Request for Proposals – Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering (CACHE)

Development of Computational-Based Tools and Modules for Chemical Engineering Education

Background/Introduction
The CACHE Corporation (cache.org) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote cooperation among universities, industry and government in the development and distribution of computer-related and/or technology-based educational aids for the chemical engineering profession. For over fifty years, CACHE has played a key role in the development and dissemination of educational tools and modules to the chemical engineering profession. 

Project Goals and Scope of Services
CACHE seeks to fund three to five 12-month long projects that focus on the development of novel computational-based educational modules or tools. These modules/tools can be linked to existing courses or they can be used to broaden and support interest in a chemical engineering education beyond students traditionally interested in this field. This request for proposals (RFP) outlines the process for applying for these grants.

Anticipated Selection Schedule
Proposals are due by 5 pm Eastern Daylight Saving Time, August 31, 2022 and awards will be made by October 1, 2022. Proposals must be submitted electronically as a single pdf file to [log in to unmask]

Elements of Proposal
Proposals are limited to two pages of text (12 pt type). A 2-page CV and budget plus budget justification is also required. Proposals should provide background information and motivation for the proposed work, identify the unmet need that will be addressed, and list potential courses or topics that will benefit from the module or tool. Preliminary results and the method for developing the module or tool should be discussed. Furthermore, an evaluation plan of the proposed work needs to be included. A detailed list of activities and timeline is required, and individuals responsible for each task should be identified. Typical proposals will support partial salaries for undergraduates and graduate students who develop these tools, and/or a portion of summer salary for faculty engaged in the development of the tools. Other anticipated expenses include software licenses and expenses associated with the development and dissemination of the tool or module. All tools / modules will be made available for distribution free of charge via the CACHE website (https://cache.org/computational-tools-development). 

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by the Education Module Development Task Force of CACHE and written feedback will be provided for each proposal submitted. 

Budget
The maximum budget is $5,000 for 12 months. Please provide a breakdown of planned expenses and personnel supported by the grant in a separate budget justification page. Facilities and Administration charges are not allowed. The budget and justification does not count toward the 2-page limit.