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NOAA's Environmental Literacy Grants for Spherical Display Systems for Earth System Science - Installations and Content Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: NOAA will host an informational session on this funding opportunity at the 2007 ASTC Conference (www.astc.org/conference). This session will be from 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. PT on Sunday October 14th in the exhibit hall of the conference.  Please stop by the NOAA booth at the exhibit hall for further details. We will not be able to provide the ability for people to call in to this session. Conference registration will be required to access the exhibit hall.

You must read the Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity for the full instructions on how to apply for this funding. [Word] [PDF]

Spherical Display Systems Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process Frequently Asked Questions
(These FAQs will be continually updated - last update 08/03/07)

NOTE: If you plan to submit an application that involves an Science On a Sphere (SOS) installation, we strongly recommend you review the following documents in this order:

1. SOS System Description and Recommendations for Setup
2. SOS Standard Setup Diagram
3. SOS Required Hardware
4. SOS Proposed Work Plan for Installation
5. SOS Evaluation in an Informal Education Setting

Also, it is highly recommended that you discuss installation of SOS with Bill Bendel, SOS Program Manager: william.b.bendel@noaa.gov.

For more Frequently Asked Questions specific to Science On a Sphere, please visit the FAQ page of the Science On a Sphere Web site at http://sos.noaa.gov/docs/faq.html

Spherical Display Systems Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a spherical display system?
A. Spherical display systems are sphere-shaped “screens” onto which global data and other imagery can be shown. The displays typically range in diameter from 18 inches to 6 feet.  One example is NOAA’s Science On a Sphere (SOS), which consists of a 68-inch diameter opaque sphere onto which 4 video projectors project seamless “movies” of animated Earth system dynamics (http://www.sos.noaa.gov/). Other examples of convex spherical display systems include, but are not limited to, Magic Planet (http://www.globalimagination.com/), and OmniGlobe (http://www.arcscience.com/omni.htm) (These are not U.S. Government websites. NOAA is not responsible for the content of external internet sites).

Q. Does this funding opportunity allow for the installation of concave spherical display systems, such as immersion domes?
A. No, priority 1 is only for the installation of convex or spherical display systems. However, for priority 2 applications, it is acceptable to propose the creation of content that can be shown on spherical display systems as well as on concave or immersive dome technologies.

Q. Can a proposal to priority 1 request funding for installation of more than one spherical display system?
A. Yes, as long as the cost of the project remains under the $100,000 maximum.

Q. Can a proposal to priority 1 request funding for more than one type of spherical display system?
A. Yes, as long as the cost of the project remains under the $100,000 maximum.

Q. Proposers to priority 2 are required to establish a partnership with at least one institution currently displaying (on public exhibit) Science On a Sphere (SOS).   Would a partnership with an institution that is in the process of obtaining SOS work?
A. No.  The proposal must involve a partnership with an institution that has SOS on public display currently. A list of eligible partners is available at: http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/sos_exhibits.html

Q: Can a spherical display system be installed in a non-U.S. institution as part of this funding opportunity?
A: All permanent installations of spherical display systems funded through this opportunity must be at institutions within the United States.  With regards to spherical display systems that will be integrated into traveling exhibits, please be aware that the purpose of this funding is to have an impact on a primarily U.S. audience.

Q: For a projects proposed to priority 2, should an external evaluator be utilized for project evaluation?
A: Please note that there are two different categories of evaluation associated a content development proposal.  There are the iterative evaluations of the content pieces with audiences as they are created, and there are the overall project evaluations.

For the iterative evaluations of content as it is being created, it is quite appropriate for the SOS partner institution staff to be involved.  In fact the FFO states, "A method of collaborative, iterative prototype module development and formative evaluation should be established involving the partner."

As for the overall project evaluation, the FFO states that "evaluation should be handled by an external professional evaluator or by internal staff who has significant experience with evaluation."  So, either option is allowable.  However, proposal reviewers often view favorably the use of external evaluator because of the reduction in potential bias.

