Request for Proposals - Research and Outreach

Biennial Research Grants
Every two years Florida Sea Grant issues a call for proposals for research projects dealing with coastal and marine issues identified in the program’s strategic plan.

Next call for proposals: January 2011

The RFP will target research projects that address specific needs in:

Florida Sea Grant supports applied research. In addition to being knowledgeable about our program’s strategic priorities, successful applicants must work proactively with end-users of research results to develop relevant proposals. Engagement with end-users (resource managers, industry, NGOs, etc.) to identify specific needs and develop partnerships should begin well before the development of a project proposal. Research projects are selected in a two-stage process. Short (5-page) pre-proposals are reviewed by Florida resource managers, industry representatives, other stakeholders and a panel of out-of-state experts. Top-ranking projects are selected for development into full proposals, which are peer-reviewed and rated again by the out-of-state panel for relevance, technical merit, and clarity of a required outreach plan. All funded research projects must support, wholly or in part, at least one graduate student. The maximum amount of funding is expected to be $100,000 per year for two-year awards. Please contact the Director of Florida Sea Grant for additional details.
 
Program Development Funds
Program Development (PD) funds allow faculty at Florida universities to address timely coastal and marine issues that cannot be anticipated during the biennial research planning process.

Next call for proposals: Open continuously

PD funding also may support demonstrations essential to coastal and marine user groups, and occasionally the conduct of a pilot research study or the transfer of information. Program development projects typically are of short duration, low budget and yield a definitive result specifically tied to the circumstances that motivate the project. Ordinarily, budgets are under $5,000, with no indirect costs paid. More details.
Gulf of Mexico Regional Research
In the last two biennial funding cycles, the four Sea Grant programs surrounding the Gulf of Mexico (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi-Alabama, and Texas) have collectively funded regional research projects through a separate call for proposals.

Next call for proposals: January 2011

In the current (2010-11) funding cycle, the focus is on research projects dealing with coastal community resilience to natural hazards and sea-level rise, with projects expected to be funded at up to $200,000 per year for two years. The focus of the next call for proposals will be announced in fall 2010 and is subject to availability of federal and other funds. Please contact the Florida Sea Grant Director for additional details.
 
Florida Sea Grant Elise Newell Seminar Series
Annually these seminars allow persons from on and off Florida’s campuses to learn more about timely issues concerning the coasts and oceans.

Elise B. Newell served as the fiscal officer for Florida Sea Grant from 1979 until her death in 1997. During that time she mentored colleagues statewide and nationally, always seeking ways to advance the efforts of faculty and students. The aim of the seminar series reflects Elise’s commitment to excellence and service to Florida’s campuses.

The format for each event includes a formal presentation and individual and small group discussions with faculty, students and resource managers. Florida faces great pressures on its coastal and marine resources, and it also stands at the forefront of research, education and extension efforts in the field. Through these seminars, Sea Grant fosters the goal of providing highly relevant academic service to the public of Florida.

For 2010 proposal guidelines and due date.
Waterway Assistance Program, Florida Inland Navigation District
This is a grant program established by the Florida Legislature and the District for the purpose of financially cooperating with local governments to alleviate problems associated with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and associated waterways within the District.

Next call for proposals: January 2010

Information on year-round grant programs pertaining to derelict vessel removal and spoil island restoration can be found by visiting the FIND web site.