Circular No. 09/2024/TT-BKHCN stipulates the management of provincial and institutional scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on managing provincial and grassroots scientific and technological tasks funded by state budget

provincial and grassroots levels using state budget

___________________________

Pursuant to the Law signing and implementing AgreementsPursuant to Decree No. 28/2023/NĐ-CP dated June 2, 2023 of the Government detailing the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology; CPursuant to Decree No. 08/2014/NĐ-CP dated January 27, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on

Pursuant to Decree No. 08/2014/NĐ-CP dated January 27, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Science and Technology;

Technology;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Technology Application and Technological Progress and the Director of the Legal Department;

The Minister of Science and Technology promulgates this Circular regulating the management of provincial and grassroots scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the determination of tasks; the selection of organizations and individuals to carry out the tasks; inspection and evaluation during the implementation of the tasks; evaluation and acceptance of results for provincial scientific and technological tasks (including scientific programs, scientific and technological projects, experimental production projects, scientific and technological projects) and grassroots scientific and technological tasks (including scientific and technological projects, scientific and technological projects) funded by the state budget under the management responsibility of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as provincial People's Committees).

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities, state agencies, and other organizations and individuals related to the matters concerned.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Provincial scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget (hereinafter referred to as provincial scientific and technological tasks) are scientific and technological tasks addressing scientific and technological issues that meet the practical needs for economic and social development, ensuring national defense and security, and promoting science and technology within the province, centrally governed city (hereinafter referred to as province) using the state budget.

2. Grassroots scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget are scientific and technological tasks aimed at resolving scientific and technological issues of the grassroots entity using the state budget approved by the head of the entity receiving the budget, signing contracts to implement or submitting to the competent authority for approval according to its organizational structure and operation regulations.

3. Proposing provincial scientific and technological tasks are scientific and technological issues specified in Clause 1 of this Article proposed by agencies, organizations, or individuals to the provincial People's Committee.

4. Ordering provincial scientific and technological tasks is the act of the provincial People's Committee or agencies, units authorized by the provincial People's Committee issuing requirements for scientific and technological products and providing funding for organizations or individuals to implement through contracts.

5. Agencies and units managing grassroots scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget are agencies and units assigned tasks and state budget funds by the competent authority to implement grassroots scientific and technological tasks (hereinafter referred to as grassroots agencies and units).

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT OF PROVINCIAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS FUNDED BY THE STATE BUDGET

USE OF STATE BUDGET

Section 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON PROVINCIAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS FUNDED BY THE STATE BUDGET

USE OF STATE BUDGET

Article 4. Requirements for provincial scientific and technological tasks

1. General Requirements:

a) They must be urgent and important for economic and social development, national defense, and security within the province, enhancing the scientific and technological potential of the province;

b) They must not overlap with other scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget currently being implemented in the province. For subsequent research directions, application models that need to be expanded, clearly stating the achievements from previous stages and the remaining issues to be resolved.

2. Specific requirements for provincial scientific programs:

The results of the program must provide scientific and practical grounds for proposing mechanisms, policies, laws, and procedures to serve the implementation of Party guidelines and State policies on economic and social development, ensuring national defense and security in the province.

3. Specific requirements for provincial scientific and technological projects:

a) Projects in the field of applied research and technological development: the expected product should have the potential to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency; or be completed in prototype form (materials, equipment, machinery, production lines, crop varieties, livestock breeds); or have a feasible plan to move to the experimental production stage.

b) Projects in the field of social and humanistic sciences: they must be novel, and the research results must ensure the creation of scientific grounds and timely solutions for solving practical problems in planning and implementing development orientations, tasks, and goals for economic and social development, ensuring national defense and security, and building the political system of the province;

c) Projects in other fields: scientific and technological products must be new, advanced, and significant for the economic and social development, national defense, security, and social welfare of the province.

4. Specific requirements for provincial experimental production projects:

Utilizing technology or results of scientific and technological tasks evaluated, accepted, and recommended for implementation by the competent authority, or results from exploiting inventions and useful solutions. The leading organization must be able to mobilize non-state budget funds to implement (if available).

5. Requirements for provincial scientific and technological projects:

Addressing issues related to the application and transfer of scientific and technological progress, technological innovation to enhance technological levels and contribute to the economic and social development of the province.

6. Other requirements as prescribed by the provincial People's Committee (if applicable).

Section 2

ORGANIZATION OF DETERMINING PROVINCIAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS FUNDED BY THE STATE BUDGET

PROVINCIAL LEVEL USING STATE BUDGET

Article 5. Proposing provincial science and technology tasks

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals submit proposals for provincial science and technology tasks to the Provincial People's Committee or agencies and units authorized by the Provincial People's Committee.

2. The proposal form for implementing tasks shall be carried out according to the templates attached as Appendix I of this Circular: Template I.01-ĐXNV.ĐT for scientific and technological research topics; Template I.02-ĐXNV.DA for scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects; Template I.03-ĐXNV.ĐA for scientific development programs.

Article 6. Organizing procurement of provincial science and technology tasks

1. Basis for procurement

a) Resolutions, planning, programs, plans, development programs for economic and social development, national defense, and security at the local level; strategies and plans for industry and sector development;

b) Guidance from the Provincial Party Committee, Municipal Party Committee, People's Council, and Provincial People's Committee;

c) Guidelines on building annual budget plans for science and technology issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

d) Programs and plans for scientific and technological activities and innovation over five years and annually at the local level;

e) Important scientific and technological issues aimed at addressing urgent needs of the locality regarding national defense, security, natural disasters, epidemics, and science and technology.

2. Requirements for proposals to be considered for procurement

a) Having sufficient grounds for urgency and meeting the criteria for provincial science and technology tasks using state budget funds as stipulated in Article 27 of Decree No. 08/2014/NĐ-CP dated January 27, 2014, guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Science and Technology;

b) Having anticipated application or utilization plans for results generated;

c) Having anticipated timelines for implementation to ensure feasibility in organizing execution;

d) Other requirements specified by the Provincial People's Committee in accordance with the law (if applicable).

3. Procurement construction

a) The Provincial People's Committee or agencies and units authorized by the Provincial People's Committee organize reviews and consolidations of proposals for tasks as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Circular into a list according to Template I.04-THĐX in Appendix I attached to this Circular to serve the Advisory Council meetings to determine provincial science and technology tasks;

b) The Provincial People's Committee or agencies and units authorized by the Provincial People's Committee search information on science and technology tasks already being implemented in the province related to proposed procurement tasks to serve the Advisory Council meetings to determine provincial science and technology tasks. Search results are recorded according to Template I.05-KQ.TCTT in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

Article 7. Advisory Council to Determine Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

1. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee decides on establishing, determining the number of members, functions, and responsibilities of the Advisory Council to Determine Provincial Science and Technology Tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Task Determination Council) to review and evaluate proposals for procurement.

2. Composition of the Task Determination Council

a) The Task Determination Council includes: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two members as critical reviewers, scientific secretaries, and other members;

b) The composition of the Task Determination Council includes scientists, managers, and reputable businesspeople with appropriate expertise relevant to the tasks.

