Circular No. 03/2013/TT-BKHCN guiding the determination, selection, evaluation, and direct assignment for implementation of scientific and technological tasks under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020.

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for determining, selecting, evaluating, and directly assigning the implementation of scientific and technological tasks under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020 Implementation of scientific tasks

and technology under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020

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Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology dated June 9, 2000;

Pursuant to Decree No. 28/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 14, 2008, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to Decision No. 677/QĐ-TTg dated May 10, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020;

Pursuant to Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN dated January 18, 2012 of the Minister of Science and Technology guiding the management of the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Agency for Technology Application and Development;

The Minister of Science and Technology issues guidelines for determining, selecting, evaluating, and directly assigning the implementation of scientific and technological tasks (hereinafter referred to as projects) under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020,

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope and objects regulated

Article 1. This Circular guides the determination, selection, evaluation, and direct assignment of the implementation of scientific and technological projects (hereinafter referred to as projects) under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the Program).

Article 2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to the management and implementation of projects under the Program.

Article 2. General Principles

1. Management of projects is regulated in Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN dated January 18, 2012 of the Minister of Science and Technology guiding the management of the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020 (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN) and related guiding documents.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, provincial People's Committees, and municipal People's Committees directly under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as Managing Agencies); the Steering Committee of the National Technology Innovation Program (hereinafter referred to as the Steering Committee); political-social organizations; central-level social-professional organizations; organizations and individuals responsible for proposing projects and placing orders for project implementation within the Program.

The Steering Committee organizes research, discovery, and search for high feasibility projects to propose projects and propose the Ministry of Science and Technology to place orders for projects.

3. The process of determining, selecting, evaluating, and directly assigning the implementation of projects involves close cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Managing Agencies.

4. The process of determining, selecting, evaluating, and directly assigning the implementation of projects is carried out through two stages via science and technology councils:

- Stage 1: Determining the List of Projects;

- Stage 2: Selecting, evaluating, and directly assigning the implementation of projects.

5. The Ministry of Science and Technology approves the List of Projects; evaluates the content and budget of projects.

The Ministry of Science and Technology assigns the Steering Committee to take the lead and coordinate with the Managing Agencies to build the List of Projects for submission to the Ministry of Science and Technology for examination and approval, and to evaluate the content and budget of projects.

6. The Managing Agencies are responsible for building the List of proposed projects within their management authority based on proposals from organizations and individuals and submitting them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for examination and approval.

The Managing Agencies organize the selection and direct assignment of organizations and individuals to implement projects according to the approved List of Projects.

7. Encouragement is given to organizations and individuals to cooperate in proposing and implementing projects to maximize resource mobilization for effective project implementation.

8. The determination, review, and evaluation of projects by science and technology councils are conducted using a scoring method based on criteria specified in Circular No. 04/2013/TT-BKHCN dated January 30, 2013 of the Minister of Science and Technology stipulating criteria for evaluating projects under the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020 (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 04/2013/TT-BKHCN) and other related documents; opinions of experts and independent consulting organizations (if necessary).

Chapter II

DETERMINATION OF THE LIST OF PROJECTS

Article 3. Proposing research topics and projects

1. Proposing research topics and projects and proposing to commission research topics and projects based on one of the following grounds:

- The objectives, contents, and tasks of the National Technology Innovation Program;

- Strategies, plans, programs, resolutions, projects, and proposals that have been approved by the Government, Prime Minister, Ministries, sectors, localities, corporations, and state-owned enterprises;

- Urgent requirements of Party and State leaders, Ministries, sectors, and localities;

- Market needs.

2. The head of the managing agency bases on the guidelines for building plans issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the provisions of this Circular to propose to commission research topics and projects and guide relevant organizations and individuals to propose research topics and projects (corresponding to one of the Forms A1.1-PDX; Form A1.2-PDX-DT; Form A1.3-PDX-BDCN) to be submitted to the managing agency.

For proposals of research topics and projects from organizations and individuals not under the management authority of the managing agency, the Ministry of Science and Technology will directly provide guidance and compile them.

