Circular No. 16/2015/TT-BVHTTDL stipulates the management of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

 CIRCULAR
REGULATIONS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM
FILM AND TOURISM

Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology dated June 18, 2013;

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;

Pursuant to Decree No. 76/2013/NĐ-CP dated July 16, 2013, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment,

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism promulgates this Circular to regulate the management of scientific and technological tasks using state budget funds of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular regulates the management of scientific and technological tasks using state budget funds of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

2. This Circular applies to agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

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

1. Proposing scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level is the act of agencies and units proposing research ideas for science and technology according to the guidance of the Ministry.

2. Determining scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level is the act of reviewing and selecting research idea proposals for science and technology for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to commission or directly assign.

3. Selecting scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level is the act of reviewing and evaluating registration files to determine the organizations and individuals with the most suitable capabilities and experience to carry out scientific and technological tasks according to the direct assignment of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

4. Directly assigning the implementation of scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level is the act of designating organizations and individuals with sufficient capabilities, conditions, and relevant expertise to implement scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

5. Reviewing scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level is the act of examining, inspecting, and evaluating the content of scientific research in accordance with the conclusions of the advisory council on selection and direct assignment, and the budget of the scientific and technological task before presenting it to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for decision-making on implementation.

Article 3. Requirements for scientific and technological tasks using state budget funds

1. Scientific and technological programs at the ministerial level

a) Must have objectives to create scientific and technological results serving priority development directions within the scope of management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism regarding: developing scientific and technological potential in one or several fields; developing priority technologies; developing key products; the results of scientific and technological tasks must demonstrate novelty, advancement, high applicability, and meet the program's goals;

b) Must include scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level that are directly or indirectly related in terms of specialization;

c) Implementation time shall not exceed 10 years from the date of approval, during which the implementation time of specific scientific and technological tasks must be appropriate to each type of task.

2. Scientific and technological topics at the ministerial level

a) For applied research and technology development topics: the technology or scientific and technological product expected must have a specific application address or commercialization potential; there must be at least one article published in a domestic specialized journal;

b) For topics in the field of social sciences and humanities: the results created must provide scientific evidence and timely solutions to address practical issues in policy formulation and implementation, economic and social development policies, and state laws; there must be at least one article published in a domestic specialized journal;

c) Implementation time shall not exceed 36 months from the date of signing the scientific and technological development contract.

3. Scientific projects at the ministerial level

a) Building the project must be based on tasks assigned by the Government,

b) Research results of the project are proposals or draft mechanisms, policies, procedures, regulations, legal documents that fully meet scientific and practical grounds;

c) Implementation time shall not exceed 24 months from the date of signing the scientific and technological development contract.

4. Pilot production projects at the ministerial level

a) The leading organization of the project must commit to mobilizing self-funding resources or through cooperation with enterprises or organizations, individuals with non-state budget capital;

b) The technology or scientific and technological product being tested must be the result of a scientific and technological task evaluated, accepted, and recommended for application by the Science and Technology Council, or the result of exploiting inventions or useful solutions;

c) The technology or scientific and technological product expected must ensure stability at small-scale production and feasibility in application or development at large-scale production;

d) Implementation time shall not exceed 36 months from the date of signing the scientific and technological development contract.

5. Scientific and technological projects at the ministerial level

a) Solve scientific and technological problems directly serving investment production projects for priority and spearhead products approved by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

b) Results generated must ensure applicability and enhance the economic efficiency of the investment production project; have significance for the development of science and technology in sectors and fields managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

c) Have a plan to mobilize financial resources outside the state budget and be confirmed by financial institutions, credit organizations, or funds to sponsor or guarantee;

d) Have a schedule consistent with the investment production project schedule;

đ) Implementation time shall not exceed 36 months from the date of signing the scientific and technological development contract.

6. Potential scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level

a) Must have the ability to create new research directions or new products;

b) Implementation time shall not exceed 24 months from the date of signing the scientific and technological development contract.

7. Scientific and technological tasks at the organizational level

a) Solve scientific and technological problems directly serving the activities of agencies and units;

b) When requesting support, scientific and technological tasks at the organizational level must be approved by the Science Council of the agencies and units (if any); heads of agencies and units responsible for supporting organizational-level tasks must bear responsibility for proposal, approval, management, evaluation, and acceptance; during implementation, the leading organization and principal investigator must report regularly and promptly to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism when required.

c) The period for implementing grassroots tasks supported with funding shall not exceed twelve months from the date of signing the scientific research and technological development contract.

Article 4. Procedures for Implementing Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Proposing scientific and technological tasks.

2. Determining scientific and technological tasks.

3. Selecting and directly assigning scientific and technological tasks.

4. Reviewing scientific and technological tasks.

5. Approving scientific and technological tasks for implementation.

6. Signing scientific research and technological development contracts.

7. Monitoring and evaluating during the implementation of scientific and technological tasks.

8. Self-evaluating the results of scientific and technological task implementation.

9. Evaluating and accepting scientific and technological tasks.

10. Registering, retaining, and using information; transferring and applying research results in practice.

Article 5. Management of Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Programs

1. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism decides to establish the Steering Committee of the Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Program (hereinafter referred to as the Program) based on the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment. The Steering Committee has the responsibility to advise the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on organizing and managing the implementation of the Program.

