Call for Proposals to Enhanced Distribution System Water Quality Monitoring

Objectives

• Evaluate existing distribution system water quality monitoring programs designed for different purposes to identify opportunities for integration for future improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop comprehensive guidance for designing, implementing, maintaining and using advanced and optimized approaches to manage and monitor water quality in distribution systems.
• Provide actionable recommendations for water utilities and regulators to enhance distribution system water quality monitoring programs and practices in a more integrated manner.

Funding Information

• The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $350,000. 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 $350,000.
• The anticipated period of performance for this project is 36 months from the contract start date.

Expected Deliverables

• A final report summarizing key discussion, findings, and recommendations from the workshop, literature review, and case studies.
• A webinar to share project outcomes with water utility professionals and stakeholders on distribution system monitoring practices and recommendations.
• Comprehensive and actionable guidance document and factsheets outlining enhancement of monitoring designs and recommendations.
• Recommendations for research in technology applications and for federal and state level discussion on how the findings can support regulatory improvements.
• Multiple peer-reviewed publications and opportunities for regional workshops to bring together utilities and stakeholders to share and discuss integrated monitoring issues and experiences.
• If technology deliverables will be produced.

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.

For more information, visit WRF.