3. The managing agency compiles the proposed research topics and projects into a List of Proposed Research Topics and Projects (Form A2-DMDX) and sends it along with comments to the Office of National Programs on Science and Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

4. The Steering Board compiles the List of Proposed Research Topics and Projects proposed by the managing agencies; leads and organizes expert groups to advise on research topics and projects that meet the requirements stipulated in Decision No. 677/QD-TTg dated May 10, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving the National Technology Innovation Program until 2020 and Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN. Expert opinions are expressed in writing (Form A3.1-YKCG) and the Minutes of the expert group meeting (Form A4-BBHC).

5. The Steering Board processes and compiles research topics and projects that meet the conditions for implementation into a priority list and proposes the selection method or direct assignment to organizations and individuals to implement into a List of Research Topics and Projects (Form A5.1-DMXD) and attaches the Report on the Work Results of the Steering Board (Form A6-KQLV).

6. In necessary cases, the Steering Board reports to the Ministry of Science and Technology to allow the organization to seek independent expert opinions both domestically and internationally (hereinafter referred to as independent experts) to select priority research topics and projects. Independent expert opinions are expressed in writing (Form A3.1-YKCGDL).

Article 4. The Scientific and Technological Council determines research topics and projects

1. The Scientific and Technological Council determining research topics and projects (hereinafter referred to as the Council) is established by the Minister of Science and Technology upon the proposal of the Steering Board.

2. The Steering Board leads and coordinates with related functional units to organize meetings of the Council to advise on research topics and projects to be implemented in the Program.

3. Members of the Council are reputable scientists, technology experts, economic experts, financial experts, responsible professionals with appropriate expertise, deep knowledge in science and technology fields, active in scientific and technological activities in the last five years within the assigned advisory field, and experienced managers in practical work from relevant industries, fields, and enterprises expected to benefit from research results or in the same industry.

4. The Council consists of seven to nine members, including the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members. The composition of the Council (excluding the Chairman) includes: scientists, technology experts, economic experts, financial experts, and officials from state management agencies, enterprises, and other related organizations. In special cases, the number and composition of the Council are proposed by the Steering Board and reported to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision.

5. The Council operates on the principle of democracy and objectivity; each member is individually responsible for the objectivity and accuracy of their independent advisory opinions, while the Council collectively bears responsibility for its final conclusions.

6. Each Council may advise on one (01) or several research topics and projects (in cases where the topics and projects are in the same field).

Article 5. Organizing the Council Meeting

1. The Chairman of the Council shall be responsible for assigning the reviewing members at least seven working days before the Council meeting. Each topic or project shall have two reviewing members assigned.

2. The working documents of the Council include: a copy of the Proposal File for the topic or project as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 3 of this Circular; Decision on Establishing the Council; List of Topics and Projects (Form A5.1-DMXĐ); copies of relevant documents and legal texts; Evaluation Form for the Proposal File for the topic or project (Form A7.1-PĐG; Form A7.2-PĐG-ĐT; Form A7.3-PĐG-BĐCN).

Documents provided to attending representatives include: a copy of the Proposal File for the topic or project as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 3 of this Circular; List of Topics and Projects (Form A5.1-DMXĐ); copies of relevant documents and legal texts.

These documents must be sent to Council members and attending representatives at least seven working days before the Council meeting, and to independent consultants (if any) at least ten working days before the Council meeting.

3. Attending representatives at the Council meeting include: representatives from the Steering Committee, representatives from the management agency of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and representatives from the main managing agencies.

4. The Council meeting must have at least two-thirds of the Council members present, including the Chairman or Vice-Chairman; two reviewing members. Council members provide their evaluation opinions in writing according to the Evaluation Form for the Proposal File for the topic or project as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. Written opinions from absent members only serve as reference.

5. The Chairman of the Council presides over the Council meetings; in the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall preside over the meeting.

