About

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites proposals to develop a practical playbook that enables utilities to adopt adaptive and flexible approaches to capital improvement planning (CIP) under conditions of deep uncertainty. The project will evaluate current utility practices, identify decision points most affected by unpredictable future conditions, and document governance structures that support adaptive investment strategies.

Key objectives include quantifying the benefits of adaptive capital strategies compared to traditional methods, establishing criteria for determining which investments are suitable for adaptive approaches, and producing a comprehensive playbook for practitioners. This resource will feature case studies, decision trees, vulnerability assessment tools, financial and risk insights, and governance guidance to help utilities incrementally integrate adaptive CIP practices.

Applicants may request up to $250,000 in WRF funding. The anticipated project duration is 24 months from the contract start date. Proposals are welcomed from both U.S.-based and international entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, consultants, and other for-profit organizations.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, consultants, and for-profit entities. All participants must comply with WRF’s Timeliness Policy. Researchers with delayed ongoing WRF-sponsored studies who lack approved no-cost extensions are not eligible to be named in proposals.

Post Date: August 20, 2026