Because of the occasionally harsh environment that exists at the FRF, it 

 is imperative that "potential users are aware of the prevailing conditions at 

 the time of their experiment and have good advance planning (with regard to 

 both people and equipment). Although this user's guide will help in that 

 respect, any experiment should be discussed with the FRF staff before a formal 

 request for use is submitted. 



Particular attention will be given to those experiments requiring equip- 

 ment to either be mounted directly on the pier or placed in the water. The 

 area seaward of the FRF is a popular commercial fishing area with heavy use 

 from October to December. Because of this, experimental equipment placed in 

 this area should be marked with a pinger (acoustic beacon) and a large, 

 lighted radar reflective buoy. Experiments within the pier length should be 

 marked by a buoy (a pinger is desirable). Any installation requiring diver 

 maintenance should be marked by a buoy or be attached by a handline to a 

 nearby buoy for easy locating. Mooring lines should be large diameter rope or 

 steel cable. The U.S. Coast Guard should be informed of all navigational 

 obstructions. Experiment plans must also include plans for removal of 

 equipment. 



b. Costs and Funding of Research . If the planned research relates to the 

 CERC mission, use of the facility and of the data being collected there is 

 free. Costs for projects not relating to the CERC mission will be assessed 

 according to the user's purpose and resources. Reimbursement will be required 

 for out-of-the-ordinary use of FRF staff and equipment. 



Although availability varies considerably from year to year, limited CERC 

 funding may be available for contract (not grant) work. CERC funding of 

 research by nongovernmental organizations may be applied for either by sub- 

 mitting an "unsolicited proposal" or by responding to a "Request for Proposal 

 (RFP)" issued by CERC. 



Unsolicited proposals are formal proposals, developed by the researchers, 

 which address a research topic relevant to CERC's mission. The proposal 

 should, at the minimum, include the following: 



Title page 

 Title 



Proposed starting date 

 Duration 

 Principal investigator (name, title, phone number) 



Abstract of study 



Study description 

 Research objectives 

 Research application 

 Site description (if applicable) 

 Procedure 



Research results and reports 

 Cost estimate (detailed) 



Unsolicited proposals should be sent directly to: 



Commander and Director 



U.S. Araiy Coastal Engineering Research Center 



Kingman Building 



Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 



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