2. Responsibilities and authorities of the Steering Committee:

a) Being responsible to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the implementation of the Program's goals, contents, and product outcomes that have been approved;

b) Guiding the construction and approval of the Detailed Descriptions of topics and projects within the Program that have been approved by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organizing the signing of contracts for topic and project implementation within the Program;

c) Establishing and promulgating regulations governing the operation of the Steering Committee during the implementation process;

d) Coordinating with relevant agencies and units to manage topics and projects within the Program according to this Circular and current regulations; proposing annual adjustment and supplementation content of the Program.

Chapter II
PROPOSAL AND DETERMINATION OF THE LIST OF MINISTRY-LEVEL ORDERED AND DIRECTLY ASSIGNED SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS
DIRECT ORDER AND DIRECT ASSIGNMENT BY THE MINISTRY

Article 6. Proposal of Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Implementation procedures:

a) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announces and guides the proposal of scientific and technological tasks;

b) Agencies, units, and individuals under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism submit proposals for scientific and technological tasks according to the form specified in Appendix 1 (PL1-PDXNV) to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment. For organizations and individuals directly under General Departments, they should submit proposals to the General Department's Office for consolidation into a list to be sent to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment. In cases where two or more tasks are proposed, they must be arranged in order of urgency and feasibility;

c) Organizations and individuals engaged in science and technology outside the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism submit proposals for scientific and technological tasks according to the form specified in Appendix 1 (PL1-PDXNV) through agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

d) The Department of Science, Technology and Environment compiles a list of scientific and technological tasks proposed by organizations and individuals;

đ) Submitting to the Minister for consideration and approval of the list of scientific and technological tasks to be selected for ordering and direct assignment.

2. Based on the proposal of scientific and technological tasks:

a) Strategies, programs, and action plans of cultural, sports, tourism, and family sectors approved by the Party, State, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

b) Guidelines for building annual scientific and technological tasks issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

c) According to the ordered and directly assigned implementation of scientific and technological tasks by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

d) Urgent issues at agencies and units;

đ) The ability to use products of scientific and technological tasks in practice;

e) Other related requirements.

3. Criteria for determining Programs, Topics, and Projects:

a) Proposed based on the grounds stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Scientific significance: New and innovative in science and technology;

c) Practical significance: Directly or contribute to solving urgent theoretical and practical issues; meet the development needs of the cultural, sports, tourism, and family sectors;

d) Feasibility: Consistent with the existing scientific and technological capabilities of the sector and the country regarding the level of scientific and technological personnel, equipment, facilities, and implementation time; capable of mobilizing domestic and foreign resources to meet the needs of project implementation; having application addresses and the ability to apply research results.

4. Criteria for determining experimental production projects:

a) Meeting the criteria prescribed in Points a and b of Clause 3 of this Article.

b) Technical requirements: Demonstrating the stability and reliability of the technology, economic-technical indicators, economic efficiency; capable of replacing imported technology from abroad; ensuring health and environmental safety standards; demonstrating novelty and advancement compared to existing technologies in the culture, sports, and tourism sector; having the potential to enhance the technological level of the sector when widely applied in the production of cultural, sports, and tourism products;

b) Market capability: Relevant socio-economic sectors under the management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have demand for the project's products; the project's products have competitive quality and price with similar products on the market, replacing imported products from abroad; the project's products have export potential;

c) Economic and social benefits: The project's products positively impact the development of culture, sports, and tourism, creating new industries, generating employment and income for the community.

d) Feasibility: Consistent with the scientific and technological capabilities of the organizations primarily responsible for the project and within the country regarding the level of scientific and technological staff, equipment, workshops, implementation time; capable of mobilizing resources from various sources to meet the needs of implementing the project; capable of linking with production bases and other scientific and technological organizations to implement the project; having a market for consuming products (having plans for linking consumption, transfer, or commercialization of project products).

Article 7. Advisory Council for Determining Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. The Science, Technology, and Environment Department shall submit to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for a decision to establish the Ministry-level Advisory Council for Determining Scientific and Technological Tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Council).

2. Composition of the Council:

a) Comprising seven members including the Chair, Vice-Chair, and members;

b) Members of the Council are representatives of management agencies and scientists with competence and expertise appropriate to the advisory field;

c) Administrative secretaries assisting the Council consist of two officials or civil servants of the Science, Technology, and Environment Department.

3. Responsibilities of the Council:

a) The Council has the responsibility to advise and determine the list of scientific and technological tasks, including: name, objectives, content, expected products, and methods of implementation (selection or direct assignment);

b) Implement the provisions stipulated in Clauses 5 and 6 of this Article.

4. Meeting materials for the Council shall be sent by the Science, Technology, and Environment Department to Council members at least three working days before the meeting date, including:

a) The proposal form for scientific and technological tasks of organizations and individuals according to the model prescribed in Appendix 1 (PL1-PĐXNV);

b) Official letters proposing scientific and technological tasks;

c) Results of information searches on related scientific and technological tasks (the Science, Technology, and Environment Department is responsible for searching information);

d) Commitment letter of the applying unit for research results application.

