|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Should
we first submit a pre-proposal or a full proposal?
It is recommended first to submit a
pre-proposal, since submission and processing of a full proposal requires
considerable commitment of resources both on behalf of the applicant and the Center.
This approach can improve the quality of the proposal and minimize the
loss of time and expenditures resulting from an unsuccessful application.
-
Is
regional participation a must in every research projects?
It
is One of the Center objectives to stimulate capacity building in the Middle
East/North Africa region, therefore, this requirement is a must except for
projects dealing with data banks, capacity building or with certain reference
materials.
-
What
are the deadlines for submitting pre-proposals and full proposals?
Pre-proposal
can be submitted at any time. However, it is recommended to allow sufficient
time for response from the Center and for the preparation of the full proposal
prior to the submission deadline. The deadline for submitting a full proposal is
posted on the Web site under Request For
Proposal.
-
Will
the Center accept unsolicited proposals or proposals that fall outside
the scope of the Request For Proposal (RFP)?
The
Center will fund research projects other than those specified by the RFP as long
as these projects contribute toward the reduction in the cost of desalination
and to the advancement in desalination technology. However, since the Center
allocates only a limited budget to this category, the proposal must show
significant merit and value to obtain funding.
- Can
the Center offer assistance in finding a regional partner?
The
Center has developed a database accessible through the Center’s web site
called Partnering-in-Research Information for the Middle East (PRIME). The
intent of PRIME is to link researchers and organizations with common
interests. Particular attention has been made to identify organizations and
individuals in the Middle East/North Africa region who are interested in
participating in various desalination research areas.
-
With
regard to “payments” whose money is going to be used first, i.e. the
Center’s money or the matching funds?
The
Center funds and all cost-sharing (including in-kind services and equipment)
provided by the researcher should be spent concurrently, i.e. for each Center
dollar spent for which the researcher provides an invoice for payment, a
cost-share dollar should be utilized to match the Center dollar. The Center
realizes this is not always a possibility, particularly when cost-sharing is in
the form of equipment. Therefore, the researcher should strive to spend from the
two funds concurrently, realizing there may be limitations.
- How
are the payments scheduled and paid?
Payments
are linked to successful completion of certain tasks as specified and agreed
upon in the Research Contract.
- What
feedback will researchers who submit proposals get from the Center with regard
to the evaluation of their proposal? Can a proposer request why their proposal
was not chosen? Can the proposer know where they went wrong, for the sake of
improving their proposals for the next Request
For Proposal (RFP)?
Proposers
may make a written inquiry to the Center regarding feedback on their
unselected proposal. Specific comments and scoring results from the Project
Advisory Committee will not be provided, but the Project Manager will provide
overall feedback as to the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, in order
to assist the proposer prepare any future proposals.
- Will
the Center consider proposals requesting funds greater than those indicated in
the Request For Proposal (RFP)?
The
Center contribution given for each project in the RFP is indicative only.
Therefore, it is essential that the proposal clearly specify the scope of work
and the requested funding to enable the Project Advisory Committee make proper
assessment. The Center expects that the requested funds are proportional to
the proposed work and reflect a reasonable and realistic estimation of the
budget components. The Center is prepared to award larger budget, if the tasks
of the project warrant it and the presented costing is justifiable.
- Is
it possible to suggest different project duration than that specified in the
Request for Proposals without requesting additional funds?
The
project duration is determined by the Research Advisory Council, based on the
suggested scope of work of the project. It is recommended that proposers stay
within the suggested period. If the proposer provides justification of
extenuating circumstances that would prevent the proposer from staying within
the suggested period, it will be considered by the Project Advisory Committee
in the course of evaluating all proposals.
-
If
I create something who will own it?
The
Center is very interested in seeing inventions developed and becoming
commercialized from its sponsored research projects. Any invention becomes the
property of the Contractor. More information on Intellectual Property can be
found in the Center's Technology Management Plan in Appendix F of the Guidelines
for Preparation of Research Proposals and in Clauses 13-15 of the Research
Contract.
-
What
other activities is the Center involved in besides funding research projects?
In
addition to sponsoring research projects, the Center is involved in
communication, training, and technical support and assistance. More detailed
information on the Center's overall activities can be found in the "Program
Framework and Profile". This document is available on the Center's web
site, http://www.medrc.org.om, or can be obtained from the Center.
|
|
|