6. The Council discusses each proposal for topics and projects listed in the List of Topics and Projects regarding the following issues:

a) The appropriateness of the topic or project in relation to the requirements of Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN and the criteria for evaluating topics and projects as specified in Circular No. 04/2013/TT-BKHCN;

b) The appropriateness of the name, objectives, content, and product requirements of the topic or project; economic-technical indicators for products that are technologies;

c) The appropriateness of the method for selecting organizations or individuals to implement the topic or project;

d) Estimated budget and necessary funding sources to implement the topic or project.

7. Procedures for the Council's work

a) The administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the Council; the Council agrees on the working methods and appoints one member as the scientific secretary responsible for recording discussion opinions and drafting minutes of the Council meetings;

b) The administrative secretary presents the List of Topics and Projects;

c) Reviewing members present their opinions on each assigned topic or project. Other members express their opinions on each topic or project;

The Council discusses the requirements stipulated in Clause 6 of this Article.

d) Representatives from the main managing agencies, organizations, or individuals proposing the topics or projects are responsible for providing additional explanations if requested by the Council;

e) Listening to opinions of attending representatives; Report of independent consultants (if any);

g) Listening to opinions of the Steering Committee (if any);

h) Council members evaluate each topic or project according to the Evaluation Form for the Proposal File for the topic or project;

i) The Council elects a counting committee consisting of three members, including one Chairperson. Counting results are recorded in the Counting Minutes (Form A8-BBKP);

k) Topics or projects proposed by the Council to be included in the list must be confirmed by at least two-thirds of the Council members present (at the same time more than half of the total number of Council members as decided in the establishment decision) to meet the requirements;

l) The Council discusses to unify requirements for each topic or project and votes to approve the Council's conclusions for each topic or project based on majority principle and recommendations on selection methods or direct assignment for each topic or project;

m) The Council approves the Minutes of the Council Meeting Determining Tasks (Form A9-BBHĐXĐNV) attached with the List of Topics and Projects approved by the Council, ranked from highest to lowest according to the number of evaluation forms meeting the general requirements (Form A5.2-DMTD).

8. Based on the Council's work results, opinions of independent consultants (if any), the Steering Committee submits to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration and approval of the List of Topics and Projects (Form A5.3-DMTH).

Article 6. Approval of the List of Research Topics and Projects

1. Based on the proposal of the Steering Committee, the Minister of Science and Technology shall consider and approve the List of Research Topics and Projects for selection and direct assignment to organizations or individuals to implement.

Documents for approval include:

a) A copy of the Research Topic and Project Proposal File as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 3 of this Circular; Decision on the establishment of the Review Board; List of Research Topics and Projects (Form 5.3-DMTH); copies of related documents and legal texts;

b) The explanation of the Steering Committee regarding the opinions of the Review Board (if any);

c) Minutes of the Review Board's work accompanied by critical reviews and opinions of the Board members;

d) Documents and Reports on the work results of the Steering Committee during the process of identifying research topics and projects (Form A6-KQLV);

e) Opinions of independent consulting experts (if any).

2. In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall organize an assessment of the List of Research Topics and Projects before approval. The assessment of the List of Research Topics and Projects shall be carried out through an Assessment Team. The Assessment Team shall be established by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Chapter III

SELECTION AND DIRECT ASSIGNMENT OF RESEARCH TOPICS AND PROJECTS

Article 7. Application Documents for Selection and Direct Assignment

1. Application documents for selection and direct assignment include the following documents:

a) Application form for leading the implementation of research topics and projects (Form B1-ĐĐK);

b) Detailed description of the research topic (Form B2.1-TMĐT), Detailed description of the project (Form B2.2-TMDA);

c) Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization applying to lead the research topic and project (Form B3-HĐKHCN);

d) Scientific curriculum vitae of the individual applying to lead the research topic and project and other key individuals involved, with confirmation from the management authority - if applicable (Form B4-LLKH);

e) Legal document confirming the agreement of the organization applying to collaborate in implementing the research topic and project - if applicable (Form B5-VBXN);

g) Legal documents proving that the research topic and project are implemented in areas with difficult socio-economic conditions, particularly difficult conditions; research topics and projects serving technology transfer, application, and mastery of technologies listed in the encouraged technology transfer directory; research topics and projects serving the production of key products, main products, and national products approved by the competent authority;

h) Legal documents proving the capacity in human resources, equipment, finance, and ability to mobilize funds from other sources to implement the research topic and project;

i) Legal document confirming the agreement of relevant authorities on the application of the results of the research topic and project if the results meet scientific and technological requirements and quality standards (if applicable).