5. Principles of Operation of the Council:

a) Following democratic principles, Council members openly discuss assigned advisory tasks while being responsible for their advisory opinions;

b) A Council session must have at least two-thirds of the Council members present;

c) The Chair of the Council presides over sessions; in the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair of the Council presides over the session;

d) Council members review and evaluate proposals for scientific and technological tasks according to the model prescribed in Appendix 2a (PL2a-TVHĐ) and send them back to the Science, Technology, and Environment Department at least one working day before the Council meeting;

đ) Different opinions of Council members are compiled by the scientific secretary for discussion and voting by the Council when at least two-thirds of the present Council members agree. Council members may request to reserve their opinion if it differs from the Council's conclusion. Council members are individually responsible for their own opinions and collectively responsible for the Council's conclusion;

e) Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks proposed for procurement or direct assignment must be recommended for implementation by three-quarters of the Council members;

g) Representatives of agencies and units proposing scientific and technological tasks may be invited to attend Council sessions;

6. Procedures and Formalities for the Council's Work:

a) The administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the Council;

b) The Chair of the Council conducts the session; the Council elects a scientific secretary;

c) Council members discuss each proposed task according to the criteria stipulated in Clauses 3 and 4 of Article 6 of this Circular;

d) Council members assess the proposals and cast ballots for evaluating the proposed scientific and technological tasks according to the model prescribed in Appendix 2b (PL2b-PĐG);

đ) The Council elects a ballot counting committee consisting of three members of the Council to assist the Council in compiling the ballot counting results according to the model prescribed in Appendix 2c (PL2c-BBKP);

e) For tasks proposed for "implementation," the Council discusses in detail to reach consensus on the task name, objectives, expected products, and methods of implementation (selection or direct assignment); arrange in priority order;

g) For tasks proposed for "non-implementation," the Council discusses in detail to reach consensus on reasons for non-implementation;

h) The evaluation and advisory determination results of tasks are recorded in the Council meeting minutes according to the model prescribed in Appendix 2d (PL2d-BBHĐ).

Article 8. Approval of the list of scientific and technological tasks to be commissioned or directly assigned

1. Based on the advisory results of the Council, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment will compile the list of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks to be commissioned or directly assigned for submission to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consideration and approval. In cases where necessary, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may seek independent expert opinions before making a decision.

2. Within fifteen working days from the date the list of scientific and technological tasks to be commissioned or directly assigned is approved by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall have the responsibility to publicly announce this list on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's electronic portal at http://khcnmt-bvhttdl.vn and send it to relevant agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Article 9. Urgent Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks assigned by the Party, State, or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

1. When urgent scientific and technological tasks are assigned by the Party, State, or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall advise the Minister to assign the leading organization or individual head to prepare a scientific explanation dossier to be submitted to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to decide on implementation through direct assignment.

2. The procedures for implementing urgent Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Circular.

Chapter III
SELECTION AND DIRECT ASSIGNMENT OF MINISTRY-LEVEL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS
THE MINISTRY

Article 10. Leading organizations and individual heads implementing Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks

1. Agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that have functions suitable to the specialized field of the scientific and technological task have the right to register to participate in selection or be directly assigned to lead the implementation of scientific and technological tasks, except in cases where they are currently implementing another Ministry-level scientific and technological task that has exceeded its deadline by more than twelve months without completion. Special cases shall be decided by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

2. Individuals who are the heads of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks must meet the following requirements simultaneously: Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher; have relevant expertise or position; possess the ability to organize and ensure sufficient time to lead the research work of the scientific and technological task. Special cases shall be decided by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

3. Individuals falling into any of the following categories are not eligible to participate in registration for selection or direct assignment as the head of a Ministry-level scientific and technological task:

a) At the time of the deadline for submitting applications, they are still the head of one Ministry-level scientific and technological task;

b) An individual who is the head of a Ministry-level scientific and technological task evaluated as "unsatisfactory" at the acceptance stage will not be eligible to participate in registration for selection or direct assignment for two years from the date of the Council's acceptance evaluation conclusion;

c) An individual who is the head of a scientific and technological task at any level and whose misconduct leads to the suspension of a Ministry-level scientific and technological task will not be eligible to participate in registration for selection or direct assignment for five years from the date of the competent authority's decision.

Article 11. Notification and Registration for Participation in the Selection to Implement Science and Technology Tasks

1. At least thirty days before organizing the selection, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall announce on its electronic portal at http://khcnmt-bvhttdl.vn and send to subordinate agencies and units within the Ministry the list of science and technology tasks at the ministerial level that will be selected. Organizations and individuals may register their participation according to the provisions set forth in Article 12 of this Circular.

2. Any organization or individual meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 10 of this Circular has the right to register for participation in the selection to implement science and technology tasks.

3. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall check the completeness and validity of the registration documents. In case the documents do not comply with regulations, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall notify in writing the registering organization within three working days from the date of receipt of the documents.

