Notice

Annex 2: FAQs

Updated 19 May 2023

This notice was withdrawn on 13 June 2023

This call closed on 9 June 2023.

1. What is the timetable for this round of IBF?

The deadline for applications for Phase 1 is 12:00 noon on the 9th June 2023. Applications will be reviewed by an independent expert review panel, consisting of individuals with a range of relevant experience in the space sector, large scale funding calls and operating internationally. We anticipate this will take place in late June, with successful applicants notified in early July.

2. How do I apply?

To apply, applicants need to fill in the application form and annex 3 (the budget template) and email these completed forms to ibf@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Applicants are advised to read the call guidance document fully before applying. Any questions not addressed within this FAQ can be directed to ibf@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.

3. How will projects be selected?

Applications will be assessed by an independent expert review panel, consisting of individuals with a range of relevant experience in the space sector, large scale funding calls and operating internationally. The panel will score each application against an agreed set of criteria, outlined in the call guidance and make recommendations to the International Bilateral Fund Project Review Panel, which will be Chaired by UKSA’s Director of International, Engagement and Inspiration. The final decision to proceed will be made by the Project Review Panel. To achieve the Programme’s objectives, we will fund a balanced portfolio of high scoring projects across a variety of technologies, markets, industry and sectors.

4. Do we need to apply for funding in this round if we are looking for funding in Phase 2? Why?

Yes. Phase 2 awards will be down selected from successful Phase 1 proposals. This iteration of the International Bilateral Fund has a tight timetable for delivery and we want to ensure its success. Phase 1 gives applicants the opportunity to develop a larger proposal in more detail and ensures there is sufficient time to do this with international counterparts.

We took this decision based on feedback from our Request for Information exercise in late 2022 and previous international funding calls. We received a significant amount of feedback that suggested participants would value more time to develop their proposals with international counterparts, particularly where ideas or relationships were at a very early stage.

5. Can we just apply for funding in Phase 1 to develop a proposal?

Yes – we are happy to support proposals at this early stage that may not be ready to seek larger funding but would benefit from a small amount of funding to develop a concept proposal with the intention of seeking further funding at a later date.

6. Can UKSA provide advice about any type of collaboration or partnership that the Agency is promoting?

There is no restriction on the types of organisations that can partner – it can be any combination of industry and academia. The only requirement is that one or more of the partners must be based internationally.

7. Can a non-UK based organisation lead an application and therefore receive funding?

The UK must lead any consortia put forward to ensure compliance with funding regulations, but funding can be distributed to international partners and subcontractors. Funding for international partners is capped at 80% of the overall grant value and funding for subcontractors is capped at 50% of the overall grant value.

8. Is there a difference between a partner and a subcontractor?

Yes. A project partner will be included in the proposal and will need to contribute match funding or in-kind support to their proportion of the project cost. A subcontractor will be paid from the award and therefore will be included as part of the overall project costs.

9. What format will the grant agreement take for any funded proposals, and can I adapt this to suit my proposal?

We have provided a copy of our standard grant funding agreements. This is the document that will be used as the formal mechanism for any successful bidders to receive grant funding. Applicants are required to accept the main terms of this grant funding agreement when submitting applications.

10. Applicants requesting changes to the agreement are required to contact the call lead at ibf@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.

Please be aware that the UK Space Agency will only consider variations which are requested where the applicant would be in breach of legal requirements or statutory regulations by complying with the clause, or series of clauses.

11. Does the organisational background information apply only to the lead organisation?

No. All proposals must include organisational background information for all those involved, including those put forward in collaboration.

12. Can we apply to multiple UKSA funding calls with the same application?

Applicants can choose to do this but should note that each funding call has its own distinct objectives and scoring criteria will vary, so proposals that include the same content across multiple funding calls are unlikely to score highly. As outlined in the assessment criteria, the strongest proposals applying to IBF will demonstrate strong relevance to the objectives of international partners, which is distinct to this funding call.

13. Can we apply multiple times to the IBF as a participant or lead in different IBF consortia?

Yes.

14. How much can we spend on travel and subsistence?

Up to 50% of the total funding can be spent on travel and subsistence.

15. Do Minimum Funding Assistance rules apply to this funding call?

No. This funding call is not subject to Minimum Funding Assistance rules.

16. Do I have to partner with an international space agency to be eligible for funding?

Phase 1 funding requires that the UK lead for the project include international partners as part of their consortium. The call does not specify whether the partners are from academia or industry or from an International Space Agency or a foreign government body.

17. What are the match funding requirements for this call?

This call is subject to the Subsidy Control Act 2022, and match funding requirements vary according to the size and type of lead organisation, as well as any activity being undertaken.

For companies, match funding requirements are set out in section 4 of the call guidance.

For academic or other research institutions, match funding depends on whether the institution is pursuing economic activity within a project (i.e. putting goods and/or services onto a market). If economic activity is not being pursued, this is not classed as a subsidy and so the Subsidy Control Act does not apply. This means the standard policy of funding academic institutions at 80% of full economic cost (fEC) would apply and 20% match funding would be the requirement. For all other research organisations, non-economic activity would be funded at 100% of full economic cost.

If you are uncertain whether your proposal is pursuing economic activity and would like clarification, please email ibf@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.

18. Is there a minimum or maximum number of partners that can be in a project consortium?

No – we have set no requirements around the minimum or maximum number of partners.

19. Does a phase 2 project need to follow the same scope as phase 1?

We would expect phase 2 projects to follow on directly from phase 1 and therefore build upon the activity funded in phase 1.

20. Does a phase 2 project need to include the same project partners as phase 1?

No – we recognise that new partners may be introduced in phase 2.

21. Can we apply with only subcontractors as our proposed international partner?

Yes. For the purposes of the application, an international organisation can be classed as your international partner if they are a sub-contractor.

22. Is there a word limit on the application?

No. If you need more space on the application form, please add new rows to the relevant section in the table by right clicking and selecting ‘add new row’.

23. Can we include appendices?

Yes. You are welcome to include appendices with your application.

24. Can we apply without a partner based in the UK?

No – the UK Space Agency can only pay grant funding to entities registered in the UK, and so the project lead must be based in the UK. Applications without a UK partner cannot be considered.

25. Do we need to assess match funding requirements for our international partners?

No. As set out in the call guidance, it is the size of the lead organisation that determines the match funding requirement. This requirement can be met by the overall project consortium and does not all have to be borne by the lead entity.

26. Can we use different match funding thresholds?

No. These thresholds are set out in the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and the UK Space Agency has no authority to deviate from them.