# Title 95 — Agricultural Products Utilization Commission

## Article 95-02.1 — Categories and General Procedures for Grant Requests

## Chapter 95-02.1-03 — Evaluation and Funding Criteria

### § 95-02.1-03-01. Evaluation and funding criteria.

Unless otherwise specified, proposals will be evaluated upon a basis of one hundred points,
according to the following criteria:
1. Probability and extent of new wealth and creation. Preference will be given to applications
that demonstrate a high probability of job and wealth creation. While the commission does not
make any specific requirements for jobs created per dollar granted, a close review will be
made of return-on-investment and job enhancement. Up to thirty points may be awarded on
this criterion.
2. Credibility and merit. The commission will review each proposal as to its technical and
commercial feasibility. Proposals that feature outcomes that are innovative as well as
commercially plausible will receive preference. Within this criterion, the relative competence
and technical qualifications of project principals will be assessed. Proposals or components of
proposals which can be construed as subcontracts or contracts for service, and which provide
information that the process by which contractors are selected has been competitive are more
highly favored. Up to thirty points may be awarded on these criteria.
3. Timeliness. Preference will be given to proposals demonstrating a high probability of rapid
commercialization or address an imminent need, or both. Up to fifteen points may be awarded
on this criterion.
4. Matching funds. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a shared commitment for
funding from other private or public sources or from the applicant, or both. Matching funds
may be in the form of cash or in-kind services, or both. Approved indirect costs may qualify as
matching funds. Disbursement of funds will be contingent upon evidence that matching funds
have been allocated to the proposal. Up to ten points may be awarded on this criterion.
5. Geographic consideration. Preference will be given to the proposals that center efforts on
nonurban locales. When the proposal requires specific research activities that cannot possibly
be carried out in rural North Dakota, consideration will be given to the ultimate development
and commercialization of the results of the proposal, with the same rural preference.
Favorable community support will be considered. Up to five points may be awarded on this
criterion.
6. Likelihood of success. Commissioners shall provide their judgment on the probable success
and relative importance of the proposed research. Up to ten points may be awarded on this
criterion.
History: Effective April 1, 2012.
General Authority: NDCC 28-32-02
Law Implemented: NDCC 4-14.1-02