Article 12. Documents for Participation in the Selection and Direct Assignment of Science and Technology Tasks at the Ministerial Level

a) Application form for issuance of a certificate confirming eligibility to operate electronic authentication services according to Model XT01 attached to this Decree;

a) A copy of the Certificate of Registration for Scientific and Technological Activities of the organization applying to lead the science and technology task (if applicable);

b) An application form for leading the implementation of science and technology tasks at the ministerial level according to the model specified in Appendix 3a (PL3a-ĐƠNĐK);

c) A commitment letter from the entity using the research results;

d) Detailed description of the science and technology task at the ministerial level according to the models specified in Appendices 3b, 3c, and 3d (PL3b-TMNV.ĐTXH; PL3c-TMNV.ĐTCN; PL3d-TMNV.ĐA), appropriate to each type of science and technology task;

đ) Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization applying to lead the implementation of the science and technology task (for tasks implemented through the selection method) according to the model specified in Appendix 3đ (PL3đ-LLTC);

e) Scientific curriculum vitae of the principal applicant and other applicants participating in the research task, confirmed by the personnel management agency according to the model specified in Appendix 3e (PL3e- LLCN).

2. Requirements and number of documents:

a) The complete set of documents must be sealed and clearly marked on the outside with the name of the science and technology task, the name and address of the leading organization and the principal applicant, a list of documents and texts contained in the file;

b) Number of sets of documents: one original set (with stamps and direct signatures) printed on A4 paper, using Vietnamese font from the Unicode character set according to national standard TCVN 6909:2001, font size 14, seven copies, and one electronic version of the file recorded on a CD (in PDF format, without password protection).

3. Deadline and place for submission of documents:

Documents must be submitted on time to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment as announced in the selection notice; the submission date is considered to be the postmark date (in case of postal submission) or the arrival stamp date of the Ministry's Office (in case of direct submission). Before the deadline for submitting documents, organizations and individuals registered for participation in the selection have the right to withdraw their documents, submit new ones, supplement or amend the documents already submitted to the selection body. All supplements and amendments must be submitted within the prescribed period and become part of the file.

Article 13. Advisory Council for Selection and Direct Assignment to Perform Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. The Science, Technology and Environment Department shall submit to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for decision on establishing the Advisory Council for Selection and Direct Assignment to Perform Scientific and Technological Tasks at the Ministry level (hereinafter referred to as the Council).

2. Composition of the Council:

a) The Council consists of seven members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two reviewing members, and other members.

b) Members of the Council are reputable scientists, experts, and managers with appropriate professional qualifications and deep understanding of the relevant scientific and technological fields related to the research area, representing agencies and units that will utilize the results of scientific and technological tasks.

c) The scientific secretary is a member of the Council elected during a session of the Council.

d) The Council may have one member from the organization registering as the main organizer of the scientific and technological task, but this member cannot be the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, reviewing member, or scientific secretary of the Council. Individuals registering to participate in the implementation of the task cannot be members of the Council.

đ) Experts and reviewing members who have participated in the Advisory Council for Determining Prioritized Scientific and Technological Tasks are given priority invitations to join the Selection and Direct Assignment Council for corresponding Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks.

e) Administrative secretaries assisting the Council are two officials or civil servants from the Science, Technology and Environment Department.

3. Meeting materials for the Council shall be sent by the Science, Technology and Environment Department to Council members at least five working days before the meeting date, including:

a) Decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism approving the List of Ministry-level Scientific and Technological Tasks put up for selection and direct assignment.

b) Comment form for applications for selection and direct assignment of Ministry-level Scientific and Technological Tasks according to the model specified in Appendix 3g (PL3g-PNX).

c) Evaluation form for applications for selection and direct assignment of Ministry-level Scientific and Technological Tasks according to the model specified in Appendix 3h (PL3h-PĐG).

4. Principles of Operation of the Council:

a) Following democratic principles, Council members openly discuss assigned advisory tasks while being responsible for their advisory opinions.

b) A Council session must have at least two-thirds of the Council members present;

c) The Chairperson presides over the session; in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson presides. There must be at least one reviewing member; absent members must provide their opinion in writing. Depending on specific circumstances, representatives of the agency or unit organizing the task and related units may be invited to attend the Council's session.

d) Organizations or individuals selected for direct assignment to perform Ministry-level Scientific and Technological Tasks are those with application files ranked highest based on the average score of all criteria, achieving at least 70 out of 100 points. None of the criteria can have more than one-third of the present Council members scoring zero. In cases where multiple files have the same average score, the file with a higher score from the Chairperson is prioritized. If two files for the same task receive equal scores from the Chairperson, the Science, Technology and Environment Department shall prepare a document requesting the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's decision.

5. Procedures and Formalities for the Council's Work:

a) The administrative secretary reads the decision to establish the Council.

b) The Chairperson manages the meeting; the Council elects the scientific secretary.

c) Representatives of agencies or units planning to use research results (if any) express opinions on the necessity and requirements for research outcomes.

d) Council members review and evaluate each application file and compare application files for the same scientific and technological task.

đ) The Council discusses and reviews opinions between Council members (if any) before independently scoring on the Evaluation Form according to the model specified in Appendix 3h (PL3h-PĐG) and voting.

e) The Council appoints a Counting Committee consisting of three members to assist the Council in summarizing results according to the model specified in Appendix 3i (PL3i-BBKP); for selection files, results are summarized in descending order of total average scores.

g) The Council's scientific secretary publicly announces the scoring results and work process according to the model specified in Appendix 3k (PL3k-BBHĐ). Recommends a list of organizations and individuals selected or directly assigned to organize the scientific and technological task.

h) The Council discusses and agrees on recommendations for the session's results, including basic contents: - Name of the organization or individual proposed for selection or direct assignment; - Points requiring supplementation or modification in the task description of the selected or directly assigned application file.

