Non-Open Water Support

RFTS Process Overview

TEAMER Requests for Technical Support (RFTS) calls are planned to occur several times per year (roughly every 4 months). This allows us to align with the timeframes needed by our stakeholders, with emphasis on rapid implementation and shared results.

RFTS Process Graphic for non-open water support

Steps to apply for TEAMER support

  1. Pre-Consult (30-60 Days)

    Select facility and discuss Request for Technical Support with them.

  2. Apply (30 Days)

    Applicant and chosen facility team up to complete their RFTS application online together.

  3. Plan (60 Days)

    Approved applicants work with the selected facility to prepare detailed test plans.

  4. Test (9 months)

    Technical support to be completed within a 9-month access period following test plan approval.

  5. Report (60 days)

    Upon completion of testing or expertise activities, applicant to submit post access reporting to be made available to the public.

Prior to submitting an RFTS application, applicants, who may include device developers and researchers, are required to discuss their proposed projects with the facilities where they will request access. This is to ensure the proposed scope and schedule are realistic within the facility’s resources and increase the likelihood of the applicant achieving the desired results and findings. Then the applicant and their chosen facility will complete the application together.

All applications will be independently reviewed to assess feasibility and impact. Applicants will be notified if their request has or has not been approved.

Following RFTS evaluation and approval, selected applicants and facilities will create a detailed test plan (view How to Write a Successful Test Plan webinar). Funding will be distributed to the testing or expertise facility to undertake the work, following shared acceptance of the detailed test plan by the applicant, facility, and TEAMER program, as well as acceptance of terms between the facility and applicant (may include intellectual property, non-disclosure, insurance liability, etc.).

Review Support Types

TEAMER has five types of non-open water support:

  1. Numerical Modeling & Analysis
  2. Laboratory & Bench Testing
  3. Tank, Basin, Tunnel, and Flume Testing
  4. Expertise
  5. Commercialization

The applicant should review what the type of support is requesting. This section addresses non-open water support.

Learn more about Open Water Support

Facility Consultation

The TEAMER Facility Network is representative of the top tier of marine energy research facilities in the United States. All facilities listed on the TEAMER facility pages have been approved by the TEAMER Technical Board to provide testing or expertise to Technical Support Recipients (TSR). TEAMER Network facilities are categorized by the type of support they are approved to offer. Only approved test facilities are eligible to provide technical support.

Application

TEAMER offers open calls for Request Technical Support (RFTS) every four months; to support developers seeking access to the nation’s best facilities and expertise. Applications can be submitted at any time, but are only reviewed after the closing date for each RFTS period. Applications submitted after the due date will be considered for the next RFTS. TEAMER support activities should take place within a 9-month access period.

Review & Approval

All applications are independently reviewed by experts to assess feasibility, impact and value. Applications are reviewed by a minimum of three external reviewers which are coordinated by the TEAMER Network Director. Final RFTS recommendations are then made by the TEAMER Technical Board. Applications are reviewed using an evaluation criteria which can be found here.

Test Plan

Following RFTS evaluation and approval, selected applicants and facilities will be required to complete and submit a detailed Test Plan to the TEAMER Network Director, using the TEAMER template. Testing may not commence until the Test Plan has been approved by the TEAMER Technical Board.

Test Process

The TEAMER Network is capable of providing testing support and expertise to test and validate technologies with the goal of making critical breakthroughs in the ME sector.

Please note that TEAMER funding will be distributed directly to the TEAMER network facilities to provide the requested support, not to the applicant requesting support.

Post-Access Report

The TSRs are responsible for submitting a Post Access Report upon the completion of their technical support activities. Depending on the nature of the work, TSRs may work with the facility to complete this report. All reports will be reviewed by the TEAMER Technical Board for completeness and to ensure the work product is clear and concise. Reports should be submitted to the TEAMER Network Director.

Optional: Results Dissemination Support

Following the conclusion of TEAMER support activities and recent submission of related post-access report and surveys, TSRs and their facility partner(s) may apply to receive funding to facilitate sharing the findings of their projects either through conference travel or publication development support.

Find details on this process and how to apply here.