3. The Task Determination Council has an administrative secretary to assist the Council.

4. Principles of operation of the Task Determination Council

a) Meetings of the Task Determination Council must have participation from at least 2/3 of the members, including the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson authorized in the absence of the Chairperson, critical reviewers, and scientific secretaries;

b) The Task Determination Council operates based on principles of democratic centralism, independence, objectivity, honesty, adherence to professional ethics, ensuring scientific integrity. Members of the Task Determination Council openly discuss assigned advisory contents;

c) The Task Determination Council discusses and concludes on differing opinions among members (if any). The conclusion of the Task Determination Council is adopted when more than 3/4 of participating members agree;

d) Members of the Task Determination Council may request to retain their opinion if it differs from the Council's conclusion, bear individual responsibility for their advisory opinions, and collective responsibility for the Council's conclusions, maintain confidentiality of meeting information except where otherwise provided by law;

e) Representatives of agencies, units, or individuals proposing tasks may be invited to attend Task Determination Council meetings.

5. Working methods of the Task Determination Council

a) The Task Determination Council meets in person, online, or a combination of both;

b) Members of the Task Determination Council are responsible for studying materials and preparing comments on proposed procurement tasks according to Template II.01-PNXĐT/DA for scientific and technological research topics, scientific and technological projects, and experimental production projects or Template II.02-PNXĐA for scientific development programs in Appendix II attached to this Circular.

6. Materials serving Task Determination Council meetings include:

a) Decision on establishing the Task Determination Council;

b) Summary table of proposed task lists and proposal forms;

c) Results of searching information on science and technology tasks using state budget funds that are related and currently being implemented in the province according to Template I.05-KQ.TCTT in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

d) Comment forms: carried out according to Template II.01-PNXĐT/DA for scientific and technological research topics, scientific and technological projects, and experimental production projects; Template II.02-PNXĐA for scientific development programs in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

6. The procedure for the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to consider the draft legislative direction proposal for the National Assembly's term shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of this Regulation."

These materials are sent to Task Determination Council members at least three working days before the meeting.

7. Work program of the Task Determination Council

a) Announce the decision to establish the Task Determination Council, introduce representatives to attend;

b) The Chairman of the Task Determination Council or the Vice-Chairman authorized in the absence of the Chairman shall preside over the meeting, unify principles and the work program. The scientific secretary records opinions during discussions and prepares the minutes of the meeting according to Model II.06-BB.HĐXĐNV attached as Appendix II to this Circular;

c) The Task Determination Council elects a ballot counting board consisting of three members from the Task Determination Council, including one head to compile the evaluation ballots of the Task Determination Council members;

d) Members of the Task Determination Council analyze, discuss, and evaluate the following main contents:

- Urgency and importance for socio-economic development, national defense, security, enhancing scientific and technological potential in the province;

- Non-redundancy with other scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget currently being implemented in the province;

- Potential for application or utilization of results in production and daily life or in policy formulation (for scientific projects, scientific and technological projects);

- Origin of technology and ability to mobilize non-state budget funds for implementation (for scientific and technological projects, experimental production projects);

- Name, target orientation, requirements for results;

đ) Members of the Task Determination Council evaluate the procurement proposal according to the Evaluation Forms at Appendix II issued together with this Circular: Form II.03-PĐGĐT/DA for scientific and technological projects, scientific and technological projects, experimental production projects; Form II.04-PĐGĐA for scientific project proposals;

e) A procurement proposal is "Recommended for Implementation" when all contents in the evaluation form are rated as "Meets Requirements," and "Not Recommended for Implementation" if any content in the evaluation form is rated as "Does Not Meet Requirements;"

g) The ballot counting board compiles the evaluation ballots of Task Determination Council members, prepares the ballot counting minutes according to Model II.05-BBKP attached as Appendix II to this Circular, and publicly announces the ballot counting results at the Task Determination Council meeting. A procurement proposal is "Recommended for Implementation" when more than 3/4 of the total number of ballots recommend implementation;

h) For procurement proposals "Recommended for Implementation," the Task Determination Council discusses and unifies recommendations on the contents of the procurement task;

The scientific secretary compiles the council's recommendations according to the model attached as Appendix II to this Circular: Model II.07-THKN.ĐA for scientific project proposals; Model II.08-THKN.ĐT/DA for scientific and technological projects, scientific and technological projects, experimental production projects;

i) For procurement proposals "Not Recommended for Implementation," the Task Determination Council unifies opinions on reasons for not recommending implementation and records them in the meeting minutes of the Task Determination Council;

k) In cases where members participate in the meeting via online means, they are responsible for sending their review and evaluation forms to the administrative secretary of the Task Determination Council for compilation.

Article 8. Approval of the List of Science and Technology Tasks at the Provincial Level

1. After receiving the advisory results from the Task Determination Council, the People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall approve the list of science and technology tasks at the provincial level through Model II.09-QĐ.DMĐH as attached in Appendix II issued together with this Circular.

In case of necessity, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level or the person authorized/delegated by the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level may seek independent expert advice before approving.

2. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall publicly announce the list of science and technology tasks for selection of organizations and individuals capable of implementing them.

Section 3

SELECTION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO IMPLEMENT TASKS

AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL

Article 9. Principles for Selecting Science and Technology Tasks at the Provincial Level

1. Selection must ensure transparency, fairness, openness, democracy, and objectivity; the results of the selection must be publicly announced.

2. Registration files to participate in the selection must be evaluated by the Advisory Board for selecting science and technology tasks at the provincial level.

3. Evaluation will be conducted through scoring based on specific criteria groups reflected in the registration file evaluation form issued together with this Circular.

Article 10. Announcement of Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Implement Science and Technology Tasks at the Provincial Level

1. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level must publicly announce the list of science and technology tasks at the provincial level, conditions, and procedures for participating in the selection on the electronic portal of the agency/unit or other mass media for a period of 30 days to allow organizations and individuals to prepare registration files to participate in the selection.

2. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall announce the second round of selection in the following cases:

a) When the announcement period expires without any registration files submitted;

b) Registration files are not valid when opening and checking the files;

c) Registration files do not meet the selection requirements;

d) Selected files have their results canceled according to Article 18 of this Circular.

Article 11. Conditions for Participation in Selection

1. An organization with legal personality, functions, and activities consistent with the specialized field of the task has the right to register to participate in the selection to implement the task.

2. An organization falling under any of the following circumstances will not meet the conditions to register to participate in the selection to lead the task:

a) At the time of the deadline for submitting registration files to participate in the selection, it has not completed the registration, submission, and retention of the results of science and technology tasks using state budget funds that have been accepted according to regulations;

b) At the time of the deadline for submitting registration files to participate in the selection, it has not submitted the application for acceptance evaluation of science and technology tasks using state budget funds led by itself that have reached the acceptance deadline according to regulations;

c) At the time of the deadline for submitting registration files to participate in the selection, it has not fully returned the funds to be recovered according to the implementation contracts of science and technology tasks at various levels using state budget funds that have been signed;

d) If there is misconduct leading to suspension of the implementation of science and technology tasks using state budget funds, it will not be allowed to register to participate in the selection for one year from the date of the suspension decision by the competent authority.

3. An individual registering to participate in the selection to lead the task must simultaneously meet the following requirements:

a) Having professional qualifications, expertise, and work experience in the relevant field corresponding to the content of the science and technology task;

b) Having the ability and ensuring sufficient time to organize the implementation of the task.

4. An individual who has committed misconduct leading to the suspension of the implementation of another science and technology task they lead will not meet the conditions to register to lead the task for one year from the date of the decision by the competent authority.

