R856-2-6. Application Review Procedure

  (1) Pre-screening.

  (a) Companies and researchers are encouraged to work with USTAR staff in identifying appropriate researchers and developing a proposal.

  (b) Universities may perform an initial analysis and assessment of the project to be submitted with the application.

  (2) Initial eligibility screening.

  (a) USTAR will conduct an initial screening for each application to ensure:

  (i) completeness; and

  (ii) verification of minimum eligibility requirements.

  (b) Any application that fails to meet the criteria in Subsection R856-2-6(2) will be rejected.

  (3) Panel Review.

  (a) Accepted applications will be reviewed by a panel of independent subject-matter experts ("expert panel") who will evaluate and score the applicant's proposed research project using the criteria in Section R856-2-7.

  (i) Each expert panel will consist of at least two technical experts and one business expert, and use the scoring rubric provided by USTAR.

  (ii) USTAR will have discretion to select the independent experts for the expert review panels and shall consider, as applicable:

  (A) academic qualifications, including, for a technical subject-matter expert, whether the expert has a terminal degree in a relevant field;

  (B) relevant work experience and practical training in the field;

  (C) knowledge of the target industry sector in Utah;

  (D) experience evaluating grant proposals; and,

  (E) any other factors USTAR deems important.

  (iii) USTAR will screen the experts for conflicts of interest before reviews are initiated.

  (4) Governing authority review.

  (i) A subcommittee of the governing authority will convene to review the expert panel's scores and develop recommendations.

  (ii) GA subcommittee will consider prior performance of research team in evaluation.

  (iii) Recommendations from the subcommittee concerning which projects should be awarded a grant will be presented to the full governing authority for final approval.