The extensive review process of GIPP project proposals, to which all proposals are subjected, requires a significant investment of time and usually includes multiple contract formulations between and among the partners. Projects need 8-12 months from initial proposal submission to project approval, and this timing may be subject to availability of funds. Another 3-12 months may be involved in setting up the contracts in the former Soviet Union. Most projects are completed in another 18-24 months.
The GIPP process is not suitable for companies desiring rapid technological innovation and market introduction. It is ideal, however, for companies with long-term visions of technological development and commercialization.
While some steps require completion and approval of previous steps before continuing, others may be accomplished simultaneously, thus speeding up the process. Unpredictable political and/or legal complications in host countries may delay a project’s launch or timely completion. The GIPP program office, together with USIC and the ILAB, are continuously working to improve and speed the review process.
DRAFT PROPOSAL: Original project proposal is prepared by the U.S. company and a DOE lab, which then enters the proposal into the GIPP database. During this phase, the lab takes initial steps to certify or validate the proposed technology.
* USIC membership is required at this stage to initiate the proposal review *
USIC REVIEW: Ensure quality of business plan, including analyses of the market, cost-benefits, risk assessments, competition and projected revenues.
ILAB REVIEW: Peer review of technology validation/certification. Initial consideration of potential dual-use or export control issues.
** USIC and ILAB reviews are concurrent **
DOE REVIEW: Multi-level review process, which includes review by other U.S. government agencies.
INITIAL STATEMENT OF WORK: DOE lab and former Soviet institute describe tasks, deliverables and deliverables schedule. The SOW is developed in conjunction with the next step.
CRADA: The cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) is the formal agreement between U.S. company and DOE lab and typically includes the statement of work and details on distribution of intellectual property and royalties.
FINAL STATEMENT OF WORK: Based on the CRADA signed by the U.S. company and the DOE lab, the DOE lab and the former Soviet partner then finalize the statement of work for the former Soviet partner, including an estimate of costs, establish deliverables, etc.
CONTRACT WITH FORMER SOVIET PARTNER: The DOE lab places a contract with the former Soviet partner, stipulating payment arrangements on the basis of the statement of work.
INSTITUTES ENGAGED: Usually takes about one month for work to start, often due to slight delays in equipment shipments, etc.
PROJECT COMPLETED: Target is two years, but varies due to project specific needs.
Total Timeline: 3-5 years
COMMERCIALIZATION BEGINS: At this point, GIPP funding ceases and the U.S. company and former Soviet partners move forward to produce and market their technology and/or service. The DOE lab partner may be involved on a consultative basis only.