[Coral-List] RFP release for HCRI-RP (FY 2004-2005)
Risa Minato
risaminato at hawaii.rr.com
Fri Jan 23 14:43:33 EST 2004
Aloha,
On behalf of the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program I am pleased to release the Request for Proposals for this upcoming year (FY 2004-2005) (see below). It will also be posted next week Wednesday (January 28, 2004) on our website (http://www.hawaii.edu/ssri/hcri/index.htm) , under "Announcements" on the front page.
Risa Minato
Program Assistant
Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program
Social Science Research Institute
2424 Maile Way, Saunders Hall #718
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: (808) 956-7479
Fax: (808) 956-2884
E-mail: hcri_rp at hawaii.edu
Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative
Research Program
(Fiscal Year 2004-2005)
Request for Proposals
The Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program (HCRI-RP) supports scientific research and monitoring to enhance the state's capacity to manage coral reef ecosystems. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR) and the University of Hawaii (UH) jointly manage HCRI-RP. A Management Committee consisting of three representatives from DAR, one from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, two from UH, one from the Pacific Science Association/Bishop Museum serves as the governing body.
HCRI-RP sponsors research and monitoring of the state's coastal reef ecosystems to understand the impacts of human activity on reef ecosystem. Results are used to provide resource managers with information to help them effectively and efficiently prevent, and possibly reverse, resource damage and degradation. HCRI-RP has also supported teacher training, student internships and fellowships, public education and outreach, and a myriad of hands-on workshops for resource managers.
At the core of HCRI-RP lies a competitive grant process to sponsor research and monitoring projects. Each year, Congress appropriates monies for HCRI-RP through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Ocean Program. The HCRI-RP Management Committee conducts a competitive selection process through an RFP.
The Management Committee identified the following priorities for Year 7
· Non-Economic Value of main Hawaiian Islands' Coastal Reefs
· Stressors of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands: Invasive Marine Species; Fishing Pressure; Pollution; Disease; Coastal Development; Nearshore Recreation
· Status of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands
· "Gaming" the main Hawaiian Islands' Coastal Reefs
· Population Dynamics of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands
RFP Schedule:
§ Optional Letter of Interest due February 6, 2004.
§ Proposals due February 26th, 2004.
§ The Management Committee will select projects to fund April-May 2004.
§ Funded projects will begin when monies are made available, possibly August/September 2004.
A. Research Priorities
The following subsections outline the research and monitoring priorities established by HCRI-RP Management Committee for this solicitation. Each priority listed contributes to the fundamental mission of the program: support monitoring and research to build capacity in managing Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems. Should no fundable proposal be submitted for a particular priority, HCRI-RP may commission research and monitoring activities consistent with the program priorities.
Non-Economic Value of main Hawaiian Islands' Coastal Reefs
HCRI-RP has sponsored economic valuation studies of reef ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands. These studies estimate that the annual gross revenues of these reefs are about $800 million, resulting in $340 million in added value.
Coastal reef ecosystems also have educational, cultural, social, and environmental value. Methods need to be developed to assess the value of these non-economic "environmental services" and incorporate them into decisions about the protection of these important resources.
Stressors of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii's reefs are seriously threatened by fishing pressure, alien species, and localized pollution. Intensive coastal development and ocean recreation also can negatively impact Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems. More research is needed to understand the impacts of specific threats on the dynamic relationships among coral, algae, fish, and other reef organisms.
Invasive Marine Species: The Management Committee is interested in proposals for projects seeking to understand the effects of invasive marine plants and animals on native species and reef ecosystems and to make recommendations for management action. The committee is particularly interested in projects, such as risk ranking, which complement priorities identified in Hawaii's Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dar/pubs/ais_mgmt_plan_draft.pdf). The Management Committee is interested in research aimed at determining the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that cause invasive algal blooms. The Management Committee is seeking proposals to develop methods for preventing the introduction and spread of new invasive marine species. Overall, HCRI-RP would like for selected projects to recommend management activities to avoid or minimize impacts.
