“Modeling Acoustic Fields Using OpenFOAM to Determine Navigation Impacts” | W81EWF 23 SOI 0027

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 23 SOI 0027

The Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity focused on improving how acoustic (and potentially electric) fields are modeled alongside hydraulics in OpenFOAM, with the specific goal of understanding how navigation influences those fields and what that means for navigation operations. The project is framed as a research and development effort in science and technology, and it anticipates making a combined, analysis-ready dataset that links multiple “fields” and operational variables into one modeling framework.

At the core of the work is extending an OpenFOAM-based modeling approach so that it does not only compute traditional hydraulic variables (such as flow and related hydrodynamic conditions), but also incorporates navigation-related attributes that can affect, or be affected by, the acoustic environment. In practice, the intended outcome is a richer, multi-layer dataset that includes a sound field and a flow field, plus a set of navigation attributes that are shown to influence either the acoustic field, the flow field, or both. The notice also leaves room for incorporating an electric field component if it is appropriate to the site conditions and project needs, suggesting the modeling framework may be broadened beyond acoustics if that adds value to the analysis.

USACE will provide a real-world field site and key supporting inputs so the work can be grounded in actual conditions rather than a purely theoretical setup. The government-furnished information will include site geometry and several types of operational and observational datasets, including acoustic data, lock operations data, navigation data, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. While the awardee will have meaningful data responsibilities, the USACE is explicitly taking on the processing of operations, navigation, and AIS data, including steps to protect privacy and sensitive information by removing or recoding vessel identifiers. That separation of responsibilities signals that the recipient is expected to concentrate primarily on the technical modeling and on the acoustic and hydrologic data preparation that feeds the simulations.

The successful applicant will be responsible for processing both ambient acoustics and intentional acoustics, with “intentional” referring to an acoustic deterrent signal. In other words, the project is not limited to background sound in the waterway; it also considers purposeful sound sources used for deterrence, and how those signals propagate and interact with site hydraulics and navigation-related conditions. Alongside the acoustics, the awardee is also expected to process hydrological or hydrodynamic data as needed to support the coupled modeling effort, aligning the physical flow conditions with the acoustic field calculations inside the OpenFOAM environment.

Structurally, the opportunity uses a two-phase application process with a Statement of Interest (SOI) due first, followed by a full proposal invitation and submission. The SOI deadline is August 1, 2023, and the full proposal deadline is August 22, 2023. Only one award is expected, and the estimated maximum funding (award ceiling) is $154,000. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding, issued under a cooperative agreement, which typically implies more active federal involvement and collaboration during the project than a standard grant.

Administratively, the funding opportunity title is “Modeling Acoustic Fields Using OpenFOAM to Determine Navigation Impacts,” with funding opportunity number W81EWF 23 SOI 0027. It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 12.630. Eligibility is broadly described as “Others,” with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text of the announcement. Overall, the solicitation is aimed at a team capable of OpenFOAM development and applied environmental/acoustic modeling, comfortable working with real field data, and able to produce integrated outputs that help USACE understand how navigation activity and operational context shape acoustic conditions in a lock-and-dam or similar inland navigation setting.

• The Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "“Modeling Acoustic Fields Using OpenFOAM to Determine Navigation Impacts”" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 01, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 22, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $154,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for W81EWF 23 SOI 0027

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