Article 12. Documents for registration to participate in the selection to implement tasks

1. The components of the documents for registration to participate in the selection to implement provincial-level scientific and technological tasks include:

a) A main application form for implementing the task according to Model III.01-ĐĐK.TC attached as Appendix III to this Circular;

b) Copies of documents proving the legal entity status of the organization in accordance with the law (Decision on establishment/Business Registration Certificate of the main organization/Regulations on operation of the main organization or other documents proving the legal entity status);

c) Detailed description of the scientific and technological task according to the models attached as Appendix III to this Circular: Model III.06-TM.ĐTUD or Model III.07-TM.ĐTXH for scientific and technological projects; Model III.08-TM.DA/DASXTN for scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects; Model III.09-TM.ĐA for scientific programs;

d) Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization registering to be the main implementer of the task according to Model III.02-LLTC attached as Appendix III to this Circular (if applicable);

đ) Scientific curriculum vitae of the individual registering as the main implementer, key members, and scientific secretary according to Model III.03-LLCN attached as Appendix III to this Circular;

e) Scientific curriculum vitae of domestic experts and foreign experts (in case there are experts participating in implementation) according to Model III.04-LLCG attached as Appendix III to this Circular;

g) Confirmation documents for cooperation in implementing the task from cooperating organizations (if applicable) according to Model III.05-VB.XNPH attached as Appendix III to this Circular;

h) For scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects requiring counterpart funding outside the state budget, there must be documents proving the ability to arrange and mobilize non-budget funds as follows:

- In cases where own capital is used: documents proving the source of capital and commitment to use the capital for counterpart implementation of the task;

- In cases where funds are raised from individuals/organizations or contributed by the owner: commitment letters and confirmation documents regarding the contribution of funds by individuals/organizations/owners to the main organization to implement the task and financial reports in the last two years as required by law of the organization participating in capital contribution;

- In cases where loans are obtained from credit institutions: commitments for loan provision by credit institutions to implement the task or valid credit limit contracts between credit institutions and the main organization that can guarantee the counterpart funding for task implementation;

2. Requirements for documents for registration to participate in the selection of scientific and technological tasks

a) Documents (excluding copies) shall use Vietnamese font (Times New Roman of Unicode character set according to National Standard TCVN 6909:2001), black color;

b) Documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be original or certified copies or copies made in accordance with regulations;

c) Documents submitted directly or through postal services must be packaged, sealed, and clearly marked on the outside as follows:

- Name of the task;

- Name and address of the organization registering as the main implementer of the task; name, address, phone number of the task leader, contact information;

- List of documents included in the package;

d) For online submissions: electronic documents including electronic versions of the documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article and certified electronically in accordance with current regulations;

3. Submission of documents:

a) Number of sets: 01 set;

b) Method of submission: Directly, through postal services, or online to the Provincial People's Committee or agencies/units authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee;

c) Documents for registration to participate in the selection to implement scientific and technological tasks must be submitted within the prescribed time limit. The date of receipt of documents is considered the date and month recorded on the postmark at the sending location (for submissions via postal services); confirmation of the date and month of receipt of the documents (for direct submissions); the date recorded when submitting directly;

d) Before the deadline for submission, organizations and individuals registering to participate in the selection of scientific and technological tasks have the right to withdraw submitted documents to replace them with new ones or supplement the submitted documents. Any supplementation or replacement of new documents must be completed before the deadline for submission as prescribed;

4. Opening, checking, and confirming the validity of documents for registration to participate in the selection of scientific and technological tasks:

a) After the submission deadline, within no more than 10 days, the Provincial People's Committee or agencies/units authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee must organize the opening, checking, and confirming the validity of the documents;

b) Valid documents are those submitted within the prescribed time, containing all required components as stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article;

c) The results of the document opening will be recorded in a protocol according to Model IV.01-BBMHS attached as Appendix IV to this Circular;

d) Valid documents will be reviewed and evaluated through the Advisory Council for the Selection of Scientific and Technological Task Implementation;

đ) For invalid documents, within 10 days from the date of document opening, the Provincial People's Committee or agencies/units authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee will notify in writing the organizations and individuals participating in the selection.

Article 13. Advisory Council for Selection, Budget Verification Team for Tasks, and Expert Group

1. The Advisory Council for Selection (hereinafter referred to as the Selection Council) and the Budget Verification Team assisting the Selection Council (hereinafter referred to as the Budget Verification Team) shall be established, determine the number of members, functions, and tasks by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

2. Composition of the Selection Council:

a) The council consists of: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two members as critical reviewers, scientific secretaries, and other members;

b) Members of the Selection Council include scientists, managers, and reputable businesspeople with appropriate qualifications and expertise related to the selection task;

c) Members who have participated in determining priority tasks shall be invited to join the Selection Council.

3. Individuals in the following cases shall not be eligible to become members of the Selection Council:

a) Individuals registering to undertake the task, individuals from organizations registering to lead the task, and individuals from organizations registering to collaborate on the task;

b) Spouse, father, mother, child, brother, sister, or full-blooded sibling of the principal investigator, scientific secretary, and main members participating in the task;

c) Individuals who have not yet completed administrative penalty decisions regarding scientific and technological activities or are currently under criminal investigation or have been convicted but not yet pardoned;

d) Individuals with evidence of conflicting interests with the principal investigator or the leading organization of the task, or there is a basis indicating that they cannot be impartial when participating in the Selection Council.

4. The Budget Verification Team shall have a Team Leader representing the leadership of the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized by the Provincial People's Committee, representatives of financial management agencies, and at least one member being the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson or critical reviewer of the Selection Council.

5. For scientific and technological projects, experimental production projects, and complex tasks, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall decide to establish an Expert Inspection Team to verify the actual infrastructure, human resources, and financial capacity of the leading organization and individual registering as the principal investigator before convening the Budget Verification Team meeting.

Members of the Expert Inspection Team shall be selected from members of the Selection Council or agencies/units authorized by the Provincial People's Committee, including one person as the Team Leader.

The results of the actual inspection shall be recorded in the Minutes according to Model IV.02-BBKTTT attached as Appendix IV to this Circular, serving the Budget Verification Team meeting.

The Selection Council and the Budget Verification Team, Expert Inspection Team shall have an administrative secretary to assist in their work.

Article 14. Organizing the Meeting of the Selection Council

1. The principles and working methods of the Selection Council shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 4 and Point a, Clause 5, Article 7 of this Circular.

2. Responsibilities of Selection Council members:

a) To evaluate honestly, objectively, and fairly; bear personal responsibility for the evaluation results and collective responsibility for the conclusions of the Selection Council.

b) Study and analyze each content and information declared in the application dossier; comment and evaluate each dossier according to the requirements stipulated and explain the comments and evaluations;

c) Members of the Selection Council, administrative secretaries, and representatives participating shall be responsible for keeping confidential all information related to the evaluation process of the selection applications, except where otherwise provided by law.

3. Documents for the Selection Council meeting include:

a) Decision establishing the Selection Council;

b) Decision approving the list of commissioned tasks;

c) A copy of the original application dossier or electronic version of the application dossier for participation in the selection;

d) Minutes of opening the selection application dossier;

đ) Comment sheets on the application dossier according to the models attached as Appendix IV to this Circular: Model IV.03-NXĐTCN or Model IV.04-NXĐTXH/ĐA for scientific and technological research topics; Model IV.05-NXDA for scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects; Model IV.04-NXĐTXH/ĐA for scientific project proposals;

Documents for the meeting must be sent to Selection Council members at least five working days before the meeting.

