In short
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) does not prohibit generative AI in ROSES proposals. Any AI use must be cited in the proposal's references section. The citation gives the tool name, version, date and time of use, and how it was used. Proposers are responsible for the accuracy of AI-assisted content. NASA has published no rule on AI use by reviewers.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- SMD allows generative AI tools and professional human writers in preparing proposals. Applicants must acknowledge any content that is not the creative product of the proposal team. [1]
- Applicants who use generative AI to prepare an SMD proposal or a progress report to NASA must cite that use in the references section. [2]
- The citation gives four items: the name of the program used, its version number, the date and time it was used to generate proposal text, and a statement on how it was used. [2]
- NASA holds applicants and award recipients responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their proposal and award reports. This includes content developed with the help of generative AI tools or professional human writers. [2]
- Applicants should consider carefully what information they use to prompt a generative AI tool, since it may aid a potential competitor. SMD notes that prompts are often stored and may be used by others who use the same system later. Proposal material subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) must not be uploaded to a website accessible to non-US persons. [2]
For reviewers
NASA Research Opportunities (NSPIRES) has published no rules for reviewers.
Sources
ROSES-2025 Summary of Solicitation (as amended June 15, 2026), Section I(c)(ii) (opens in a new tab)
SMD does not prohibit the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, or professional human writers. However, proposers and grantees must acknowledge content that is not the creative product of the proposal team.
If Generative SI is used in the preparation of SMD proposals or progress reporting to NASA, then that use shall be cited in the references section.
The citation shall include (1) the name of the program used, (2) the version number of the Generative SI used, (3) the date and time the Generative SI was used to generate proposal text, and (4) a statement on how the Generative SI was used.
NASA holds proposers and award recipients responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their proposal submission and award reports, including content developed with the assistance of Generative SI tools or professional human writers.
Proposers should consider carefully any information used to prompt a Generative SI keeping in mind that this information may aid a potential competitor.
Proposal material that is subject to the restrictions of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) must not be uploaded to a website accessible to non-US persons.
Additionally, SMD notes that anything given to a Generative SI tool as a prompt will often be stored and may be used by others who use that Generative SI system in the future.
This page summarizes what the funder has published and is not legal advice. Policies change, and one solicitation can add its own rules. Confirm against the funding announcement before you apply.