NASA Grant

[geomapguy]

Today is the NASA Grant announcement day! Hopefully they won't delay it. Anyone anxious??

[Billfred]

Beyond. Sorry for the compulsive refreshing, NASA!

[coalhot]

Just wondering, where do they usually post the grant details? Is it: http://frc-grants.arc.nasa.gov/rcs/directions.php

[underdog1924]

Just wondering, where do they usually post the grant details? Is it: http://frc-grants.arc.nasa.gov/rcs/directions.php

In all that text they say they'll post it on http://robotics.nasa.gov/

Though I've been checking both...every 5 minutes.

[coalhot]

In all that text they say they'll post it on http://robotics.nasa.gov/

Though I've been checking both...every 5 minutes.

Totally missed that link. There's way too much text on that page. :cool:

Thanks! Good luck to everyone applying for the grants!

[geomapguy]

http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2013_sponsorship.php


It'll be on this link except instead of 2013 it will be 2014. The webpage isn't live yet.

[M. Lillis]

Is it possible that because of the government shutdown, the date well be extended? Maybe they just forgot to post the new release date

[coalhot]

Is it possible that because of the government shutdown, the date well be extended? Maybe they just forgot to post the new release date

I doubt it. They had over a month to fix that date. And with no acts of God, I don't see why they haven't posted anything.

Are they in a different time zone maybe?

[geomapguy]

Are they in a different time zone maybe?

It's worthy to note that they always close the application in Pacific Time.

[JYang]

Also, please keep in mind the website does state 11:59:59pm PST

It is our plan to announce selections no later than Friday, November 29, 2013, 23:59:59 (PST). Please note that this is our current best estimate for the announcement date. The date may have to change due to circumstances beyond our control. If this should happen, a revised estimate of the announcement date will be posted on the RAP web site as quickly as possible.

[Billfred]

The message on the homepage has changed in the past hour or two:

NASA's FIRST Robotics Competition Grant Application

The NASA FIRST Robotics Competition grant application system for the 2014 FRC season is now closed. Grant winners will be announced shortly.

[geomapguy]

The message on the homepage has changed in the past hour or two:

So close yet so far

[ksafin]

This is a VERY long "shortly" :P

[geomapguy]

They seem to have posted the 2014 House Team List
http://robotics.nasa.gov/FIRST/houseteamlist.php?year=2014

[ksafin]

supposedly at maximum 1 hour left till everything is up?

[nomad725]

No response yet! More than an hour and a half after the deadline.

[underdog1924]

Quite frustrating

[underdog1924]

Here's a question for everyone...

All the paperwork says that the NASA grant may be used for entry fees into competitions. What if you've already payed your fees?

[Team3844]

Direct FRC Grants like the NASA Alliance Grant will first pay any dues owed to FIRST. After your obligations to FIRST are met a check will be issued to the team for the balance of the grant..........I wish my team had this problem

[Team3844]

It depends on your sponsor.

I would highly suggest contacting FIRST regarding these various sponsorships, or the sponsors directly, in terms of the procedures.

From our experience being a NASA sponsored team for two years, we have known that NASA is VERY strict (to our understanding) of paying only for the registration fee.

In the past, when we've acquired two grants, FIRST has always applied the NASA grant towards registration & KOP and re-granted the other grants.

I don't know if NASA does any re-granting or if they're solely for registration funding, but I'd be sure to contact FIRST about that.

In sum, some sponsors do either regranting or registration, and some do just registration. Find out.

We once got a sponsorship offer from Motorola for $10,000 for both Registration & some robot costs, but since NASA covered the registration they just offered us $3,500 for extra costs - perhaps some of your grants have that option too.

Basically, email FIRST and find out. There's a special email for fundraising/financial stuff, or you can also email your regional director.

aa

[Chris Fultz]

Here's a question for everyone...

All the paperwork says that the NASA grant may be used for entry fees into competitions. What if you've already payed your fees?

The NASA Grant will pay registration for the selected event. IF you have excess funds in your account, then you can request a refund of what you paid, or FIRST can hold it until you see if you qualify for CHP, or they will sometimes hold it for the next year.

[mklinker]

Is it shortly yet?

Just excited and ready for the build season:)

[underdog1924]

I guess when your organization typically deals with light years, a couple extra days isn't a big deal.

My completely uninformed guess would be Monday.

[Andrew Schreiber]

I guess when your organization typically deals with light years, a couple extra days isn't a big deal.

My completely uninformed guess would be Monday.

"You're still light-years away from facing Brock!

... Darn! Light-years isn't time! It measures distance." ~Jr. Trainer

[geomapguy]

Still nothing...

[SharonO]

I have a feeling FIRST Finance is going to be very busy later this week as everyone will be scrambling at the last minute to make their payment for their first event by Friday.

[Chris is me]

I have a feeling FIRST Finance is going to be very busy later this week as everyone will be scrambling at the last minute to make their payment for their first event by Friday.

I would highly recommend that teams make a payment before hearing about NASA grants, as you can get a refund or credit if you receive the grant but have already paid for the first regional.

This shouldn't affect anyone but rookies anyway, as a requirement for receiving the grant as a veteran team is that you have raised more than $5000 in funds.

