NSF - Management and Operation of the Ocean Observatories Initiative

NSF - Management and Operation of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Title: Management and Operation of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Maximum Award Amount:

$221,000,000

JHU Nomination Limit: 1 For More Detailed Information: NSF OOI

Deadlines: Internal Deadline: January 4, 2017 Sponsor LOI Deadline: January 18, 2017 Sponsor Deadline: April 17, 2017

Opportunity Summary The OOI is a large scale ocean observing system constructed and deployed under NSF sponsorship and oversight as a Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) Project. The system includes an integrated network of cabled and uncabled arrays of instrumentation, distributed in various coastal and global ocean locations, to facilitate Ocean Science research. A National Research Council (NRC) review commissioned by NSF to examine the balance of Ocean Science research and infrastructure costs over the next decade resulted in NSF developing an implementation plan that will require significant changes to the facility operation envisioned by the current CA. The new approaches required for managing and operating the OOI in the best interest of U.S. science will most effectively be implemented by a new operating model that encourages greater efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. This solicitation seeks the services of a qualified organization to provide scientific and technical management and operation of the OOI consistent with National Science Board policy and NSF's decisions regarding NRC recommendations.

Eligibility & Requirements: 

There are no limits or restrictions.

Internal Nomination Process: Interested applicants should send the following documents in sequence in one PDF to [email protected] no later than 4 p.m. on January 4, 2017: 1. 2. 3. 4.

JHU Limited Submission Cover Sheet Abstract (one page, double-spaced) Curriculum Vitae Letter of Intent (5 pages max.) should include:

a. A description of the proposer's strategic vision and proposed management concept for the planned OOI activities; b. A description of the envisioned organizational and governance structure to support the planned OOI activities, including the identification of all collaborating and partnering institutions and their roles; c. A list that identifies full names and affiliations of proposed Key Personnel, including all PIs, co-PIs, and senior personnel; and d. A brief synopsis of the proposer's organizational expertise in operating large scientific facilities. Each applicant should expect to receive a confirmation of receipt of their materials. Applicants not receiving an acknowledgement, or having any questions, should contact the team via [email protected].