Request for Proposals (RFP)
Grow the Flow – Great Salt Lake Research Advancement Initiative
Issued by: Conserve Utah Valley and Grow the Flow
Date of Issue: October 1, 2024
Submission Deadline: Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis. All proposals should be submitted no later than November 15, 2024.
Overview:
Conserve Utah Valley established an initiative to save Great Salt Lake (GSL) called Grow the Flow. In its efforts to help save Great Salt Lake, Grow the Flow is committed to supporting innovative and impactful research that will advance our collective understanding of the GSL ecosystem.
To this end, we are soliciting proposals from academic institutions and researchers to develop comprehensive research plans. These plans will assess the current state of research on Great Salt Lake, identify critical gaps, and propose forward-looking strategies for research that will aid policymakers, scholars, and the public in making informed decisions about the lake’s future.
Great Salt Lake is a unique and critical ecosystem that, largely due to the consumptive use of water flowing into the lake, faces extraordinary challenges. This RFP aims to catalyze efforts to synthesize existing research focused on the nature of these challenges and how to solve them. It also hopes to pave the way for groundbreaking new work to address the lake’s most pressing issues.
Proposal Objectives:
Grow the Flow seeks proposals that address the following key deliverables:
1. Data Synthesis:
Provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing data and research on the Great Salt Lake. This should include an overview of current knowledge across ecological, hydrological, economic, and social dimensions of the lake.
2. Expert Knowledge Gap Assessment:
Conduct an expert evaluation to identify significant gaps in current knowledge. This assessment should focus on what is hindering decision-making and effective management of the Great Salt Lake’s resources.
3. Prioritization of Future Research Needs:
Develop a prioritized list of future research areas based on the knowledge gaps identified. This should be aimed at informing policymakers and addressing specific policy challenges related to the lake’s long-term sustainability.
Eligibility:
Proposals will be accepted from researchers affiliated with academic institutions, research organizations, and collaborative academic-industry partnerships. Preference will be given to researchers that can demonstrate a track record of research excellence and a focus on Great Salt Lake.
Proposal Requirements:
1. Project Title and Summary:
A clear and concise title and a summary that captures the essence of the need for proposed research, the research approach, and research impact.
2. An Overview of the Proposed Research:
A detailed description of the proposed research and methods that will be used.
3. An implementation Timeline of Research and Deliverables:
A project timeline outlining key milestones, deliverables, and the proposed end date. The project is expected to be completed by July 1, 2026.
4. A Summary Budget:
A budget with justification for costs, including personnel, equipment, travel, and any other relevant expenses. The maximum grant allocation will be $90,000. The overhead for each project budget shall not exceed 7.5%.
5. Anticipated Outcomes:
Outline the expected outcomes of the research and how they will contribute to both the academic community and public policy related to Great Salt Lake.
Submission Guidelines:
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- Proposals must be submitted electronically by November 15, 2024, to jake@growtheflow.org.
- Include CVs of lead researchers, previous relevant research experience, and examples of successful interdisciplinary collaboration.
- To best leverage limited funds, Conserve Utah Valley is hopeful in assisting academics who have already begun to draft proposals related to the outcomes and deliverables discussed above. If there are existing drafts (with no page limits) or a summary of draft work (limited to a one-page limit).
- All submissions should be in PDF format and not exceed five pages for the core proposal (inclusive of references but exclusive of exhibits such as CVs or budget sheets).
- For questions or additional information, contact Jake Dreyfous, with the partnering organization Grow the Flow, and available at jake@growtheflow.org.
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Review Process:
Selection criteria will include:
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- Relevance to the RFP objectives.
- Feasibility and methodological rigor.
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative approach.
- Potential impact on policy, academia, and public awareness.
- Budgetary considerations.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of November, with project commencement as early as December 2024.
Funding:
Conserve Utah Valley, which is the storehouse of funding for Grow the Flow, will provide funding in the amount of up to $90,000 for a successful proposal. Proposals should be designed to be completed within a 12-month timeframe. Due to funding constraints, we only anticipating making a single grant at this time. Successful proposals may be renewed for successive years.
Contact Information:
For any questions or clarifications regarding the RFP, please contact:
Jake Dreyfous
Grow the Flow
Managing Director
By fostering collaboration between academics and decision-makers, Conserve Utah Valley and Grow the Flow aim to ensure that Great Salt Lake’s preservation is informed by cutting-edge research and supported by robust, forward-looking strategies.