Benchmarking Microbial and Chemical Contamination in Source Water Using Hyperspectral Microscopy

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is a globally recognized nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and management of water. WRF funds and coordinates applied research that addresses challenges faced by drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse utilities. Through its Research Priority Program, WRF identifies critical areas of need and issues targeted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to encourage innovative, utility-relevant research. The “Benchmarking Microbial and Chemical Contamination in Source Water Using Hyperspectral Microscopy” RFP seeks to assess emerging hyperspectral imaging technologies for detecting microbial and chemical contaminants in diverse water sources. The primary goal of this RFP is to evaluate hyperspectral microscopy as a rapid analytical tool for identifying microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants in various water matrices, including drinking water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and stormwater. Applicants will develop a “state of the science” review on hyperspectral imaging, perform laboratory testing to determine sensitivity and accuracy for key pathogens (e.g., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E. coli), and assess data refinement methods including noise reduction and machine learning. A secondary objective is to explore whether this technology can also detect chemical compounds and particulate contaminants such as microplastics, nanoplastics, and nanoparticles in source waters. The total funding available from WRF for this project is up to $250,000, with a mandatory 33% applicant cost share in the form of cost match, in-kind contribution, or third-party in-kind support. The project duration is anticipated to be 24 months from the start of contract execution. The expected deliverables include a final research report (using WRF’s report template), a literature review, a decision tree to guide utility applications, a webcast, and a conference presentation. These deliverables must adhere to WRF’s communication and reporting guidelines. Eligible applicants include both U.S. and international research organizations, universities, governmental agencies, consultants, and for-profit entities. Proposals must be submitted online via WRF’s proposal submission portal, following the *Guidelines for Research Priority Program Proposals*. Submissions must include complete technical, financial, and administrative documentation compliant with federal cost and audit standards (2 CFR Part 200). Proposers must also ensure compliance with WRF’s timeliness and no-cost extension policies. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Questions regarding project scope should be directed to Sydney Samples at ssamples@waterrf.org or 571.384.2108, while technical issues with online submission should be directed to Caroline Bruck at cbruck@waterrf.org or 303.347.6118. The RFP was posted on August 25, 2025, and the evaluation process will consider problem understanding, scientific merit, management capability, communication plan, and budget feasibility. Selected projects will proceed upon WRF contract negotiation and are expected to adhere to the 24-month research period.

Emphasize clarity of research design, QA/QC rigor, and practical utility for One Water sector; align with evaluation criteria for technical merit and communication plan.