4. Procedures and contents of the Selection Council's work:

a) Announce the decision establishing the Selection Council, introduce attending delegates, and notify the summary of the Council's work program;

b) The Chairperson of the Council or the Vice-Chairperson authorized in the absence of the Chairperson shall preside over the meeting and unify the principles and work program. The scientific secretary records opinions during discussions and prepares the minutes of the meeting;

c) The Selection Council elects a ballot committee consisting of three members of the Selection Council, including one head;

d) The principal investigator or representative of the leading organization presents a summary to the Selection Council about the task description; representatives of the proposing agency/unit express opinions on the necessity and product requirements (if necessary);

đ) Critical reviewers present their comments; the scientific secretary reads the written comments of absent members (if any). Members of the Selection Council comment and evaluate each dossier and compare application dossiers for the same task (in case multiple dossiers participate in the selection);

e) Members of the Selection Council evaluate and score each dossier according to the criteria groups and scoring scales specified in the evaluation form attached as Appendix IV to this Circular: Model IV.06-ĐGĐTNC for applied research and technology development topics, Model IV.07-ĐGĐTXH/ĐA for social science and humanities research topics or scientific project proposals, Model IV.08-ĐGDA for scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects;

g) The ballot counting committee shall compile the evaluation results of the selection council members' ballots, prepare the Minutes of Counting according to Model IV.09-BBKP attached as Appendix IV to this Circular; prepare a summary table of the counting results for the evaluated applications according to the total average score from highest to lowest according to Model IV.10-KQKP attached as Appendix IV to this Circular, and announce the counting results at the meeting session;

h) The selection council shall recommend organizations and individuals who meet the following conditions to undertake the tasks: having an application that has been evaluated by the selection council with the highest total average score among participating applications and must achieve a score of 70/100 points or higher. For applications with equal average scores, priority will be given in the following order:

- Prioritize applications proposing less state budget funding;

- Prioritize the principal investigator or the leading organization that has had provincial-level science and technology tasks rated as excellent within three years prior to the registration date for undertaking the task;

- For applications with the same priority points mentioned above, prioritize applications with a higher average score on the content and implementation plan of the leading organization and the principal investigator;

i) The scientific secretary shall prepare the Minutes of the Selection Council Meeting according to Model IV.11-HDTCBB attached as Appendix IV to this Circular;

k) The selection council shall approve the minutes of the meeting work;

5. Within ten days from the date of the selection council meeting results, the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province shall examine and notify the selection results according to Model IV.12-TBKQHD attached as Appendix IV to this Circular;

6. Within fifteen days from the date of the notification of the selection results, the leading organization and the principal investigator of the selected task shall be responsible for perfecting the task description according to the conclusion of the selection council, report on receiving and explaining the opinions of the selection council's conclusions according to Model IV.13-BCGT.TC attached as Appendix IV to this Circular, and submit the documents specified in Point d Clause 1 Article 15 of this Circular and other related documents to the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province for organizing the financial review;

Article 15. Organizing the Financial Review Team Meeting

1. Documents for the Financial Review Team Meeting include:

a) Minutes of the Selection Council Meeting;

b) Record of the actual inspection results of the Expert Group (if any) according to Model IV.02-BBKTTT attached as Appendix IV to this Circular;

c) Documents as prescribed in Clause 6 Article 14 of this Circular;

d) Equipment and main raw material quotations, service rental quotations required to implement the task still valid (if any), with the quotation time not exceeding ninety days from the date of submitting the financial review application documents;

đ) Other documents (if applicable);

2. Conditions for organizing the Financial Review Team Meeting: There must be at least two-thirds of the members present, including the team leader, chairman or vice-chairman or the council member of the selection council and a representative of the financial management unit;

3. Tasks of the Financial Review Team:

a) Review the content of the revised and supplemented explanations according to the selection council's comments and other revisions (if any);

b) Review and evaluate the appropriateness of the budget estimate for implementing the task compared to the task contents according to the selection council's conclusions and other revisions (if any) with current economic-technical norms and cost standards, necessary time to complete the task, and contents without economic-technical norms and cost standards (if any);

The task duration includes the time to implement the content according to the Explanation and the time to complete the documents for final acceptance evaluation;

c) Evaluate the ability of the leading organization to match non-state budget funds or the plan to mobilize non-state budget funds to implement the task (if any); additional documents required before signing the task implementation contract (if necessary);

d) Recommend the total budget for implementing the task including state budget support and other sources (if any), the implementation period, and the cost allocation method to the final product or partial cost allocation;

4. Procedure and process for the Financial Review Team Meeting

a) Announce the decision to establish the Financial Review Team;

b) Chair the meeting if the Financial Review Team's task requires it;

c) The principal investigator or the representative of the leading organization reports on the revised and completed content according to the selection council's conclusions; answer questions from Financial Review Team members (if any) and then leave the Financial Review Team meeting;

d) Financial Review Team members provide comments on the task contents according to the selection council's conclusions and state their review opinions as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article; discuss the proposed conclusions of the Financial Review Team;

đ) Before the Financial Review Team issues its conclusion, the invited representative of the leading organization may continue to attend the Financial Review Team meeting to hear the proposed conclusion of the Financial Review Team. The representative of the leading organization has the right to explain and clarify before the Financial Review Team makes its formal conclusion;

e) The Financial Review Team completes the review minutes according to the forms prescribed in Appendix IV attached to this Circular: Model IV.16-BB.TDĐT/DA for scientific and technological topics and plans; Model IV.17-BB.TDDA for scientific and technological projects and experimental production projects, and publish them at the meeting.

Article 16. Approval of the Results of Selecting Organizations and Individuals to Perform Tasks

1. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the notification of the financial review committee's conclusion or the opinion of the independent consultant organization/expert (if any), the leading organization and the head of the task shall be responsible for completing the task dossier according to the conclusions of the financial review committee and reporting on the adoption and explanation of the financial review committee's conclusions in Form IV.18-BCGT attached as Appendix IV of this Circular, with confirmation from the chairperson of the financial review meeting, and send it back to the People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. Documents for submission for approval include:

a) Minutes of the Selection Council meeting; Minutes of the Financial Review Committee meeting; opinions of the independent consultant (if any);

b) The report explaining the opinions of the Selection Council by the leading organization; the report explaining the opinions of the Financial Review Committee;

c) The revised task dossier according to the conclusions of the Financial Review Committee; Decision on establishing the Selection Council, Financial Review Committee, and Expert Group (if any);

d) Draft Decision approving the leading organization and the head of the task, budget, cost-sharing method, and time frame for performing the task according to Form IV.19-QĐ.KQTC attached as Appendix IV of this Circular;

đ) Other related documents (if any).

3. Approval of the Results of Selection

a) After receiving the dossier as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article, the People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall examine and decide to approve the leading organization and the head of the task, budget, cost-sharing method, and time frame for performing the task;

b) In case of necessity, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level or the person authorized/delegated by the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level may organize the collection of opinions from independent consultants regarding the task dossier before approval.

Article 17. Retention, Management of Dossiers, and Public Disclosure of Information

1. After the completion of the selection process, the People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall be responsible for retaining and managing the dossiers (including those that did not win the bid) in accordance with regulations.

2. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall publicly disclose information about the results of the task selection as prescribed (except for tasks containing state secrets as defined by competent authorities).

a) Content for public disclosure: Decision approving the list of assigned tasks; Decision approving the leading organization and the head of the task, budget, cost-sharing method, and time frame for performing the task;

b) Within fifteen days from the date of the approval decision, the People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall be responsible for publicly announcing the results of the selection and posting them on their own electronic portal or other mass media for at least forty-five days.

