Q. Are there any constraints on the information about the SMEX Phase A Studies selections that can be released in our home-institution press releases? For example, are the numbers of proposals, numbers of selected studies etc. available for an article in a hometown newspaper, radio, etc.?
A. You may issue your own press release. You may include any information that is in the public domain. There were 46 proposals (33 SMEX, 13 MO) of which 1 MO was selected for flight and 8 proposals (7 SMEX, 1 MO) were selected for study. See http://spacescience.nasa.gov/codesr/smex/ for info on selected missions.
Q. When can we expect a decision from Code S on the earliest and latest launch date, which must be different from the dates in the AO, given that funding for the studies may not be available until October 1, 2001.
A. HQ will issue draft guidelines for the concept study within about one month (target: mid October). The launch date constraints will be in the draft guidelines.
Q. Will the SMEX teams be part of the Phase A Study Report to the AA, Theme Directors, etc.
A. The format of the final selection process has not been set.
Q. When will NASA Code I negotiate a letter of agreement with international partners, now or after funding begins?
A. In your acceptance letter, you are instructed to provide NASA with all information necessary to negotiate an LOA which covers Phase A and B. NASA will negotiate the LOA with a target completion date of the beginning of funding. If you wish to work with your international partners prior to the beginning of the concept study, you will need to satisfy any applicable regulations yourself.
Q. Who is responsible for determining the ITAR issues, NASA or the PI institution? If the PI institution, how does that mesh with the LOA with international partners?
A. The "ITAR issues" are a matter of law. Please see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codei/nasaecp/Webbrfg/index.htm. As part of your concept study, you will submit a draft MOU or LOA (whichever is appropriate). Your proposed implementation plan should take into account the expected time it takes NASA to negotiate and sign an LOA or MOU. All of this will be spelled out in the Phase A Guidelines.
Q. Given that the Phase A is primarily to address mission implementation and E/PO, will the Phase A Study Review look at instrument technical issues?
A. Assuming you do not change your science plan (e.g. choice of instrument, sensitivity, resolution, etc.), the instrument issues which the Phase A evaluation will address are your ability to deliver the proposed instrument on time and within budget, the risk that it will work, the S/C interface, commanding and operations, etc. All of this will be spelled out in the Phase A Guidelines.
Q. Since the science objectives may not change, is it allowed to do more science than was proposed.
A. Yes, however we will not re-evaluate the scientific merit of your mission in this case. You already received top marks.
Q. Can descopes outlined in the proposal be implemented in the Phase A Study Report? You are not allowed to change your science goals.
A. If you change your science implementation, we will evaluate that very thoroughly to determine if can still meet the science goals for which you were selected. All other mission implementation details may be reevaluated during Phase A. For instance, trade studies are expected during this phase. I will note that if you implement all of your descopes at this point, you may not have a robust enough plan to give confidence that you can complete your mission within your proposed budget and schedule. All of this will be spelled out in the Phase A Guidelines.
NASA Headquarters Responsible Office: Code SR
Last Updated: 13 September 2000
Author: Paul Hertz (Code SR)