6. In cases where Council members have inconsistent opinions regarding the selection of the main organizer and principal implementer of Ministry-level Scientific and Technological Tasks, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will consider approval after obtaining independent expert evaluations. For each file, the opinion of one or two independent consulting experts will be sought. Files recommended for selection or direct assignment by at least one independent consulting expert will be reviewed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for decision. Files submitted to independent consulting experts should not include the name of the organization or individual applying to organize the scientific and technological task.

7. The Council's meeting results shall be compiled by the Science, Technology and Environment Department and submitted to the Minister for consideration and approval, then announced to organizations and individuals applying for selection or direct assignment of scientific and technological tasks after approval. Organizations and individuals proposed for selection or direct assignment to perform scientific and technological tasks are responsible for completing their files according to the Council's opinions within fifteen working days from the announcement of the selection results and submitting them to the Science, Technology and Environment Department.

Article 14. Review of Ministry-level Science and Technology Tasks

1. The review team for research content and implementation budget of science and technology tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Review Team) consists of five members, established by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, including:

a) The head of the Review Team is a representative of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment leadership;

b) The deputy head of the Review Team is a representative of the Department of Planning and Finance leadership;

c) Other members are experts from the Advisory Council for selection, direct assignment organizations and individuals implementing science and technology tasks, and representatives of officers and civil servants of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment;

d) Two administrative secretaries assist the Review Team are officers and civil servants of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment. Depending on requirements, the head of the Review Team may invite representatives of the main organizing bodies and principal individuals to attend meetings.

2. Principles of operation of the Review Team:

a) At least 4 out of 5 members must be present;

b) The head of the Review Team chairs the meeting.

3. Responsibilities of the Review Team:

a) Bear individual responsibility for their own review results and collective responsibility for the Review Team's final conclusion;

b) Review the budget estimate for implementing science and technology tasks with research contents consistent with the conclusions of the Advisory Council for selection, direct assignment, and current state economic-technical norms and expenditure standards;

c) The Review Team discusses collectively to propose the total budget for implementing science and technology tasks (including budget support from the state budget and other sources), determine the final product cost budget, and partial cost budgets. Determine the phased budget according to the fiscal year. The review results of research content and budget are recorded in a protocol according to the form specified in Appendix 4 (PL4-BBTĐ);

d) The review results are communicated to the organization or individual registering for selection or direct assignment of science and technology tasks immediately after the review session ends.

4. The head of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment reports to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consideration and decision on issues exceeding the authority to resolve arising during the review process of research content and budget for science and technology tasks in the following cases:

a) There is a significant change in the objectives and content of the science and technology task compared to the approved decision or the Advisory Council's conclusion for selection or direct assignment;

b) Disagreement between the Review Team and the main organizing body or principal individual regarding objectives, content, budget, time, and implementation methods;

c) A member of the Review Team does not agree with the team's final conclusion and requests to reserve their opinion.

Article 15. Approval of Tasks and Signing of Science and Technology Development Contracts

1. The main organizing body and principal individual of the Ministry-level science and technology task complete the dossier according to the review protocol and submit it to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment within 15 working days from the date of receiving the review comments.

2. Within 10 working days from the date of receiving the dossier as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment submits to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approval: the name of the science and technology task, the main organizing body, the principal individual, the implementation period, budget, and implementation method of the science and technology task.

3. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism assigns the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to sign science and technology development contracts according to the contract model prescribed in Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN dated April 10, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 16. Inspection and Evaluation During the Implementation of Science and Technology Tasks

1. During the implementation process, the organization responsible for science and technology tasks shall have the responsibility to regularly inspect and supervise, promptly identify and correct any errors that affect the objectives, contents, progress plans, and results of the approved science and technology tasks.

2. Annually, in March and September, organizations responsible for implementing science and technology tasks shall have the responsibility to submit reports to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (through the Department of Science, Technology and Environment) on the implementation status and use of funds according to the form prescribed in Appendix 5a (PL5a-BCĐK).

3. Annually, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall coordinate with relevant agencies and units within the Ministry to inspect the progress of implementation, achieved results, and the use of funds for the implementation of science and technology tasks; in case of surprise inspections, the organization responsible shall be notified one working day in advance.

4. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall have the responsibility to compile the results and propose necessary handling measures. The inspection results serve as the basis for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to consider suspending or continuing the implementation, adjusting, supplementing, and terminating science and technology development contracts. The inspection record of the implementation situation shall be established according to the form prescribed in Appendix 5b (PL5b-BBKTĐK) and kept at the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the organization responsible for implementing science and technology tasks.

Chapter IV
INSPECTION, EVALUATION AND TERMINATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS
Article 17. Adjustment of Science and Technology Development Contracts

1. The responsible organization may proactively use and decide to adjust the budget estimate (if applicable) for the allocated funds according to regulations.

2. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall consider and decide on adjustments regarding: the responsible organization, the principal investigator, the implementation period, funds, and the method of cost allocation for the implementation of central-level science and technology tasks based on the proposal documents of the responsible organization for central-level tasks and the opinion of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment.

a) At the time before the end date specified in the science and technology development contract, if the responsible organization and the principal investigator have not completed the central-level science and technology content as stipulated in the signed contract, they must report to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consideration and adjustment of the implementation period of the central-level science and technology task, including the following documents: - A request for extension of the implementation period of the central-level science and technology task from the principal investigator, which must clearly state the reasons for the delay in implementation; a report on the implementation status of the central-level science and technology task at the time of requesting an extension (both documents must be confirmed by the organization responsible for implementing the central-level science and technology task); - A letter requesting an extension of the implementation period from the organization responsible for implementing the central-level science and technology task;

b) The adjustment of the implementation period of the task must be made before the contract end date, can only be done once, and cannot exceed 12 months for tasks with an implementation period of 24 months or more, and cannot exceed six months for tasks with an implementation period under 24 months. In special cases, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall decide.

c) The decision on adjustment and related documents concerning the adjustment are part of the contract.

3. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall consider and approve the policy and entrust the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to sign documents regarding the adjustment of other contents within the scope of the signed contract based on the proposal documents of the responsible organization, except for the contents stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.

4. In necessary cases, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall seek the opinions of independent experts before making a decision to adjust.

4. In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall seek the opinion of independent experts before deciding to make adjustments.

Article 18. Self-assessment of the results of implementing Ministry-level science and technology tasks (preliminary acceptance at the basic level)

1. The leading organization responsible for implementing the task shall be responsible for self-assessing the results of implementing the Ministry-level science and technology task before submitting the application dossier for evaluation and preliminary acceptance to the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment. The self-assessment council shall consist of seven members, with the Chairman being the representative of the leadership of the leading organization of the Ministry-level science and technology task, and other members being capable scientists and managers with credibility and expertise in the relevant field, who are not listed in the implementation team of the Ministry-level science and technology task, including at least half of the members not belonging to the leading organization of the Ministry-level science and technology task. The content of the self-assessment includes:

a) Evaluation of the comprehensive report: completeness, clarity, authenticity, and logic of the comprehensive report (research methods, techniques used, etc.) and necessary accompanying documents (design documents, technical 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) An overview of existing research results related to the task;

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

c) The content of the report must present all research results of the task systematically, logically, and scientifically, with scientific arguments based on theoretical and practical foundations, addressing the research issues raised, truthfully reflecting the task's outcomes in accordance with common practices in scientific research activities;

d) The structure and style of the report must be appropriate and scientific.

3. Requirements for the products of the Ministry-level science and technology task: In addition to the requirements stipulated in the science and technology development contract and the task description, the products of the Ministry-level science and technology task must meet the following requirements:

a) Measurable products must be tested/appraised/examined by specialized agencies with appropriate functions and independence from the leading organization;

b) 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, etc.); plans, master plans; economic-technical justifications, feasibility studies, and other products must be reviewed by a specialized scientific council or a group of experts established by the leading organization;

c) There must be confirmation documents from competent authorities for products used in training;

d) There must be comments from relevant authorities applying the research results mentioned in the task description.

4. Self-assessment shall be conducted through a classification form with ratings of "Pass" and "Fail" for each assessment content and the overall research task. The results of the self-assessment of the implementation of the Ministry-level science and technology task by the leading unit shall be recorded in a protocol confirmed by the head of the unit according to the model specified in Appendix 6a (PL6a-TĐG).

Article 19. Dossier for Evaluation and Preliminary Acceptance of Ministry-level Science and Technology Tasks

The dossier for evaluation and preliminary acceptance of Ministry-level science and technology tasks includes:

1. A letter requesting evaluation and preliminary acceptance of the Ministry-level science and technology task from the leading organization according to the model specified in Appendix 6b (PL6b-CVĐNNT).

2. Comprehensive report and summary report of the task's results.

3. Scientific and technological products of the task according to the signed science and technology development contract.

4. Confirmation documents and related materials regarding the publication, release, reception, and utilization of research results (if applicable).

5. Survey reports (sociological surveys, investigations, analyses...).

6. Report on the use of funds for the task.

7. Self-assessment report on the results of the task according to the model specified in Appendix 6a (PL6a-TĐG).

8. Report explaining the adoption of opinions of the task leader according to the conclusion of the self-assessment council on the Ministry-level science and technology research results.

9. Other documents (if any).

Article 20. Submission of Documents for Evaluation and Acceptance of Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. The submission of documents for evaluation and acceptance of ministry-level scientific and technological tasks shall be made within thirty days before the end of the Contract or the extended Contract period (if applicable).

2. The documents shall be submitted directly or sent via postal service to the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment, including: one original set of documents (with seals and direct signatures) as prescribed in Article 19 of this Circular, presented and printed on A4 paper size, using Vietnamese font from the Unicode character set according to national standard TCVN 6909:2001, font size 14, and one electronic copy stored fully with products and specialized reports of the documents recorded on optical disc (in PDF format, without password protection).

3. Within three working days from the date of receiving the documents, the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment must notify the leading organization about the validity of the documents. In case the documents are not valid according to regulations, the leading organization must supplement within five working days from the date of receiving the notification from the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment.

