Open Water Support
Process Overview
Open Water Support involves testing in situ or in a marine experimental setting that is exposed to, and interacts with, the natural environment. These facilities are typically subject to greater logistical considerations due to size, permitting, seasonal variation, etc.
Apply for Open Water Anytime
TEAMER accepts open water applications for Facilities or Capability Providers at any time, independent of the RFTS review process of non-open water applications. This is to accommodate the time sensitivity of open water testing. Applications will be reviewed as soon as possible once received.
Due to the complexities of open water testing and potential environmental effects of this activity, all proposed projects will be evaluated for potential effects prior to submitting an application. Applicants are thus required to await notification from the TEAMER Network Director before applying.
Process Steps
Facility Consultation
Applicants are required to consult with facility members prior to applying for support. Recipients should discuss their technical objectives with the facility to ensure the facility has the capability to assist and provide the necessary support and then complete the application together with their chosen facility partner(s).
Only certain types of testing may occur at an approved Open Water Facility, so pre-application collaboration is critical for determining whether or not a project would be possible.
Note: Depending on the type of requested assistance, certain steps must be completed prior to applying. Please be sure to talk to the facility about these requirements in this initial pre-consultation.
Environmental Assessment
Due to the additional rigors and potential environmental impacts of Open Water testing, an initial environmental assessment is required. Submit proposal summary to Network Director for a TEAMER-approved Environmental Consultant (H.T. Harvey & Associates or Environmental Science Associates) to determine any potential regulatory or permitting requirements. Only projects with favorable results of this assessment will be recommended to proceed; await notification from TEAMER before submitting an application.
Apply, Review, and Approval
Applicant and facility partner(s) complete Open Water Support application together.
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.
Support Process
While open water testing is a critical step for developing ME technologies, it also has an inherently complex process, layered with federal authorizations and state and local permitting requirements. To help navigate these requirements, TEAMER offers support to enable additional open water deployment of ME devices for those systems that require open water validation, with a Facility Network specifically dedicated to providing this support.
All support activities should take place within a 12-month access window.
Post-Access Reporting
Technical Support Recipients and facility partners are responsible for submitting a Post Access Report upon the completion of their technical support activities. 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.
In addition, both TSR and facility partner are required to complete a Post Access Survey. After these steps are finished, the project will be considered complete.