Submission Deadline: 30 June 2022
The WMO HydroHub is seeking to fund projects that will build the capacity of Pacific Island Countries’ National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to use innovative hydrometric observation technologies or monitoring approaches.
Scope
It is expected that the observation technology or monitoring approach utilized in the project will have already been through proof-of-concept laboratory- or field-tests, but will not yet be widely used in the operational community. While minor modifications might be required as part of the project (for example, to allow implementation in a new environment), it is expected that projects clearly focus on supporting capacity building for the sustainable operational uptake of the technology or approach by Pacific Island Countries’ NMHSs.
Solutions should be suitable for operational use and their deployment should provide clear benefits to Pacific Island Countries’ NMHSs. For example, a total cost of ownership which is less than that of conventional methods, an advancement in the utility of the data collected and/or an ability to undertake monitoring which was previously more difficult or impossible.
The focus is on freshwater quantity observation, namely surface or groundwater water levels, river flow velocities and discharge, soil moisture and precipitation.
While activities may be focused on particular environments (for example, ephemeral waterbodies or salt intrusions in freshwater), proposals should have wide geographical applicability, with the potential to help improve operational hydrometry in many different countries/islands around the world. All proposals must however demonstrate a clear pathway by which their outputs will deliver benefits to low- or middle-income countries.
Development Objectives
Projects should address one or more of the following challenges:
- Enhancing flash flood flow measurement (for example, using smartphone video, handheld radar, automatic dilution gauging technologies);
- Improving real-time observational information on groundwater levels and quality using existing and/or new monitoring approaches;
- Improving the quality of near real-time data delivered to hydrological data users through the application of new products or innovative processes;
- Designing hydrometric monitoring installations to reduce vandalism.
Budget
The financial support which is provided under this Innovation Call ranges between CHF 50,000 and CHF 100,000 per project. Between 1 and 2 projects are expected to be funded.
Timeline
- May-June 2022: submission of proposals.
- 30 June 2022: Deadline to submit proposals.
- July – August 2022: Technical and Financial Evaluation of the proposals.
- End of August 2022: Post-qualification interviews.
- Early September 2022: Award.
Terms of Reference
The Innovation Call Terms of Reference (ToRs) are available here.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM).
If you need help with the submission process, you can contact the WMO Procurement Office (procurement@wmo.int) or Ms Laurence Guy (lguy@wmo.int).