Article 21. Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. After receiving complete valid documents, within fifteen working days, the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment shall submit to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to decide on establishing the Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of Ministry-Level Scientific and Technological Tasks (hereinafter referred to as the Board).

2. The content of the evaluation by the Board shall be as prescribed in Article 18 of this Circular.

3. Composition of the Board:

a) The Board shall consist of seven or nine members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two opposing members, and other members; among which there shall be at least five or seven members who are scientists, experts, and managers with credibility, appropriate expertise, and deep understanding of the relevant scientific and technological fields related to the research area of the scientific and technological task.

b) The scientific secretary shall be elected by the Board from among its members.

c) The Board may have one member from the leading organization of the scientific and technological task, but this member cannot serve as the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, opposing member, or scientific secretary of the Board. Individuals involved in implementing the scientific and technological task shall not be members of the Board.

4. Administrative secretaries assisting the Board shall be two officials or civil servants of the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment.

5. In case of necessity, the Chairperson of the Board may request the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment to organize for the Board or some members of the Board to conduct inspections and evaluations of actual results. Based on the documents, the Chairperson of the Board decides to convene a meeting; the completion time for acceptance shall not exceed fifteen days after the Decision to establish the Board.

6. At least five working days before the meeting of the Board, the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment shall be responsible for sending the documents for evaluation and acceptance of the scientific and technological task to the members of the Board. Each member writes a Comment Sheet on the results of the scientific and technological task according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6c and 6d (PL6d-PNXKQ.ĐTCN, PL6c-PNXKQ.ĐTXH) and sends it back to the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment at least one working day before the meeting of the Board.

7. The Chairperson of the Board shall preside over meetings; in case the Chairperson of the Board is absent, the Vice-Chairperson of the Board shall preside over the meeting; the Board shall only convene when at least two-thirds of the Board members attend, including the participation of the Chairperson of the Board (or Vice-Chairperson of the Board) and two opposing members. Absent opposing members must provide a written agreement to approve the results of the research task. Depending on specific cases, representatives of organizations applying the results of the task or management agencies may be invited to attend the Board's meeting.

8. Procedures and formalities for the Board's work:

a) The administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the Board, introduces the composition and attending representatives;

b) The Chairperson of the Board manages the meeting; unifies and approves the agenda of the Board's work;

c) The Board elects one member as the scientific secretary to record discussions at each session, build and perfect the minutes of evaluation and acceptance according to the conclusions of the Board's meeting;

d) The head of the task presents a summary of the organization and implementation process of the task; reports scientific products and self-assesses the implementation results of the task;

đ) Members of the Board raise questions to the head of the task regarding the results and issues related to the task. The head of the task answers the questions of the Board (if any); representatives of agencies express opinions and do not continue to participate in the Board's meeting;

e) Opposing members read comments and evaluation results, members of the Board comment, evaluate, exchange, and discuss;

g) Board members evaluate the results through voting, ballots according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6đ (PL6đ- PĐGKQ); Based on the evaluation points of the ministry-level scientific and technological task, the Board proceeds to classify into three levels: Excellent, Pass, and Fail. - Classify as "Excellent" if the average score reaches 85/100 points or higher, where the scientific value part reaches 55/100 points or higher and the practical application value and practical results of the ministry-level scientific and technological task reach 20/100 points or higher; - Classify as "Pass" in cases where the average score is from 50/100 to under 85/100; - Classify as "Fail" when the evaluation result score average is below 50/100 points.

h) The Board elects a Counting Committee consisting of three Board members to assist the Board in summarizing the results according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6e (PL6e-BBHĐ.KP);

i) The evaluation and acceptance results of the scientific and technological task are recorded in the meeting minutes of the Board according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6g (PL6g- BBHĐ.KQĐG); In case the Board classifies as "Fail," the Board has the responsibility to review and determine the completed works according to the approved task description and related work contracts, clarify the reasons for "Fail" (subjective, objective). The Board discusses to unify each conclusion content and approve the minutes.

9. The conclusions of the Council shall be sent by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to the leading organization and the principal individual of the task within five working days following the conclusion of the meeting for the basis to supplement and perfect the dossier.

Article 22. Handling of scientific and technological research topics overdue and accepted with the classification "Not Achieved"

1. Scientific and technological tasks that are behind schedule compared to the signed contract without a document agreeing to extend implementation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall only be classified at the level of "Achieved" or "Not Achieved".

2. For scientific and technological tasks classified as "Achieved" with the requirement to amend and supplement the dossier, within fifteen days from the date of the Council meeting, the principal and the leading organization of the scientific and technological task shall be responsible for amending and perfecting the dossier of the scientific and technological task according to the Council's conclusion.

3. The leading organization and the principal individual of the scientific and technological task shall proceed with procedures to establish intellectual property rights to protect the research results in accordance with current regulations.

