration Program? YES /NO
         -  as a Co-I Proposal (PI name/institution: ____________)

         Space Physics Education Outreach (SPEO) Supplement:

         - as an addition to a new proposal for Program Element?  YES/NO
         - as an addition to an existing Space Physics award Program
           Element? YES/NO
           
(NASA Award Number:                 )

TECHNIQUE/RESEARCH AREA1:

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF INVESTIGATION:

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:  Name/Title
                         Institutional Address
                         Telephone
                         Signature/Date

CO-INVESTIGATOR(S):  (if any) Name(s) and Institutional Addresses(s)

INSTITUTIONAL AUTHORIZATION:  Name/Title
                              Institutional Address
                              Telephone
                              Authorizing Signature/Date

PROPOSED DURATION OF PROJECT:  (not to exceed 3 years)

BUDGET SUMMARY 2:               1st Year  2nd Year  3rd Year  Total

     RESEARCH TASK ($K):        ________  ________  ________  ________     

     SPEO SUPPLEMENT ($K)3:     ________  ________  ________  ________
          
     TOTAL COST ($K):           ________  ________  ________  ________
          
     EST. NCCS Cray YMP CU's4:  ________  ________  ________  ________
          
_______________________________________________
1)   For example, Data Analysis/Solar Corona; Simulation/Magnetic 
     Reconnection; Experiment Concept/Ionosphere; Theory/Auroral 
     Substorms; etc.
2)   For MITM and C&HP Experimental program proposals, include all 
     Co-I budgets in totals.
3)   As applicable.
4)   From p. C.4.


C-2

PROPOSAL SUMMARY

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF INVESTIGATION:  (use same title as on p. C.2)


PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND INSTITUTION:


CO-INVESTIGATOR(S) AND INSTITUTION(S):

___________________________________________
* Provide the following, typed single-spaced: 
     (a)  Overall objectives and strategy of the proposed work; 
     (b)  If supported in immediately previous funding cycle by 
          NASA, a summary of recent progress and accomplishments, 
          or state "New Task," as appropriate; 
     (c)  A brief description of what will be done and plan of 
          activities; 
     (d)  Perceived relevance of proposed research to NASA's Space 
          Physics programs; and 
     (e)  If previously supported for similar work, recent 
          publications resulting from research.

Note:  The total length of items (a) through (e) should not exceed the 
equivalent of one full page (i.e., about 55 lines) of material, and may 
extend to a second sheet as necessary.  This same Abstract may also 
be used in preface for the proposal itself; see Appendix A, 
Section 5.3.  



C-3

YEARLY BUDGETS AND PERSONNEL SUMMARY

(Provide for each year of proposed effort, not to exceed three years; 
budget in institutional format may be appended as desired.)

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF INVESTIGATION:


PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND INSTITUTION:


SUMMARY OF 1st/2nd/3rd YEAR PROPOSED COSTS:  (nearest $K)
     1.   Salaries and Wages.......................................$_________
     2.   Supplies and Materials...................................$_________
     3.   Equipment Purchases......................................$_________
     4.   Computer Time (paid with PI funds).......................$_________
     5.   Services.................................................$_________
     6.   Publications.............................................$_________
     7.   Communications...........................................$_________
     7.   Travel...................................................$_________
     8.   Other (including benefits and overhead)..................$_________
     9.   TOTAL....................................................$_________


SUMMARY OF PERSONNEL:  (Nearest 0.1 work years (WY), nearest $K)
     1.   Senior personnel (list name(s)).....................WY____  $________
     2.   Post-doctorate associate (list name(s)).............WY____  $________
     3.   Student(s) (give number)............................WY____  $________
     4.   Technical support staff (give number)...............WY____  $________
     5.   Other...............................................WY____  $________
     6.   TOTAL.............................................  WY____  $________


EXPECTED SUPER COMPUTER USAGE:  (include endorsements as appropriate)
     1.   Location and type for each computer  ________________________________
     2.   Estimated number of Computing Units (CU's) for each facility ________
     3.   If GSFC/NASA Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) is 
          proposed for use, list estimated number of Cray YMP CU's:    ________
          (enter also on page C.2)

C-4

CURRENT AND PENDING RESEARCH SUPPORT


1.  For the Principal Investigator and each Co-Investigator, provide:

     A.   Currently supported research project(s).

     B.   Research project(s) for which support is pending 
(including renewal 
     applications as well as this proposal):

     List separately for A and B:
                Source of support
                Project title and sentence abstract
                Award amount
                Period covered by award
                Work-year commitment of the proposed Investigator.