Q: Can some portion of the funds requested in an application to priority 2 be used to purchase a spherical display system?
A: No.  While a spherical display system could be utilized to view content as it is created, the partner institutions that are currently displaying SOS and other spherical systems should provide this capability and be able to provide feedback and assessment of the content as it is refined. If funding is needed for the installation of a spherical display system, a separate application should be submitted to priority 1.

Q. What visualizations are currently available for Science On a Sphere?
A. Numerous, look here.  Also, look here for some short animations.

Q. Can the visualizations for Science On a Sphere be used on other spherical visualization systems?
A. The equatorial cylindrical equidistant projection JPEG images used for Science On a Sphere may work on other systems.  It is known that they can be shown on the Magic Planet system and the OmniGlobe system.

Q. How are spherical display systems used at NOAA?
A. Spherical display systems are used as a tool to help describe NOAA's mission and display the results of research in a way that is both intuitive and compelling.  At the NOAA Lab in Boulder, Colorado, viewing SOS is included as part of nearly all public outreach activities.   School groups on field trips, graduate and under-graduate students from local universities, researchers, and other visitors all have an opportunity to see SOS on pre-arranged tours of that facility. Magic Planet systems are also used by entities within NOAA for outreach activities.

Q. Can I get a customized SOS system?
A. The funding that will be provided under this opportunity is only for the existing, standard, turn-key system with no customization.

Q. Where can I see installations of SOS?
A. Please see the list of institutions featuring SOS exhibits at: http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/sos_exhibits.html.

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Application Process Frequently Asked Questions--scroll down to see answers or click on a heading.

• Grants.gov
• How do I get registered for Grants.gov?
• I am registered with NSF's FastLane. Do I also need to register with Grants.gov?
• How do I view an application package in Grants.gov?
• I don't understand what I am supposed to put in certain sections of the forms posted on Grants.gov. Where can I find the directions?
• How do I fill out an application in Grants.gov?
• I am having technical difficulties with Grants.gov and related PureEdge Viewer software, what do I do?
• Has grants.gov become compatible with non-Windows operating systems (e.g., Macintosh)? 
• I am not able to submit an application via Grants.gov, what should I do?
  
  
• Eligibility Requirements
• Can international institutions apply?
• Are for-profit organizations allowed to submit to this Funding Opportunity?
• How many applications can an investigator or institution submit this year to this Funding Opportunity?
  
  
• Application Preparation
• What if grants.gov or my institution's Internet connection is unavailable at the submission deadline?
• What if there is an earthquake, a fire, or some other disaster that prevents on-time submission of an application?
• Can I request an extension of time to submit an application?
• Will you enforce the page limits on applications?
• Does the list of references cited in the project description count against the 15-page limit?
• Are there required any templates?
• The required forms and nine required elements that are listed in the Federal Funding Opportunity are not consistent with what is listed in the mandatory and optional documents sections in the “Grant Application Package” of grants.gov. Which list do I follow?
• I do not have any current or pending support to report or any references embedded in the project description. Do I still need to include these required elements of the application in the Project Narrative?
• Can I submit letters of support? If so, how?
• Can I submit appendices to the project description with additional information on the proposed project activities?
• Can supplemental information (sample products, CDs, DVDs, videos, etc.) be submitted?
• What do I put down under items #14a and 14b on the SF-424 for the Congressional district if there is more than one district for the applicant and/or project or if my state only has one district?
• On SF-424, I do not know what is meant by "Applicant Identifier" and "State Identfier" (items 2 and 3).  Where do I find this information?
  
  
• Budget Information
• What is the total amount of funding for which I can apply?
• What is the minimum amount of funding for which I can apply?
• May application budgets include equipment?
• Are sub-awards allowed?
• Should I provide documentation for my institution’s negotiated indirect cost agreement?
• Can the amount for evaluation exceed 10% of the total project budget?
• What categories should be included in the budget narrative?
  
  
• Cooperative Agreements
• What is the difference between a cooperative agreement and a grant?

