01 M.R.S. § 001-406-7 - SELECTION CRITERIA

All research proposals seeking funding from the PFAS Fund will be evaluated according to the following criteria.

1. Research priority. If a research priority area has been designated by the Commissioner and the proposal relates directly, the project will score higher. 10 points.

2. Identification of Need, Opportunity, Justification. Projects must have potential importance and benefits, including economic, for the Maine agricultural community. Proposals will score higher if they meet the needs of farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. 30 points.

3. Deliverables. Project deliverables should be clearly stated. A plan to distribute research results must be specified. Proposals that include an intention to publish results in an open access journal will score higher. 15 points.

4. Project Methodology and Schedule. The methodology must be clear and scientifically valid, and the project timetable realistic. 20 points.

5. Project Management. Proposals must be consistent with the qualifications and abilities of the persons involved. Proposals that include collaborations with multiple institutions, farmers, and/or agricultural service providers will score higher. Proposals for projects conducted within the State of Maine or by Maine-based institutions will score higher. 15 points.

6. Budget. Proposals must be able to show clear and realistic descriptions of how the funds will be allocated. Permissible budget items include compensation to farmers for plot rental and plot maintenance, as well as publication fees for open-access journals. Projects will score higher if they leverage funding from other sources. 10 points.

Notes

01 M.R.S. § 001-406-7