Article 18. Cancellation of the Results of Selecting Organizations and Individuals to Perform Tasks

1. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall decide to cancel the results of the selection or revoke the decision approving organizations and individuals to perform tasks in the following cases:

a) The leading organization and the head of the task engage in fraudulent behavior, cheating, or making false declarations or commitments in the registration dossier for participating in the selection of organizations and individuals to lead the performance of the task;

b) Violation of the conditions stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular;

c) Overlapping of task implementation funds from other sources of the state budget;

d) The leading organization fails to comply with Clause 6 of Article 14 or Clause 1 of Article 16 of this Circular;

đ) The leading organization requests not to perform the task.

2. Special cases shall be examined and decided upon by the People's Committee at the provincial level.

3. The People's Committee at the provincial level or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee at the provincial level shall notify the leading organization about the cancellation of the selection results or revocation of the decision approving organizations and individuals to perform tasks, clearly stating the reasons for cancellation as prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

Article 19. Approval of the description and signing of contracts to implement provincial science and technology tasks

The People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province to approve the description according to the model prescribed in point c, Clause 1, Article 12 of this Circular and sign contracts with organizations or individuals to implement provincial science and technology tasks in accordance with Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN dated April 10, 2014 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on "Model Research and Development Contracts."

Section 4

INSPECTION AND EVALUATION DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROVINCIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TASKS AND TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT PROVINCIAL LEVEL AND TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

IMPLEMENTATION OF PROVINCIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TASKS

Article 20. Inspection and evaluation during the implementation of provincial science and technology tasks

1. Periodically or at any time upon the management requirements or at the request of the leading organization of the task, the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province shall organize inspections and evaluations of the implementation of provincial science and technology tasks funded by state budget.

2. The People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province shall decide to establish inspection teams, specify the number of members and components participating in the inspection team.

3. Content of inspection and evaluation

The inspection and evaluation team shall review: the content and products already and currently being implemented; progress of implementation; financial situation (including state budget funds and non-state budget funds); matters related to the leading organization and task leader, and other relevant matters (if any).

4. Preparation of inspection documents and files

a) The leading organization is responsible for preparing files and documents including:

- A report on the content, progress of implementation, and financial situation according to Model V.01-BC.NV attached as Appendix V of this Circular;

- Evidence files of results and products of the implemented content, payment vouchers for state budget funds and non-state budget funds (if any);

- Proposals and recommendations of the leading organization and task leader;

- Other related documents;

b) Inspection and evaluation files and documents shall be sent to the inspection team members at least three working days before the inspection date.

5. Procedure for inspection and evaluation

a) The representative of the inspection team announces the purpose, introduces the composition of the inspection team; the representative of the leading unit introduces the participants from the unit;

b) The head of the inspection team chairs and assigns tasks to the team members;

c) The representative of the leading unit or task leader reports briefly on the implementation of the task;

d) Members of the inspection team discuss and exchange opinions with the leading organization and task leader and other individuals involved in the task regarding the inspection and evaluation contents;

đ) The head of the inspection team concludes on: the content and products already and currently being implemented; progress of implementation; financial situation (including state budget funds and non-state budget funds); the leading organization and task leader, and other relevant matters (if any); recommends to the leading organization and task leader and proposes changes (if any) during the implementation of the task;

e) The inspection team prepares an inspection record after the completion of the inspection period according to Model V.04-BBKT/ĐG attached as Appendix V of this Circular, signed and confirmed by the participating members of the inspection team and the leadership of the leading organization.

Article 21. Handling the results of inspection and evaluation of provincial science and technology tasks

1. The leading organization and task leader shall be responsible for implementing the tasks according to the conclusions of the inspection team; completing the task dossier in accordance with the conclusions stated in the minutes.

2. Within ten days after the completion of the inspection, the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee shall confirm the workload and budget of the task implementation according to Model V.02-XN.KLCV and Model V.03-XN.GTKLCV attached as Appendix V of this Circular.

3. Based on the minutes and inspection dossier, the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee shall consider and decide on changes to the following contents:

a) The name of the task, objectives, and products of the task; procurement of equipment, machinery, raw materials, and materials;

b) Budget for task implementation: For tasks implemented under the partial cost allocation method, it shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 3 of Article 10 of Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC dated December 30, 2015 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology and the Minister of Finance regarding cost allocation for the implementation of science and technology tasks funded by the state budget. For tasks implemented under the final product cost allocation method, no changes are allowed;

c) Duration of task implementation: Each task may only be extended once, with the extension period not exceeding twelve months for tasks with an implementation duration of twenty-four months or more, and not exceeding six months for tasks with an implementation duration of less than twenty-four months. Extension of the task implementation period can only be considered at least one month before the end of the contract. In cases not provided for above, the decision shall be made by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the person authorized/delegated by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee;

d) Leading organization of the task: the leading organization of the task may only be changed if there is a document from the competent authority regarding the merger, division, consolidation, conversion, or dissolution of the leading organization. The new leading organization must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 11 of this Circular;

đ) Change of task leader: the task leader must meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 11 of this Circular.

4. Regarding changes to individuals participating in the implementation of the task: the leading organization shall proactively implement such changes to ensure the achievement of the approved objectives and products of the task.

5. Regarding changes to the budget outside the state budget: the leading organization is permitted to proactively change the contents and plans of expenditure but shall not reduce the total approved budget outside the state budget. In cases where the budget outside the state budget is reduced, the leading organization must report in writing to the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision;

6. For other changes not specified in Clause 3 of this Article, the decision shall be made by the competent authority.

Article 22. Termination of Contracts for Implementation of Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

1. Cases of contract termination for task implementation: Implemented in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 2, 3, 4, and Clause 5 of Article 5 of the model contract issued together with Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN.

2. Upon receipt of a request to terminate the contract for task implementation, the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee shall consider and issue a notice to temporarily suspend the implementation of the task.

3. The leading organization shall submit a written report on the contents already implemented, the use of funds, raw materials, purchased equipment, and other relevant matters (if any) to the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee for inspection and evaluation of the dossier and site.

4. The Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee shall consider and decide on the termination of the contract for task implementation. If necessary, the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee may organize consultations with the council or independent consulting organizations before making a decision.

5. In the decision to terminate the contract, the amount of funds that must be refunded to the state budget according to Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC and related regulations must be clearly determined.

6. Management, utilization, and disposal of assets equipped and resulting from the implementation of science and technology tasks shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Section 5

EVALUATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF TASK IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS

AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL

Article 23. Documents for Evaluation and Acceptance of the Results of Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

The documents for evaluation and acceptance of the results of provincial science and technology tasks include:

1. A letter requesting evaluation and acceptance from the leading organization implementing the task according to Model VI.01-CV.DNNT attached as Appendix VI of this Circular;

2. A comprehensive report and a summary report on the results of the task according to Models VI.02-BC.THNV, VI.03-BC.TTNV attached as Appendix VI of this Circular; An evaluation report on the results of the task according to Model VI.05-BCKQ attached as Appendix VI of this Circular; A report on products resulting from the implementation of the task according to Model VI.04-BC.SP/KQ attached as Appendix VI of this Circular; A report on the use of funds for the task;

3. Confirming documents and related materials concerning the publication, issuance, training, reception, and utilization of research results; survey data, analysis data (if applicable);

4. Plans for developing and commercializing the results of science and technology tasks according to Model No. 02/PA of the Appendix issued together with Circular No. 63/2018/TT-BTC dated July 30, 2018, guiding certain provisions of Decree No. 70/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2018 of the Government on the management and use of assets formed through the implementation of science and technology tasks funded by state capital (if applicable);

5. Documents on changes in the content of the task and other related documents (if applicable).

The documents shall be typed in Vietnamese font (Times New Roman, Unicode character set according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 6909:2001), in black color; the electronic version of the documents shall be in PDF format without password protection.

