NOAA Education Funding Opportunities: SOS

If you plan to submit an SOS installation application, we strongly recommend you review the following documents in this order:

Some of the information provided in these documents will need to be incorporated into your application.

Q. What is Science On a Sphere (SOS)?
Science On a Sphere is a large visualization system that uses computers and video projectors to display animated data onto the outside of a 68 inch-diameter opaque sphere. Said another way, SOS is an animated globe that can show dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans, and land of a planet. NOAA primarily uses SOS as an education and outreach tool to describe the environmental processes of Earth. Click here to see photos of Science On a Sphere installed in various education settings.

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

Q. What are the hardware pieces associated with Science On a Sphere?
The SOS system uses 4 video projectors to display images onto the sphere. Each projector is driven by a computer. A fifth computer is used to control the operation of the display computers. The computers communicate with each other via a network. Each computer is a relatively powerful PC with dual Pentium processors and a high end graphics card. The video projectors have native XGA resolution.

Q. What operating system does SOS use on the computer systems?
All of the SOS computer systems run Redhat Linux.

Q. What is the typical floor plan or layout for a Science On a Sphere system?
Look at this diagram.

Q. How is Science On a Sphere used at NOAA?
Science On a Sphere is 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, 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. The typical SOS program lasts 30 minutes and is given by a live presenter.

Q. What is the Science On a Sphere data format?
SOS uses common image formats in a very specific, but simple form. Here are the main characteristics:
• Image format: SOS will accept most common formats: GIF, JPEG, TIFF, etc. We prefer JPEG.
• The images need to be plotted on a equatorial cylindrical equidistant projection. Many people just call this a simple lat/lon grid, where the image is twice as wide as it is high (rectangular). 2048x1024 dpi is the minimum size. 4096x2048 dpi is much better. Some of the Earth system images are extremely large, on the order of 8196x4096 dpi (and larger!). Here is a sample image for illustration purposes, scaled down to 1024x512 dpi to make it easier to download.
• The data should take up the whole image, no borders, no extra space around the edges. The data should fill the image completely.
• Labels are OK, but the text will get warped and distorted when it is rendered to the sphere. Label information is kept external to the images, in a text file, or embed it in a file name.
• The image file names, for a sequence of images, should sort in ascending order from earliest to latest. For sequences, we usually embed a frame number in the file name, with a sufficient number of leading zeros where necessary to sort correctly.
• Once images are in this format, they can be copied to and processed by the the SOS system for display.

Q. How does Science On a Sphere interact with the data?
There are two basic modes of operation for SOS:
• A single image that can be displayed on the sphere and animated, as in a planetary rotation. An example of this is a global image of the Earth's topography and bathymetry. This is an example of a static image that can be manipulated and rotated in real time from the user interface or remote control.
• A sequence of images that animate through time. An example of this would be a loop of satellite data for the month of August. For time series data, each image is preprocessed by the system before it is displayed. After the images are processed, SOS will display the images in sequence and play them like a movie across the entire sphere surface. Image sequences can be of any arbitrary length, limited mainly by disk space and can be animated at framerates up to 30 frames per second. Transitions, special effects, and other computer graphics techniques can be added to a sequence through the use of off the shelf software like Final Cut Pro.

Q. Can SOS play movies?
Not directly, however you can use a tool like Final Cut Pro to break the movie apart into it's constituent image frames. The frames can then be processed by SOS for display on the sphere. We have examples of NOAA movies that have been captured from DVD, processed with Final Cut Pro, and displayed on the sphere. We typically put the movies in a "picture in a picture" window that is duplicated around the sphere for optimal viewing.

Q. Can SOS run in an automatic or unattended mode of operation?
Yes. Visualizations for SOS are organized into play lists. The play lists are simple text files that are used to organize visualizations. The system loads a play list and through a couple of clicks can be setup to automatically loop through each item in the play list.