4. For scientific and technological tasks classified as "Not Achieved," the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, based on the advisory opinion of the Council regarding subjective and objective reasons, shall coordinate with relevant units to extend the deadline for rectification and perfection of the scientific and technological task and reprocess the acceptance evaluation procedure at the ministerial level. The extension period for rectification and perfection of the scientific and technological task shall not exceed ninety days from the date of the Council's conclusion. In cases where organizations and individuals lack the professional capacity to amend and perfect the scientific and technological task, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, based on the advisory opinion of the Council regarding subjective and objective reasons, shall coordinate with relevant units to determine the amount of state budget funds to be refunded according to current regulations, and submit to the Minister for decision on handling scientific and technological tasks that have not been completed.

5. Recognition of results and termination of scientific and technological development contracts

a) Recognition of results: The recognition result dossier includes: Minutes of acceptance of the ministerial-level scientific and technological task; Copy of registration certificate and preservation of the task's results; Report on completion of the evaluation and acceptance dossier; Financial settlement report and letter requesting recognition of research results of the ministerial-level scientific and technological task leading organization. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall submit to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for a decision to recognize the results of the ministerial-level scientific and technological task;

b) Termination of scientific and technological development contracts: The scientific and technological task implementation contract shall be terminated after receiving the official document recognizing the results from the competent authority in science and technology; registration certificate and preservation of the scientific and technological task's results. The model for terminating scientific and technological development contracts is stipulated in Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN dated April 10, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 23. Registration, retention and use of information

1. Within a period not exceeding fifteen days from the date on which the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism signs the Decision recognizing the results of implementing scientific and technological tasks, the leading organization and the principal individuals of the Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks shall be responsible for submitting directly or through postal service one set of scientific and technological task files to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, including: a comprehensive research result report, an executive summary (using Vietnamese font of the Unicode character set according to national standard TCVN 6909:2001, font size 14), and one full electronic storage copy of the product and specialized reports recorded on optical disc (in PDF format, without password protection).

2. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the file and the final report on the completion of the scientific and technological task, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment shall be responsible for checking the validity of the file and requesting additional information if the file does not comply with regulations.

3. The leading organization shall implement registration and retention of the results of the task at the National Scientific and Technological Information Center in accordance with the provisions of Government Decree No. 11/2014/NĐ-CP dated February 18, 2014, concerning scientific and technological information activities as currently regulated.

Chapter V
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 24. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from February 15, 2016.

2. Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BVHTTDL dated March 30, 2012, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, regarding the management of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ceases to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 25. Issuance of 25 Appendices accompanying this Circular

1. Appendix 1 (PL1-PĐXNV) Application form for Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

2. Appendix 2a (PL2a-TVHĐ) Opinion on reviewing and evaluating proposed scientific and technological tasks;

3. Appendix 2b (PL2b-PĐG) Evaluation form for proposed Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

4. Appendix 2c (PL2c-BBKP) Minutes of ballot evaluation for proposed Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

5. Appendix 2d (PL2d-BBHĐ) Minutes of meeting of Advisory Council for determining Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

6. Appendix 3a (PL3a-ĐƠN ĐK) Application form for leading the implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

7. Appendix 3b (PL3b-TMNV.ĐTXH) Description of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks (applicable to social science and humanities research topics);

8. Appendix 3c (PL3c-TMNV.ĐTCN) Description of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks (applicable to applied research and technology development topics);

9. Appendix 3d (PL3d-TMNV-ĐA) Description of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks (applicable to scientific projects);

10. Appendix 3đ (PL3đ-LLTC) Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization applying to lead the Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

11. Appendix 3e (PL3e-LLCN) Scientific curriculum vitae of the principal individual and participating individuals in the implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

12. Appendix 3g (PL3g-PNX) Review form for application file selection and direct assignment of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

13. Appendix 3h (PL3h-PĐG) Evaluation form for selected and directly assigned Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

14. Appendix 3i (PL3i-BBKP) Minutes of ballot evaluation for selected and directly assigned Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

15. Appendix 3k (PL3k-BBHĐ) Minutes of meeting of Evaluation Council for selected and directly assigned application file;

16. Appendix 4 (PL4-BBTĐ) Minutes of meeting for assessing the content and budget of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

17. Appendix 5a (PL5a-BCĐK) Periodic report on the implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

18. Appendix 5b (PL5b-BBKTĐK) Minutes of inspection of the implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

19. Appendix 6a (PL6a-TĐG) Report on self-assessment results of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

20. Appendix 6b (PL6b-CVĐNNT) Official letter requesting assessment and acceptance of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

21. Appendix 6c (PL6c-PNXKQ.ĐTXH) Review form for the results of implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks applicable to social science and humanities research topics;

22. Appendix 6d (PL6d-PNXKQ.ĐTCN) Review form for the results of implementation of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks applicable to applied research and technology development fields, experimental production projects, and scientific projects;

23. Appendix 6đ (PL6đ-PĐGKQ) Evaluation form for the results of Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks;

24. Appendix 6e (PL6e-BBHĐ.KP) Minutes of ballot;

25. Appendix 6g (PL6g-BBHĐ.KQĐG) Minutes of acceptance council meeting at the Ministry level.

Article 26. Implementation

1. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment is the unit managing Ministry-level scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and is responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

2. Agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall apply this Circular to manage grassroots scientific and technological tasks using state budget funds within their jurisdiction.

3. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly reflect them in writing to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (through the Department of Science, Technology and Environment) for review, amendment, and supplementation./.