Funding Criteria and Proposal Review Process
Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is committed to promoting a vibrant and sustainable knowledge-driven economy in Arizona.
Investment grants are determined on a competitive basis and judged by national expert panels.
The investment evaluation and selection process is governed by Requests For Proposals (RFP).
The criterion SFAz uses to evaluate the proposals includes: quality of the proposal; quality and merit of the principal investigator(s)’s track record(s); strategic value and competitive advantage for Arizona.
We minimize risk and maximize return on investment through a process of:
Transparent Process: Operations are fully transparent with performance metrics being well-defined and reported on an annual basis. In addition to annual reports, Science Foundation Arizona submits quarterly financial and program reports to the Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) and Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC). In the event an investment recipient fails to achieve or perform, Science Foundation Arizona will terminate funding.
Commitment to Excellence: Science Foundation Arizona is committed to funding only those proposals that pass the rigorous scrutiny of national and international standards such as those used by federal agencies like the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and other grant-making institutions.
Expert, Independent Review: Proposals undergo three separate reviews by experts in science, engineering, innovation and business. Technical reviews are provided by external peer review experts to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Performance Metrics: All SFAz investments track specific performance metrics, and return on investment expectations will be supported by established national and regional measurements provided by an independent economic study.
(Photo above and top of page show a typical outside, expert review panel in process).
Questions Answered: The following questions and answers may also be helpful in understanding the investment award process and timing. |
Q: How are innovation investment awards determined?
A: SFAz’s innovation investment review process is about commitment to excellence and we pattern our process after the National Science Foundation model that ensures public engagement and transparency. The use of outside and independent national expert reviewers ensures fairness, thoroughness and competitiveness. SFAz has staff members with extensive experience in public and private competitive grant and investment award processes. As a public-private entity, SFAz is able to capitalize on the thoroughness and commitment to excellence of the public realm and the speed and innovation of the private sector.
Q: How are Investment Grant applications announced?
A: SFAz publishes its Requests for Proposals (RFP) on its website and sends announcements for its programs to all of the Arizona heads of research in the nonprofit sector. Please see more information here on Requests for Proposals (RFPs) & Application Templates Downloads >>>. SFAz also engages in on-going statewide public outreach communications and community events. If you would like to sign up for to be on our mailing list and receive information regarding SFAz and submissions, please Join our Mailing List >>
Q: How long does the process take - from when I submit the proposal until I hear of a decision?
A: This process is very thorough and rigorous and can take as little as three months, but usually takes about six months. The proposal is first reveiwed by the SFAz staff for required additional information. Then, the proposal is sent out for independent postal review by an external expert review panel who makes a recommendation for a site visit. Following the site visit, a recommendation is made by the scientific program officers and the SFAz CEO to the Board of Directors for their final decision. All reviewers involved are national or international experts in a relevant field.