2. Application documents for selection and direct assignment consist of one original set (with seals and signatures) presented and printed on A4 paper using Vietnamese font from the Unicode character set according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 6909:2001, font size 14, and one electronic copy of the application stored on a CD (in PDF format, without password protection) enclosed in a sealed envelope marked clearly:

a) Name of the research topic and project applied for selection and direct assignment (name of the research topic and project; name and code number of the Program specified in Article 5 of Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN);

b) Name and address of the organization registering as the main organizer and the organization participating in cooperation (only list organizations that have confirmed participation in cooperation);

c) Full name of the individual applying to lead and list of key individuals participating in the implementation of the research topic and project (only listing individuals confirmed to participate in collaboration).

d) List of documents included in the registration package.

Article 8. Submission of Registration Documents for Selection and Direct Assignment

1. The managing agency of the research topic or project shall notify and guide organizations and individuals to prepare registration documents for participation in selection and direct assignment to implement the research topic or project in accordance with Article 7 of this Circular.

2. The registration documents for participation in selection and direct assignment to implement the research topic or project shall be sent via postal service or submitted directly to the managing agency of the research topic or project.

3. Deadline for submission of documents: As announced by the managing agency of the research topic or project.

4. The date of receipt of the documents is the date stamped at the bottom of the provincial or municipal post office where the managing agency of the research topic or project is located (in case of sending via postal service) or the stamp received by the managing agency of the research topic or project.

5. Within the prescribed deadline for submission of documents, organizations and individuals who have registered for participation in selection and direct assignment may withdraw their submitted documents to replace them with new ones or supplement the submitted documents. The replacement of new documents and supplementation of documents must be completed before the deadline for submission of documents as prescribed; supplementary documents form part of the registration documents.

6. The managing agency of the research topic or project shall organize the opening of documents, inspection, and confirmation of the validity of the documents in the presence of representatives of organizations and individuals who have registered for participation in selection and direct assignment. The process and results of the document opening shall be recorded in a protocol (Form B6-BBMHS).

7. Valid documents are those prepared according to the correct forms, meeting the requirements stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular and complying with the prescribed deadlines.

Article 9. Scientific and Technological Council for Reviewing Research Topics and Projects

1. The managing agency of the research topic or project shall establish a Scientific and Technological Council for reviewing research topics and projects (hereinafter referred to as the Review Council).

2. The Review Council shall consist of nine to eleven members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two opposing members, and other members, of which:

a) Two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Review Council are reputable experts with appropriate qualifications and expertise, deeply knowledgeable in the relevant field of science and technology, having a sense of responsibility, and having at least five years of recent experience in the assigned advisory field.

b) One-third (1/3) of the members of the Review Council are representatives of state management agencies, policy-formulating agencies, ministries, sectors, holding companies, economic groups, and units expected to benefit from or apply the results of the research topic or project.

3. Experts and opposing members who have participated in the Scientific and Technological Council to determine research topics and projects will be prioritized to be invited to participate in the Review Council for scientific and technological research topics and projects in the corresponding fields.

4. In cases deemed necessary, the managing agency of the research topic or project may invite external experts deeply knowledgeable in the research field of the topic or project to provide independent comments, critiques, and evaluate the registration documents for the research topic or project.

5. Individuals in the following circumstances shall not be members of the Review Council:

a) Individuals who have registered as the principal investigator or main participant in implementing the research topic or project;

b) Individuals belonging to organizations that have registered as the main organizer of the research topic or project.

6. The managing agency of the research topic or project shall appoint an administrative secretary to assist the Review Council.

7. Invited delegates attending the Review Council meeting include representatives of the Principal Board and representatives of the managing agency of the research topic or project.