Fishing Pressure: The relative contributions of fishing pressure and habitat degradation on the marked declines in Hawaii's coastal fish populations have not been determined. The Management Committee is seeking proposals for projects to evaluate and improve fisheries management measures so that fishing will not further degrade our marine ecosystem. Overall, HCRI-RP would like for selected projects to recommend management activities to avoid or minimize impacts and to be able to better to determine the severity of impact for various fishing methods.
Pollution: The Management Committee is requesting proposals that examine how pollution (e.g., nutrients, debris, point source, sediment) affects Hawaii's nearshore reefs and to make practical management recommendations for preventing marine pollution that negatively impacts coral reef ecosystems. The committee is particularly interested in reef-oriented projects that complement Hawaii's Local Action Strategy to Address Land-based Pollution Threats to Coral Reefs (www.state.hi.us/doh/eh/cwb/prc/pdf-files/LAS.CR-LBP.Sec1-3.110603.pdf). Overall, HCRI-RP would like for selected projects to recommend management activities to avoid or minimize impacts.
Disease: To date, disease has not caused significant damage to Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems. The Management Committee is interested in projects that investigate basic, management-oriented questions. What diseases infect (or, are present in) these ecosystems? What are the potential pathogens and pathways for disease? Is there a correlation between reef organisms? Do diseases originate on land? What are chemical clues? What are the pathogens of concern?
Coastal Development: Human action can upset the balance of life on coastal reefs and amplify changes to natural cycles, resulting in the degradation of the coastal reef ecosystem. Extensive coastal development is often cited as critical threat to the health and well-being of Hawaii's reefs. Proposals are being sought that identify, through sound scientific methods, specific ecological functions and values provided by Hawaii's nearshore coral reef ecosystems. Likewise, managers are seeking practical recommendations to minimize or compensate for lost ecological services (e.g., functions and values) as a result of coastal development activities (e.g., dredging and filling).
Nearshore Recreation: Hawaii's nearshore reefs support a wide range of recreational activities, including: fishing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Often, recreational users compete for use of nearshore areas and embayments. Without careful management, use of the reef environment by recreational users can severely degrade the very resource they enjoy. Anchor damage, groundings, and trampling are just a few examples of the harm caused by human recreational activities. The Management Committee is seeking proposals for projects to evaluate the impact and value of nearshore recreation; and recommend ways to improve marine recreation management so that these activities will not degrade Hawaii's marine ecosystems. Successful proposals would determine measures of capacity (e.g., ecological, amenity, multiuse) for key areas of interest. What is a useable model, approach, or system that could indicate to managers when there is too much impact for an area? Is there a practical method to determine the levels of use and the impacts from that use? What recommendations can be given to resource managers?
Status of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands
Resource assessments and monitoring are crucial to understanding the health of coral reef ecosystems. HCRI-RP is soliciting proposals for question-driven monitoring and assessment of Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems. Research questions should (1) investigate anthropogenic impacts on coral reef ecosystems; (2) identify what changes to these ecosystems are due to natural variability; and (3) develop and test methods for detecting natural and anthropogenic changes in the status of coral reef ecosystems.
Any sites proposed for monitoring under this program should be selected based on a strategy to distinguish the effects of natural variability versus anthropogenic impacts. Impacts induced by global climate change are not a priority unless they can be related directly to local management decisions.
"Gaming" the main Hawaiian Islands' Coastal Reefs
Over the past few years, a number of digital maps have been developed of nearshore coastal reefs around the main Hawaiian Islands. The HCRI-RP Management Committee is very interested in proposals that begin to develop an interactive computer game to model the dynamics of the ecosystem itself in such a way that is accessible to the general public. Specifically, HCRI-RP would like the computer "game" to allow the user to input different variables and see their resulting impact on the ecology.
This game would provide the opportunity to analyze biodiversity of ecosystems and would use multiple trophic levels, beginning with phytoplankton. It would begin to flush out system dynamics and illustrate in a dynamic fashion cumulative and secondary impacts. In particular, the Management Committee would like the user-friendly model to virtually illustrate a healthy reef, as well as how various factors create an unhealthy one and can lead to community shifts.