2.  List the name of any other agency to which this proposal has been 
or will be contemporaneously submitted, including relevant dates.



C-5


Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters
Primary Covered Transactions


This certification is required by the regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, 34 CFR Part 85, 
Section 85.510, Participants responsibilities.  The regulations were 
published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (pages 
1916019211).  Copies of the regulations may be obtained by 
contacting the U. S. Department of Education, Grants and Contracts 
Service, 400 Maryland Avenue, S. W. (Room 3633 GSA Regional Office 
Building No. 3), Washington, D. C. 20202-4725, telephone (202) 732-
2505.

(1)  The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its 
knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

(a)  Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for 
debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered 
transactions by any Federal department or agency;

(b)  Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal 
been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for 
commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with 
obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State 
or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation 
of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, 
theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making 
false statements, or receiving stolen property;

(c)  Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly 
charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with 
commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of 
this certification; and

(d)  Have not within a three-year period preceding this 
application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, 
State or local) terminated for cause or default.

(2)  Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify 
to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective 
participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.


          Institution                   Principal Investigator 


          Name and Title of Authorized Representative


          Signature                                    Date


C-6


Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
Grantees Other Than Individuals


This certification is required by the regulations implementing the 
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 34 CFR Part 85, Subpart F.  The 
regulations, published in the January 31, 1989 Federal Register, 
require certification by grantees, prior to award, that they will 
maintain a drug-free workplace.  The certification set out below is a 
material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed 
when the agency determines to award the grant.  False certification 
or violation of the certification shall be grounds for suspension of 
payments, suspension or termination of grants, or governmentwide 
suspension or debarment (see 34 CFR Part 85, Sections 85.615 and 
85.620).

The grantee certifies that it will provide a drug-free workplace by:

(a)  Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful 
manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a 
controlled substance is prohibited in the grantees workplace and 
specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for 
violation of such prohibition;

(b)  Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform 
employees about

(1)  The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(2)  The grantees policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(3)  Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee 
     assistance programs; and
(4)  The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug 
     abuse violations occurring in the workplace;

(c)  Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in 
the per-formance of the grant be given a copy of the statement 
required by paragraph (a);

(d)  Notifying the employee in the statement required by 
paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, 
the employee will

(1)  Abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2)  Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for 
     a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after 
     such conviction;

(e)  Notifying the agency within ten days after receiving notice 
under subparagraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving 
actual notice of such conviction;

(f)  Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving 
notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who 
is so convicted

(1)  Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, 
     up to and including termination; or
(2)  Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug 
     abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such 
     purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or 
     other appropriate agency;

(g)  Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free 
     workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) 
     and (f).


Institution                        Principal Investigator 


Name and Title of Authorized Representative


Signature                                    Date



C-7


Certification Regarding Lobbying



As required by S1352 Title 31 of the U.S. Code for persons entering 
into a grant or cooperative agreement over $100,000, the applicant 
certifies that:

(a)  No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid by 
or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or 
attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a 
Member of Congress, in connection with making of any Federal grant, 
the entering into of any cooperative, and the extension, continuation, 
renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal grant or 
cooperative agreement;

(b)  If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been 
paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting an 
officer or employee of any agency, Member of Congress, an or an 
employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal 
grant or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete 
Standard Form -LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in 
accordance with its instructions.

(c)  The undersigned shall require that the language of this 
certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at 
all tiers (including subgrants, contracts under grants and cooperative 
agreements, and subcontracts), and that all subrecipients shall certify 
and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which 
reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into.  
Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or 
entering into this transaction imposed by S1352, title 31, U.S. Code.  
Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject 
to a civil penalty of not less that $10,000 and not more than 
$100,000 for each such failure.

__________________________________________________________________
Organization Name                  AO or NRA Number and Name


__________________________________________________________________
Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative


__________________________________________________________________
Signature                                               Date


_________________________________________________________________
Printed Principal Investigator Name               Proposal Title