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GSI RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES


Solicitation process

GSI solicits applications for treatment systems in need of incubation/evaluation research services. The RFP solicitation process targets vendors of promising ballast water treatment systems relevant to vessels capable of plying the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence Seaway System.

Applications will be reviewed up to four times per year. Awards of research services are based upon results from an objective review process involving third party engineering and biological science experts, and advice from the GSI Advisory Committee. Criteria for selection include the merits of the technology itself, and the extent to which the GSI is able support research and development of the treatment system. NEMWI then offers a suite of GSI research services to successful applicants that is most appropriate to the state of system development per the reviewer comments. The NEMWI then negotiates a contract with the applicant for the provision of the GSI research services, detailing the nature and extent of research offered, time-line, any stipulations or contingencies, and intellectual property terms.

Click here to go to the GSI's solicitation webpage.

Research services

The GSI offers research services to incubate/evaluate prospective treatment systems in terms of operational and biological performance through three scales of testing: bench, land-based, and shipboard (facilities). Each scale is dedicated to addressing specific evaluation objectives, with protocols as consistent with IMO and federal requirements as practicable.

Relationship to treatment approval processes

The GSI seeks to maximize relevancy of its research output to regulatory processes nationally and internationally. Accordingly, the land-based research services offer information consistent with IMO guidelines and standards. Though domestically, regulations and standards are not yet in place, the GSI plans also to strive toward a direct role in providing information in support of domestic treatment approval for regulatory agencies as one of its research services. Meanwhile, the GSI will help ready treatment systems for successful vetting by official channels once they are established.

GSI land-based Facility
Superior, Wisconsin

© Great Ships Initiative 2008