The following are “Questions and Answers” regarding the NAMII Project Call Announcement:
Updated January 7, 2013
Q: What is the definition of a NAMII Member as it relates to submitting a proposal for the NAMII Project Call?
A: A NAMII Member eligible to submit as a lead proposer is one that meets the following criteria:
- Listed as a non-government “Current Member” on the NAMII website;
- Signed the NAMII Membership Agreement; and
- Submitted payment in full for membership dues for their selected membership level. Any level (Lead, Full, or Supporting) is eligible to submit a proposal.
Q: Can AFRL, NASA, and other federal agencies/labs be partners on a Project Call proposal? Or is that a conflict of interest since they are also the funding agents?
A: The same rules apply as in the original Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). These organizations cannot lead a proposal. However, they can come in as partners on a proposal as they are already “members” in that AFRL, NASA and the other federal funding as part of the original award. As such a federal agency must show uniqueness above and beyond any other industry member so as to not be in competition with industry to receive any federal funding. In addition, all other project evaluation criteria apply including the need to be led by industry requirements/transition.
Q: Where on the budget forms should institutions place their Federally-negotiated indirect cost rates?
A: Indirect rates should be added to the appropriate category as loaded costs. A description of the rates and allocation bases should be included in the cost narrative.
Q: Are proposers permitted to charge a fee on proposals for the NAMII Project Call?
A: A fee is not allowable based on the cooperative agreement under which this call is being made.
Q: Should the proposal include a table of contents? If so does it count as part of the 20 page limit?
A: Proposal can include a table of contents, which will not count as part of the page limit.
Q: Should the Letters of Commitment go in the appendix with the bios?
A: Yes. Letters of Commitment should be included in the appendix.
Q: Is it permissible to use project-related State-funded projects as cost share?
A: Yes, provided that the funding is being used to directly support the proposed project’s statement of work and meets the acceptance criteria outlined in Department of Defense Grant Agreement Regulations.
Q: Is it permissible to use a non-domestic (in this case, French) company’s U.S. subsidiary as an industry partner?
A: The U.S. subsidiary can participate on the project if there is existing firewalls for potential ITAR/IP issues.
NCDMM/NAMII and the Government would need to determine if the U.S. subsidiary would be able to become a NAMII Member.
Q: How does the project cost-share work?
A: NAMII was created to support projects that spur industry collaboration and advance additive manufacturing technology and processes. Projects submitted for consideration to NAMII should include some cost share from the submitting organization. Cost share represents a commitment from the submitting organization and a demonstration of willingness to share risk.
Cost share is the portion of project costs, required to complete the project that are not paid/funded by the Government-funded portion of NAMII. All projects within NAMII should have 50/50 cost share. This includes all contributions, including cash and in-kind, that a recipient makes to a project. Only acceptable costs qualify as cost share, but may include staff time, equipment, or other resources, and must conform to other necessary and reasonable provisions. For more information on acceptable cost share please see the NAMII Project and Membership Cost Share Guidelines.