Grants.gov

Q: How do I get registered for Grants.gov?
A: Get Registered Today! Getting started with Grants.gov is easy, but it can take up to 3 weeks to complete the registration process! Go to www.Grants.gov and click on “Get Started”. Be advised that registration with NSF's FastLane does NOT constitute registration with Grants.gov. We recommend following the Grants.gov brochure that explains the steps involved in the registration process.

Q: I am registered with NSF's FastLane. Do I also need to register with Grants.gov?
A: Yes, you need to register with Grants.gov. Registration with NSF's FastLane does NOT constitute registration with Grants.gov.

Q: How do I view an application package in Grants.gov?
A: You'll need to download and install the PureEdge Viewer software. And then, download and open the application package for this funding opportunity number: SEC-OED-2008-2001089.

Q: I don't understand what I am supposed to put in certain sections of the forms posted on Grants.gov. Where can I find the directions?
A: Once you have downloaded and installed PureEdge Viewer software you will open the application package using this Viewer. You will complete the forms using this Viewer. The Viewer has a "help mode" function that, once activated, provides instructions for each form field. To turn the "help mode" on, click on the button at the top of the Viewer screen that looks like this . Then, mousing over each form field will cause a small pop-up text box that explains the information that should be inserted into each field.

Q: How do I fill out an application in Grants.gov?
A: View Grants.gov demonstration at this site.

Q: I am having technical difficulties with Grants.gov and related PureEdge Viewer software. What do I do?
A: If you are having technical problems with Grants.gov OR problems with the PureEdge Viewer software you should contact Grants.gov support, see this site: http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport

Q: Has grants.gov become compatible with non-Windows operating systems (e.g., Macintosh)? 
A:  The PureEdge Viewers does not work on non-PC computers. There are several non-PC solutions that Grants.gov offers: http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp

Q: I am not able to submit an application via Grants.gov. What should I do?
A: It is strongly preferred that applications be submitted through Grants.gov.  However, if an applicant does not have Internet access, paper applications will be accepted and date and time stamped when they are received in the Department of Commerce Building. Facsimile or e-mail transmissions of applications will not be accepted. Electronic or paper applications received after the deadline will not be considered for review and will be destroyed. Except in the case where the applicant can document that the paper application was provided to a guaranteed delivery service for delivery to the address listed below by 5:00 PM, EDT on October 30, 2007, and the application is received in the Office of Education no later than 5 p.m. EDT, November 1, 2007. If submitting a paper application, applicants are requested to also provide a CD of the application, including scanned signed forms or forms with electronic signatures. Please note: paper applications submitted via the US Postal Service can take up to 4 weeks to reach this office; therefore applicants are recommended to send paper applications via expedited shipping methods (e.g., Airborne Express, DHL, Fed Ex, UPS). Note:  For more Frequently Asked Questions specific to Grants.gov, please visit the FAQ page of the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/help/faq.jsp

Q: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or John McLaughlin at john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov.

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Eligibility Requirements

Q: Can international institutions apply?
A: Non-US-based organizations may be proejct partners. Foreign governments are not eligible recipients of the funds. Contact the program officer to discuss this issue further.

Q: Are for-profit organizations allowed to submit to this Funding Opportunity?
A: For-profit organizations are eligible to be project partners. Contact the program officer to discuss this issue further.

Q: How many applications can a principleinvestigator submit this year to this Funding Opportunity?
Only one application can be submitted by a Principal Investigator to each priority.

Q: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or John McLaughlin at john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov.

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Application Preparation

Q: What if grants.gov or my institution's Internet connection is unavailable at the submission deadline?
A: Please avoid this problem by submitting early. If you choose not to submit until the last minute, you do so at your own risk.

Q: What if there is an earthquake, a fire, or some other disaster that prevents on-time submission of an application?
A: Please contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or via (202) 482-0875 as soon as possible. We will make determinations whether or not to accept affected applications on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can I request an extension of time to submit an application?
A: No.

