Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes. Ensured applicability and replicability of sustainable and digital strategies at port level for middle and small-size maritime ports and inland ports across all the EU, balancing geography and size. Ensured increased adoption of sustainable waterborne transport practices in ports of all sizes. Sustainable and digital strategies will prepare middle and small-sized ports to enhance their competitiveness with a focus on cost-effective and scalable adaptation measures, increase their climate resilience and biodiversity friendliness, and improve safety for port workers and crews of ships at berth. Sustainable and digital strategies will reduce emissions of GHG, air and water pollutants and other biodiversity impacts from ports, applying innovative solutions for zero-emission and biodiversity friendly port operations and ships at berth. Strategies should be applicable to maritime and inland waterway middle-sized and small-sized ports and located throughout Europe. Contribute to the objectives of the EU Port Strategy. Development of sustainable and digital strategies that not only enhance the competitiveness of middle-sized and small-sized ports but also mitigate health risks for populations in port areas. Scope: Ports are important multimodal hubs in the supply chain, linking the sea with the hinterland, evolving into critical hubs and facilitators of sustainable energies, are clusters of industry and circular economy, as well as geo-political and geo-economic resilience. Europe needs ports that are competitive and sustainable on local, regional and global levels, and the Competitiveness Compass calls for a new strategy to highlight the role that European ports will play in the future EU economy. The Green Deal aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and to reverse the degradation of ecosystems by 2030 . The EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy [1] (SSMS) states that infrastructure must be adapted to climate change, less biodiversity harmful and made resilient to disasters. In line with the SSMS, it is also important that ports can provide increasing volumes of clean and decarbonised energy sources, notably renewable energy, and on a modernised grid. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: Identify innovative technologies, as well as results from EU-funded research, innovation and deployment projects and other technological, economic and social best practices. Consider mature technologies ready to be deployed in middle and small-sized ports across the EU contributing to the expected outcomes. Address challenges and opportunities for the implementation and/or for commercial deployment of these solutions in small and medium-sized maritime ports and inland waterway ports located throughout the EU. Developing strategies contributing to the expected outcomes for middle and small ports across the EU following a geographical balance, contributing to the objectives of the EU Ports Strategy. Design and demonstrate integrated smart energy systems and grids for port and waterborne transport operations, including energy production, storage and OPS operations, covering the needs for electrification and charging of port terminal equipment, and modes of transport connecting the port to the hinterland, such road transport, nearby industry and buildings) to make the solutions more energy- and cost-effective. Develop climate resilience strategies of middle and small size ports and their infrastructure, including adaptation measures to address sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other climate-related risks, with a focus on cost-effective and scalable solutions (such as nature-based solutions), building on best practices developed in EU-funded research projects. Analyse how VTMIS and port community systems can be developed and exploited to their full potential, harmonizing functionalities whenever possible, paving t Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: A comprehensive risk assessment of the introduction of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels, in maritime and inland port areas. Improve knowledge on the risks posed by the introduction of renewable low zero-carbon fuels. A review of existing regulations, standards, and guidelines, for all EU Member States, with recommendations for updates, harmonisation or new regulations as needed. Define operational improvements required to enhance safety in storage, handling and bunkering of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels. Development of a strategy for skills development for port personnel and stakeholders involved in the handling, storage, and bunkering of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels, ensuring safe and efficient operations. Scope: The rapid transition to low and zero-carbon solutions in maritime and inland waterborne transport requires port authorities and stakeholders to swiftly adapt to supply large quantities of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels and electricity. However, this shift poses new safety challenges, particularly in port areas where multiple bunkering operations, import/export terminals, and fuel handling and storage activities coexist. The close location of most ports to cities and inhabited areas raises issues of safety on two fronts: the space deficit due to the difficulty of enlarging the port areas in these locations, (leading to e.g. the storage of various fuels in close proximity), and the broader danger to these inhabited areas due to their proximity to the ports and by extension the storage of these fuels. To ensure a safe and efficient energy transition, it is crucial to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the introduction of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels in port areas. As not all ports will be able to store every type of clean fuel in the port or neighbouring area, safety of transport and distribution within the port area (including anchorage) should also be analysed. Existing EU legislation regarding specifically the safety of port workers is limited. The Directive on the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers (2001/96/EC) sets out the EU requirements which increase safety procedures for bulk carriers loading and unloading their solid cargo in EU ports. Further instruments such as the Directive on port State control (2009/16/EC) and the Directive on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector (2009/18/EC, recently amended) , while related to safety in the maritime sector, do not apply to the safety of port workers specifically. Broader instruments such as the EU Occupational Safety and Health Framework Directive (89/391/EEC) and the Directive on the Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment by Workers at Work (2009/104/EC) , while applicable to port workers due to their general character, miss the intricacies needed to address the specific risks of workers in this sector. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that port workers are being exposed to new risks due to the rising use of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels in the maritime sector and the need for safe bunkering and storage of these fuels in port areas. Given the above it is important to have a clear picture of the current status regarding the storage and bunkering of fuels across EU ports, identify existing and applicable legislation, map gaps and potential risks and make appropriate recommendations for follow-up actions. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: Conduct a comprehensive review of the risks associated with the introduction of renewable low and zero-carbon fuels within (inland and sea) the port areas, including distribution, simultaneous bunkering operations, import/export terminals, handling and storage of fuels. Analyse gaps in existing regulations, standards, and guidelines relevant to the safe handling and storage of re Programme areas: Industrial Competitiveness in Transport, Clean, Safe and Accessible Transport and Mobility, Smart Mobility

