Frequently asked questions  USDA,NIFA - BARD - IIA Food and Nutrition

Who is eligible to apply for funding through this program?

Any Israeli investigator who is a member of a non-profit Israeli research institution or academia who has the written consent of an approved NIFA investigator and an agreement with Israeli company partner.

The company partner: An Israeli business entity, with knowledge and interest relevant to the research plan, expressing an interest in commercializing and translating the knowledge or technology that may be generated by the funded research. The company is obligated to fund at least 10% of the approved budget. In return for its 10% investment in the co-funded research, the company has the first right of look.

How does the program work?

A.      Find a potential project to join from the NIFA list

B.      Get the approval of the NIFA-funded PI to join (expression letter is available)

C.      Find a commercial company to join

D.     Apply with a preproposal by 1/03/2024

E.      You will get a Go/ no go answer by 21/03/2024

F.       If you have an approval apply to the IIA by 15/05/2024

What is the scope of funding?

Awards are based upon the details of the budget justification, the number of funded institutions in the proposed project (up to 3 Israeli research institutions) and the nature of the specific research program. There are two available tracks for submission to the IIA:
NOFAR

MAGNATON   

How many institutions may get funded per proposal?

Awards are based upon the details of the budget justification, the number of funded institutions in the proposed project (up to 3 Israeli research institutions) and the nature of the specific research program.

How do I submit a proposal?

The Israeli investigators will submit a pre-proposal which will describe in short, the research goal, objectives, contribution of collaboration to the research objectives, consent of the NIFA scientist and a brief work plan. The pre-proposal will specify each partner's role in the consortia and the IP rights. The pre-proposal deadline for 2023 is 1/03/2023.

Pre- proposals are submitted to Haim Katz (haim@bard-isus.com). Please check the program guidelines.

How does the evaluation process work?

A.      The pre-proposal will be evaluated by the BARD committee including an IIA and USDA, NIFA representatives Applicants will receive a Go/No Go reply from BARD no later than 21/03/2024 (three weeks after the pre-proposal deadline).

B.      Applicants that received an OK (Go) will apply to IIA Program as per the IIA program’s guidelines. The research plan, written in English, will include the joint research collaboration between research groups.

C.      A meeting with all parties in the project together with an IIA evaluator will be held within a month of the application. Any additional clarifications that may be requested by the evaluator must be submitted to the IIA evaluator within two weeks of the meeting.

D.     Applicants will be notified of the funding decision no earlier [later?] than 11 weeks following full application to the IIA.

What is the submission deadline? For preproposals to BARD: 1/03/2024, for the full proposal submitted to the IIA: 15/05/2024

What are the program’s research priority areas? Research Priority. 

How can I find a commercial partner?              

Upon request, BARD will assist scientists in finding an Israeli company. Please send a brief abstract of the project and your CV to Shlomo Wald. Foreground IP rights will be agreed in advance in a consortium agreement between the investigators /institutions and a memorandum of understanding with the Israeli company.

Can rejected proposals resubmit their proposal for funding?

Yes, they may resubmit their proposal one time only