Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see the answer to your question below, please submit all questions to with "ALCoE RFP" in the Subject line.


General Proposal Questions

When are Proposals due?

  • Proposals are due on June 15th, 2023 by 5pm CST. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is not required for this solicitation.


The RFP says to use the Science reference style - does that mean the references need to be listed in the order they appear in the proposal with numbers instead of author names and years in the text, or can we use author names and years in the text and put the references in alphabetical order but with each reference written in Science style?

  • In the main narrative, you should use the author names and years in the text, and the Literature Cited section you should list the references in alphabetical order but with each reference written in Science style. This was done to reduce the page load for the Literature Cited section.


Is there a limit on the number of proposals you can serve as PI or Co-PI for RFP2?

  • Yes, researchers can participate in up to two (2) proposals, but may only be the Lead investigator on one.


Is the Dauphin Island Sea Lab considered a MESC institution?

  • Yes


Are co-PIs from non-MESC institutions allowed?

  • Yes, the goal is to compile the best team possible to complete the proposed work.


Can a single university submit more than one proposal if the lead PI is different?

  • Yes, the limit is not based on institution, it is based on investigators. Investigators can be on up to 2 proposals. One as the lead PI, and then 1 as a co-PI.


Is there a mechanism to disclose out of state conflicted reviewers?

  • Please email the SeaGrant Research Coordinator, Loretta Leist (loretta.leist@usm.edu), to address your concerns.

Budget questions

Is there an ALCoE mandated Indirect Cost Rate?

  • No, investigators should use their home institution’s federally approved indirect cost rate.


Is match required in the budget?

  • No


Do we need to budget for a data manager or is this a service of the ALCoE?

  • No you do not need to budget for the data manager. If you have intensive work (e.g. database development) it would require additional costs. Please contact for specific requests.


Is it possible to hire personnel with these funds such as graduate students, technicians and/or post docs.

  • Yes


Is it possible to purchase equipment with these funds?

  • Yes, however you will need to follow State procurement procedures. Additionally, funds distributed by ALCoE may not be used to procure or obtain, extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain, or enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that uses telecommunications equipment or services, as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate of these companies. This prohibition also extends to video surveillance and telecommunications equipment and services produced and provided by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate of these companies, or by any entities using these companies’ equipment, in some circumstances. For more information please refer to section 200.216 of the OMB Uniform Guidance.


What are the costs associated with using the new wetlab facility at DISL?

  • There is no facilities charge, however you will have to budget for gas. ALCoE has tanks and regulators already from our supplier (NexAir) so you would be paying for the rental fee for the tanks you would be using (roughly $17.50 per tank). NexAir has a delivery charge of $50 for when you need to swap out an empty tank for a full one.
    If using the wetlab at DISL, you will need to have someone around campus when you are running an experiment to take care of things. DISL's Tech Support department will help with general maintenance of the whole system, but the users are responsible for setup, and clean up after.