We have received several questions concerning the calls for concept notes. We provide the questions and answers here:
Scope of research
Question: In submitting a Concept Note under Theme 1, which focuses on production (i.e. selection/breeding) of crop varieties, we would like to know whether this component can also include ‘crop management issues’ as a separate aspect, without the component of selection/breeding?.
Answer: Inclusion of research and innovation in crop management would be quite in order, in the preparation of the Concept Note.
Question: Will tree crop research be supported by the BioInnovate Program?
Answer: While recognizing the importance of tree crop research, the scope of this First call for Concept notes is for the following areas: Thematic area 1: Climate change adaptability, productivty and improvement for food and nutrition security, for strategically important crops in eastern Africa. Thematic area 2: Agroprocess waste treatment, bioenergy for renewable bioresources and technologies for securing freshwater resources.
Question: What are the priority crops for the program?
Answer: The Program is focusing in the first call on strategically important crops for eastern Africa, as designated by ASARECA, such as cassava, millet, sorghum and sweet potato, and particularly on their adaptability to climate change.
Geographic scope of Program implementation
Question: The guidelines state that “The lead entities from the region may seek, and are encouraged, to include other regional and/or international partners, within or beyond the eastern Africa region, as partners in the proposed project.” Therefore, could such partnerships outside the region include implementation outside the 6 target countries?
Answer: Although the team members may include participants from beyond the BioInnovate designated countries in eastern Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), the implementation of the regional project’s activities needs to be within two or more of these countries.
Concept Note Budget guidelines
Question: We would be grateful if you could confirm the funding level available for individual bids, and also the permitted level of recoveries/ overhead costs allowed.
Answer: As noted in the Call document, there is an overall BioInnovate budget of approximately USD 4.6m in total available for the First Call proposals in Themes 1 and 2. The BioInnovate management would anticipate funding several projects within this total amount. There is no upper budget limit set per proposal at this early stage in the identification of potential projects. As this is the Concept Note stage, the BioInnovate Technical Advisory Committee will be interested in the concept you are proposing, and its degree of innovation, rather than in budget details. A total indicative budget per year over the number of years you are requesting support, will be sufficient. Should your Concept Note be successful, more detailed guidance on budget preparation will be provided in the guidelines for preparing full proposals.
Team composition and leadership
Question: Can international research centers participate in and/or lead the Project team?
Answer: The guidelines for the submission of Concept Notes (page 7), provide the following advice on team composition and designating the lead institution: “Team composition: The proposed project should include a team of partners who collectively address all stages leading to and including product delivery; this means that the proposed project would co-operate and collaborate with a variety of partners with relevant experience in product development such as the private sector (local and international companies), NGOs, social-economic experts, universities, national and international research systems, start-up companies, etc. It is envisaged that the projects will be implemented by multidisciplinary teams, including economic, social and market expertise, coming from different countries, mainly within the eastern Africa region. Each team is expected to include at least two institutions drawn from the public and/or private sectors, from different BioInnovate participating countries in eastern Africa; one of the partners from within the Region would be designated as the project lead institution; the team should include at least one private sector company or NGO; and the team should include at least one other collaborator from within or outside the region. The team should include a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 partners in total.”