Population Dynamics of Coastal Reefs surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands
In order to design ecologically effective marine protected areas, basic information on coral reef keystone species is critical. At present, the basic knowledge of reef organisms' population structure is inadequate to design a management regime to improve the sustainability of important organisms, including fish, corals, and algae in ecosystems across the main Hawaiian Islands. In particular, scientists and managers do not know where reproduction and recruitment takes place for most of Hawaii's keystone organisms. In addition, the basic biology of many species of Hawaiian algae is not known.
Therefore, HCRI-RP is soliciting proposals for projects that will build on results of previous years' activities and the investigations of others. Potential projects should examine the following questions: What are important coral reef keystone organisms around the main Hawaiian Islands and how do they contribute to the health of coral reef ecosystems? Are the populations of these organisms genetically distinct or a single population? What links exist between the life histories, reproductive patterns and genetic structures for these population(s)? Projects proposed under this priority should propose recommendations for development of marine protected areas to insure the sustainability of keystone coral reef ecosystem organisms.
The Management Committee is also very interested in proposals for projects to examine the relationship of traditional Hawaii's knowledge about coastal reefs and population dynamics and management. In other words, how Hawaiian traditional ecological knowledge can be applied to (and inform) modern management and be supported by scientific investigation.
B. Deliverables for Funded Research
a.. Quarterly PowerPoint presentations highlighting project's activities
b.. One (1) progress report using the standard NOAA form (due Feb. 2005)
c.. Final report using the standard NOAA form (due January 2006)
d.. Project final technical report: executive summary (e.g., background, resource management questions answered, methodology, conclusions, recommendations to resource management); field guide (i.e., tools and techniques used in field); laboratory guide (i.e., tools and techniques used in laboratory & database variable summary); results (due January 2006)
e.. Data and metadata will be archived with the Pacific National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC). Projects will also submit to HCRI-RP an electronic copy of all data submitted to the National Oceanic Data Center and tables and maps summarizing data collected. (Due January 2006)
f.. Public education/outreach, workshop, and media activities or materials
g.. Voucher specimens at Bishop Museum (if applicable)
h.. Organize and conduct a workshop or seminar in order to deliver information on the results and methodologies developed, and provide technical training for managers, resource trustees, scientists, and/or the general public.
C. Proposal Components
(Required - no additional appendices will be accepted.)
1. On every page (in header or footer): page number; PI name; project title
2. Title Page (attached)
3. HCRI-RP Administrative Form, including all additional documents (attached)
4. Table of Contents with page numbers
5. Permits from appropriate agencies to conduct research should it be selected and funded (e.g., Scientific Collecting).
6. Approval from institution's Dive Safety Officer (if applicable) (See subsequent section for more specific information.)
7. Project Description (No longer than 15 pages)
· Statement of problem and relevance to priority.
· Goals and objectives
· Site/habitat/species selection (where applicable)
· Approach and methodology.
· Highlight resource manager capacity building and partnering activities.
· Describe media, education, and outreach activities (in addition to activities conducted for resource managers).
· Data management and dissemination of results
· Anticipated outcomes and relevance to coral reef resource management in Hawaii
8. Project Administration
· Proposed workplan (8/04 - 12/05) (include components listed under "products and deliverables")
· Project coordination and management structure
· A statement detailing current and pending support
· Specifically list how proposed activities would "impact" the reef ecosystem (e.g., installing 4 permanent pins, transplanting 300 urchins).
· Facilities, equipment, and other resources
9. Itemized Budget and Justification, to include
· Salaries and Wages (months)
· Fringe Benefits (UH rate) (approximate rates for UH proposals: GA = 10%, student assistants = 3%, Research Associates = 30%)
· Travel
· Equipment
· Supplies and Materials
· Contracted Services
· Total Direct Charges
· Indirect Cost (UH proposals = 20.6%)
· Proposal Total
10. Curriculum Vitae for Proposed Team (max. 2 pages per individual)
11. Consultation with DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) regarding site selection, research question(s), and methodology.
