|
|
Through the Solicited Research Program, research plans and project topics that best address issues of high priority to the drinking water community are identified through an extensive process that includes input from subscribing utilities and other water-supply stakeholders.
The process for determining the focus and funding of solicited projects begins with the Research Advisory Council. Each year, the council, with assistance from AwwaRF staff, evaluates the research needs identified by the drinking water community and develops research projects as part of the solicited research planning process. The council then recommends a prioritized research agenda to the Board of Trustees for approval.
The Solicited Program research agenda is updated annually to reflect the most current needs and priorities of the water supply community and to incorporate ongoing research findings and results.
For planning purposes, Solicited Program funding is divided between four strategic goals areas established by the Board of Trustees:
- Efficient and Customer-Responsive Organization
- Environmental Leadership
- High Quality Water
- Infrastructure Reliability
Once the year's research agenda is approved, requests for proposals (RFPs) are announced for most of the projects in an open submission process. Solicited Program RFPs are generally released in March, with proposals due in either May or July. Proposals are reviewed and selected for the best personnel and resources to conduct each study.
To submit a proposal in response to an issued RFP, see the guidelines for submitting solicited proposals.
|