Submit Proposals for Evaluation & Demonstration of Biotechnological Tools & Methods

Project Objectives

With this goal in mind, the specific objectives are:

• To evaluate effects of microbial community structure, function, and population dynamics on biofilter operation and optimization using biotechnological tools and methods.
• To assess usefulness, applicability, implementability, and cost-effectiveness of the tools and methods.
• To recommend the most suitable tools and methods for biofiltration optimization for water utilities.
• To develop a user-friendly utility guidance document to facilitate informed decision-making for effective biofilter operation and optimization.

Budget

• Applicants may request up to $300,000 in WRF funds for this project.
• Project Duration: The anticipated performance period for this project is 24-36 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• This RFP is intentionally flexible and encourages proposers to be creative and original in their approach. While specific deliverables may vary depending on the proposed research project, here are a few examples of potential deliverables:
  • Research report
  • Literature review
  • Webcast, conference presentation, etc.
  • Peer-reviewed journal article
  • Utility guidance manual
• The specific deliverables should align with the proposed research project. Proposers are encouraged to suggest innovative and relevant deliverables that can effectively communicate and disseminate the research outcomes to maximize the impact of the study.

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.