Opportunity Information: Apply for 12 558
Apply for 12 558
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Design and Construction of Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050 Geosciences.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 7, 2012 and posted on May 7, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 7, 2012 Full Proposal Deadline(s) September 07, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $3,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Organization Limit Proposals may only be submitted by the following Non profit, non academic organizations Independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. associated with educational or research activities. Universities and Colleges Universities and two and four year colleges (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Such organizations also are referred to as academic institutions. PI LimitNone Specified
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Science Foundation (NSF), through the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) Integrative Programs Section (IPS), announced this opportunity to select one Lead Institution (LI) to manage the design refresh, acquisition planning, construction, testing, and delivery of up to three Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs). The vessels are intended to be multi-purpose oceanographic research ships supporting coastal and near-coastal science missions in the U.S. East, West, and Gulf Coast regions, with an endurance of up to about 21 days. The program is built around an existing NSF-owned concept design that was originally developed via an interagency effort with the U.S. Navy (Program Executive Office, Ships) and then reviewed by an NSF-convened expert panel. While the concept exists, the LI is expected to bring the design up to date and carry it through the full lifecycle from design verification to sea trials and delivery.
A central feature of the solicitation is that NSF plans to make a single award using a Cooperative Agreement, meaning NSF will stay closely involved through structured oversight and formal project reviews. Work is organized into successive phases, and NSF will fund those phases step-by-step using Cooperative Support Agreements (CSAs). Progression to each new phase depends on two things: successful performance at major milestones (as judged by NSF reviews under the NSF Large Facilities Manual) and the availability of funds and Congressional appropriations. The number of ships ultimately built is not guaranteed; it depends on future science demand and funding. If the project is not being executed successfully, NSF can trigger an "off ramp" and potentially re-solicit for a new Lead Institution to take over.
The phases described in the opportunity outline a typical large-facility acquisition pathway. In Phase I, the LI re-evaluates and refreshes the existing concept design to reflect current regulatory requirements and incorporate recommendations from the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Fleet Improvement Committee, as agreed to by NSF. Phase I also requires a serious alternatives analysis: the LI must examine whether acquiring and converting an existing vessel could meet the refreshed requirements, and compare that feasibility and cost to building a new ship. During this phase, the project undergoes an in-depth Conceptual Design Review (CDR). A successful CDR is the gate for moving forward toward a Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and achieving a successful PDR is especially important because it supports NSF including the RCRV project in a future Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) budget request to Congress.
If the project clears PDR and NSF approves moving toward an MREFC request, Phase II focuses on selecting the shipyard and establishing the acquisition approach. The LI is responsible for running the shipyard selection process, and NSF conducts an in-depth review of the proposed Acquisition Strategy during this stage. Phase III is the actual construction phase and can cover up to three hulls, but only after a successful Final Design Review (FDR) and only if funding is available. For efficiency and standardization, the solicitation emphasizes that the hulls and major machinery are expected to be identical and the internal arrangements nearly identical, with only limited variations in scientific outfitting to fit regional needs. Phase IV covers trials, delivery, and transition support as the vessels are handed over to their operating organizations.
The Lead Institution is expected to demonstrate strong, credible capability in complex marine project execution. NSF is looking for an organization that can provide project direction and management, technical oversight, procurement leadership, construction oversight, scientific outfitting integration, sea trials management, and post-delivery activities. Proposals must show relevant past experience, such as vessel construction or conversion, maintenance, or management of vessel operations in support of research and education. The LI also needs to show it can assemble and lead a qualified team to deliver the work within cost, schedule, and scope, which is a major expectation in large facility style projects.
The solicitation also addresses how vessel operations may be handled after delivery. Groups may optionally include, as part of their response, a plan to operate the first RCRV for up to five years, as long as the vessel is operated in the appropriate region based on utilization at delivery and is run with high economic efficiency. Operational performance would then face an external review after five years, and if that review is positive, NSF anticipates re-competition after ten years of operation. Re-competition is framed as an open process rather than an automatic change in operator, but NSF reserves the right to re-compete earlier than ten years if the five-year review is not satisfactory. Operating institutions for any additional vessels beyond the first would be chosen through a separate competition completed before the first ship is delivered, and the LI is allowed to compete to operate follow-on vessels.
After Phase IV, the selected operating institution(s) take responsibility for day-to-day management, operations, and maintenance in support of NSF and other federally funded oceanographic research. Operational funding would be handled separately from construction and reviewed/negotiated annually through five-year Cooperative Agreements with NSF's Ship Operations Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences. NSF also signals its intent that, once delivered and turned over, the RCRV(s) should become part of the UNOLS framework: the operating institution(s) would obtain UNOLS membership and the vessels would be scheduled through the UNOLS process to provide equitable access for federally funded researchers. Importantly, NSF retains title to the RCRVs, reinforcing that these ships are national research assets even when operated by a designated institution.
