Distributed Array of Small Instruments | 19 545

Distributed Array of Small Instruments (DASI) - FAQs

What is the NSF Distributed Array of Small Instruments (DASI) funding opportunity?

DASI is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary research and development grant opportunity focused on strengthening measurement capabilities in solar and space physics. It supports projects that use distributed arrays of instruments to capture observations with higher spatial and temporal resolution than traditional single-site or sparsely sampled approaches often provide.

What is the main purpose of the DASI solicitation?

The central purpose is to meet growing demand for observations with much higher spatial and temporal resolution by enabling coordinated measurements across multiple locations. The goal is to better observe how solar-terrestrial and geospace phenomena evolve over time, vary across regions, and connect local and regional behavior to global-scale processes.

Why does DASI emphasize distributed arrays instead of single instruments?

DASI is motivated by the idea that many foundational scientific questions in solar and space physics cannot be fully addressed with single-point or sparsely sampled measurements. Distributed arrays help capture structure and dynamics that can be missed when observations are limited to one location or a small number of sites.

What scientific areas does DASI focus on?

Based on the solicitation description provided, DASI focuses on solar and space physics, including solar-terrestrial and geospace phenomena, particularly where understanding requires observing processes that span from local to global scales.

How is the DASI solicitation structured?

The solicitation is structured around two complementary tracks: (1) development of new or improved instruments intended for future deployment as part of arrays, and (2) deployment and operation of existing instruments in distributed arrays.

What does Track 1 support?

Track 1 supports the development of new or improved instruments designed for future deployment in distributed arrays. The emphasis is on compact, array-ready sensors and systems that can realistically be replicated and deployed across multiple sites to enable coordinated coverage.

What does Track 2 support?

Track 2 supports the deployment and operation of existing instruments in distributed arrays. It is aimed at using proven instrumentation in an array configuration to generate immediate scientific return, including the logistical and operational needs required to keep an array functioning and producing high-quality data.

Does DASI fund both instrument building and instrument operations?

Yes. One track is focused on building or improving instruments for future array deployment, and the other track is focused on deploying and operating existing instruments as an array to produce scientific results, including operational and logistical support needed for the array.

What kinds of outcomes is DASI trying to enable?

DASI aims to generate data sets that can address foundational scientific questions in solar and space physics by improving the ability to observe systems with fine detail in both space and time. The solicitation highlights coordinated, multi-location measurements that connect local and regional observations to global-scale processes.

What does NSF emphasize when evaluating DASI proposals?

The solicitation places strong weight on scientific merit. Proposals are expected to clearly articulate the key research questions, explain why an array-based approach is essential, and describe how the measurements will advance understanding of processes operating from local to global scales.

Do proposals need to explain why an array-based approach is necessary?

Yes. The opportunity description explicitly states that proposals should explain why an array-based approach is essential, rather than relying on single-point or sparse measurements.

What should a strong science case include for DASI?

Based on the provided summary, a strong science case should identify the key research questions being addressed, justify the need for coordinated multi-location observations, and describe how the resulting measurements will advance understanding across local, regional, and global scales.

What role do education and workforce development play in DASI?

Education and workforce development are explicitly emphasized. Proposals are expected to include a well-developed plan for student training and meaningful student involvement, along with intentional efforts to broaden participation and engage a diverse workforce.

Are student training and involvement required elements of a DASI proposal?

The solicitation summary states that proposals are expected to include a well-developed plan for student training and meaningful involvement, indicating these are core proposal elements rather than optional add-ons.

What does "broaden participation" mean in the context of DASI?

From the information provided, it refers to intentional efforts to engage a diverse workforce and to integrate inclusive participation into the project through training, mentoring, and involvement opportunities.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.050.

What is the activity category for this grant?

The opportunity is in the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

Is this an NSF grant opportunity?

Yes. DASI is described as an NSF grant opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply for DASI?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to applicant organizations, subject to any additional eligibility details that may appear in the full solicitation text.

How many awards did NSF anticipate making under DASI?

NSF anticipated making about four awards.

What is the award ceiling for DASI?

The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary, which typically indicates that a specific upper limit is not stated there. Applicants are expected to consult the full solicitation for budget expectations, constraints, or typical award sizes.

When was the opportunity created and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity was created on December 22, 2018, and the original closing date was April 19, 2019.

What types of projects fit DASI best, based on the summary?

Projects that either (1) develop compact, replicable, array-ready instruments for future multi-site deployment or (2) deploy and operate existing instruments as a coordinated, distributed array to produce immediate scientific return. Across both, projects should be built around clearly stated research questions and include strong student training and inclusive workforce plans.

Does DASI focus more on technical development or on scientific results?

The summary indicates DASI requires both: a strong science case (scientific merit and clear research questions) and a sound technical plan (instrument development or array deployment/operations). The track selection determines whether the primary effort is new/improved instrument development or deployment/operation of existing instruments, but both are framed in service of advancing science.

What is the broader motivation behind DASI?

The broader motivation is to improve the community's ability to observe space physics systems with fine detail in space and time, producing the kinds of coordinated measurements and data needed to address foundational questions where limited sampling can miss key structure and dynamics.