Request for Proposals: Observational Technologies Grant Program

The Observational Technologies Grant Program is accepting applications to support early-stage technologies that improve the measurement and monitoring of glaciers and ice sheets linked to sea-level rise. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for projects lasting 1 to 2 years.

The programme funds prototype sensors, remote monitoring systems, and advanced observational tools for difficult polar environments. Travel, conferences, and fieldwork are not funded.

What Is the Observational Technologies Grant Program?

This grant programme supports research and engineering projects developing new technologies to better understand glacier and ice-sheet behaviour.

Its goal is to improve scientific observations of ice systems that influence global sea-level rise, especially where current monitoring methods are limited.

Main Objective

The programme aims to:

• Improve glacier monitoring capacity
• Strengthen sea-level rise forecasting
• Expand measurement access in extreme environments
• Support innovative sensing systems
• Advance remote and autonomous data collection
• Generate better scientific evidence for climate research

Funding Amount

Applicants may request:

• Up to $250,000 per project

Project Duration

Projects may run for:

• 1 year
• 2 years

Budget Rules

• Up to 10% may be used for overhead costs
• Travel expenses are not supported
• Conferences are not supported
• Fieldwork is not supported

Who Can Receive Funds?

Funding may be accepted through:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Companies
• Non-profit entities
• Individual applicants

Applicants do not need to be based in the United States.

Focus Areas

1. Subglacial Measurement Technologies

Tools to study conditions beneath glaciers and ice sheets.

Examples:

• Pressure sensors
• Basal motion systems
• Temperature monitoring devices

2. Ice Dynamics Sensing Systems

Technologies that track glacier movement and structural change.

Examples:

• Motion sensors
• Radar systems
• Strain monitoring devices

3. Improved Coverage in Harsh Environments

Solutions that collect data in difficult-to-access locations.

Examples:

• Low-power systems
• Long-duration instruments
• Extreme-weather monitoring tools

4. Ice-Ocean Interface Monitoring

Technologies observing where ice meets ocean water.

Examples:

• Autonomous vehicles
• Remote platforms
• Underwater sensing systems

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects should deliver measurable progress such as:

• Prototype sensors
• Monitoring platforms
• Demonstrated performance improvements
• Technical reports
• Research datasets
• Peer-reviewed publications

Why This Grant Matters

Glacier and ice-sheet changes are major drivers of sea-level rise. Better observations improve climate models, coastal planning, and scientific understanding.

This programme helps close critical data gaps in places where traditional monitoring is difficult or expensive.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be capable of managing the proposed project
• Meet all legal and compliance requirements

International Collaboration Rule

If a project is conducted outside the applicant’s home country:

• At least one team member from the host country must be included

Compliance Requirements

All funding must comply with U.S. laws and regulations, including sanctions rules administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Funds cannot be provided to restricted:

• Individuals
• Organisations
• Regions

Strong Project Examples

• Autonomous glacier sensor network
• Ice-ocean robotic monitoring platform
• Low-cost subglacial pressure probe
• Satellite-linked ice motion station
• AI-enabled data acquisition system
• Polar remote sensing hardware prototype

What Is Not Funded?

The programme does not support:

• Field expeditions
• Travel costs
• Conference attendance
• Non-technical awareness campaigns
• Restricted or sanctioned entities

How to Apply

Step 1: Define the Observation Gap

Identify a glacier or ice-sheet monitoring challenge.

Step 2: Propose Technology Solution

Explain the sensor, system, or platform being developed.

Step 3: Show Innovation Value

Describe how it improves current methods through:

• Accuracy
• Coverage
• Cost efficiency
• Reliability
• Access

Step 4: Build Realistic Budget

Ensure:

• Request does not exceed $250,000
• Overhead remains within 10%
• No travel or fieldwork costs included

Step 5: Prepare Outputs

List prototypes, reports, testing milestones, and publications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Budget Errors

• Including travel costs
• Exceeding overhead limit
• Weak cost justification

Technical Weaknesses

• No measurable improvement
• Unclear engineering pathway
• Limited testing plan

Compliance Problems

• Missing host-country collaborator
• Ineligible participants
• Sanctions screening failures

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Focus on a clear data gap
• Show practical engineering readiness
• Include measurable performance targets
• Demonstrate scalability
• Use realistic timelines
• Highlight climate relevance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much funding is available?

Up to $250,000.

2. How long can projects last?

Between 1 and 2 years.

3. Is fieldwork funded?

No. Fieldwork is excluded.

4. Are non-U.S. applicants eligible?

Yes. Applicants do not need to be based in the United States.

5. Can individuals apply?

Yes, individuals may receive funds directly or through institutions.

6. What outputs are expected?

Prototype systems, reports, datasets, and publications.

7. Are autonomous platforms eligible?

Yes, especially for remote glacier and ice-ocean observations.

Conclusion

The Observational Technologies Grant Program 2026 is a major opportunity for innovators building next-generation glacier monitoring tools. With grants up to $250,000, it supports prototypes and sensing systems that can improve understanding of sea-level rise and polar change.

Strong proposals should combine technical innovation, measurable outcomes, and clear scientific value.