Administratively, this was a discretionary NSF opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 12-558) under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences), using a Cooperative Agreement as the primary instrument. NSF expected to make one award. No cost sharing or matching was required. The posting date was May 7, 2012, with a full proposal deadline of September 7, 2012, and an estimated total funding amount listed as $3,000,000 at the opportunity level (noting that large facility projects typically scale funding across phases and future appropriations). Eligible applicants included U.S.-based universities and colleges, as well as certain U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations tied to research or educational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this NSF funding opportunity about?
This opportunity is for the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE), Integrative Programs Section (IPS) to select one Lead Institution (LI) to manage the design refresh, acquisition planning, construction, testing, and delivery of up to three Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs).
What is an RCRV, and what will the vessels be used for?
Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs) are multi-purpose oceanographic research ships intended to support coastal and near-coastal science missions. The solicitation describes the intended operating regions as the U.S. East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf Coast.
How long can the vessels stay at sea (endurance)?
The vessels are intended to have an endurance of up to about 21 days.
How many awards does NSF expect to make?
NSF expected to make one award under this solicitation to select a single Lead Institution.
How many ships will be built?
Up to three vessels may be built, but the number of ships ultimately constructed is not guaranteed. It depends on future science demand, availability of funds, and Congressional appropriations.
What award instrument will NSF use?
NSF plans to make a single award using a Cooperative Agreement. This approach is described as involving close NSF involvement through structured oversight and formal project reviews.
What does it mean that NSF will use a Cooperative Agreement and phased funding?
The project is organized into successive phases. NSF will fund phases step-by-step using Cooperative Support Agreements (CSAs). Moving to the next phase depends on successful performance at major milestones (as determined through NSF reviews under the NSF Large Facilities Manual) and on the availability of funds and appropriations.
What is the role of the Lead Institution (LI)?
The Lead Institution is expected to manage the work from design verification through sea trials and delivery. NSF is looking for an organization that can provide project direction and management, technical oversight, procurement leadership, construction oversight, scientific outfitting integration, sea trials management, and post-delivery activities.
Is there already a ship design, or must the LI create one from scratch?
The program is built around an existing NSF-owned concept design that was originally developed through an interagency effort with the U.S. Navy (Program Executive Office, Ships) and reviewed by an NSF-convened expert panel. The LI is expected to refresh and update that design to reflect current requirements and carry it through the full lifecycle to delivery.
What happens during Phase I?
Phase I focuses on re-evaluating and refreshing the existing concept design to reflect current regulatory requirements and to incorporate recommendations from the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Fleet Improvement Committee, as agreed to by NSF. Phase I also requires an alternatives analysis to examine whether acquiring and converting an existing vessel could meet the refreshed requirements and to compare feasibility and cost against building a new ship.
What is the Conceptual Design Review (CDR), and why does it matter?
During Phase I, the project undergoes an in-depth Conceptual Design Review (CDR). A successful CDR is described as the gate for moving forward toward a Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
What is the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and why is it important?
Achieving a successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR) is highlighted as especially important because it supports NSF including the RCRV project in a future Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) budget request to Congress.
What happens during Phase II?
If the project clears PDR and NSF approves moving toward an MREFC request, Phase II focuses on selecting the shipyard and establishing the acquisition approach. The LI is responsible for running the shipyard selection process, and NSF conducts an in-depth review of the proposed Acquisition Strategy during this stage.
What happens during Phase III?
Phase III is the construction phase and can cover up to three hulls, but only after a successful Final Design Review (FDR) and only if funding is available.
How similar are the vessels expected to be to each other?
For efficiency and standardization, the solicitation emphasizes that the hulls and major machinery are expected to be identical and the internal arrangements nearly identical. Only limited variations in scientific outfitting are anticipated to fit regional needs.
What happens during Phase IV?
Phase IV covers trials, delivery, and transition support as the vessels are handed over to their operating organizations.
Can NSF stop the project or change the Lead Institution?
Yes. The solicitation states that if the project is not being executed successfully, NSF can trigger an "off ramp" and potentially re-solicit for a new Lead Institution to take over.
Does the opportunity include vessel operations after delivery?
The solicitation addresses post-delivery operations as a possible component. Groups may optionally include, as part of their response, a plan to operate the first RCRV for up to five years, subject to conditions described in the solicitation.
What conditions apply if a group proposes to operate the first RCRV?
The optional operations plan is described as being for up to five years, with the vessel operated in the appropriate region based on utilization at delivery and run with high economic efficiency.
How will operational performance be reviewed?