Advancing basic knowledge and developing tools for sustainable management of key migratory fish species is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: improved knowledge on life history parameters of key migratory fish species, through basic and applied research on key aspects of biology, ecology, connectivity, conservation, management and exploitation; better knowledge of the extent of anthropogenic impacts on key migratory fish species through their entire life cycle within a context of a changing climate regime; enhanced capacity of national and regional authorities (and other stakeholders) to develop and implement effective and efficient tools for the protection, restoration and resource management of key migratory fish species and/or their habitats, and for the appropriate assessment of the effectiveness of measures put in place to allow necessary feedback and adaptive management. Scope: The world’s migratory species are in decline, and their global extinction risk is increasing, with a growing part of this acceleration linked to climate change and a deterioration of their migration routes. Migratory marine fish stocks - ranging across a wide size spectrum - are vital for ecosystem functioning and food security, as their long-term persistence depends on management approaches that balance sustainability with ecological resilience in a system of global change. Furthermore, diadromous fish species play a critical role in land-sea interactions across their ranges, providing unique financial and non-financial societal goods and benefits to society and nature, such as marine-derived nutrient flows to rivers and lands, and exceptional cultural values. Ability of these species to connect and utilise a variety of habitats over long distances, makes them 'umbrella' species, meaning conservation measures for these species benefit broader ecosystems. Protecting these species and sustainably managing the bio-resources they provide across national and international waters, and often multi-national catchments require a holistic and coordinated approach, integrating local attitudes, uses, knowledge, policies and conservation measures, and adapted to local circumstances where necessary. Proposals should: develop methods and methodologies, where relevant at regional scale or global scale, to assess the effectiveness of conservation and management measures that will allow for adaptive management; develop tools and practices to reduce anthropogenic mortality factors for these species and in all key lifetime aquatic habitats and to avoid fragmented non-coordinated management across sectors and countries; generate new knowledge on the interplay between climatic and non-climatic pressures, particularly related to fisheries of marine species, or in relation to infrastructure impeding connectivity (e.g. hydropower, pumping stations, flood control) and pollution for the diadromous species; assess the impact of emerging pressures on the migratory species of interest; assess the ecosystem services and the resulting societal goods and benefits provided by long-ranging migrating and/or transboundary land-sea-connecting species; strengthen data collection systems covering all life-history stages and successive key habitats of these migratory fish, to improve monitoring coordination across regions and countries; incorporate relevant stakeholders and end-users from the design phase through development and implementation, ensuring that outputs can be readily applied by them. The scope includes migratory marine and diadromous species of commercial interest, with particular emphasis on endangered species and endangered local populations. Where applicable, considerations related to farming of migratory species should be addressed. Proposals should involve the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities disciplines. Citizen science is encouraged at all stages of the research activities for this topic. Projects are expected to contribute to the EU Common Fisheries Policy, the European Ocean Pa Programme areas: Seas, Oceans and Inland Waters, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness Keywords: Animal behaviour, Animal biology, Animal morphology, Animal physiology, Animal reproduction, Applied zoology, Aquaculture, fisheries, Brakish water ecosystems, Cultural and economic geography, Ecology (theoretical and experimental; population, species and community level), Environmental and marine biology, Environmental sciences (social aspects), Fresh water biodiversity, Fresh water biology, Fresh water ecology, Fresh water ecosystems, Limnology, Marine biodiversity conservation, Marine biodiversity monitoring, Marine ecosystem management, Population genetics, Zoology, adaptive management, anthropogenic mortality, citizen science, connectivity, conservation, data collection, diadromous fish, emerging pressures, habitats, hydropower, multi-national catchments, pumping station, restoration

This is a Sources Sought Notice. This notice is only a market survey for information, which will be used for preliminary planning purposes. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this notice. This is not a solicitation for proposals and no award shall be made from this notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice or any follow up information requests. Program SummaryThe Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) seeks to launch a Science and Engineering Fellowship Program that selects and places scientists, medical doctors, and engineers in MCC's Washington Headquarters and overseas Missions. The Fellowship Program will help MCC obtain technical expertise to contribute to the more effective application of science and technology in the international development and foreign affairs activities of the U.S. government. For Fellows, the program is an opportunity to engage in international science policy and to contribute to addressing important societal problems.The MCC seeks to pattern Science and Engineering Fellowship Program along the lines of the Science, Engineering and Diplomacy, Security & Development Fellowship program that was initiated at USAID in 1982. In the 28 year history of that program, nearly 400 fellows have been placed at USAID, in Washington or field missions. The Fellows Program has been a very successful mechanism for USAID offices to access scientists and engineers with up-to-date and diverse technical expertise to meet the Agency's strategic objectives