RFPs will be the principal route for allocation of JIP funds. The JIP recognises that there may be ideas for which content falls outside of scope for these calls. Therefore, whilst unsolicited proposals are not encouraged, the JIP will consider unsolicited pre-proposals that offer new, novel and breakthrough approaches to addressing key subjects. A small component of the overall programme budget remains un-allocated to account for this research.
To ensure clarity and fairness in the consideration of unsolicited proposals the following protocol should be followed:
Potential outcomes of an Unsolicited Pre-Proposal submission are 1) encouragement to develop and submit a full proposal, 2) consideration of a future RFP in the proposed topic area, or 3) rejection of the submission.
Research that addresses global issues in marine sound will be favoured over research that addresses local or regional issues.
Unsolicited pre-proposals will be assessed for 1) relevance to JIP Research Topics of Interest, 2) relevance to JIP research questions, 3) overlap with current RFPs, and 4) technical merit.
Investigators whose unsolicited pre-proposals lead to encouragement to develop and submit a full proposal should follow the guidelines of Format for Proposals Responding to RFP. Full proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria and review process listed under Proposal Review Procedures.
Unsolicited pre-proposals should be sent electronically to info@soundandmarinelife.org. We will acknowledge receipt of proposals submitted.
If the pre-proposal is successful, the JIP will request a full proposal, following the format for Proposals Responding to an RFP.