Article 10. Evaluation of Research Topic and Project Proposals

The selection and direct assignment proposal files shall be evaluated according to the evaluation methods stipulated in Circular No. 04/2013/TT-BKHCN; related guiding documents, and the Direct Selection and Assignment Proposal Evaluation Forms for research topics and projects (Form B7.1-PDDGTM-DT; Form B7.2-PDDGTM-DT; Form B7.3-PDDGTM-BDCN; Form B7.4-PDDGTM-DA) for the following groups of research topics and projects:

1. Research topics and projects: national technology map construction; technological roadmap and innovation roadmap development for industries and fields; support for the construction and implementation of technological roadmaps and innovation roadmaps; search, discovery, mastery, and application of core technologies and source technologies; technological innovation for industries, fields, centrally governed provinces and cities, economic groups, and state-owned corporations; training on technology management, technology governance, and updating new technologies.

2. Research topics and projects: advanced technology research, mastery, and application in the production of national products, key products, and important products; construction of a comprehensive laboratory infrastructure system including technology analysis, technology integration, replication, simulation, and technology creation, technology testing, evaluation, improvement, and standardization.

3. Projects: establishment of technology incubation bases and science and technology business incubators; technology incubation and science and technology business incubation; search, discovery, and support for potential individuals, organizations, or research teams with outstanding research results at universities, colleges, and research institutes.

4. Projects: information technology application, enterprise resource management information system construction, and product promotion; database construction on new technologies, advanced technologies, and technology experts; advanced technology research, experimental production, and application; new product production and technological process change.

5. Projects: advanced technology application research in agriculture; technological innovation for traditional trades and craft villages; enhancement of the dissemination and transfer capacity of the network of Science and Technology Application Progress Centers in localities.

Article 11. Principles, Procedures, Contents, and Methods of Work of the Scientific and Technological Review Board

The principles, procedures, contents, and methods of work of the review board shall be implemented according to the provisions of Circular No. 08/2012/TT-BKHCN dated April 2, 2012, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology regarding the direct assignment of organizations and individuals to lead research and scientific and technological development projects and national-level experimental production projects.

The Scientific and Technological Review Board's decision on research topics and projects is based on the secret ballot results of the board members. The voting result is recorded in the Voting Record Sheet for Research Topic and Project Proposal Evaluation (Form B8-BBKPHDXDTM).

The board's work results are recorded in the Meeting Minutes of the Scientific and Technological Review Board for Research Topics and Projects (Form B9-BHDXDTM).

Article 12. Approval of Results

1. Based on the conclusion of the Scientific and Technological Review Board, the head of the managing agency of the research topic and project signs the decision approving the List of Successful Research Topics and Projects (Form B10-DMTT).

2. The organization or individual leading the research topic and project is responsible for revising and perfecting the proposal file according to the board's conclusions and submitting it to the managing agency within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the successful selection notification.

3. The managing agency of the research topic and project compiles and submits the List of Successful Research Topics and Projects and the direct selection and assignment proposal files to the Ministry of Science and Technology for content and budget review.

Chapter IV

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF RESEARCH TOPICS AND PROJECTS

Article 13. Appraisal Board for Research Topics and Projects

1. The Steering Committee shall submit to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on establishing the Appraisal Board for Research Topics and Projects (hereinafter referred to as the Appraisal Board). In cases where necessary, the Steering Committee may propose to hire independent consultants for submission to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision.

The Steering Committee shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant functional units to organize meetings of the Appraisal Board.

2. The Appraisal Board shall consist of from seven to nine members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and members, among whom the Chairperson of the Board is a member of the Steering Committee, some Vice-Chairpersons, and members are experts in related technology fields, economic experts, financial experts, enterprises, and managers with appropriate professional qualifications and practical experience in related fields.

3. Invited guests attending the Appraisal Board meeting include representatives from the Agency for Technology Application and Development; the Department of Planning and Finance under the Ministry of Science and Technology; representatives from the Scientific and Technological Review Board for Research Topics and Projects; representatives from the Managing Authority overseeing Research Topics and Projects; and representatives from organizations or individuals registering to implement Research Topics and Projects.

