SECOORA 2020 Education and Outreach Request for Proposals

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased demand for high-quality online science education resources. SECOORA is soliciting proposals to develop online or online accessible K-12 marine science curricula and/or activities that can be implemented by parents, teachers, and other educators.

Click here for PDF of Request for Proposals. Due June 18, 2020.

Overview

The Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) is the coastal and ocean observing system for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Our mission is to observe, understand, and increase awareness of our coastal ocean; promoting knowledge, and economic and environmental health through strong regional partnerships.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased demand for high-quality online science education resources. SECOORA is soliciting proposals to develop online or online accessible K-12 marine science curricula and/or activities that can be implemented by parents, teachers, and other educators. The goal is to promote the development and implementation of innovative approaches that engage students in using coastal and marine information to improve understanding of our coastal environment. All materials developed through this request for proposals will be made available on the SECOORA Education website.

This award value is $8,500. Proposals are due June 18, 2020 at 5 PM ET. Click here for PDF of Request for Proposals.

Request for Proposals

Proposals must follow the required proposal format. Proposals that do not follow the required format will not be evaluated. All funds must be used within six months of the project’s start date. The anticipated start date is July 15, 2020.

Maximum length is four (4) pages (not including budget or appendices). Text should be 12-point font, all margins 1-inch, and must include the following components:

•   Title Page (1 page)
  • Proposal title
  • Principal Investigator’s name, affiliation and complete contact information
  • List of Co -Principal Investigators’ names and affiliations
  • Proposal summary (1 paragraph)
•   Description of Project (3 pages)
  • Include a Statement of Need, Goal, and Objectives sections. The Statement of Need should outline gaps in resources and provide a foundation for the proposed curriculum, including identification of the intended audience (i.e. targeted age/grade level).  The goal defines what you intend to accomplish. The objectives should be well defined and should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART).
  • Identify the state standards and/or Ocean Literacy standards the proposed online education materials will address. Proposed education curricula and activities must clearly address grade appropriate state standards and/or address Ocean Literacy standards (here).  Projects that can be replicated in other states are requested.
  • Identify the SECOORA Focus Area being addressed by the proposed effort.
  • Proposals are encouraged to incorporate data and/or relevant information from within the SECOORA geographic footprint.  Below are examples of relevant data resources to get you started:

• Project deliverables and timeline: please identify specific deliverables and a timeline for accomplishing this project.  Initial (beta version) educational materials are due by September 15, 2020. Final education materials are due November 15, 2020 and should allow for unrestricted distribution or access on the SECOORA website.
  • The SECOORA Education and Outreach Committee recognizes that some proposals may build on existing curricula or on-line products. Proposals that plan to use existing resources must demonstrate the incorporation of new data and enhancements to the existing products in order to be funded.

The following proposal appendices are required but do NOT count towards the four-page proposal limit:

• A Budget and Budget Justification. Funds may be used for any purpose related to the project. Indirect Costs and/or overhead charges are not permitted. SECOORA does not require matching funds or in-kind support, but please list any match or in-kind that are available to the project.
• Literature Cited
• A one-page CV or resume for the project team lead or co-leads. Collaboration is encouraged.
• One signed letter of support from a targeted end-user of the online materials.

Eligibility

The lead applicant is anyone from a school, organization, non-governmental organization, company, governmental agency, or institution located in the SECOORA region (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida). Co-PIs and/or collaborators can be outside of the SECOORA region.  Informal and formal educators are encouraged to apply.

Submission

Please submit the entire application package electronically in PDF format no later than 5:00 PM ET on June 18, 2020 to Abbey Wakely (abbey@secooraorgpact.wpengine.com) and copy Jennifer Dorton (jdorton@secooraorgpact.wpengine.com).

Proposal Review Process

Anonymous reviews will be conducted for all applications. All proposals will be reviewed based on the adherence to the instructions provided in this request for proposals and outlined in detail in the Request for Applications/Proposal section.

1. SECOORA will convene a review panel of 3-5 participants.  The panel may include SECOORA staff, SECOORA Education and Outreach Committee members, and other subject matter experts.
2. The review panel will review the submitted proposals and recommend recipient(s) and funding amount(s).
3. Funding will be allocated to awardees via contracts between SECOORA and the awardee.

The successful applicant will be notified no later than July 10, 2020. This is an open and competitive process. SECOORA reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result of this process. SECOORA reserves the right to request that respondents make modifications to their proposal at any time before a contract is awarded.

Questions Regarding Application Solicitation

For any questions related to this Request for Proposals, please contact Abbey Wakely at abbey@secooraorgpact.wpengine.com.

Click here for PDF of Request for Proposals. Due June 18, 2020.