Proposal Evaluation Criteria

 

Project Type: __ Process Assesment(PA) __ Feedstock Conversion(FC)
__ Technology Validation
     
Value of New Information to be Acquired Will project address an important technical barrier to recycling or engage a strategic opportunity?
Contribute new information to the technical knowledge base on use of recycled materials or incorporating recycled feedstocks into existing technologies?
Is the product or technology innovative (as opposed to application of an off-shelf, proven technology)?

Improved Competitiveness
&
Value-Added
&/or
Improved Efficiency

Will the proposed project improve the finished product's competitiveness, either through improved manufacturing efficiency or improved product?
Will the finished product (or potential product for PAs) compete favorably with virgin or conventional counterpart in performance and functionality?
Is it likely that the value of the finished product (or potential new product for PAs) could pay for itself (e.g., cover the cost of recycled feedstocks), and receive equivalent or higher price for recycled content product than existing competitive products?
Recycled Material Consumption Potential Is there significant potential increase in recycled content over existing products?
Given successful project outcome and marketing, is there significant increase in the amount of recycled material that will be consumed (or, for PAs and FCs, potentially consumed)?
Applicability and Ttransferability of Results Will project results, learnings, or recommendations be applicable/transferable to the manufacture of other products and/or useful to other companies?
Is it likely that proprietary information claimed by the applicant will prohibit or minimize transfer of useful project information to others?
Marketability & Commercialization Potential Are buyer(s) or new markets identified or discussed for the proposed end-product or improved technology?
Is commercialization of the proposed recycled feedstock, proposed recycled content product, or technology likely?
In-kind and Match Contributions Is total match from applicant (and partner(s)) at a minimum of 1:1?

Grantee Capability
& Qualifications

(Consider partner(s) or service providers also)

Is the proposed technology, product,or feedstock conversion technically viable?
Is the preliminary work plan logical? Does it seem achievable (with budget and/or hours requested?)
Qualifications & experience deemed adequate?
Is applicant likely to have financial backing to execute project?

 

Other Considerations:

  • Is this funding assistance critical to the success of this project or opportunity?
  • Does applicant has fewer than 500 employees?
  • Participation by Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)