Applications will be assessed by Innovation Norway based on the sets of criteria listed below. Projects shall be screened by the European Commission, who shall also review state aid issues where the relevant regulations so require. The decision on the financing of the project will be made by Innovation Norway.
24/09/2008
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The assessment process will normally take between two to four months depending on the complexity of the project. Where an application has to be sent to the European Commission for screening and/or state aid notification, the process will take longer than indicated above.
Criteria:
I. Formal
• the application has been filled in according to all the instructions in the Application Form User Guides
II. Eligibility
II.1. Applicant
• the applicant partners are independent entities (0% ownership/no linkage), legally registered in the states participating in the Programme, and their application is based on a partnership agreement/letter of intent signed by all parties
• the entities have been in operation for at least one full fiscal year and their main activities are closely related to the field for which an application is made
• the entities in the partnership and the legal representative signing the application have clean criminal and tax records
II.2. Project
• the proposed project is within the established priority sectors and focus areas and its implementation period is not longer than the deadline for cost eligibility – i.e. 30 April 2011
• no overlapping/double funding arises from applications for a similar project from EU/EEA/International Financial Institution/bilateral or other sources
• the project is in compliance with both EU and national legislation in the Beneficiary State (in particular state aid, public procurement, environment requirements)
III. Selection
• the entities have the technical and financial capacity to implement the project and support its costs
IV. Award
• the project is in compliance with national, regional and local programmes or strategies within a priority area in the beneficiary country and its expected impact is such that it significantly contributes to the implementation of such programmes and strategies
• the link between activities, expected results and objectives is demonstrated and adequately supported by risk-assessment, compliance with cross-cutting themes and publicity measures
• the project is mature, technically viable and feasible in terms of timetable, budget and value for money and incorporates clear sustainability measures
• the division of tasks and roles among partners is established and described and each partner has a significant contribution to project activities