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Morocco Tunisia Technology Commercialization (MTTC) Program - FAQs

What is the Morocco Tunisia Technology Commercialization (MTTC) Program?

The MTTC Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity run by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. It is designed to strengthen the ability of Morocco and Tunisia to move scientific discoveries and new technology developments out of laboratories and into real-world use.

What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The overall goal is to build in-country capacity so that innovations can be commercialized and reach both local and global markets. The program emphasizes technology transfer and maximizing the economic benefits of science and technology, including support for technology development and the creation or growth of technology-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Which U.S. Department of State office is administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), specifically the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation.

Is this funding meant for one project or multiple projects?

OES plans to fund a single award to support one technology commercialization project operating in both Morocco and Tunisia.

How much funding is available under this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount is $148,500.

What are the minimum and maximum award amounts?

The award floor is $125,000 and the award ceiling is $148,500.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity.

What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a discretionary grant under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

Does the project need to operate in both Morocco and Tunisia?

Yes. Proposals must include activities in both countries. Applicants may structure the work as separate components for Morocco and Tunisia if that is more practical, but the overall project must operate in both.

What kinds of activities does the MTTC Program support?

The grant is intended to support a cohesive package of activities that promotes science and technology innovation and improves the systems needed to commercialize research. Examples provided include identifying and supporting economically viable technologies, strengthening an organization’s ability to evaluate the market value of scientific research, and creating or improving processes and support structures that help take technologies to market.

What does "building capacity" mean in the context of this program?

Proposed work is expected to build capacity at two levels: (1) individual capacity for people such as researchers, entrepreneurs, technology transfer professionals, or innovation managers; and (2) institutional capacity for entities such as universities, research centers, incubators, or other organizations responsible for assessing and advancing innovations.

Is support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) part of the program focus?

Yes. The program highlights support for technology development and the creation or growth of technology-based SMEs as part of the broader push to move innovations into real-world use.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to a range of non-government and international entities, including U.S. nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code, foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations.

Is prior experience required to be competitive or eligible?

A key qualification stated is that applicants must have significant experience implementing technology commercialization programs outside the United States.

Is experience in Morocco and Tunisia required?

Experience developing or delivering similar projects specifically in Morocco and Tunisia is described as preferred, indicating that it may strengthen an application.

Are partnerships encouraged as part of the proposed project?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to partner with or engage other institutions to leverage additional resources and strengthen impact.

What is the emphasis of the program: research or commercialization?

The emphasis is on technology commercialization, technology transfer, and strengthening systems that move research outputs toward market adoption and economic benefit.

When was this funding opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted on June 6, 2011, and the creation date is listed as June 21, 2011.

What is the application deadline?

The original closing date was July 1, 2011, and it was later extended. The current closing date is July 15, 2011.

When is the archive date for this opportunity?

The archive date is July 31, 2011.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is S-OES-11-RFA-0011.

What CFDA number is associated with this grant?

The CFDA number listed is 19.017, titled Environmental and Scientific Partnerships and Programs.

Who can be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?

The listed contacts are Dr. Jeffrey Margolis (202-663-3237) and Barbara Jones (202-647-6885) at the Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science.

Is this opportunity competitive?

Yes. Only one award is expected, so applicants are competing for a single project slot.

What is the intended outcome of the project supported by this grant?

The intended outcome is improved capacity and stronger systems in Morocco and Tunisia that help identify viable technologies, assess their market potential, and advance them toward commercialization so innovations can reach real-world users and markets.