Article 24. Submission of Documents for Evaluation and Acceptance of the Results of Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

1. Deadline for submission: within thirty days from the end date of the provincial science and technology task implementation period as stipulated in the contract, including any extended implementation periods (if applicable).

2. The documents may be submitted directly, sent via postal service, or submitted online to the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province.

a) In case of direct submission or via postal service: the documents consist of one set, packaged, sealed, and marked clearly on the outside with the name of the task; the name and address of the leading organization of the task; and the list of documents included in the set.

b) In case of online submission: one set of electronic documents certified electronically according to regulations.

3. Verification of the validity of the documents:

a) Valid documents must be complete in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of this Circular;

b) The People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province is responsible for checking the completeness and validity of the evaluation and acceptance documents; confirming the status of the documents according to Model VI.06-PKT.HSĐG attached as Appendix VI of this Circular;

For incomplete or invalid documents, within five working days from the date of receipt, the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province shall notify in writing the leading organization of the task to supplement or perfect the documents.

Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the notification, the leading organization must supplement or perfect the documents.

4. Within thirty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province must establish an Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of the Results of Provincial Science and Technology Tasks.

Article 25. The specialized science and technology council evaluates and accepts the results of implementing provincial science and technology tasks.

1. The specialized science and technology council evaluating and accepting the results of implementing provincial science and technology tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Acceptance Council) and the Expert Group shall be established by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to decide on the number of members and functions.

a) The Acceptance Council includes: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two members as critical reviewers, scientific secretary members, and other members;

The composition of the Acceptance Council includes scientists, representatives of agencies or organizations proposing orders, agencies or organizations placing orders, managers, and business professionals with appropriate expertise for the task; representatives of units expected to benefit from the results of the science and technology task (if any).

b) Priority should be given to inviting members who have participated in the Selection Council to join the Acceptance Council;

c) The Acceptance Council has an administrative secretary to assist in its work;

d) Cases where participation in the Acceptance Council is not allowed shall be carried out according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 13 of this Circular.

2. The Expert Group shall be established when the task involves measurable products.

a) The Expert Group must have at least three members, all of whom are members of the Acceptance Council, including one group leader;

b) The Expert Group is responsible for reviewing, assessing, and accepting models and measurable products, handling technical issues to support the activities of the Acceptance Council;

c) The review report on products by the Expert Group must be sent to the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized by the Provincial People's Committee at least one working day before the Acceptance Council meeting to serve the meeting of the Acceptance Council.

3. The principles and methods of operation of the Acceptance Council shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 4 and Point a, Clause 5, Article 7 of this Circular.

Article 26. Requirements for Evaluation by the Acceptance Council

1. The evaluation of the results of implementing the task is conducted through an evaluation form.

2. Members of the Acceptance Council evaluate independently and are responsible for their evaluation results.

3. A valid evaluation form is an evaluation form that complies with regulations for each evaluation content; An invalid form is one left blank or evaluated without following the regulations.

4. The overall classification result of the task is based on the evaluation results of each member of the Acceptance Council as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 27 of this Circular.

Article 27. Content of Evaluation, Grading Scale, and Task Classification

1. Content of Evaluation:

a) Evaluation of the comprehensive report: Evaluating the completeness, clarity, authenticity, and logical structure of the comprehensive report (research methods, techniques used...) and necessary accompanying documents (design documents, technology documents, intermediate products, cited documents...);

b) Evaluation of the task product compared to the order, including: Quantity and volume of products; quality of products; types of products; features and technical specifications of products.

2. Requirements for the Comprehensive Report:

a) A general overview of existing scientific research and technological development related to the task;

b) Data and materials representative, reliable, authentic, and up-to-date;

c) The content of the report presents the entire completed task systematically and logically, with scientific arguments grounded in theoretical and practical specifics addressing scientific and technological issues, truthfully reflecting the task's results consistent with common practices in scientific and technological activities;

d) Content structure and scientific writing style are appropriate.

3. Requirements for Products:

In addition to requirements stated in the contract and task description, provincial-level task products must meet the following requirements:

a) For products such as samples, materials, equipment, machinery, production lines, plant varieties, animal breeds, and other measurable products, they must be tested/examined/inspected at independent specialized agencies competent for the task;

b) For products such as application principles, methods, standards, regulations, computer software, design drawings, technological processes, diagrams, maps, data, databases, analytical reports, forecasting documents (methods, processes, models,...), plans, master plans, economic-technical justifications, feasibility studies, and similar products, they must be reviewed by a specialized science and technology council or an expert group established by the task's leading organization;

c) For products such as postgraduate training outcomes, useful solutions, patents, publications, and similar products, they must be confirmed by relevant authorities.

4. Grading Scale (maximum 100 points)

a) Evaluation of the comprehensive report and summary report of the task implementation results (maximum 20 points);

b) Evaluation of the quantity and quality level of Type I products (articles, monographs, and other products) and Type IV (registration of industrial property rights, plant variety rights, if applicable) compared to the contract (maximum 5 points);

c) Evaluation of the completeness of the quantity and volume of Type II and III products achieved compared to the contract (maximum 25 points);

d) Evaluation of the quality level of Type II and III products achieved compared to the contract (maximum 30 points);

đ) Evaluation of postgraduate training and/or human resource development results (maximum 5 points);

e) Evaluation of implementation organization according to schedule (maximum 5 points);

g) Evaluation of outstanding products (maximum 10 points).

Article 28. Principles for Scoring and Classifying Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

1. Scoring Principle

a) The scoring to evaluate the results of the task shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 27 of this Circular;

b) The score of the task is the average of the total points recorded on valid evaluation forms.

2. Classification of Task Results

Based on the scoring results of the task, the Acceptance Council classifies the task into three levels: "Excellent", "Achieved", or "Not Achieved", specifically as follows:

a) The "Excellent" level when the task score reaches 90 points or higher and simultaneously meets the following requirements:

- Completion according to the contract;

- No extension of implementation time; 

- Having outstanding products.

b) The "Achieved" level when the task score reaches 70 points or higher;

c) The "Not Achieved" level when the task score is below 70 points or the application is submitted late by more than three months from the end date of the provincial science and technology task specified in the signed contract, including any extended implementation period (if applicable).

Article 29. Meeting of the Acceptance Council

1. Documents for the Acceptance Council meeting include:

a) Decision on the establishment of the Acceptance Council;

b) Copies of documents as prescribed in Article 23 of this Circular; Supporting documents for the meeting must be sent to members of the Acceptance Council at least five working days before the meeting, along with the result evaluation form for the task according to Model V1.07-PNX.ĐTXH/ĐA or Model VI.08-PNX.ĐTNC/DA attached to this Circular.

2. Agenda of the Acceptance Council:

a) Announce the decision on establishing the Acceptance Council, introduce attending representatives; outline the main contents and requirements for evaluating and accepting provincial science and technology tasks as stipulated in this Circular;

b) The Chairman of the Council or the Vice-Chairman authorized in case of absence shall chair the meeting, unify principles and agenda; appoint a scientific secretary member to record opinions during the meeting and draft the minutes of the meeting.