in areas such as climate change, biotechnology, infectious diseases, and energy. In addition, the Fellows bring with them connections to a broad scientific community, expanding MCC's collaborations and partnerships. This program is currently administered under a cooperative agreement with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.Program Components The design of this activity is based on the USAID's past experience with science and engineering fellowships. The recipient organization needs to have the capacity to select outstanding postdoctoral-level to senior level scientists, medical doctors, political scientists, and engineers to serve for one to two years in MCC/Washington or an overseas MCC Mission. The placement of Fellows at MCC will mirror our operational requirements; currently these include but are not limited to: agriculture, engineering, education, environment, social science (including gender), health, land programs, economic analysis and monitoring and evaluation. The Fellowship Program will help MCC obtain technical expertise to contribute to the more effective application of science and technology in the international development and foreign affairs activities of the U.S. government. For Fellows, the program is an opportunity to engage in international science policy and to contribute to addressing important societal problems.The recipient organization will be responsible for the recruitment, primary selection and placement, and administration of Fellows in MCC/Washington offices and overseas MCC Missions through an open and competitive process. The recipient organization should have the capacity to place and provide oversight of approximately two (2) Fellows, annually, to include new incoming fellows, renewing second year fellows and overseas fellows, during the life of the award, which is expected to be 5 years. Fellowships will last up to 4 years.The recipient will be responsible for advertising and soliciting candidates from a broad range of scientific, social science, and engineering backgrounds that match the areas in which MCC works and therefore should have expertise in working with the scientific, technical, and engineering communities. The recruitment should also emphasize diversity in geographic location, types of technical institutions (e.g., universities, industry, nongovernmental organizations, etc.), gender, and cultural perspectives. Candidates should be highly competitive in their technical areas and bring to the Fellowship Program an understanding of the latest developments in their technical field and the ability to leverage the broader scientific community in their field in support of MCC's Mission.Other capabilities that the recipient organization should be able to demonstrate include the ability to organize an orientation program for new Fellows to MCC, provide mentoring opportunities to ensure a productive relationship, offer formal and structured networking and professional career development building opportunities that provide Fellows with exposure to a broad range of national and international issues, especially as they relate to science and technology, implement an effective evaluation program to strengthen the program in out years, and collaborate with MCC to support Fellows. Additionally, the recipient organization will be required to maintain or obtain a valid facility security clearance and to facilitate the federal security clearance process for each potential candidate.The purpose of this sources sought notice is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualification of various organizations, institutions and businesses. Therefore, the notice is being posted on both grants.gov and FedBizOpps in order to reach the broadest number of interested concerns. The applicable NAICS Code is 561110, Management Services.It is MCC's intention to find qualified sources that possess the capability to perform this type of requirement. Funding Opportunity Number: MCC-11-9036-RFA-64. Funding Instrument: O. Category: ST. Award Amount: Up to $2.1M per award.

The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL, or the Department), announces the availability of approximately $9 million total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for 2 cooperative agreements aimed at securing fair and reliable critical mineral supply chains free of child labor (CL) and forced labor (FL). ILAB intends to fund one cooperative agreement of up to $5 million in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and one cooperative agreement of up to $4 million in Indonesia. The duration of each project will be 54 months from the award date. Applicants may propose a shorter period of performance in line with their proposed strategy. Applicants may choose to apply for one or both cooperative agreements. Applicants that wish to apply for both Cooperative Agreements must submit two distinct applications.The cooperative agreements will be focused on the supply chains of critical minerals identified in the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, published by the Department of Labor as required under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 and subsequent reauthorizations (TVPRA List). Applications must propose a strategy to address CL and/or FL in the supply chains of at least one (1) of the following minerals in one (1) of the following countries:• DRC: Cobalt, copper, tantalum, tin, and/or tungsten.• Indonesia: Nickel, with the option to also include tin.Applicants must propose to work with key stakeholders to identify and address child labor and/or forced labor, and related labor abuses in their proposed country of implementation. Applicants must propose a strategy to conduct activities under each of the following two focus areas:Focus Area 1: Policy and Legal Frameworks. Applicants will propose a strategy to assist partner governments and supply chain actors to bring their mining, labor, procurement, trade rules, and other relevant policy frameworks into full alignment with international standards, particularly U.S. forced-labor import requirements, International Labor Organization conventions, and other due diligence guidelines and best practices.0F1Focus Area 2: Capacity Building for Monitoring, Identification, Enforcement, and Remediation. Applicants will propose a strategy to improve national and local systems for monitoring and identifying child labor and/or forced labor in critical mineral supply chains. Applicants must also propose a strategy to strengthen public and private sector entities responsible for addressing child labor and/or forced labor in critical mineral supply chains through enforcement actions and through remediation measures for children and individuals placed in conditions of child labor and/or forced labor.In addition to work under the two Focus Areas outlined above, applicants must propose a strategy to conduct a supply chain research study and produce a final report in close coordination with ILAB. Applicants should plan to produce a final research product within the first three years of the project period of performance. Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ILAB-25-15. Assistance Listing: 17.401. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: O. Award Amount: $4M – $5M per award.