FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Who can use RAPID equipment and services?

The RAPID Facility is open to anyone, including academics, government agencies, and others. We support projects funded from various sources. However, NSF/NIH-supported researchers receive priority and subsidized rates since these agencies co-sponsor our facility.

What types of projects receive priority?

Priority is given in this order:

NSF RAPID grants (and equivalent grants from NH-supported entities) responding to major natural hazard events and disasters.

NSF/NIH-supported extreme event reconnaissance organizations

Other NSF/NIH grants

All other users

How much does it cost to use RAPID equipment?

We have different user rates for NSF/NIH-supported users versus other users due to federal subsidization. Review our User Rates and Fees document for current pricing. Users are generally responsible for shipping costs both ways.

How far in advance should I request equipment?

Submit your equipment request as early as possible. For complex deployments or international work, allow extra time for logistics planning, customs arrangements, and potential carnet processing (which requires at least one week).

Before You Apply

What should I do before submitting an equipment request?

Complete these steps first:

What information do I need for my equipment request?

Be prepared to answer:

  • Is your project funded or still in the proposal stage?

  • What equipment categories do you need?

  • What's your experience with the requested equipment?

  • Do you need field assistance from RAPID staff?

  • Do you need data processing support?

  • Do you need pre-deployment training?

Should I request equipment before or after getting funding?

We recommend submitting your equipment request and discussing your needs with RAPID staff BEFORE submitting your research proposal to funding agencies. This helps ensure accurate budget planning and equipment availability.

Equipment and Training

Do I need special qualifications to use certain equipment?

Yes, for some equipment we require specific qualifications for insurance and safety reasons:

  1. UAVs/Drones: Require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate

  2. MiniRanger (lidar-equipped UAV): Must be operated by RAPID staff

  3. Z-Boat (unmanned watercraft): Must be operated by RAPID staff

Can I get training on equipment before deployment?

Yes, we can provide training depending on staff availability. We also offer:

  • Annual intensive workshops at University of Washington

  • Online training materials

  • One-on-one pre-deployment training sessions

What if I need help processing the data I collect?

  • We offer data processing support including (among others):

  • High-speed computers built for lidar point cloud processing

  • Structure-from-Motion (SfM) modeling capabilities

  • Staff assistance with data processing (additional fees may apply)

Equipment Logistics

How will I receive the equipment?

You can receive RAPID equipment through several methods:

  • Shipped to your institution before deployment

  • Shipped directly to your field location

  • Pick up at RAPID headquarters (University of Washington)

  • Hand-off from RAPID staff in the field

  • Hand-off from another research team finishing their deployment

What about shipping costs and logistics?

RAPID arranges all shipping but users typically pay shipping costs

We're developing contracts with shipping agents familiar with our equipment

We handle special shipping requirements (batteries, international customs)

Can I take RAPID equipment internationally?

Yes, but special considerations apply:

  • We help with import/export controls

  • Carnets are recommended for international travel (require one week lead time)

  • Battery shipping may have restrictions on international flights

  • Equipment can usually be carried as carry-on baggage domestically

  • For destinations with State Department advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or Level 4 (Do Not Travel), special permission from the National Science Foundation is required before deployment

What about batteries for international travel?

RAPID equipment batteries are small enough for carry-on baggage on most domestic flights. For international travel:

  • Verify battery requirements with your airline

  • Air cargo shipping available for most batteries

  • Ground/freight shipping may be required in some cases

Insurance and Liability

What insurance do I need?

You must have general liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage for damages to people and property. Most academic institutions and employers provide this coverage for research activities—check with your institution.

What if equipment gets damaged or lost?

RAPID maintains insurance covering equipment loss and damage under approved use by staff and facility users. However, you're still responsible for demonstrating you have appropriate liability coverage.

Scheduling and Conflicts

What if there's a scheduling conflict with another user?

We use a priority matrix to resolve conflicts, with highest priority given to NSF-supported users responding to critical natural hazards. We try to accommodate all reasonable requests by adjusting schedules when possible.

How can I see current equipment availability?

The equipment schedule is maintained by the Network Coordination Office and shows current reservations to help you plan your request timing.

Additional Support

Can RAPID staff help me in the field?

Yes, RAPID staff can assist with field data collection for an additional fee. This is required for certain equipment like the miniRanger and Z-Boat.

What if I'm writing a proposal and want to include RAPID services?

We offer free consultation services for proposal writers who don't yet have funded research. We can help strategize data collection plans that strengthen grant applications.

Where can I get more detailed information?