The Acceptance Council elects a ballot committee consisting of three members of the council, including one head;

c) The task leader reports on the summary of the organization and implementation process, results, and scientific and technological products, and the result evaluation report of the task;

d) Members of the Acceptance Council ask questions to the task leader. The leader and related individuals answer the questions of the Acceptance Council (if any) and then leave the meeting;

đ) The representative of the Expert Group reports on the assessment results of the product (if any);

e) Reviewers present their comments and evaluations of the task results; the scientific secretary reads the opinions of absent members (if any); members of the Acceptance Council express their opinions and discuss the task results;

g) Members of the Acceptance Council assess and classify the task results according to Articles 26 and 27 and the Evaluation Form VI.09-PĐG.KQ attached in Appendix VI of this Circular;

h) The ballot committee summarizes and prepares the minutes of the ballot evaluation of the task results according to Model VI.10-BB.KPĐG attached in Appendix VI of this Circular;

i) The Acceptance Council discusses and agrees to recommend amendments and supplements in the consolidated report and products of the task and conclude;

k) The Chairman of the Acceptance Council announces the evaluation results of the Council. In cases where the Council evaluates and classifies as "Not Achieved," it is necessary to clearly identify the contents and products implemented according to the contract as a basis for the People's Committee of the province or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the People's Committee of the province to handle according to regulations;

h) The scientific secretary records the discussion opinions at the meeting, drafts the meeting minutes according to Model VI.11-BB.HĐNT attached in Appendix VI of this Circular and approves at the meeting.

Article 30. Handling the Results of Evaluation and Acceptance of Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

1. In cases where the results of the task are rated at level "Pass" or higher: Within thirty days from the date of the Acceptance Board meeting, the leading organization and the head of the task shall prepare a report on completing the evaluation and acceptance documentation according to Model VI.12-BC.HĐĐG/NT attached as Appendix VI to this Circular, complete the summary report, the abstract, products, and related documents based on the conclusions of the Acceptance Board, and submit them to the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee.

2. For tasks rated at level "Fail": The Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to handle the matter in accordance with Circular Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC regarding tasks that have not been completed.

3. If necessary, the Provincial People's Committee or the agency/unit authorized/delegated by the Provincial People's Committee may organize the solicitation of opinions from organizations or independent consultants on the results of the evaluation and acceptance.

Article 31. Registration, Preservation, and Updating Information on Provincial Science and Technology Tasks

The registration, preservation, and updating of the results of provincial science and technology tasks shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 14/2014/TT-BKHCN dated June 11, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, concerning the collection, registration, preservation, and publication of information on science and technology tasks, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 11/2023/TT-BKHCN dated June 26, 2023, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 32. Provincial Science and Technology Tasks Using State Budget Funds Included in the List of State Secrets

1. Procedures, formalities, forms, and files in the implementation of determining tasks; selecting, organizing, and individuals performing tasks; inspecting, evaluating during the implementation of tasks; terminating contracts for performing tasks; evaluating and accepting the results of task implementation for provincial science and technology tasks included in the list of state secrets shall be implemented in accordance with this Circular and must ensure compliance with regulations on protecting state secrets.

2. The Task Determination Board, Selection Board, Acceptance Board, Financial Review Team, and Expert Team (if any) of provincial science and technology tasks related to state secrets must convene face-to-face meetings.

3. The sending, transferring, receiving, processing, and storing of files under Clause 1 of this Article shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on protecting state secrets.

Chapter III

MANAGEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TASKS

FUNDED BY THE STATE BUDGET AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

Article 33. Requirements for Local-Level Science and Technology Tasks Funded by the State Budget

1. General requirements: align with the orientation and development goals of the local economy and society; address scientific and technological issues of the local agencies and organizations; be advanced, feasible, effective, and serve the development of industries and fields in the locality.

2. Requirements for research topics: meet the requirements of scientific and practical foundations, scientific and technological solutions serving management work, and the development needs of departments, agencies, organizations, and enterprises in the locality.

3. Requirements for projects: resolve issues related to the application and transfer of technology, production processes, and advanced models serving business development, improving productivity and product quality; enhance the technological level of agencies, organizations, and enterprises in the locality.

Article 34. Requirements for the Leading Organization and Principal Individual of Local-Level Science and Technology Tasks Utilizing State Budget

1. Requirements for the Leading Organization: The leading organization of local-level science and technology tasks utilizing the state budget (hereinafter referred to as local-level science and technology tasks) must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 11 of this Circular.

2. Requirements for the Principal Individual registering for the task: The principal individual of local-level science and technology tasks must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 35. Determination of Local-Level Science and Technology Tasks

1. Basis for determining tasks

a) Objectives and tasks for socio-economic development at the local level;

b) Functions and responsibilities of the proposing agency or unit.

2. Procedure for determining tasks

a) The local-level agency or unit announces proposals for tasks;

b) Organizations and individuals submit proposal forms to the local-level agency or unit for consolidation and processing;

The proposal form for scientific and technological projects shall be carried out according to the model specified in Clause 2 of Article 5 of this Circular;

c) The head of the local-level agency or unit organizes an Advisory Board to determine local-level science and technology tasks or seeks independent expert opinions to determine the list of local-level science and technology tasks;

The head of the local-level agency or unit decides on the establishment, specifies the number of members of the Advisory Board to determine local-level science and technology tasks. The composition of the Board, principles, working methods, and meetings of the Advisory Board to determine local-level science and technology tasks shall be implemented in accordance with Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Clause 7 of Article 7 of this Circular;

d) Within seven working days from the date of receiving advisory results to determine the list of local-level science and technology tasks, the head of the local-level agency or unit reviews and decides to approve the list of local-level science and technology tasks within their authority or submits it to the competent authority for approval;

đ) The local-level agency or unit publicly announces the list of local-level tasks to select the leading organization and principal individual for the tasks at the agency or unit or through mass media within fifteen days for organizations and individuals to prepare registration documents to participate in the selection process.

Article 36. Registration Documents for Selecting Organizations and Individuals to Implement Local-Level Science and Technology Tasks

1. Components of the registration documents, requirements for the registration documents, and submission of registration documents for selection are carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, and Clause 3 of Article 12 of this Circular. Registration documents for selecting local-level science and technology tasks are submitted to the local-level agency or unit.

2. Opening, inspecting, and confirming the validity of registration documents for selection

a) Within ten days from the deadline for submitting documents, the local-level agency or unit organizes the opening, inspection, and confirmation of the validity of registration documents for local-level science and technology tasks;

The components for opening the documents are decided by the head of the local-level agency or unit;

b) A valid document is one that meets the time requirement and document components stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

d) The results of opening the documents are recorded in the Minutes according to Model IV.01-BBMHS attached to this Circular;

đ) Valid documents are reviewed and evaluated through the Advisory Board for selecting local-level science and technology tasks;

For invalid documents, the local-level agency or unit must notify in writing so that participating organizations and individuals are informed.

Article 37. Advisory Board for Selection to Implement Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Basic Level

1. The head of the basic-level agency or unit decides on the establishment of the Advisory Board for Selection to Implement Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Basic Level (hereinafter referred to as the Selection Advisory Board) and specifies the number of members of the Selection Advisory Board.

2. The composition of the Selection Advisory Board is regulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 13 of this Circular.

3. The Selection Advisory Board is responsible for evaluating applications and reviewing the budget for implementing scientific and technological tasks at the basic level.

4. Principles, methods of operation, responsibilities of members of the Selection Advisory Board, meeting materials of the Selection Advisory Board, procedures and contents of work of the Selection Advisory Board shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, 3, and Clause 4 of Article 14 of this Circular.

