“Would it be acceptable to utilize funds from the RFP for market research?”
Yes, it is acceptable to utilize funds for market research.
“How is profit determined? It says a for-profit applicant cannot earn one.”
The Trust will reimburse actual costs for goods or services, which will be documented with receipts and invoices. All anticipated costs should be included in the proposed budget as they relate to the provision of services (i.e., the development or execution of a public education and outreach campaign). Profit is defined as “a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.” A for-profit applicant may not, therefore, charge the Trust any additional amount over the actual cost that would result in financial gain for the applicant. For example, if it costs the applicant $70 to run an ad in a local paper as part of the project, the Trust will reimburse only the amount paid, $70, as documented on an original invoice from the publisher. No mark-up or fees will be paid with Trust funds.
“Who are the reviewers? Naming the reviewers upfront is important because collaborations are encouraged. It would be very easy to trip over certain connections in a town this small.”
The reviewers will be selected and approved by the Trust’s Board of Directors through a process to be determined by the Board. Content experts are typically asked to serve as reviewers. Reviewers will be vetted and may not serve on the Grants Committee (the body of reviewers) if they have any personal, professional, or financial interest in a proposing entity. While Escambia County is small and connections may be unavoidable, grant reviewers – including the Trust Board members – are expected to act ethically and will be asked to divulge any potential conflicts of interest in writing prior to participation on the Grants Committee.
“Will there be only one proposal funded or is there a possibility of multiple awards as was done with the Summer Bridge Project?”
More than one proposal may be funded under each focus area.
“Should RFP responses indicate only secured partners or is a response of intent to add other groups and individuals who we plan to work with also acceptable?“
Please indicate whether partners are secured or planned. Proposer must have at least one secured partner per the RFP.
“What is the timing on reimbursements if the timeframe is One Year? Can you describe the billing and reimbursement process to be used- how quickly would payments be made after invoices for services were sent?”
Invoices/requests for reimbursement will be due each month, along with supporting documentation. The due date will be specified in the award contract. Reimbursements will be disbursed within 30 days from the request deadline. For example, if invoices are due on the 20th of a given month, payment will be disbursed by the 20th of the following month.
