Request for proposals

The United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney seeks proposals to develop and deliver research projects on topics aligned with the Centre's research strategy. 

Background

The USSC at the University of Sydney is a university-based research centre, dedicated to the rigorous analysis of American foreign policy, economics, politics and culture. The Centre is a national resource, that builds Australia’s awareness of the dynamics shaping America and their implications for Australia.

The Centre seeks to support research on questions complementing our focus on the trajectory of American power and influence. The Centre is establishing a “small grants” program, supporting shorter, tightly-focused research projects aligned with the Centre’s research strategy. We anticipate making a small number of awards at a maximum of AU$25,000 each (including GST) between now and 30 June 2022.

Indicative research topics 

We are seeking proposals that will address one or more of the following topics:  

• Charting US return to leadership in multilateral fora
• Climate and energy, technological and policy developments in the United States
• Protecting democratic institutions from foreign interference and misinformation
• The revival of industry policy in the United States; research and development in frontier tech; opportunities/risks for Australia
• US public opinion on global leadership, alliances, protectionism and defence spending

Proposal requirements

Proposals must include: 

1. Overview of how you will meet our objectives
2. Explanation of your approach, goals and work plan 
3. Examples of previous work where available
4. Resume 
5. Timeline of key milestones
6. The names and contact details of three referees

Application process and timeline

Proposals will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis, for a stream of deliverables ending 30 June 2022. Proposals should be submitted by email to Jared Mondschein, Senior Research Fellow, at jared.mondschein@sydney.edu.au.

Selected proposals will be issued research contracts with an indicative allocation of up to AU$25,000 per funded proposal (including GST). Grants will be one-time funding, paid on delivery of agreed milestones. Projects must be complete within four months of contract signing. 

Evaluation

Proposals will be reviewed by the Centre's Research Coordination Panel. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the USSC mission and vision
2. Ability to address the proposed topic
3. Ability to comply with the terms of this RFP and contract
4. Demonstrated experience of successfully delivering research of a similar nature
5. Qualifications, references and experience of the applicant
6. Diversity of researchers

Reports will be branded USSC and the USSC will own the content of the reports. Applicants must not be current or former employees or affiliates of the USSC. 

Further Information

For further information, please contact Jared Mondschein, Senior Research Fellow, at jared.mondschein@sydney.edu.au.

The United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney recognises the value of and strongly supports a culture of diversity and opportunity. We strongly encourage proposals from people of all ages and gender identities or expressions; culturally and linguistically diverse groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals; people with disability; refugees and veterans.