FAQ
1. Scope of the Call
Q: What kinds of proposals are expected?
A: The aim is to fund transnational, innovative R&D projects related to high added value textile materials and technologies.
2. Eligibility
Q: Who can apply to this call?
A: Consortia consisting of at least two independent SMEs from two different participating CROSSTEXNET countries can apply. However, eligibility may vary as it will be dependent on the rules of the relevant national funding programmes. Prospective partners are strongly recommended to discuss eligibility with their national/regional funding agency (please, see the contact list in the Annex 2 of the document “Guidelines for proposers”).
Q: Can partners outside the CROSSTEXNET countries/regions participate?
A: This call is primarily directed at those nations/regions that are partners of the CROSSTEXNET consortium. The list of CROSSTEXNET partners is detailed in the Call Guidelines. Additional project partners from countries which are not directly involved in CROSSTEXNET may exceptionally be included if they can provide their own source of funding. Participants from these countries will not be considered for eligibility and cannot be coordinators of project submitted to this call.
Q: How many countries must be involved in a project?
A: A minimum of 2 countries participating in this call must be involves. No maximum limit applies.
Q: Can applicants be involved in more than one project?
A: In principle, it is possible to participate in more than one project. However the different national/regional programmes funding the call in the different CROSSTEXNET territories might provide a different rule; for this reason prospective partners are strongly recommended to check with their national/regional funding agency.
Q: Is there a maximum level of project costs that should originate in any one country within a project?
A: Although there is no firmly defined split of funding between countries within a project, it is recommended, as a guide, that a maximum of 70% of the total eligible project costs should originate in anyone country.
3. Application Process
Q: How can I submit a proposal?
A: CROSSTEXNET uses an on-line submission system (EPS). Access to the system is via www.crosstexnet.eu. Users must register on the website prior to gaining access to the submission system. The coordinator of the project should submit the proposal on-line using the on-line submission system, available until the 12 of March 2012.
Q: Will I receive confirmation of receipt?
A: The project coordinator will receive an email confirming receipt of the submitted proposal.
Q: Does every partner have to supply a proposal?
A: Only the project coordinator must submit the CROSSTEXNET proposal using the electronic submission tool; this is enough at CROSSTEXNET level. Then, at local level, each project partner has to apply for funding from their respective national/regional agencies. In some case, the information detailed in the proposal forms will meet the requirements of some funding agencies. However, some other funding agencies will require the submission of further documents or information. Each partner is requested to contact its local funding agency to check the information required.
Q: Is it possible to submit a proposal in a national language?
A: The proposal form must be submitted in English. The national or regional documents must also be provided to the relevant funding agencies according to the existing national/regional rules.
Q: Is it necessary to provide a Consortium Agreement with the proposal?
A: It is not necessary to provide a Consortium Agreement submitting the proposal. Anyway, the Consortium Agreement must be signed before the first national/regional funds are transferred.
Q: Can I request an extension of the deadline to submit a proposal?
A: No. The Call deadline is definitive.
4. Evaluation
Q: How are proposals evaluated?
A: Proposals will be evaluated by a CROSSTEXNET Evaluation Panel (EP) consisting of a pool of experts nominated by each involved region/nation plus an external expert nominated by CROSSTEXNET who will act as coordinator of the Evaluation Panel, assuring the strictly confidentiality of the information provided, and a fully absence of conflict of interest. The EP Coordinator will also promote the adequate consensus among the experts. If a consensus is not possible, the proposal is declared rejected.
Proposal are also evaluated by the relevant national or regional funding agencies according to the specific criteria relevant to regional/ national funding programme.
Q: Will I get feedback on the project submission?
A: The CROSSTEXNET team will send feedback on the evaluation to the project coordinator after all funding decisions have been made. Feedback on the proposal will be provided also by the relevant national/regional agencies.
5. Funding
Q: Who is funding this call?
A: The funding comes from the CROSSTEXNET national/regional funding organisations participating in the call and each project partner will be funded by the relevant national or regional organisation.
Q: What exactly is funded?
A: The level of funding and the costs covered are dependent on the rules of the relevant national/regional programmes. Partners are recommended to check the contents of their relevant local programme and ask information to their relevant funding organisation.
Q: Is the funding the same as for purely national/regional projects or is there a bonus funding available for this call?
A: Only some programmes offer a bonus for transnational cooperation. Partners are recommended to discuss this with the appropriate funding agency.
Q: Is every partner required to submit a funding application?
A: No, partners may participate using their own financial means, provided that at least 2 independent SMEs belonging to 2 participating countries submit a funding application and are funded by their respective regions or countries.
Q: What happens if a partner fails to be awarded funding by their respective national/regional agencies?
A: One of the CROSSTEXNET requirements is that all partners either receive funding from their respective national/regional agencies or use their own financial means. If a partner is not awarded funding by their national/regional agency and is unwilling to use their financial means, then no partner will be funded (the project will not be funded).
6. Project Implementation
Q: How long does it take before the projects can actually start?
A : It is expected that funding decisions will not be made earlier than beginning July 2012.
Q: Is it a problem if a project starts before the final decision by the national/regional agencies?
A: It is recommended that the project should only start after the funding decisions have been made. However, the project could start before at its own risk.
Q: What happens if a partner leaves the consortium?
A: The issue over what happens if a partner leaves should be covered by the Consortium Agreement.