Application process
You must apply using the research councils Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) system.
When applying select:
- council: NERC
- document type: standard proposal
- scheme: NC&C
- call/type/mode: NC S&F In-situ 14C Facility Commissioning
Attachments
In addition to the proforma, your proposal should include the following attachments:
- case for support
- justification of resources
- letter of support
Case for support
The case for support should be no longer than six sides of A4 and should set out:
- how you propose to deliver against each of the essential service requirements
- what success looks like for each of the requirements
Service requirements
1. Delivery of science capability
What we are looking for
Outline how you will deliver the science capability specified in the ‘What we are looking for’ section, how the facility will work towards supporting and delivering excellent science and capture impacts arising.
2. Support of existing and new user communities
What we are looking for
How will the facility, as part of NEIF, ensure access, monitor demand, deliver training, respond to feedback. How will the facility, as part of NEIF, identify, target and engage appropriate audiences.
3. Delivery of physical capability and capacity
What we are looking for
Outline of the projected capacity and capability (including equipment and future capability, plans to identify future needs and ways to upgrade or innovate.
4. Appropriate management and governance to deliver
What we are looking for
How will the facility, as part of NEIF, implement appropriate management and governance arrangements to ensure a quality service, excellent science outcomes and value for money. This should include:
- determining staffing levels
- governance mechanisms (including a governance diagram)
- risk management strategies
- plans on achieving value for money
5. Sustainability
What we are looking for
NERC’s responsible business statement sets out the key commitments of reaching net zero operational carbon emissions by 2040 and increasing diversity and inclusion. What actions will the facility take to understand and reduce its carbon emissions? What actions will the facility take to increase diversity and inclusion?
The case for support should include all the necessary figures, tables and references.
Justification of resources
The justification of resources should be submitted as a separate attachment in the Je-S system. Provide a breakdown and justification of costs and resources associated with the funding requested from NERC to deliver the ‘in-situ 14C’ capability. Up to two pages of A4 are allowed for this purpose (for all collaborative organisations or locations, if applicable). These figures should match those submitted in the Je-S proforma.
It should include justification for all directly incurred costs, investigator effort, use of pool staff resources and any access to shared facilities and equipment being sought.
If required, a development or ramping up period of up to 36 months can be proposed. This should include, within the funding limit of £280,000 per year, any costs associated with:
- developing and establishing the capability
- development of or adjustments to instrumentation at the facility proposed for sample analysis
- sample analysis associated with setting up and testing the extraction and sample preparation capability being commissioned (ongoing costs for routine sample analysis should not however be included in this bid)
Capital costs (such as equipment) to provide the capabilities listed in the ‘What we’re looking for’ section should also be clearly included in the case for support and justification of resources, and will be considered separately by NERC.
All costs associated with the capability must be itemised and fully justified in the justification of resources document, with the following exceptions:
- estate costs
- indirect costs
- staff salary costs (not time, which must be justified)
- other directly allocated costs, for example infrastructure technicians
Resources required for data management should be included if applicable.
Funding levels are 100% FCC for S&F based at NERC centres and 80% FEC for S&F based at universities or higher education institutions.
You should itemise breakdown of funding headings costs and resources associated with NERC funding provided to the S&F. Details of the funding categories can be found in the UKRI grants standard terms and conditions of grant guidance.
If resources are not fully justified, they will be subject to reduction.
NERC does not guarantee any additional funding will be available during this commissioning process.
The managing centre will receive a management fee totalling 1.5% of the overall award. Please include these costs within the ‘other directly allocated costs’ section.
As well as outlining the costs requested from NERC, the justification of resources should also include brief information if the full costs of the proposed capability differ from the costs requested from NERC, and if so how this shortfall will be met. This could include any additional funding, joint agreements, planned commercial activity or other anticipated contributions (including in-kind contributions such as use of use of buildings/facilities, staff, equipment or training) to operate the facility, such as from the host university, if applicable.
Letter of support
All bids must include a letter of support from the proposed host institution stating that they are aware of the bid and supportive of hosting the proposed NERC national capability.
