Guidance for the Preparation of User Proposals to the NFAR Laboratories
NFAR proposals are submitted under a no-due-date process. Evaluations and decisions for submitted proposals will be returned to the PI within 6 weeks after submission. We award NFAR research projects to users in a competitive peer-reviewed proposal process.
Proposals to use NFAR labs are limited to <5 pages and are required to address the following:
- General Information: Including title, user information (name and affiliation), and contact information (email and phone).
- Description of Proposed Research at NFAR:
- Describe the scientific purpose of the investigation and its relevance to NASA PSD.
- Identify labs to be accessed and justify the use of NFAR resources and capabilities, especially if similar capabilities exist at the user's home institution. Proposers are strongly encouraged to consult with the NFAR lab leads regarding their proposed research projects.
- Description of the samples and procedures and explain the basis for the time request.
- How many visits needed to complete the investigation?
- How many days per visit?
- Time frame for entire project with milestones.
- Describe the users' previous experience relevant to the proposed research and any preliminary or proof-of-concept results.
- References.
- Sample Issues: Describe any sensitive material/safety concerns for the NFAR laboratories, e.g., will hazardous chemicals and materials, biohazards, etc. be used.
- Data Management: User provided Data Management Plan consistent with PSD requirements for R&A proposals.
User Proposals to NFAR should be submitted as a PDF document that is uploaded at:
https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/research/nasa-facility-astromaterials-research/nfar_proposal_submittal.cfm