Western Regional Aquaculture Center
Request for Regional Research and Outreach Project Pre-Proposals for Funding Year 2019
overview
Proposed research areas
Based on extensive input from aquaculture industry, extension and research representatives throughout
the region, the Western Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC) is seeking Pre-Proposals for ten research areas, listed here in no specific order or rank:
- Reducing Impacts of Aquatic Nuisance Species on Shellfish Aquaculture
- New and Emerging Species
- Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases Affecting Aquaculture Production
- Aquaculture Opportunities Through Genetics
- Alternatives to Antibiotics and Chemicals for Disease Control and Prevention
- Economic Value of Aquaculture in Western United States
- Aquaculture: Applied Technology Solutions
- Diet Nutrition/Innovation
- Aquaculture Water Quality
- Micro- and Macro-plastics in the Marine Environment Associated with Shellfish Aquaculture
Project submission & review schedule
Pre-Proposals are due by 5 pm, Friday, April 6, 2018
Notification of Pre-Proposal review outcome: Late May
Full proposals due by 5:00p p.m.: Mid-July
External, IAC/TC, and Board reviews: July through November
Notification of funding decisions: Early December Projects scheduled to begin 2019 (dependent on release of funds):
September 1
general criteria for Wrac-funded research & outreach Projects
- The region includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and
- Priority will be given to projects that include participation by two or more states located within the western
- Partnerships may be formed among all elements of federal, state, and local government; public institutions; and the private
- Project partnerships should depend on the nature of the problem and the most effective use of
Specific Criteria for Regional Projects
(Section 3.3 from WRAC Manual of Operations)
The following criteria are used to prioritize cooperative regional research and outreach projects for receiving WRAC funding:
Proposed Project
- Involves at least two institutions and activities within two states and the most effective use of resources within the western region. However, depending on the nature of the problem, if the research expertise to solve the problem resides in a single state, and the results will have significant positive impact on multi-state industries, an exception for funding can be made. Strong justification is required. Priority will be given to projects with multi-state research
- Is likely to attract additional support for research and/or outreach on the problem, which is not likely to occur through other programs and
- Can be made sufficiently specific to promise significant accomplishment within four or fewer
- Can be effectively organized and conducted on a regional level, ensuring coordinated and complementary contributions by all
- Produces results that can provide the solution to a problem of fundamental importance or fill an information-gap in knowledge from the standpoint of present and future aquaculture in the western region.
- Contain an outreach component with defined objectives and deliverables according to Appendix B, Attachment F – Outreach and Evaluation Plan (see B8).
research on the Problem
- Requires more scientific labor, equipment, and facilities than are generally available at individual research (Priority will be given to projects with multi-state research approaches.)
- Is adaptable and particularly suitable for inter-institutional cooperation, resulting in better use of limited resources and research
- Complements and enhances ongoing research by participating research
Importance of the Outreach Component in Assessing WRAC Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals
A well-considered and appropriate outreach component is an essential part of any WRAC project. Increasing attention to the quality of outreach has been emphasized by USDA-NIFA, and has received considerable emphasis from WRAC’s Board of Directors. To ensure the necessary Extension Outreach components are included in the Pre-Proposal, please see Appendix B (page B8).
other information
- Guidelines for development of Pre-Proposals and the Pre-Proposal format are enclosed for your information (see pages B1–B8). These guidelines are also posted on the WRAC website: http://depts.washington.edu/wracuw/
- Please note that while each of the priority statements indicate that funding requests should not exceed the stated maximum dollar amount, the WRAC Pre-Proposal and full proposal review processes are highly competitive, and the proposed budget is an important criterion used in assessment of Pre-Proposals and full
Pre-Proposals submission and Deadline (See Guidelines section [attached] for specific instructions) submission
- Email submission is preferred. Send both PDF and WORD versions (and any Excel spreadsheets) to the
WRAC Administrative Office at jkhahn@uw.edu
- Mailing address, in case you are unable to email your document. Mail one (1) signed, printed copy to:
Western Regional Aquaculture Center c/o Julie Hahn
University of Washington
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Box 355020
Seattle, WA 98195-5020
For deliveries that require a street address, use:
Western Regional Aquaculture Center c/o Julie Hahn
University of Washington
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences 1122 NE Boat Street
Seattle, WA 98105
Deadline for submission of Pre-Proposals is 5 PM, Friday, april 6, 2018.
Notes
- WRAC encourages early submission of Pre-Proposals. If a Pre-Proposal is received at least two weeks prior to the final deadline, it allows time for the Administrative Office to review the Pre-Proposal using the checklist and to notify the authors what requirements are not met. Thus, the authors will have time to adjust and re-submit their Pre-Proposals before the final deadline.
- WRAC strongly encourages investigators who are submitting a Pre-Proposal for the first time to consult with the relevant contact person listed for each problem statement. Executive Director Graham Young (grahamy@uw.edu) and Program Manager Julie Hahn (jkhahn@uw.edu) are also available to answer questions regarding the Pre-Proposal submission process.
- Please plan accordingly to ensure inclusion of all necessary components and signatures by the deadline of 5 PM on Friday, April 6, 2018.