[geomapguy]

I would highly recommend that teams make a payment before hearing about NASA grants, as you can get a refund or credit if you receive the grant but have already paid for the first regional.

This shouldn't affect anyone but rookies anyway, as a requirement for receiving the grant as a veteran team is that you have raised more than $5000 in funds.

Is FIRST pretty flexible for transferring payments and re-granting??

[coalhot]

This shouldn't affect anyone but rookies anyway, as a requirement for receiving the grant as a veteran team is that you have raised more than $5000 in funds.

Check that again, the $5000 stipulation seems to only affect teams in a "second year NASA sponsorship"...

[Chris is me]

Check that again, the $5000 stipulation seems to only affect teams in a "second year NASA sponsorship"...

Ah, I knew it was a requirement for the continuing rookie grants but I guess it isn't for Regional Challenge grants. My mistake.

[JohnFogarty]

For those that don't tweet.

Question: Any timeline for FIRST grant announcements?

"@NASA_RAP: 1 Dec We are working hard to get the announcement posted. We will post it as soon as we can though!"

[geomapguy]

For those that don't tweet.

Question: Any timeline for FIRST grant announcements?

"@NASA_RAP: 1 Dec We are working hard to get the announcement posted. We will post it as soon as we can though!"

Yeah they replied to one an email I sent Sunday and it had basically the same reply.

[dlavery]

We apologize for the delay in the NASA grant announcements. The delay has been caused by several factors, some beyond our control. We hope to be posting the grant application evaluation results later today. Thank you for your patience.

-dave



.

[Billfred]

We apologize for the delay in the NASA grant announcements. The delay has been caused by several factors, some beyond our control. We hope to be posting the grant application evaluation results later today. Thank you for your patience.

-dave



.Dave,

Thank you for the update on behalf of all of us appreciative (if jittery) applicants.

[Gary Dillard]

We apologize for the delay in the NASA grant announcements. The delay has been caused by several factors, some beyond our control. We hope to be posting the grant application evaluation results later today. Thank you for your patience.

-dave



.

Obviously a game hint

[Thad House]

We apologize for the delay in the NASA grant announcements. The delay has been caused by several factors, some beyond our control. We hope to be posting the grant application evaluation results later today. Thank you for your patience.

-dave



.

Delay just keeps on going with all the time hints about the 2014 game.

[nicholsjj]

Obviously a game hint

A NASA themed game sounds like another round of Lunacy. ;) Thanks Dave for the update FRC is so fortunate to have such a strong partnership with NASA.

[M. Lillis]

I know that game hints are fun, but I highly doubt that this is a hint. No game hint is worth $5,000 or the stress put on a team this close to kickoff.

[coalhot]

I highly doubt the delay is a game hint. That would be somewhat unprofessional.

Mr Lavery's punctuation though... :D

[geomapguy]

We apologize for the delay in the NASA grant announcements. The delay has been caused by several factors, some beyond our control. We hope to be posting the grant application evaluation results later today. Thank you for your patience.

-dave



.


Thanks for the update Dave

[IndySam]

How come so many engineering types don't understand sarcasm? :) :) :) :)

[emmcro]

I haven't seen the list yet - is it online already?

Screaming Chickens team 3997

[emmcro]

Ah, I see. I had a feeling that the list would be delayed due to government closures during the acceptance period. I am sure that they are doing the best that they can given the circumstances. :]

Caroline Crosson
Screaming Chickens 3997

[TKM.368]

http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2014_sponsorship.php

[geomapguy]

On behalf of the Bolton Bear Bots, I'd like to thank the NASA Robotics Alliance Project for all they do for FIRST Robotics. Our 2014 season wouldn't be possible without your generous support.

[z_beeblebrox]

Aww. No grant for us. :(

[Team3844]

Thank you NASA!!!!!!! We were beginning to worry about having a 2014 season.

[Alpha Beta]

Thank You NASA for the support you show all these teams.

Between the sustaining grant in 2011, the NASA House Team support (Marshall Space Flight Center) in 2012 and 2013, and the Engineering Inspiration awards in 2011 and 2012 you've made a significant contribution in helping Team Titanium get to where it is today.

This will be the first time in 3 years we do not get to print the NASA emblem on our shoulders. And even though we prepared for this day, we'll miss it. Thrilled that so many other teams will get the opportunity. It is a wonderful conversation starter in addition to the much appreciated financial support.

[Meredith Novak]

Congratulations to Arkansas FRC 5006 for being awarded a NASA rookie grant! Maybe it helped that they were on the winning alliance at the 2013 Ozark Mountain Brawl as a pre-rookie. :D

[Mark McLeod]

Here's the team count by state:

AR-1
AZ-3
CA-17
CO-5
CT-4
FL-14
GA-7
IA-2
ID-4
IL-3
IN-5
KS-2
KY-2
LA-4
MA-11
MD-3
ME-3
MI-7
MN-12
MO-10
MS-2
NC-8
NH-2
NJ-2
NM-1
NV-1
NY-16
OH-7
OK-4
OR-4
PA-7
SC-7
SD-1
TN-2
TX-8
UT-2
VA-5
WA-12
WI-2
WY-1

[GabeHaro]

First I wanna say we are very thankful from rookie team 5052 for being selected for a grant. It is amazing the support NASA is giving to so many teams.

