The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking applied research projects to advance the responsible development and operation of offshore wind in southern New England and the Gulf of Maine. The Offshore Wind Science, Research, and Analysis (SRA) program generates actionable knowledge for policymakers, industry, and communities on topics including offshore wind planning and siting, wildlife and fishery interactions, marine operations, transmission and grid integration, and industry development.
This 2026 RFP will fund up to $2.5 million total for projects aligned with priority research areas. Projects addressing the following topic areas are of particular interest: Fisheries understanding effects in southern New England lease areas, Wildlife and Habitat, Regional Transmission Planning, Gulf of Maine Regional Monitoring, and Communicating Existing Science and Research. Individual awards may be up to $500,000.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, private companies, nonprofit organizations, federally recognized and state-acknowledged Tribes, industry partners, and interdisciplinary teams. Applicants must have a registered business presence in the United States, with preference given to applications where the lead applicant and/or partnering organizations are based in Massachusetts.
Key dates include RFP release on March 18, 2026, public webinar on April 1, 2026 at 11:30 AM, Q&A period open from March 25 through April 21, 2026, and proposal submission deadline of April 28, 2026. Award notifications are expected in June 2026. Applicants must submit a completed Application Form (Attachment B) and required attachments to offshorewind@masscec.com with subject line "2026 SRA Application."