This request for pre-proposals from the Maine – USGS Water Research Resources Institute (a program of the Mitchell Center), constitutes the FY14 Maine grants program as authorized by the federal Water Resources Research Act of 1984 as amended. This request for pre-proposals is for research and information transfer projects in the areas of water resources and related environmental sciences. The focus area for 2014 is aligned with the USGS Critical Water Science Goals (Circular 1383-G). Projects involving these topics will be given priority, subject to peer review. Also, proposals submitted by researchers at primarily undergraduate institutions or by new researchers will be given extra consideration in the review process. Approximately $90,000 (depending on Congressional appropriations) will be awarded following external peer review and selection by a panel of Maine environmental specialists and researchers. 

Research proposals for projects up to 12 months in duration will be considered to occur in a project period of March 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015. Since funding is uncertain, plan for all projects to be completed by that date.

Please note that the match required by USGS for this program is two (2) non-federal dollars for each federal dollar requested.  This match should be clearly identified in all proposals responding to this RFP. Questions about meeting or documenting this match should be directed to the WRRI program director John Peckenham.

There are three categories of projects funded under this program by the Mitchell Center:

1. Research grants are funded for up to $40,000, not including required match provided by the PI. A typical grant is approximately $25,000.
2. Information transfer or environmental education grants are typically funded in the range of $5,000 to $15,000, not including PI match.
3. One year seed grants are funded for no more than $5,000, not including PI match.  These grants are intended to be pilot projects or incubators for future research ideas or funding. The PI is urged to describe how these dollars will leverage other funds as part of the project, or comment on anticipated future leveraging of the funds.

Federal program guidelines require that all projects must demonstrate student training. Graduate stipends must be at least $18,800 per year. Investigators must have their full proposals reviewed by their sponsored research office for compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and agreements.

Back to Request for Proposals 104(b)