CIRCULAR

Regulations on managing scientific and technological tasks

of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

 

Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology No. 29/2013/QH13 dated June 18, 2013;

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

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 36/2017/NĐ-CP dated April 4, 2017 stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

At the proposal of the Director of the Science and Technology Department and the Director of the Legal Department;

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment issues this Circular regulating the management of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

 

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular regulates the management of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, including determining scientific and technological tasks, selecting, organizing implementation, monitoring, supervising, evaluating, finalizing, and publicizing the results of scientific and technological tasks.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to the management and implementation of scientific and technological tasks managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, participating in implementing scientific and technological tasks managed by other Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, and government agencies.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

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

1. Managing agency Scientific and technological tasks are those of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. National-level scientific and technological tasks are organized and implemented by Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, and government agencies (hereinafter referred to as Ministries or sectors) assigned by the Prime Minister to be in charge of organizing the implementation of national science and technology programs/projects. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for national-level science and technology programs that it is assigned to manage. The organization in charge of implementing scientific and technological tasks

3. is a scientific and technological organization or an organization authorized by a competent state agency to be in charge of implementing scientific and technological tasks.The unit managing scientific and technological tasks

4. (hereinafter referred to as the task management unit) is the lead unit entrusted with the responsibility to perform state management functions over scientific and technological activities corresponding to each level of management. is the person tasked with organizing the implementation of scientific and technological tasks according to the Decision approving the organization in charge of implementation, the principal investigator, and the budget estimate of the scientific and technological task by the competent authority.

5. Head Ministry-level science and technology program

6. is a collection of ministry-level scientific and technological tasks (scientific and technological research topics, pilot production projects) with a common goal to address scientific and technological issues serving medium-term or long-term development and application of science and technology within the scope of management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Ministry-level scientific project

7. - Office of the President of the StateArticle 4. Agencies and units with headquarters outside the reception locations specified in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article shall proactively arrange a reception room suitable for the nature and activities of their unit.is a task constructed based on the need to determine theoretical and practical foundations to serve the establishment of mechanisms, policies, and laws within the scope of state management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Ministry-level pilot production project is a scientific and technological task suitable for the scope of state management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment aimed at applying research results and conducting experimental trials to test scientific and technological solutions, economic and social management models, or small-scale production of new products to perfect them before full-scale production and use.

8. Regular task in accordance with function is a scientific and technological task aimed at ensuring the regular research activities of scientific and technological organizations, consistent with their functions and tasks specified in their charter or regulations issued by the competent authority regarding their functions and tasks.

9. N |||Basic-level scientific and technological task are scientific and technological issues that need to be resolved to meet the practical requirements of units under the scope of state management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

10. Scientific and technological tasks at the grassroots level are scientific and technological issues that need to be resolved to meet the practical requirements of units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's administrative jurisdiction.

Article 4. Principles for selecting and directly assigning scientific and technological tasks

1. General principles:

a) Selection and direct assignment must ensure transparency, fairness, and openness; the results of selection and direct assignment must be publicly announced on the electronic information portal or other mass media;

b) The application files for participating in selection and direct assignment are evaluated through the activities of the Scientific and Technological Advisory Board established by competent state management agencies;

Evaluation is conducted through scoring according to specific criteria groups as stipulated in the evaluation form attached to this Circular;

c) The head of the competent state management agency decides to choose organizations or individuals to carry out scientific and technological tasks based on the advisory opinions of the Selection and Direct Assignment Advisory Board and bears responsibility for their decision. In necessary cases, independent expert opinions may be sought before making the decision.

2. Principles for selection:

a) Comply with the general principles prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Conducted when there are multiple organizations and individuals capable of participating in implementation;

c) The list of tasks, conditions, and procedures for participating in selection must be publicly announced on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic information portal or other mass media for a period of sixty days for national-level tasks and thirty days for ministry-level tasks.

3. Principles for direct assignment:

Scientific and technological tasks are directly assigned when they comply with the general principles prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article and meet one of the circumstances specified in Clause 1 of Article 30 of the Science and Technology Law.

