Title
National Science Foundation - Smart and Connected Communities Grant (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission approval to hear a presentation from staff and authorize the City Manager to accept the grant, if awarded from the National Science Foundation.
Explanation
Last February 28, 2018, a team of collaborators from the City of Gainesville and University of Florida prepared a proposal entitled “Video based Machine Learning for Smart Traffic Analysis and Management” to the National Science Foundation’s Smart and Connected Communities Program.
This proposal, if funded, would greatly advance the Gainesville Vision Zero initiative. It would develop tools and additional data for our transportation system that would greatly enhance pedestrian safety in Gainesville.
Recently, June 7, 2018, the team was notified that the proposal will continue forward in the selection process, subject to the requirements of the “Prospective New Awardee Guide”
The team will be led by Daniel Hoffman, Assistant City Manager, for the City of Gainesville and Sanjay Ranka, Professor of Computer Science, for University of Florida.
They will be supported by Professor Lily Elefteriadou (University of Florida Transportation Institute and Civil Engineering), Professor Anand (Computer Science), Professor Sivaramakrishna Srinivasan (Civil Engineering, Urban Planning), Emmanuel Posadas (City of Gainesville Traffic Operations Manager), graduate students and other City staff.
Fiscal Note
The requested amount of the grant is $2,299,279 with no local match required, subject to negotiations with NSF.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a presentation from staff; 2) authorize the City Manager to accept the grant, if awarded, and to execute all related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.