JWST Cycle 1 GTO Proposal Submission Process

JWST Cycle 1 Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO) proposals are submitted in two stages: initial proposals that will provide a reference set of targets for Cycle 1 GO proposers (Stage 1); and finalized proposals that take into account the Cycle 1 timing model (Stage 2). In both cases, the GTOs will use the Astronomer's Proposal Tool.By NASA Policy, each JWST Guaranteed Time Observer (GTO) is required to submit a description of the proposed Cycle 1 science program, including specific targets and specific observations, seven months before the Cycle 1 GO Call for Proposals is released. Those submissions are reviewed by the STScI Director for potential duplications. The Cycle 1 science observations are required to be finalized at a date determined by the STScI Director that is at least 2 months before the Cycle 1 GO Call is released. This document describes the processes through which those Cycle 1 submissions are made to STScI, the process for subsequent cycles and the opportunities for making changes to GTO science programs, in accordance with the policies specified in NASA-SMD Policies and Guidelines for the Operations of the James Webb Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute.The total time (including overheads) requested for all JWST GTO programs must be between 25% and 49% of the total time available for all GTO and GO observing proposals in Cycle 1 (NASA-SMD Policy 9).



Stage 1: Cycle 1 reference proposals

The JWST GTOs must submit proposals describing the full science program to be undertaken in Cycle 1, no later than June 25, 2019. The proposals must be submitted using the Astronomer's Proposal Tool, version 27.2. The APT proposals must specify detailed observations for each science target included in the science programs. Individual members of GTO teams may each submit multiple Cycle 1 GTO APT proposals. STScI will ensure that each APT is grouped with the appropriate GTO allocation. Wherever possible, those submissions should use the proposal ID matching the corresponding proposal from February 2018. Proposers should work to a March 30 2021 launch date.

Proposers are not required to adhere to the target list specified previously; alternative targets may be substituted if those alternatives match the previously stated science goals. GTO proposers must receive approval from the Program Scientist for the JWST Program and from the STScI Director if the revised proposals/targets mark a significant change in science theme with respect to the original submission.

Updated versions of the Director's Discretionary Time Early Release Science Proposals will also be required by this deadline.

APT version 27.2 will not incorporate the final timing model that will be used for the Cycle 1 observing programs. As a consequence, GTOs are not required to strictly adhere to their individual time allocations; however, it would be wise not to exceed those limits by more than a few percent. These proposals will provide the GO community with a reference for the targets and observing modes included in the GTO (and ERS) programs.



Stage 2: final GTO proposal submission

STScI will issue Build 14.10 of Proposal Processing System in early March 2020, including an updated version of the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT). GTOs must use this version of APT (nominally APT 28.1) to finalize the observing programs planned for execution in Cycle 1. This version of APT will have the Cycle 1 timing model, including all appropriate overhead parameters. APT 28.1 will be used to determine the time accounting for the GTO proposals. At this time, proposals must be adjusted to be consistent with the individual time allocations. GTOs may remove targets or adjust individual exposure times in order to meet those constraints; however, GTOs may not add new targets at this juncture. The balance of the guaranteed observing time will be available for allocation in Cycle 2.

The final APT files must be submitted by March 31 2020. The full JWST Cycle 1 proposal schedule is available at JWST Opportunities and Policies.

The Cycle 1 GTO APT files will be publicly accessible. 




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