Call for Proposals: Optimizing Sensor Networks & Advanced Sensing Techniques

Project Objectives

• To advance the optimization of the layout of sensor networks and sensing techniques in collection systems to enhance One Water management.
• To improve data analytics, forecasting, modeling, and intelligent platform/dashboard environments to help with operations for a range of flow conditions and control schemes, preventive and in‐time maintenance of collection systems, and optimization of capital improvement programs.

Budget

• Applicants may request up to $150,000 in WRF funds for this project.
• Project Duration: The anticipated period of performance for this project is 21 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• A stand-alone literature review including annotations for the list of publications and resources used.
• A user-friendly utility-facing guidance document that includes decision tree logic and optimization methodologies, and a synthesis of utility case studies.
  • The guidance document should include a specific chapter on emerging technology development for sensor networks and advanced sensing techniques, applications supported by AI/ML.
  • The guidance document should include a specific chapter and supporting technical appendix that summarize the knowledge gaps, research needs, and preliminary project concepts for recommended future research projects, including recommended means to address those remaining gaps.
• A utility‐focused invitation-only virtual workshop (with two sessions) for peer‐to‐peer information exchange and identification of future research needs, along with workshop planning and all supporting materials (e.g., agenda, presentations, meeting notes, and workshop summary).
• Broader outreach:
  • Webcast and public outreach materials.
  • Conference presentation including at a WEF-sponsored conference.
  • Submitting one open access peer-reviewed journal paper is encouraged and can be completed beyond project end date, if the research team would like to submit.

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.
• 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.

For more information, visit WRF.