4. In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Science and Technology may request the Managing Authority overseeing Research Topics and Projects to reconsider or to organize another board to evaluate applications with unreasonable evaluation results; to conduct on-site inspections of the material and technical infrastructure, human resources, and financial capacity of organizations or individuals proposed to be responsible for implementing Research Topics and Projects.

Article 14. Appraisal Documents for Research Topics and Projects

Appraisal documents for Research Topics and Projects include:

1. A list of selected Research Topics and Projects compiled and submitted by the Managing Authority overseeing Research Topics and Projects to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. The research topic and project description at the time of registration for selection and direct assignment, along with revised descriptions based on feedback from the Research Topic and Project Review Board, and explanations regarding the adoption of the Review Board's comments confirmed by the Managing Authority overseeing Research Topics and Projects.

3. Minutes of the Appraisal Board meeting, critical reviews, and comments from members of the Research Topic and Project Review Board.

4. Financial statement, basis for calculating workload, cost standards, and quotations for raw materials, equipment, technology licenses, and expert contracts.

5. Decision of the Minister of Science and Technology to establish the Appraisal Board for Research Topics and Projects; Decision on selecting independent consultants (if applicable).

6. Reports and opinions of independent consultants (if applicable).

Article 15. Content and Financial Appraisal of Research Topics and Projects

1. The Steering Committee is responsible for checking the completeness and validity of the appraisal documents as stipulated in Article 14 of this Circular. Members of the Appraisal Board and independent consultants (if any) must receive the appraisal documents at least seven working days before the Appraisal Board meeting.

2. Members of the Appraisal Board are responsible for reviewing the corresponding documents according to the Research Topic Appraisal Form (Form B11.1-PTĐĐT) or the Project Appraisal Form (Form B11.2-PTĐDA).

3. The Appraisal Board shall review the content of Research Topics and Projects based on the provisions of this Circular and Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN. They shall also appraise expenditure items and cost standards according to financial management regulations for the Program.

The Board shall convene separately to discuss the necessary content and funding required to implement Research Topics and Projects, and determine the total amount of state budget support.

4. The results of the Appraisal Board's work on Research Topics and Projects shall be recorded in the Research Topic Appraisal Minutes (Form B12.1-BBTĐĐT) and the Project Appraisal Minutes (Form B12.2-BBTĐDA).

Article 16. Approval of the Appraisal Results

1. Based on the working results of the Appraisal Board and the Independent Consultant (if any), the Head of the Steering Committee shall compile the List of Topics and Projects and the Appraisal Files for submission to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration and approval of the content and state budget support funds for implementing the topics and projects.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall send a confirmation document regarding the content and state budget support funds for implementing the topics and projects to the managing agency overseeing the topics and projects.

Article 17. Assignment of Implementation of Topics and Projects

1. The head of the managing agency overseeing the topics and projects shall decide to assign organizations or individuals who have been selected to be the main implementers of the topics and projects.

a) The head of the managing agency overseeing the topics and projects shall approve: the name of the topic or project; the main implementing organization and the project leader; the implementation period; state budget funds, non-state budget funds, and the project description.

b) The approval file for the topic or project includes:

- The decision approving the state budget support funds for implementing the topic or project issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

- The project description with the confirmation of the Ministry of Science and Technology after appraisal;

- The decision establishing the Scientific and Technological Council to review the topic or project issued by the managing agency overseeing the topic or project, along with the minutes of the Scientific and Technological Council meeting reviewing the topic or project;

- The decision approving the List of Selected Topics and Projects issued by the managing agency overseeing the topic or project;

- Confirmation of the funding mobilization plan for implementing the topic or project (if applicable).

2. The managing agency overseeing the topics and projects shall be responsible for notifying the main implementing organization and project leader, while also sending the notification to the Steering Committee and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities for coordination in implementation.

3. Based on the approved project description, the managing agency overseeing the topics and projects shall organize the signing of implementation contracts with the main implementing organization and project leader according to Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BKHCN.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 18. Implementation Organization

1. This Circular takes effect 45 days from the date of issuance.

1. This Circular takes effect from November 5, 2014.​​