Research Concept Solicitation
This page last reviewed February 21, 2013
The California Air Resources Board is accepting research ideas from the general public for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Research Plan.
If you are interested in submitting an idea, you can do so through our website at http://researchplanning.arb.wagn.org. Anyone can submit ideas. These ideas will most likely be considered for the 2014-2015 Annual Research Plan, but may be considered for earlier or later Plans.
Sign up on our listserv to receive the next announcement for the Research Concept Solicitation and other notices.
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 e-mail will be sent to all parties signed up on the research listserv and to various University 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 co-funding 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 e-mail. 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 its 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 Annalisa Schilla at (916) 322-8514.
