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Q: If I have a project idea but no partner, should I submit a Notice of Intent?
A: Even if one partner (company or researcher) is not identified you can submit a Notice of Intent or simply call Washington Technology Center at 206-685-1920 to begin a discussion. Washington Technology Center staff may be able to help you identify a suitable partner.
Q: How many proposals are submitted each round and what’s the success rate for Phase 1?
A: Washington Technology Center receives 20 – 30 proposals each round. Success rate for Phase I is typically 25 – 33%.
Q: How many cycles does the program have?
A: We currently have one cycle every year (Spring). Go to www.watechcenter.org/rtd for more information.
Q: When does work on the project begin?
A: Spring round awarded projects start July 1st.
Q: Who receives the Washington Technology Center awarded money?
A: Washington Technology Center funds will go to the researcher to pay university or nonprofit research institution expenses. No Washington Technology Center funds can be provided to the company partner.
Q: Is there cash matching involved?
A: Yes, the minimum cash matching requirement is 20% of Washington Technology Center funds requested for Phase I. Phase II and Phase III cash matching are based on number of employees. See RTD At A Glance for more details.
Q: If the money goes toward the researcher, what is in it for the company then?
A: There are many advantages for the company: having access to university facilities that companies would not have access to, ability to conduct research without hiring staff, use of state money to advance the research.
Q: The headquarter for my company is outside Washington, but we have a manufacturing plant in Centralia. Do we qualify as a Washington-based company?
A: Yes. As long as the company partner has a research, engineering or manufacturing operation within the state, Washington Technology Center views it as a Washington company. And, the research will primarily benefit job creation in Washington.
Q: My small company has a small product-testing problem. Can I apply for just a Phase I RTD project?
A: Yes.
Q: I’m late finishing my RTD proposal. Can I send the document electronically or fax a copy to Washington Technology Center before the deadline and then deliver the 20 copies later?
A: No. To be considered for evaluation, Washington Technology Center must receive 20 copies of your proposal with the university or nonprofit research institution’s grant/contracts office letter by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the proposal deadline. The evaluation process begins immediately, so all materials must be in on time in order to be evaluated.
Q: My nonprofit research institution has never applied for a Washington Technology Center grant. Are we eligible to receive funding?
A: Maybe. All Washington state public universities and colleges are eligible. Other Washington state non-profit research institutions must be qualified by Washington Technology Center. To be considered, submit an RTD Research Partner Application Form or contact info@watechcenter.org, 206-685-1920 to begin the process of qualification.
Q: What are the criteria Washington Technology Center is looking for in a proposal?
A: There are 3 evaluation criteria:
- Economic Impact – A proposal needs to demonstrate a reasonable chance of contributing significantly to the economy of Washington state within the next 5 years. Factors taken into consideration include potential for job creation and retention in Washington and strategic value to the state.
- Commercial Merit- The business information provided is evaluated with particular emphasis on the market data, competitive analysis, sales and distribution plan, revenue model, management team and clarity of product description. Evaluation of the commercial merit is often what determines the success or failure of proposals.
- Technical Merit - The proposed scope of work, the faculty qualifications, and the unique nature of the research institution participation are all factors in deciding the technical merit of the proposal. The scope of work is reviewed for likelihood of success, appropriateness of the budget and milestones, and innovativeness and patentability of the results.
Refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP).
Q: Who reviews the proposals?
A: Washington Technology Center has three standing committees, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Computer Systems and Microelectronics, and Life Sciences. Using Washington Technology Center’s evaluation criteria listed above, these committees determine which projects best meet Washington Technology Center objectives. Go to http://www.watechcenter.org/?s=1032 for a complete list of the committee members.
More Information:
Direct all Research & Technology Development grant program questions to info@watechcenter.org or 206-685-1920. |
