Establish application process
Determine the degree of competition for funding
|
Determine the duration of the award
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Build in full cost recovery
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Determine payment formula
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Establish application process
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Establish monitoring and evaluation scheme
The application process for funding, whether via grant,
grant-in-aid or procurement, is an important tool in providing a
‘level playing field’ for TSOs. Small TSOs in particular may be
deterred by lengthy or excessively complex processes. Bearing in
mind the principle of proportionality, you should consider:
- the best means of making TSOs aware of the funding opportunity
– for example, many government grant funding schemes are now listed
on a central website, governmentfunding.org.uk.
Lower-value (below £100,000) procurement opportunities are listed
on the Supply2gov website http://www.supply2.gov.uk/
- the clarity of information provided about the
programme, particularly the eligibility criteria
for funding
- the length of application forms
- the amount of supporting information (e.g.
trustees’ reports and financial information) required
- whether a ‘two-stage’ application or bidding
process (an initial sift of applicants based on a short,
easily completed form, followed by a more detailed request for
information from those selected) should be used
- the scope for supporting TSOs in making their
applications, for example by providing training seminars
or telephone helplines, or by providing funding to support TSOs in
developing a bid for funding [Footnote
1]
- the process by which applications will be reviewed or
bids evaluated and the decisions documented
- how to provide feedback or debriefing about
the process, particularly to unsuccessful applicants.
Notes
- [back from footnote 1] It is important
to note that such support in making applications must not lead to
any competitive advantage over other suppliers, in a procurement
process.