Q. How is SOS controlled?
Science On a Sphere is controlled by several different interfaces.
• The primary method is through the graphical user interface (GUI) that runs on the control computer. The GUI is used to load a play list and allows the user to click through the visualizations in the play list. The GUI has VCR like controls to manipulate the animations showing on the sphere. The GUI is really just TCL/TK script that can be customized by end-users (given that that the end-user has the appropriate skills to do so).
• SOS supports an RF based remote control (a clicker) that interacts with the GUI to allow a presenter to step through items in a play list. The remote can perform the standard VCR-like actions of play, stop, ff, rewind, etc.
• The last mode of operation allows the system to be controlled via a show floor control protocol. Show floor control systems are sometimes used at museums to manage projectors, create coordinated programs, and generally manage exhibit hardware. The SOS show floor control interface is only supported through a TCP/IP protocol. An advanced user of the system can use the show floor control API to create their own interface to control the sphere.

Q. Can SOS play audio with a visualization?
Yes. Audio can be associated with any visualization through the play list. The audio has to be encoded into a MP3 or WAV file and saved on the SOS computers. When an animation is queued to play on the sphere, the associated audio file will be played through the sound system of the control computer.

Q. What tools are available to help create Science On a Sphere visualizations?
Science On a Sphere uses basic image formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF as it's main input format. Many tools exist that can manipulate images, Photoshop, FinalCut Pro, ImageMagick, GIMP, etc. At a higher level, tools like IDL, AWIPS, McIDAS, and other image analysis applications are typically used to create imagery from scientific data sets. As an example, we have used AWIPS (Advanced Weather Information Processing System) to create images from numerical forecast models. A graphics designer could use a 3D modeling applications, like 3D Studio, to create advanced visualizations for SOS.

Q. IS SOS an Open Source project?
The SOS software is not open source at this time. This system is currently the subject of an ongoing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) process. During this time the source code is kept confidential until such a time as a CRADA partner is awarded. In the future, if the CRADA isn't awarded, NOAA may make the source code available. If the CRADA is awarded, the source code may or may not be released, depending on the exact terms of the CRADA agreement.

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: 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: USEC-OED-2006-2000625.

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: Grants.gov and NIH have partnered to provide non-Windows (e.g. Macintosh) users with a free Citrix client program. To find out more about this new capability, please visit http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport .

Q: I am not able to submit an application via Grants.gov. What should I do?
A: Although it is strongly preferred that applications be submitted through Grants.gov, if technical difficulties with the Grants.gov system prevent submission, you can submit a hard copy of the full application. PRINTED FORMS FROM GRANTS.GOV WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All required application forms can be downloaded from NOAA's Grants Management Division website.You will need to complete these forms, print and sign them. You must submit a hard copy of the entire application and (optionally) an electronic version on CD. Complete the forms using the instructions that accompany the pdf forms when downloaded. Applicants must submit one hard copy of the full application to: Carrie McDougall, DOC/NOAA Office of Education, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 6863, Washington, DC 20230. Please note: Hard copies submitted via the US Postal Service can take up to 4 weeks to reach this office; applicants are recommended to send hard copies via expedited shipping methods (e.g, Airborne Express, DHL, Fed Ex, UPS). Applications received via mail will be date and time stamped when they are received in the Office of Education (OEd). Facsimile and e-mail transmissions of applications are not allowed. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for review and will be destroyed.

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

Q: Can international institutions apply?
A: Yes, but only non-governmental international institutions are allowed to apply to this Federal Funding Opportunity.

Q: Are for-profit organizations allowed to submit to this Funding Opportunity?
A: For-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

Q: How many applications can an investigator or institution submit this year to this Funding Opportunity?
Only one application can be submitted by each applying instituion or principal investigator.

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

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: Will you enforce the page limits on applications?
A: Yes. Page limits will be strictly enforced. If page limits are exceed 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: 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:

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:

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:

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 support? If so, how?
Letters of Support should be submitted and will not count against the 15-page project description limit. Letters of support 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 support 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.

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/members/olm109.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.

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. Applications requesting Federal support from NOAA of more than $100,000 total will not be considered for funding.

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.

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.

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

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

NOAA's Science On a Sphere Installation Cooperative Agreements

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