Request for Proposals for Business Resilience Research Projects

The Resiliency and Business Innovation (RBI) Project, is an Economic Development Agency (EDA) i6 grantee and part of the supported programs under the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRSTRT). The RBI specifically focuses on potential business development of concepts related to resilience due to disasters. The RBI provides support, networking, guidance, and education related seminars, trainings, and workshops to advance Puerto Rico’s knowledge economy through the nurturing of innovative products and services related to resilience. Business development resources will be provided, support for researchers working on proof-of-concept for potential businesses and/or matching entrepreneurs to further proof-of-concept research for those entrepreneurs.

Proposal Deadline

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

Maximum Grant

$6,000 per project (up to 10 grants)

Thematic Areas

This RFP is for local investigators that are interested in conducting a case study research in one of the following areas:

Energy Resilience for Businesses

Hardening Business IT Infrastructure (RESILIENCY)

Reshoring

Manufacturing Resiliency

Use of AI for Business’

Water Resilience for Business

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to anyone wishing to develop or analyze an innovative concept that positively affects resilience with preference for development of a product or service benefiting Puerto Rico’s knowledge economy. This proposal is open to qualified researchers with a master’s or Ph.D. and open to Ph.D. candidates currently affiliated with a university in areas pertinent to the research proposed. Entrepreneurs with innovative concepts may also apply if they submit in partnership with a qualified researcher.

Proposal Evaluation Process

Applications will be reviewed by qualified and diverse reviewers who are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and scored according to the criteria listed below. All applications receiving a score of 15 or higher will then go to RBI project staff to determine which are to be funded depending upon quality of the proposal and applicability to the project goal supporting innovative business concepts applied to resilience-based products and services.

Evaluation Criteria

(total points possible 20)

(5 points) Does the proposed research apply to potential products or services that enhance resilience to a disaster?

(5 points) Is the research plan clear and achievable?

(5 points) Consideration will include academic attainment, history conducting similar research, and subject-matter expertise in the designated research area.

(5 points) All projects must be applicable to the potential creation of a product or service related to resilience.

Proposal Description

Project Description

Include an overall project description that includes a summary of project length, cost, key performance milestones and deliverables. Proposer should identify potential products or services that enhance resiliency.

Literature Cited

Use of a specific format is not mandatory, but a list of literature cited is required. Citations must be complete (including all authors, title, and location in the literature).

Biographical Sketches

Biographical sketches are required for all team members and collaborators. Information should be limited to essential, most relevant and recent information on the following:

  • Name

  • Department / Institution and full contact information

  • Educational History

  • Employment History

  • Areas of interest (five keywords or phrases)

  • Publications or achievements most relevant to the proposed work or any other significant publications

Funding is up to $6,000

per project and can be allocated for materials, local travel expenses, and salaries or stipends

THIS GRANT DOES NOT ALLOW INDIRECT COSTS. All costs must be justified. Allowable costs: stipends, student assistants, local travel cannot exceed 10% of the budget, material and supplies. Costs that are not eligible: indirect costs, subawards, proposal preparation costs, maternity and sick leave, contingency, hospitality and entertainment costs, professional associations membership fees.

Matching funds are not required. However, teams are encouraged to obtain and include matching funds from those companies serving as partners in the project.

In addition to the budget, the proposal must include a budget justification narrative. Please upload the Budget table.

Grant Impact. Please describe how this grant will allow you to achieve the project goals.

Deadline and Submission

All proposals must be completed before 11:59 (AST)

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

The announcement of selected grantees will be made on

Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

The grantees will submit the final research report by

Wednesday, November 17th 2021

Applications, proposals, and final research reports must be submitted using the following portal:

For further information about this Resilience and Business Innovation (RBI) Project, please contact the project manager, Annie Mustafá Ramos at [email protected] or by calling the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust at 787-523-1592 ext. 1006.

Contact Us / Contacto

Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
PO Box 363475
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3475

105 Carr. #21, Km. 0.8 Bo. Monacillo
San Juan, PR 00927



Annie Mustafá-Ramos, Program Manager.
Cel: 787-635-5680
Tel.: 787-523-1592 ext. 1006

[email protected]