Operational performance would face an external review after five years. If the review is positive, NSF anticipates re-competition after ten years of operation. NSF also reserves the right to re-compete earlier than ten years if the five-year review is not satisfactory.
How will operators be selected for additional vessels beyond the first?
Operating institutions for any additional vessels beyond the first would be chosen through a separate competition completed before the first ship is delivered. The Lead Institution is allowed to compete to operate follow-on vessels.
Who is responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance after delivery?
After Phase IV, the selected operating institution(s) take responsibility for day-to-day management, operations, and maintenance in support of NSF and other federally funded oceanographic research.
How is operational funding handled compared to construction funding?
Operational funding is described as separate from construction funding. It would be reviewed and negotiated annually through five-year Cooperative Agreements with NSF's Ship Operations Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences.
Will the RCRVs be part of UNOLS?
NSF signals its intent that, once delivered and turned over, the RCRV(s) should become part of the UNOLS framework. The operating institution(s) would obtain UNOLS membership, and the vessels would be scheduled through the UNOLS process to provide equitable access for federally funded researchers.
Who will own the vessels after they are built and delivered?
NSF retains title to the RCRVs. The solicitation frames the ships as national research assets even when operated by a designated institution.
What experience does NSF expect the Lead Institution to demonstrate?
Proposals must show relevant past experience such as vessel construction or conversion, maintenance, or management of vessel operations in support of research and education. The LI also needs to show it can assemble and lead a qualified team to deliver work within cost, schedule, and scope expectations consistent with large facility-style projects.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching was required under this opportunity.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA listing?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 12-558. The CFDA listing is 47.050 (Geosciences).
When was this opportunity posted and when were proposals due?
The posting date was May 7, 2012, and the full proposal deadline was September 7, 2012.
What is the estimated total funding amount listed for the opportunity?
The opportunity listed an estimated total funding amount of $3,000,000 at the opportunity level, with a note that large facility projects typically scale funding across phases and future appropriations.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants included U.S.-based universities and colleges, as well as certain U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations tied to research or educational activities.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Science Foundation
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative Category III Community Treatment and Services Centers (CTS)
Previous opportunity: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Joint Request for Statements of Interest Internet Freedom Programs
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 12 558
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (12 558) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Energy for Sustainability Apply for PD 13 7644 Funding Number: PD 13 7644 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO RELEASE A SOLICITATION FOR NASA JUPITER ICY MOONS EXPLORER INVESTIGATIONS Apply for NNH12ZDA010J Funding Number: NNH12ZDA010J Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ADVANCE Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers Apply for 12 584 Funding Number: 12 584 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Computational and Data Enabled Science and Engineering Apply for PD 12 8084 Funding Number: PD 12 8084 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation S2I2 Apply for 13 511 Funding Number: 13 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Special Program Announcement for the Office of Naval Research Research Opportunity Text Analytics for Data to Decisions (D2D) Apply for 13 SN 0002 Funding Number: 13 SN 0002 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation SSE SSI Apply for 13 525 Funding Number: 13 525 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Asia Pacific Technology and Education Program Apply for ONRFOA13 006 Funding Number: ONRFOA13 006 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| High Performance System Acquisition Building a More Inclusive Computing Environment for Science and Engineering Apply for 13 528 Funding Number: 13 528 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Prostate Cancer Biomarker Development Award Apply for W81XWH 13 PCRP BDA Funding Number: W81XWH 13 PCRP BDA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Gulf War Illness Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award Apply for W81XWH 13 GWIRP ITEA Funding Number: W81XWH 13 GWIRP ITEA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Award Apply for W81XWH 13 GWIRP CTA Funding Number: W81XWH 13 GWIRP CTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Prostate Cancer Clinical Consortium Award Apply for W81XWH 13 PCRP CCA Funding Number: W81XWH 13 PCRP CCA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Award with Multiple PI Option Apply for W81XWH 13 GWIRP CTA MPIO Funding Number: W81XWH 13 GWIRP CTA MPIO Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Basic Research in Spatial Sensing Scene Characterization (also known as Imaging) Technology Apply for ONRBAA13 021 Funding Number: ONRBAA13 021 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Apply for NNH14ZOA001N 14NIAC Funding Number: NNH14ZOA001N 14NIAC Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation SSE SSI Apply for 14 520 Funding Number: 14 520 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| STEM C Partnerships MSP Apply for 14 522 Funding Number: 14 522 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| High Performance Computing System Acquisition Continuing the Building of a More Inclusive Computing Environment for Science and Engineering. Apply for 14 536 Funding Number: 14 536 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ocean Drilling Apply for PD 14 5720 Funding Number: PD 14 5720 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "12 558", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.