Each
proposal is subjected to a thorough review. First, it is
screened by a MIPS staff member. If information is incomplete
or unclear, the staff member may work with the company to
solve the problem. Second, a small group of technical experts
in the subject area rates the proposed project on its technical
merits. Third, a small group of business experts evaluates
the business, cost, and economic development aspects of the
proposed project. Finally, an Evaluation Board recommends
projects for MIPS matching funds.
The
most important criteria for selection are: technical feasibility
and economic development
factors. The proposed project first
undergoes scrutiny with respect to the likelihood of success
from a technical viewpoint. At the same time, the project
must have the potential to create or help retain jobs in
Maryland,
to improve the company's competitive position or to help
the state's economy in some other way. Thus, each proposing
company
must discuss in the proposal its plans for commercializing
the research results and the extent to which commercialization
is expected to affect its business.
Bonus
points are given to companies which exceed their required
minimum contribution,
especially if it is in the form of
cash. Donated equipment is considered more favorably than
other in-kind
contributions.
Other
factors which are considered in the selection process are:
level of commitment by the company,
contribution to
the goals of the university, and any enhancements to
university/industry interaction, such as personnel exchanges
and student internships.
Other factors æ such as equitable geographic, industry,
business-size, and campus distributions æ may be
considered in the evaluation. In the case of a start-up
company, the summary
business plan is subjected to careful scrutiny.
Multiyear
Projects: Both one-year (one-phase) projects
and two-year (two-phase) projects are eligible for
MIPS
funding.
In exceptional cases, a project may be funded for three
phases. In the case of a two-year project proposal,
the evaluation
is made upon the technical and economic development
merits of the entire project. One MIPS evaluation factor
is
the total cost of the project to MIPS; therefore, other
considerations
being equal, a one-phase project may be more attractive
to MIPS than a two-phase project.
If
a two-phase project is selected, it is funded for the first
year. Its status
is reviewed by MIPS near
the end
of the year,
and if satisfactory, a proposal for year two is requested.
The second year or phase can then be authorized with
an amendment to the existing contractual agreement.
Thus, the terms and
conditions remain the same for both phases of the
project.
If
the proposers feel that there are extenuating circumstances
requiring a third phase, they should
discuss this matter
with the MIPS staff to determine whether the three
phases would
be considered for funding.
Evaluation
Forms: All reviewers are provided with standard
MIPS evaluation forms.
Copies of these
forms are provided
here as information for potential applicants.
