The Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science of drinking water, has issued 23 requests proposals (RFPs) totaling $4.8 million in research funding. The RFPs are due in May or July 2006, as specified in each RFP.
Collectively, the projects represent a wide range of topics of critical importance to the drinking water community. “Each year we target many of the water industry's biggest challenges, based on feedback from our members, leading professionals in the field and the results of prior research,” said Robert C. Renner, AwwaRF executive director. “AwwaRF research builds a body of knowledge that utilities and other water professionals can use to continuously enhance operations, improve drinking water quality and meet customer expectations.”
The 2006 RFPs include:
- Accuracy of In-Service Water Meters at Low and High Flow Rates (RFP 4028);
- Assessment of Secondary Impacts of Corrosion Control on Distribution System Equipment (RFP 4029);
- Asset Management Research Needs Roadmap (RFP 4002);
- Changes in Water Use Patterns (RFP 4031);
- Contaminant Risk Management Communication Strategy and Tools (RFP 4001);
- Critical Assessment of Implementing Desalination Technology (RFP 4006);
- Desalination Facility Design and Operation for Maximum Energy Efficiency (RFP 4038);
- Drinking Water Source Protection Through Effective Use of TMDL Processes (RFP 4007);
- Easily Distributed Mini-Pipe Loop System for Maintaining Corrosion Control for Lead and Copper (RFP 4014);
- Effect of Nitrification on Corrosion in the Distribution System (RFP 4015);
- Failure of Pre-Stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (RFP 4034);
- Guidelines for Developing, Calibrating and Using Hydraulic Models (RFP 4018);
- Impact of Phosphate Chemicals on Cement-Based Pipes and Linings (RFP 4033);
- Impact of UV Location and Sequence on By-Product Formation (RFP 4019);
- Impacts of Lining Materials on Water Quality (RFP 4036);
- Minimizing Impacts of Changes in Watershed Vegetation on Source Water Quality and Quantity (RFP 4009);
- Occurrence, Impacts and Removal of Manganese in Biofiltration Processes (RFP 4021);
- Organizational Development Needed To Implement a Knowledge Management Strategy at Water Utilities (RFP 4003);
- Residuals Treatment and Disposal Options for Low Volume Generators (RFP 4010);
- Significance of Current Methods and Monitoring Strategies for E. coli and Total Coliform Measurements (RFP 4024);
- Tools to Help Water Utilities Establish Customer Payment Programs (RFP 4004);
- Water Conservation: Customer Behavior and Effective Communications (RFP 4012); and
- Workforce Planning for Water Utilities – Successful Recruiting, Training and Retaining Operators and Engineers to Meet Future Challenges (RFP 4005).
All projects, unless otherwise indicated, must include 25% of the total project budget as in-kind or cash contribution. In-kind contributions can be in the form of labor, materials, or laboratory and other services, and may come from project participants such as water utilities, consulting firms and universities. For each project, an appointed project advisory committee will evaluate proposals based on responsiveness to the RFP, scientific and technical merit, and qualifications of the researchers.
Source: Awwa Research Foundation
