Research Concept Solicitation

This page last reviewed February 3, 2012

The mission of the Air Resources Board's (Board or ARB) research program is to provide the highest quality scientific information and technology possible for actions to protect the health of the people and the environment of California from the effects of air pollution. Each year ARB seeks research ideas to evaluate, which may become the basis for public solicitations or interagency agreements the following Summer and Fall.  Research suggestions must be submitted in the form of 2-page descriptions that are consistent with ARB's research interests and that will support the Board's research mission.

When

The Air Resources Board solicits ideas for the following Fiscal Year Research Plan after the State budget has been passed. ARB seeks research ideas for evaluation that may become the basis for public solicitations or interagency agreements the following Summer and Fall. An email will be sent to all parties signed up on the research listserv and to various Universtiy Research Departments. The solicitation period generally runs for one month. A specific deadline is identified in the official Concept Solicitation Notice.

What

The Board is primarily interested in projects that will assist in addressing the future research needs in the general areas of Health and Air Quality Standards, Exposure Assessment, Technology Advancement and Pollution Prevention, and Global Climate Change. However, research ideas outside of the key areas of interest will also be considered. The general areas of research interest can change from year to year, full details will be posted during the solicitation period. The nature and scope of proposed research concepts will vary as will the size and duration of the project. While there is no minimum or maximum funding amount that may be suggested for the conduct of the proposed research, suggested budgets are expected to be consistent with our historical levels. The Board's research budget is approximately $5 million dollars per year and typically supports about 25 projects with 2 to 3 year durations. Therefore, in order to leverage the State's limited funds, projects that provide cofunding are evaluated more favorably.

How

Proponents should complete the research concept format (posted during the solicitation period) and submit it to the listed contact via email.  Concepts are reviewed by ARB staff, representatives from other research organizations, the Board's Research Screening Committee, and the Executive Research Review Committee.  A final selection of research concepts will be presented to the Board for approval at it's May/June meeting.  Once approved by the Board, ARB staff will either work with the proponents to turn the research concept document into full project proposals or develop competitive solicitations known as Requests For Proposals (RFP).

For more information about air pollution research, contact Heather Choi at (916) 322-3893.