Optimizing Nature-based Solutions at the Watershed Scale Using Real-time Sensing and Controls

Deadline Date: November 21, 2024

Donor Name: Water Research Foundation

Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000

https://www.waterrf.org/serve-file/RFP_5304.pdf

The Water Research Foundation is requesting applications for its Optimizing Nature-based Solutions at the Watershed Scale Using Real-time Sensing and Controls Initiative.

Objectives

• Determine the placement of sensors and controls at the watershed/sewershed scale to optimize the performance of nature-based solutions (NbS)
• Optimize NbS implementation for cost efficiency, contaminant pulses, and flow modulation
• Determine the feasibility of matching contaminant peaks with infiltration-based measures for enhanced performance

Research Approach

• The research approach for this project is intentionally flexible to allow for innovation from proposers. Proposers should describe how they will conduct the research to meet the objectives above. The research approach could include:
  • Conducting a comprehensive literature review
  • Conducting a survey and synthesizing available case studies from utilities and municipalities
  • Piloting the real-time sensing networks in one selected municipal location that can get assistance from the city/watershed/water management district
  • Organizing a utility-focused virtual workshop for peer-to-peer information exchange
  • Preparing a utility-facing guidance document

Funding Information

• The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $300,000. The applicant must contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. For example, if an applicant requests $100,000 from WRF, an additional $33,000 or more must be contributed by the applicant. Acceptable forms of applicant contribution include cost share, applicant in kind, or third-party in-kind that comply with 2 CFR Part 200.306 cost sharing or matching. The applicant may elect to contribute more than 33% to the project, but the maximum WRF funding available remains fixed at $300,000. Proposals that do not meet the minimum 33% of the project award will not be accepted.
• The anticipated period of performance for this project is 24-36 months from the contract start date. 

Expected Outcomes

• Possible deliverables could include:
  • Literature review synthesis document
  • Summary of survey results
  • Utility virtual workshop
  • Utility-facing guidance document, including application case studies and pilot testing results
  • Webcasts and conference presentations

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals will be accepted from both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities. 
• WRF’s Board of Directors has established a Timeliness Policy that addresses researcher adherence to the project schedule. Researchers who are late on any ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named participants in any proposals.
• WRF encourages participation from water utilities and other organizations in WRF research. Participation can occur in a variety of ways, including direct participation, in-kind contributions, or in-kind services.

Evaluation Criteria 

• The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:
  • Understanding the Problem and Responsiveness to RFP (maximum 20 points)
  • Technical and Scientific Merit (maximum 30 points)
  • Qualifications, Capabilities, and Management (maximum 15 points)
  • Communication Plan, Deliverables, and Applicability (maximum 20 points)
  • Budget and Schedule (maximum 15 points)

For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.