D. Requirements for Proposals that Entail Compressed Gas Diving
If compressed gas diving (SCUBA, Rebreathers, Surface-supplied, etcetera) is to be conducted to meet project goals, proposals must include evidence that such activities have been approved by - and will be conducted under the oversight of -- a scientific diving program as defined by U.S. OSHA regulations (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart T, Appendix B: Guidelines for Scientific Diving). The University of Hawaii Diving Safety Program will review such documentation, as outlined below:
1.. For University of Hawaii/RCUH researchers: Inclusion of the form, "Application for Scientific Diving Research Proposal Approval," approved and signed by the University of Hawaii Diving Safety Officer (form downloadable from: www.hawaii.edu/ehso/diving).
2.. For researchers from NOAA, AAUS Organizational Member institutions, or other agencies/institutions with which University of Hawaii holds reciprocal diving agreements: Inclusion of a letter from the institution/agency Diving Safety Officer, stating: (1) the proposal has been reviewed; (2) authors have approval to conduct the proposed diving operations under the oversight of the agency or institution's scientific diving program; and (3) the institution/agency will accept oversight authority for the diving activity.
3.. For researchers from other institutions: Inclusion of all of the following:
a. A letter from the appropriate institutional supervisor (department head, section chief, etcetera), stating: (1) the proposal has been reviewed by the agency/institution's diving control board; (2) authors have approval to conduct the proposed diving operations under the oversight of the agency or institution's scientific diving program; and (3) the institution/agency will accept oversight authority for the diving activity.
b. A review copy of the institution/agency Diving Safety Manual, which shows the institution administers compressed gas diving activities under a scientific diving program, as defined by U.S. OSHA. For comparison, the "Standards for Certification of Scientific Divers and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs" of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences will be used as the minimal acceptable standard. A copy of the AAUS Standards is available from: www.aaus.org.
E. Key Dates in Proposal Process
February 6, 2004: Optional Letters of Intent DUE, preferably electronically (hcri_rp at hawaii.edu). Please ensure that you have no viruses! The file name must include the last name of the principal investigator.
February 26, 2004: Proposals DUE, in electronic form and 12 hard copies by 4:00 p.m. HST.
Twelve (12) hard copies should be submitted to:
Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program
Social Science Research Institute
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2424 Maile Way, Saunders #704
Honolulu, HI 96822
ATTN: Risa Minato
An electronic version should be either burned onto a CD and mailed to the above address or emailed to hcri_rp at hawaii.edu (note underscore between "hcri" and "rp.")
The file name must include the last name of the principal investigator. Electronic files should be in MSWord97 (PC version) compatible format. Please take every precaution to ensure your files are virus-free.
March 2004: Peer review of proposals.
April-May 2004: Project selection and notification. Those who submitted proposals will be notified of the results. Program staff will negotiate agreements with principal investigators of successful proposals.
September 2004: Funding will be made available August-September 2004 (pending availability of funds).
All projects must be completed by December 31st, 2005.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the HCRI-RP office at (808) 956-7479.
F. Evaluation Components
1. How well does the proposed project fall within the announced principles & priorities? (45 pts)?
2. How well qualified is/are the investigator(s) to conduct the proposed project (10 pts)?
3. How well conceived and organized is the proposed project and is there sufficient budget and time devoted to the proposed workplan (15 pts)?
4. How effectively will results of the proposed project be communicated, made available to, and be useful for coral reef ecosystem managers (15 pts)?
5. How effectively will results of the proposed project be communicated and made available to the scientific community and the public (5 pts)?
6. Is there cost sharing or collaboration with appropriate agencies? How involved are the agencies? (10 pts)
* The University of Hawaii is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Awards will be made pending availability of funds.