Q: Will you enforce the page limits on applications?
A: Yes. Page limits will be strictly enforced. If page limits are exceeded the application will not be reviewed. There are page limits for the abstract (1 page), the project description (15 pages), and the resumes (3 pages per resume).

Q: Does the list of references cited in the project description count against the 15-page limit?
A: No.

Q: Are there any templates?
A: Yes. There are templates for the title page, budget narrative, budget table, and timeline for a project involving and installation of Science On a Sphere.

Q: The required forms and nine required elements that are listed in the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) are not consistent with what is listed in the mandatory and optional documents sections in the “Grant Application Package” of grants.gov. Which list do I follow?
A: A complete application will include all of the elements and forms listed in the FFO regardless of what is shown in grants.gov. (You can upload forms and documents into grants.gov even if they are not listed as mandatory or optional documents of an application.) Here is the complete list of application elements and forms that you will upload into grants.gov:

The required forms** are as follows:
1. Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424
2. Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs: SF-424A
3. Assurances, Non-Construction Programs: SF-424B
4. Certifications Regarding Lobbying: CD-511

Depending on the applicant, the following forms may also be required:
1. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: SF-LLL (if applicable)
**NOTE: For all forms available in Grants.gov instructions for how to complete each form field can be found by clicking on the "help mode" button at the top of the PureEdge Viewer screen. The button looks like this:

In the "Mandatory Documents" window, the “Project Narrative Attachment Form" should include the following elements:

• Title Page (See the FFO for instructions.)
• One-page Abstract (See the FFO for instructions.)
• 15-Page Project Description (not to exceed 15 pages, See the FFO for instructions.)
• References Cited (See the FFO for instructions. If none, state "None".)
• Proposed Work Plan and Milestone Chart (See the FFO for instructions.)
• Brief Resumes (See the FFO for instructions.)
• Current and Pending Support (See the FFO for instructions. If none, state "None".)

It is preferred that all of these elements are consolidated into one PDF document. The Project Description must not exceed fifteen pages and must follow the proscribed format (refer to IV.B.1, Required Elements of Full Applications, and IV.B.2, Application Format in the FFO). All of the other required elements listed above are not counted in the 15-page limit, but they should be included in the same PDF as the project description.

In the "Mandatory Documents" window, the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form" should include the following elements:

• All applications must include a budget section that contains both a table and a narrative.  This section is in addition to the required official budget form (SF-424A). Both the table and the narrative should use the same categories as shown on the SF-424A form.
• The Budget Section should provide enough detail to allow OEd staff and the review panel to evaluate the level of effort proposed by investigators and staff on a specific project. When appropriate, the narrative and table must provide details on: personnel salaries and fringe benefits (broken out by percent time and number of months devoted to the project for each individual to be paid by the project); travel including per person and per trip costs for transportation, lodging and meals; equipment; supplies; contractual costs, such as anticipated sub-awards; and other costs, including printing, publications and communication costs. Funding should also be requested to provide for the PI(s) to attend annual meetings of the NOAA SOS community collaborative network (assume meeting will require at least one person to travel to Washington DC for 3 days). See http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_templates.html for a budget narrative template and model and a budget table model.  For additional guidance on providing adequate budget justifications, visit http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_templates.html and click on “NOAA Standard Budget Guidelines”.  It is preferred that all of these elements of the "budget narrative attachment form" are consolidated into one PDF document. If your institution has a negotiated indirect cost rate please include documentation that supports this rate.

In the "Optional Documents" box, the "Attachments" should include the following elements:

• Letters of Commitment (optional)
• Any other supporting materials relevant to application

It is preferred that all of these elements are consolidated into one PDF document.

Q: I do not have any current or pending support to report or any references embedded in the project description. Do I still need to include these required elements of the application in the Project Narrative?
A: Yes, you should still include these headings but state "None" under each.