I do have questions regarding the grant process. Though I saw our team on the awards list, I do not think we have gotten an email regarding instructions for redeeming the grant. Is there any action from the team required to have the payment processed? We also received a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to directly cover registration and we are unsure how the two grants will mix. Does anyone have experience with a situation like this?

[Chris Fultz]

Is there any action from the team required to have the payment processed?

If it is like in the past, NASA will send the money directly to FIRST and it will show in your account as a paid credit. It can only be used for Registration.

If you have another grant that can only be used for registration, you should contact FIRST team support and find out your options. You could also check with the other grant supplier and see if the money can be used for other purposes.

[Chris Fultz]

Thank you to NASA for all of the support provided to teams and events again in 2014. That is an impressive list!

[nicholsjj]

Team 3885 is very thankful for being awarded a NASA grant this year. We hope to represent all of our sponsors in the best way possible.

[Coach Norm]

First I wanna say we are very thankful from rookie team 5052 for being selected for a grant. It is amazing the support NASA is giving to so many teams.

I do have questions regarding the grant process. Though I saw our team on the awards list, I do not think we have gotten an email regarding instructions for redeeming the grant. Is there any action from the team required to have the payment processed? We also received a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to directly cover registration and we are unsure how the two grants will mix. Does anyone have experience with a situation like this?

Congratulations Gabe and Rookie Team 5052 for your grant. Contact Skillpoint to ask about the Texas Workforce Grant and FIRST Finance as well.

[Zuelu562]

Team 3623 is very thankful that NASA selected us for a grant. It is a tremendous honor to receive this grant and we would like to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors. We can't wait to get out there and play the 2014 game.

[ksafin]

As usual, a huge thanks to NASA from Team 3992.
We've been sponsored by NASA for two years now (our rookie and second year) and are ecstatic to continue the partnership for a third year.

A question for anybody who knows - what is the quantity of a sustaining grant? Are all of the grants $5,000 ?

[geomapguy]

A question for anybody who knows - what is the quantity of a sustaining grant? Are all of the grants $5,000 ?

I believe they're for $5,000

[SharonO]

Thank You NASA for the support you show all these teams.

Between the sustaining grant in 2011, the NASA House Team support (Marshall Space Flight Center) in 2012 and 2013, and the Engineering Inspiration awards in 2011 and 2012 you've made a significant contribution in helping Team Titanium get to where it is today.

This will be the first time in 3 years we do not get to print the NASA emblem on our shoulders. And even though we prepared for this day, we'll miss it. Thrilled that so many other teams will get the opportunity. It is a wonderful conversation starter in addition to the much appreciated financial support.

Beautifully said Aaaron. Most of this is also true for Up Next. We will definitely have to "spend smarter" this season, but very grateful for the support we have received in the past to get us up and running.

Sharon

[Billfred]

I know all of us on 4901 were disappointed to be left off the list, but we'll persevere and make it happen all the same. Congrats to the teams that received grants, and thank you to NASA for offering this opportunity to teams!

[Jonathan Ryan]

Thank You NASA from FIRST Team 145!!!!

The first time getting this grant in our 18 years.

It will be an honor to wear your logo!

[rtimmerman]

Rookie Team 5006 wants to thank NASA and also the Bomb Squad Team 16 who has helped us so much up to this point. We really appreciate NASA giving us this opportunity to offer FIRST robotics the students in our area. We look forward to the 2014 season and competing and working with so many great Arkansas area teams.

[Ben Martin]

Thank you NASA for the support you give to all these teams. I know of many teams that without your support, they would be much more pressed for funds, if be able to play at all. Your continued partnership with FRC is truly tremendous.

[Whippet]

Team 4301 extends its congratulations to all the teams who were awarded the grants! Although we are disappointed that we didn't receive one ourselves, we will hopefully be able to gather the funds to compete again this year.

[Chris is me]

On behalf of 2791, thank you NASA for awarding us a Regional Challenge grant. Our fundraising this year was a bit behind what we achieved last year and this boost is a big, big help to us financially. The Tech Valley Regional should be a very exciting event that we are quite happy to attend for free! Between the NASA grant and not having to get a hotel for the team, I think it might be the most cost-effective event we've ever attended!

In the past I know that some have posted names and addresses of specific people who work at NASA to send thank you letters to. I can't seem to find them right now, does anyone have these contacts? I'd love to properly thank those who made this grant possible directly.

[Travis Hoffman]

Thank You NASA from FIRST Team 145!!!!

The first time getting this grant in our 18 years.

It will be an honor to wear your logo!

I'm very happy to see you guys supported. You deserved to attend at least one more competition last year.

[M. Mellott]

On behalf of Falco Tech, we too would like to thank NASA for awarding us a Regional Challenge Grant to attend the NY Tech Valley Regional. This will be the first time the team has been able to travel to a regional outside of Ohio/Western PA, and the Team is really looking forward to it!!