The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), administers the annual omnibus Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) solicitation. Within this overarching program, the A.8 Water Resources Applications element aims to support applied research that leverages NASA’s Earth observations and related technologies to advance water resources management. This effort aligns with NASA's objective to foster societal benefits by enhancing water-related decision-making capabilities across domestic and global scales.
The A.8 Water Resources Applications element invites proposals from eligible U.S.-based institutions to develop innovative methods and tools that utilize NASA Earth Science data. Applications may address topics such as hydrological modeling, drought forecasting, water quality monitoring, and resource planning. Funded activities are expected to translate satellite-based observations into actionable applications for end-users, including decision-makers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as international development agencies. Specific attention is given to the involvement of stakeholders and end-users throughout the research lifecycle, reinforcing the practical utility of the funded work.
The funding opportunity is structured as a two-step process. Step-1 proposals must be submitted by September 5, 2025, and only those who meet this deadline are eligible to submit Step-2 proposals by January 20, 2026. This rescheduled deadline resulted from a lapse in federal funding, and NASA has clarified that only pre-qualified Step-1 applicants can proceed. Applications must be submitted via NSPIRES, NASA's online proposal system. Although the solicitation is listed on Grants.gov, applicants must consult ROSES Tables 2 or 3 for specific PDF instructions and application documents.
Awards under this program are typically issued as grants or cooperative agreements, with a standard performance period of three years. While a ceiling or floor for funding was not disclosed, funding is contingent on the proposed work and available program resources. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Notably, NASA generally restricts funding to U.S. institutions. Foreign organizations may participate on a no-exchange-of-funds basis or under specific joint arrangements detailed in NASA’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ROSES-2025 Summary of Solicitation and the Earth Science Research Overview. Review criteria emphasize scientific merit, relevance to NASA's Earth Science goals, and potential societal impact. Queries should be directed to Erin Urquhart at erin.urquhart.jephson@nasa.gov or 202-909-9823. Detailed proposal documents can be accessed through the ROSES NSPIRES portal. Proposers are also encouraged to subscribe to NASA SMD mailing lists and the ROSES-2025 blog for updates.
Confirm end-user involvement; consult Section 7.3 for budget rules; ensure consistency with Earth Science Research Overview; only Step-1 submitters may apply to Step-2.
