November 2009 RFP - Award Criteria & Selection Process
NIREC’s Technology Commercialization Advisory Board (TCAB) is comprised of industry and commercialization experts who evaluate proposals.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals are evaluated in the following areas:
- Market Potential
- IP Potential
- Team Expertise and Experience
- Work Plan Quality
- Risk
- Research Partner Collaboration
(Research Partner Track Only) - Nevada Scope Content/Potential Future Economic Impact
(U.S.-based Early-Stage Company Track only)
Preference is given to proposals with shorter time to market, strong IP positions, established industry and potential customer relationships, and greater collaboration and involvement with entities located within Nevada.
Refer to the Application Guide for additional information.
SELECTION PROCESS
The RFP process provides a structured methodology for submitting proposals for review by NIREC.
Initially, a Pre-Proposal is required in response to the RFP. Shortly thereafter, full proposals are required. Full proposals submitted without a prior Pre-Proposal will not be accepted. Proposals are submitted to NIREC's Technology Commercialization Advisory Board (TCAB) for review and assessment.
The TCAB analyzes the technical and commercialization merits of the projects, seeking additional outside expert technical input where necessary. The TCAB then shortlists a number of proposals that are elevated to a subsequent presentation round.
If a proposal progresses to the presentation round, the principal investigator (or designee) is invited to give an in-person presentation. The presentation typically consists of a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation followed by a question and answer period. Presentations will take place in Reno, Nevada. Associated travel expenses are the responsibility of the applicant under the U.S.-based Early Stage Company Track. NIREC will reimburse associated travel expenses for shortlisted applicants under the Research Partner Track.
Proposals recommended for funding by the TCAB will undergo subsequent due diligence by NIREC management. Final awards are subject to all required approvals by NIREC’s sponsors (i.e., U.S. Department of Energy) and NIREC’s Board of Trustees. Awards by NIREC are final and are not subject to appeal.
"We see billions of dollars flowing into clean-tech, but very few organizations working as effectively as NIREC to make sure that breakthrough products can 'cross the chasm' to commercialization."
- Jim Davis, President, Chevron Energy Solutions
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