Open RFPs
Submit a proposal for the Research Priority Program
This program enables us to address broadly relevant subscriber issues, challenges, and opportunities with targeted research, often in a series of projects. We utilize an online proposal submission system to collect incoming proposals for the Research Priority Program.
Early submission of proposals and supporting documents is highly encouraged.
1. Select a Proposal
Review the list of open RFPs, noting their deadline and objectives. Download the RFP to learn more about the requirements of the RFP. Please ensure your organization can comply with the requirements of the RFP and proposal submission process specified in the proposal guidelines before beginning a proposal.
2. Instructions For Preparing Proposals
Full proposals must be submitted online using the unique project specific link within each RFP. Follow the guidelines to create each proposal component (e.g. project abstract, project description, budget, etc.) You will assemble your proposal components into two proposal packets. See pages 5 – 13 of the Guidelines to build your proposal packets. A recommended naming convention for your two packets is: YourOrgName_Packet1.pdf and YourOrgName_Packet2.pdf.
3. Use the Submission System
Follow the unique project specific link within the RFP and complete the information presented in the online form. Upload your two proposal packets as PDF files, which contain your technical documents and your financial documents. Please ensure you upload the required documents before the deadline. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Note: you will receive a confirmation email after you submit your proposal. Check your spam folder if it is not received. Retain that confirmation email as it contains a link back to your proposal.
Open RFPs - Research Priority Program
Understanding the Mechanisms of Chlorine and Chloramine Impact on Opportunistic Pathogens in Distribution Systems
The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms of chlorine and chloramine on opportunistic pathogens (OPs).
Development of Innovative Predictive Control Strategies for Nutrient Removal
Project Objectives:
- Develop one or more artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) predictive tools for nutrient removal.
- Demonstrate testing of new predictive control strategies, with a focus on Technology Development Level 2 or 3 (Technology Readiness Level 6-8), with field testing at one utility. This field testing will be complemented by desktop analysis comparing predictive and reactive control strategies.
Technologies and Approaches to Minimize Brominated and Iodinated DBPs in Distribution Systems
This project aims to develop creative and novel techniques and approaches to minimize the formation of currently unregulated brominated and iodinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the distribution system considering practical applicability and economic feasibility in the operation of existing treatment systems.
Establishing Seasonal Targets for Receiving Waters: Rethinking Wet Weather versus Dry Weather Expectations
Project Objectives
1. Initiate a first phase project to evaluate the implications of wet weather conditions on permitting and pollutant load reduction targets as a baseline for future studies.
2. Produce a well-documented summary of the currently available tools and study results evaluating watershed pollutant loads and receiving water responses under wet weather and dry weather conditions (including different hydrological conditions).
3. Outline possible implications on target setting (i.e., surface water and effluent goals for pollutants; may include designated uses) and regulation.
4. Use the available information to generate recommendations for wet weather target setting.
Demonstration of innovation to improve pathogen removal, validation, and/or monitoring in carbon based advanced treatment (CBAT) for potable reuse
This project aims to improve the monitoring and validation of pathogen removal by carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT) via demonstration of novel technologies or process controls.
Advancement of Densification to Implement and Achieve More Efficient BNR Processes: Granule Generation, Retention and Management
Project Objectives:
- Provide WRF subscribers with current knowledge on design and operation of pilot- and full-scale densified systems.
- Address research gaps in granule generation, retention, and management to achieve improved biological nutrient removal (BNR) in full-scale applications.
Holistic Wet Weather Management through Adaptive Volume and Pollutant Source Control at a Community Scale: Finding the Sweet Spot
Project Objectives:
- To develop a user friendly document including modeling guidance on holistic wet weather management through adaptive volume and pollutant source control at a community scale, that ensures affordability and equity, and positions communities and utilities to respond optimally to future climate impacts.
- To demonstrate the use of proactive and adaptive strategies such as integrated planning frameworks in support of holistic approaches to meet regulatory requirements of wet weather challenges through case studies particularly in the face of competing objectives.
- To advance the modeling practices that allow integration of adaptive volume and pollutant source control strategies across different scales in the watershed and/or sewershed, and additional qualitative and quantitative cost benefit analysis to better manage urban runoff and water quality impacts from wet weather flows.
Off-Cycle RFPs
There are currently no RFPs available.
Respond to an Emerging Opportunities RFP
The Emerging Opportunities (EO) Program enables WRF Staff to sponsor time-critical research on emergent, high-priority subscriber issues. Learn more about the EO Program
Proposal Submission: follow the above directions of the Research Priority Program and the guidance within the RFP itself for submitting your proposal.
Open RFPs – Emerging Opportunities Program
Advancing Adaptive Wet Weather Management Approaches to Meet Emerging Challenges for Extreme Snowstorms and Cold Climate Impacts
Project Objectives:
- Adapt rainstorm based management approaches for extreme snowstorms and cold climate events resulting in more proactive and coordinated decision making between municipal departments.
- Develop guidance on the state of the practice for addressing snowstorm and cold climate water quality and quantity issues, infrastructure planning, and community resilience.
- Communicate with stakeholders on research findings and adaptive approaches for future planning, including recommendations on preliminary project concepts for future research.
Open RFQs
There are currently no RFPs available.