The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Water Resources Planning

Deadline Date: November 21, 2024

Donor Name: Water Research Foundation

Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000

Applications are now open for the Water Research Foundation’s Emergence of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Water Resources Planning Program.

Objectives

• Identify potential uses and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in Water Resources Planning to support routine operations and address uncertainties related to changing climate (e.g., supply and demand forecasting, operational technology solutions, etc.)
• Identify potential challenges associated with AI tool implementation and develop guidance for utilities to evaluate options and prepare for future AI use (e.g., modifications to data collection, cleaning, processing procedures).
• Identify and recommend pathways and/or organizational approaches for the water sector to monitor potential uses of AI that could be available in the future.
• Review and catalogue AI tools available or in development that are specific to Water Resources Planning, with an eye towards identifying publicly available and/or open-source tools. 

Research Approach

• This RFP is intentionally flexible in the research approach to encourage creativity and originality from proposers. Proposers should describe how they will conduct the research to meet the objectives listed above. The following approach is intended as a starting point:
  • Literature/Document review of academic and sector reports and planning documents to assess the status of AI applications in water resources planning and identify areas for future application.
  • Technology review of emerging AI algorithms, models, software, applications, etc., with an eye towards identifying publicly available and/or open-source tools.
  • Utility engagement/case study with water resources planners and data managers regarding current capabilities, interest and need for AI tools, potential benefits and challenges, and pathways for future growth and education.
  • Interviews with AI experts (researchers and private/other sectors). 

Funding Information

• The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $175,000. 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 $175,000. 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 12-18 months from the contract start date. 

Expected Outcomes

• The deliverables for this RFP are intentionally flexible to encourage creativity and originality from proposers. Proposers should describe how the deliverables proposed will provide wide sector accessibility and ensure practical applicability of the project results. Potential deliverables for this project could include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Research report (must use WRF’s Research Report Template
  • Literature review
  • Guidance manual
  • Webcast, conference presentation, etc.
  • Peer-reviewed journal article
  • Fact sheet, case study, white paper, etc.
  • Workshop (consider plan to document workshop)
  • Technology Deliverable (e.g., website, online tool/database, etc.) (must follow the Technology Deliverables Guidance) 

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.