Q: Can I submit letters of commitment? If so, how?
Letters of Commitment should be submitted and will not count against the 15-page project description limit. Letters of Commitment should be scanned and attached as a separate PDF within the “Optional Documents” Section. Follow these instructions: Within the PureEdge Viewer "Grant Application Package" Window for this announcement, in the "Optional Documents" box click on the “Attachments” and click on the button that is below the box called “Open Form”. When you are in the page called, “Attachments Form”, click on the "Add Attachment" button and upload the letters of Commitment file.

Q: Can I submit appendices to the project description with additional information on the proposed project activities?
A: Yes, you can submit appendices. However the reviewers will not be required to read these documents. Therefore, we recommend you attempt to put at least summaries of the information that is contained in these appendices in the project description.

Q: Can supplemental information (sample products, CDs, DVDs, videos, etc.) be submitted?
A: No, sample products, CDs, DVDs, videos or otherwise unusual materials will not be accepted. However, websites containing this material can be referenced.

Q: What do I put down under items #14a and 14b on the SF-424 for the Congressional district if there is more than one district for the applicant and/or project or if my state only has one district?
A:  If the applicant has several offices in different districts, use the district with the largest population.  If the project will take place in multiple districts, all districts involved may be used.  The SF-424 requires that you enter numbers only.  To find your Representative's district go to http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/olm110.html.  If your state only has one representative (e.g. Alaska) or a delegate instead of a representative (e.g. District of Columbia), enter a zero.

Q: On SF-424, I do not know what is meant by "Applicant Identifier" and "State Identfier" (items 2 and 3).  Where do I find this information?
A: These items on the SF-424 do not apply to applications in this call for applications, so please leave them blank.  (Note: The boxes in the SF-424 on grants.gov are not highlighted in yellow, which is an indication that providing this information is optional).

Q: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or John McLaughlin at john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov.

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Budget Information

Q: What is the total amount of funding for which I can apply?
A: The total Federal amount for all years that may be requested from NOAA for the direct and indirect costs of the proposed project shall not exceed $100,000 for priority 1 applications. The total Federal amount for all years that may be requested from NOAA for the direct and indirect costs of the proposed project shall not exceed $300,000 for priority 2 applications.

Q: What is the minimum amount of funding for which I can apply?
A: There is no minimum.

Q: May application budgets include equipment?
A: Yes. Equipment that is necessary to carry out the proposed project may be requested and should be justified in the budget justification.

Q: Are sub-awards allowed?
A: Yes. The project description and budget justification should clearly state why there is a need for a sub award, what the sub-awardee will do, and to which organization(s) or individual(s) the sub-awards will be made.

Q: Should I provide documentation for my institution’s negotiated indirect cost agreement?
A: Yes, if your institution has documentation of its negotiated indirect cost agreement, please upload this document to grants.gov with the other budget information you will provide.

Q: Can the amount for evaluation exceed 10% of the total project budget?
A: Yes, as long as the cost of evaluation is justified in the project description and budget narrative, there is no cap for the costs of evaluation. For priority 1 projects, a range of evaluation costs between 10-15% is quite reasonable. For priority 2 projects, a range of evaluation costs between 15-20% is quite reasonable.

Q: What categories should be included in the budget narrative?
A: Categories should match those in the SF-424A and see additional instructions in the Application Preparation Section above.

Q: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or John McLaughlin at john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov.

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Cooperative Agreements

Q: What is the difference between a cooperative agreement and a grant?
A: The legal definition of a Cooperative Agreement: The legal instrument reflecting a relationship between NOAA and a recipient whenever: (1) the principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer money, property, services, or anything of value to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute and (2) substantial involvement (e.g., collaboration, participation, or intervention by NOAA in the management of the project) is anticipated between NOAA and the recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Cooperative agreements are subject to the same OMB, Treasury, and other Federal laws and policies as grants. See 31 U.S.C. 6305.
A grant is the funding instrument used when only condition (1) exists.

Q: My question is not in this list and is not answered in the Federal Funding Opportunity. What should I do?
A: Contact Carrie McDougall at carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov or John McLaughlin at john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov.

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