5. After evaluating the application, the Budget Review Board shall review the budget according to Points b, c, and d of Clause 3 of Article 15 of this Circular. The minutes of the Selection Advisory Board meeting must reflect the results of the budget review for implementing the task.

6. In case of necessity, the head of the basic-level agency or unit decides on the establishment, specifies the number of members, and the composition of participants in the Budget Review Team to review the budget for implementing the task. Meeting materials of the Budget Review Team, conditions for organizing the session, methods of meeting, tasks, responsibilities, procedures, and formalities for meetings of the Budget Review Team shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 of this Circular.

Article 38. Approval of Results of Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Implement Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Basic Level

1. Within ten days from the date of receiving the advisory results of the Selection Advisory Board, and the budget review results of the Budget Review Team (if any), the leading organization and the task leader are responsible for completing the application and sending it back to the basic-level agency or unit.

The application includes: Completed task description, detailed budget estimate, report on completing the application according to the conclusions of the Selection Advisory Board and the Budget Review Team (if any); other related documents.

2. Within seven working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the head of the basic-level agency or unit decides within their authority or submits to the competent authority for approval of the results of selecting the leading organization and the task leader, and the budget for implementing scientific and technological tasks at the basic level according to their organizational and operational regulations.

3. The basic-level agency or unit publicly announces the approved results of the leading organization and the individual task leader for scientific and technological tasks at the basic level at the agency or unit or through mass media.

Article 39. Approval of Task Descriptions and Signing Contracts to Implement Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Basic Level

The head of the basic-level agency or unit approves the task descriptions and signs contracts with the leading organization to implement scientific and technological tasks at the basic level according to Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN.

Article 40. Inspection, Evaluation, and Termination of Contracts During Implementation of Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Basic Level

1. The head of the basic-level agency or unit decides on inspection and evaluation; handling the results of inspection and evaluation; suspending implementation of the task; terminating the contract for implementing scientific and technological tasks at the basic level under their management according to their authority and bears responsibility for their decisions.

2. The implementation of inspection, evaluation, handling the results of inspection and evaluation; suspending implementation of the task; terminating the contract for implementing the task is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Articles 20, 21, and Article 22 of this Circular.

Article 41. Evaluation and acceptance of results of implementing grassroots science and technology tasks

1. Evaluation and acceptance files:

a) The application file for evaluation and acceptance of results of implementing grassroots science and technology tasks must be submitted to the grassroots agency or unit within 15 days from the completion date of the task according to the contract, including any extended implementation period (if applicable).

b) The evaluation and acceptance file for results of implementing grassroots science and technology tasks includes: Request for evaluation and acceptance; Summary report; products required by the contract; other related documents.

2. The specialized science and technology council for evaluating and accepting results of implementing grassroots science and technology tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Acceptance Council):

a) The head of the grassroots agency or unit decides on the establishment of the Acceptance Council;

In cases where the task has measurable products, the head of the grassroots agency or unit decides to establish a team of experts to evaluate and accept the measurable products of the task;

b) The composition of the Acceptance Council is regulated in Clause 1, Article 25 of this Circular. The number of members, functions, and responsibilities of the Acceptance Council are decided by the head of the grassroots agency or unit;

c) The principles and working methods of the Acceptance Council are implemented according to the provisions in Clause 4 and Point a, Clause 5, Article 7 of this Circular.

3. Content of evaluation and requirements for products of grassroots science and technology tasks

a) Evaluation content includes:

Evaluation of the summary report: Assessing the completeness, clarity, authenticity, and logical structure of the summary report;

Evaluation of the task's products compared to the order, including: Quantity, volume of products; quality of products; types of products; features and technical specifications of products;

b) Requirements for the summary report: Provide an overview of all relevant scientific research and technological development results related to the task; data and materials with representativeness, reliability, authenticity, and up-to-date information. The content of the report presents the entire task's results systematically, logically, scientifically, answering scientific and technological issues raised, truthfully reflecting the task's results. The content structure and scientific writing style are appropriate;

c) Requirements for the task's products: Fully meet the requirements stated in the contract and task description. Measurable products need to be tested/appraised/examined at a competent and independent specialized agency from the task's leading organization.

4. Provisions regarding the evaluation and acceptance files of results of implementing grassroots science and technology tasks are carried out according to the regulations in Article 23 of this Circular.

5. Meeting of the Acceptance Council; review form; evaluation requirements of the Acceptance Council; content and scoring criteria for evaluation; marking principles and classification of grassroots science and technology tasks are carried out according to the regulations in Articles 26, 27, 28, and Article 29 of this Circular.

6. Handling results of grassroots science and technology tasks

a) For science and technology tasks evaluated as "Achieved" or higher: Within 15 days from the meeting of the Acceptance Council, the task leader and the leading organization are responsible for supplementing and completing the task file according to the Council's conclusions, seeking the Chairman's opinion on completing the file and submitting it to the grassroots agency or unit;

b) For tasks classified as "Not Achieved": The grassroots agency or unit leading the task, in coordination with related units, will handle according to the regulations on handling uncompleted tasks in Articles 16 and 17 of Joint Circular No. 27/2015/TTLT-BKHCN-BTC.

7. Registration, storage, and updating of information on grassroots science and technology tasks are carried out according to the regulations in Article 31 of this Circular.

Chapter IV

ORGANIZATIONS AND INDEPENDENT EXPERTS

Article 42. Independent Consulting Organizations and Experts

1. Independent consulting experts shall evaluate scientific and technological task files in accordance with the following provisions:

a) In compliance with the provisions set forth in Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-BKHCN dated May 8, 2023, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology to guide certain technical contents serving the preparation of budgets for implementing scientific and technological tasks funded by state budget;

b) Not falling under any of the following circumstances: being a member of the Advisory Board determining scientific and technological tasks; belonging to the main organizing entity; participants in the implementation of scientific and technological tasks; spouse, father, mother, child, brother, sister, or full-blooded sibling of the principal investigator, scientific secretary, or key members participating in the implementation of scientific and technological tasks; individuals who have been administratively punished for violations in scientific and technological activities and whose punishment period has not yet expired, or those currently under criminal investigation, serving a sentence, or prohibited from holding positions, practicing professions, or performing specific tasks related to scientific and technological activities without having their criminal records expunged; there is clear evidence indicating a lack of impartiality when providing advisory opinions.

2. Independent consulting organizations shall operate in accordance with the provisions set forth in Clause 6, Article 2 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-BKHCN dated May 8, 2023, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 43. Responsibilities of Independent Consulting Organizations and Experts

1. Analyze, assess, and provide critical opinions on the consultation-requested files, ensuring independence and objectivity.

2. Complete the advisory report upon request; keep confidential all evaluation information and directly send the advisory report to the inviting agency in a sealed envelope.

3. During the consultation period, do not contact or exchange information about the invited scientific and technological task with the main organizing entity, cooperating entities, or individuals involved in the implementation of the scientific and technological task.

Article 44. Soliciting Opinions from Independent Consulting Organizations and Experts

1. The number of independent consulting experts to be solicited: at least two experts.

2. Documents submitted for soliciting opinions from independent consulting organizations and experts include:

a) A letter requesting independent consultation;

b) Relevant documents requiring consultation.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 45. Effectiveness and Implementation Responsibility

1. This circular takes effect from February 10, 2025.

2. Provincial People's Committees may issue specific regulations within their jurisdiction and in compliance with relevant laws to suit local conditions.

3. In cases where referenced documents in this circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the amended, supplemented, or replacement documents.

4. If difficulties or obstacles arise during implementation, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to reflect them in writing to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration, guidance, and resolution./.