Title Page
Title of proposed project:
Contact person, title and address
Phone:
Agency partners:
Email:
HCRI-RP Priority
Total Project Budget
Total Requested
Total Matching
ABSTRACT
Administrative Form
Principle Investigator: ____________________________ Phone: ______________
University department/division to be credited for this proposal: _________________________________________________________________
Proposal Title: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please circle the ONE area which best describes this proposal:
(01) Business (04) Marine Sciences (07) OTHER
(02) Earth Sciences (05) Physical Sciences
(03) Education (06) Social / Behavioral Sciences
Does this proposal entail research which has an international focus or will involve international collaboration? [ ] yes [ ] no
EQUIPMENT SCREENING CERTIFICATION (Needed from UH proposals only):
For equipment with an estimated cost over $5,000 and less than $10,000 listed in the proposed budget, an inventory of the
department shall be screened for available use. For equipment with an estimated cost of $10,000 or more listed in the proposed
budget, university-wide screening is required for available usage. The following responses were elicited:
Item of Equipment Department Contacted Response Regarding Availability
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Does this proposal require and/or involve:
YES NO
[ ] [ ] 1. The use of human subjects? Date of CHS application ____________ or CHS # ______________
[ ] [ ] 2. Equipment purchases with an estimated unit cost of $5,000 or more?
[ ] [ ] 3. The use of compressed-gas (SCUBA) diving? If yes, submit documents as requested in the HCRI-RP RFP.
[ ] [ ] 4. The use of recombinant DNA? If yes, submit approval of the EHSO with this proposal.
[ ] [ ] 5. The importation of microorganisms? If yes submit approval of the EHSO with this proposal.
[ ] [ ] 6. The use of radioactive material? If yes submit approval of the EHSO with this proposal.
[ ] [ ] 7. The use of hazardous material? If yes submit approval of the EHSO with this proposal.
[ ] [ ] 8. The use of subrecipients , including consultant and consortium agreements?
[ ] [ ] 9. The use of proprietary/confidential information? If yes, provide details on a separate sheet. Clearly identify any such information found in this proposal.
[ ] [ ] 10. The use of lobbying efforts? If yes, attach a separate sheet describing lobbying activities and funding source of lobbying activities.
Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Research Program
Administrative Form (continued)
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & PUBLICATIONS:
YES NO
[ ] [ ] 11. Will the activity conducted under this proposal result in the development of intellectual property? If yes, continue with item 12. If no, skip to item 13.
[ ] [ ] 12. Will the intellectual property developed be commercially valuable? If yes, please be advised that the terms and conditions relating to intellectual property provisions may be subject to negotiation and may cause a delay in acceptance of an award. If no, skip to item 13.
[ ] [ ] 13. If you answered no to items 14 or 15, are you willing to RELINQUISH YOUR RIGHTS to any intellectual property developed and have the University of Hawaii accept an award with UNFAVORABLE intellectual property provisions, including but not limited to, relinquishment of ownership, royalties, etc.? If no, please be advised that the terms and conditions relating to intellectual property provisions may be subject to negotiation and may cause a delay in acceptance of an award.
[ ] [ ] 14. Will the activity conducted under this proposal result in publication? If yes, please continue with item 15. If no, continue with item 15 and be advised that the University of Hawaii may accept an award with UNFAVORABLE publication provisions.
[ ] [ ] 15. Will you accept a provision that requires a) submission of publication to sponsor for prior review, b) delay of publication for sponsor's revision and/or protection of confidential information, and/or c) sponsor's written approval prior to submission of publication? If no, please be advised that the terms and conditions relating to publication provisions may be subject to negotiation and may cause a delay in acceptance of an award.
RISK MANAGEMENT:
If your answer is yes to any of the following questions, submit copy of insurance policies or other documentation that mitigates the risk to the University. Submissions should include the minimum/ maximum insurance coverage, the name(s) of the insured, and any limitations to the policy.
[ ] [ ] 16. Hazardous working conditions, i.e., use of firearms, uncertain terrain, explosives, fire and other safety hazards?
[ ] [ ] 17. The use of watercraft (research vessels)?
COMMITMENT:
[ ] [ ] 22. Does your proposal include commitments from UH department(s) other than that of the Social Science Research Institute? Provide appropriate details and approvals on a separate sheet.
[ ] [ ] 23. Does your proposal include commitments from non-University of Hawaii sources? Attach letters of commitment.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the above information is accurate and complete and that this project will be conducted in accordance with Federal, State, and University requirements and policies.
P.I. Signature ___________________________________________ Date____________________
NO "PER" SIGNATURE ALLOWED
DEPARTMENT FISCAL OFFICER:
Reviewed by: ____________________________________________Date ___________________
Signature - Fiscal Officer
Phone:____________________________________
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