Proof of Concept for Smart Sensors to Reduce Solid Waste | W81EWF 22 SOI 0014

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 22 SOI 0014

The Department of Defense, through the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and its Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), is offering a cooperative agreement to run a proof of concept focused on reducing solid waste at military installations using smart sensor technology. The opportunity is framed around a growing national and military challenge: U.S. solid waste has increased dramatically since 1960, landfill capacity is limited, and while recycling and composting help, they do not address the most preferred strategy in the EPA waste management hierarchy: source reduction (preventing waste before it is created). The military also prioritizes source reduction, but it lacks a consistent, standardized way to measure it across installations. Right now, installations typically report diversion rates (the share of waste kept out of landfills or incinerators via reuse, donation, recycling, composting, or waste-to-energy). Diversion measures what happens after waste is generated, not how much waste generation was avoided in the first place. This grant aims to close that measurement gap by using smart sensors to capture consistent, real-time weight data from interior waste containers, creating baseline datasets that can later be used to quantify changes and potential source reduction over time.

The core work in the initial phase (Year 1) centers on designing, building, deploying, and analyzing a sensor-based measurement system. First, the awardee must design and fabricate smart sensors capable of collecting real-time solid waste weight data from interior waste containers and transmitting that information to a secure, sequestered data repository that CERL researchers can access. Because waste containers vary in size and configuration across buildings and facilities, the sensor design needs to be flexible and adaptable so it can be tailored to different container dimensions. After fabrication, the project moves into installation: sensors are to be placed in all interior waste containers at two military installations. Within each installation, coverage includes interior containers in up to two dining facilities, common areas of up to two office buildings, and common areas of up to two barracks buildings. The solicitation indicates installation timing was planned for summer 2022, with the exact study design and site selections determined collaboratively with the selected installations, ERDC-CERL, the sponsoring agency, and CESU partners.

Once sensors are installed, the project collects data for up to three months, with an expected window of roughly 10 to 12 weeks. The intent is to build a credible baseline picture of how much waste is generated (by weight) over time in key indoor settings where large numbers of people live, work, and eat. After the data collection period, the awardee conducts statistical analysis using standard statistical methods. In practical terms, that means turning raw time-series weight readings into interpretable results about trends, variability, and differences across locations or facility types, and producing findings that can support future measurement of source reduction initiatives.

A potential continuation phase (Year 2) expands the concept from measurement into behavior influence and improved sorting. The primary added feature is feedback visualization connected to the existing sensor system. This visualization is intended to display waste generation in a clear, legible way that can nudge occupants to generate less waste and also encourage better segregation of materials (for example, helping people place items correctly into refuse, recycling, or compost streams). The continuation phase would include an additional data collection period of one to three months and another round of statistical analysis, explicitly using the Year 1 dataset as the baseline for comparison. The overall idea is to test whether providing real-time or near-real-time feedback changes behavior and measurable outcomes, and to quantify those changes with a before-and-after analytical approach.

Administratively, this is a discretionary opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, meaning the government typically expects substantial involvement during the project rather than a hands-off grant structure. The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 22 SOI 0014, listed under CFDA 12.630, within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category. The agency anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling of $200,000. The posting shows it was created on April 14, 2022, with an original closing date of June 13, 2022. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional details referenced in the full eligibility text, suggesting nontraditional applicants may be able to apply depending on the specific requirements in the complete announcement.

• The Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Proof of Concept for Smart Sensors to Reduce Solid Waste" 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 Apr 14, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 13, 2022. (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 $200,000.00 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 22 SOI 0014

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