Article 5. Requirements for the leading organization and principal individual of scientific and technological tasks; conditions for implementing scientific and technological tasks

1. Organizations and individuals participating in registration for selection or directly assigned to lead the implementation of national-level scientific and technological tasks must comply with the provisions of Article 4 of Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN dated June 26, 2017 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the regulations for selecting and directly assigning organizations and individuals to implement national-level scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN).

2. Organizations participating in registration for selection or directly assigned to lead ministry-level and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks must simultaneously meet the following requirements:

a) They are scientific and technological organizations or have functions and tasks related to scientific research and technology, possess legal personality, have appropriate operational functions corresponding to the research field of the scientific and technological task, and have sufficient human resources, equipment, and infrastructure to effectively implement the task.

b) Not belong to any of the following situations:

- Up to the time of submitting the application file, they have not fully repaid recovered funds according to previous task implementation contracts;

- Submitting the acceptance report application file for other ministry-level scientific and technological tasks later than two months after the contract research completion deadline without written approval from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment will not be eligible to participate in selection or direct assignment for one year from the contract end date;

- Committing violations leading to suspension of task implementation or failing to apply research results into production and daily life as required by the contracting party after the contract ends, will not be eligible to register for selection or direct assignment for three years from the date of the authorized authority's conclusion;

- Failing to fulfill the obligation to transfer, register, and submit storage of scientific and technological task results funded by the state budget; failing to report on the application of task results as required will not be eligible to register for selection or direct assignment for two years;

- After receiving research results or after accepting reports on grassroots-level task results, if they do not utilize these results in state management work and basic surveys on natural resources and environment, monitoring, forecasting, and other related activities, they will not be eligible to register for selection or direct assignment for three years.

3. Individuals registering as the principal of ministry-level and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks must simultaneously meet the following requirements:

a) Hold a master’s degree or higher for ministry-level tasks and a bachelor’s degree or higher for grassroots-level tasks;

b) Have relevant expertise or positions suitable for the task, having participated in at least one ministry-level or two grassroots-level projects that have been accepted and are currently active in the same scientific field for five years for ministry-level tasks; for grassroots-level projects, they must have relevant expertise or positions suitable for three years up to the application submission date. Special cases are decided by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment;

c) Be the principal or main participant in drafting the scientific and technological task description;

d) Possess the ability to directly organize and ensure sufficient time to lead the research work of the scientific and technological task. If the principal is working abroad, the total time spent abroad should not exceed one-third of the project duration;

đ) Not belong to any of the following situations:

- Up to the application deadline, they are still the principal of national-level or ministry-level scientific and technological tasks; or principal of specialized projects or programs;

- Individuals who are the principal of scientific and technological tasks rated as "unsatisfactory" upon acceptance will not be eligible to register for selection or direct assignment for three years from the date of the acceptance committee's conclusion;

- Committing violations leading to suspension of implementation and legal accountability will not be eligible to register for selection or direct assignment for five years from the date of the authorized authority's decision.

e) Each scientific and technological task shall be led by only one individual. In cases where there are more than one leading individuals, such tasks at the ministerial level must be reviewed and decided by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, while those at the organizational unit level under the Ministry must be reviewed and decided by the head of the organizational unit.

4. The main members and secretaries of scientific and technological tasks must have a bachelor's degree or higher; they must also possess relevant professional expertise, skills, and experience corresponding to the research content.

5. Any changes to the leading organization, leading individual, main members, members, and secretaries of scientific and technological tasks shall be approved by the head of the agency through explanatory decisions, and such changes may only be implemented when the scientific and technological task has not exceeded half of its implementation time or when the executed budget is less than fifty percent of the approved budget.

In special cases, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment will review and decide for scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level, and the head of the organizational unit under the Ministry will review and decide for those at the organizational unit level.

6. Conditions for implementing scientific and technological tasks:

a) There must be a decision approving the content and budget estimate of the task by the competent authority;

b) There must be a contract for the implementation of the scientific and technological task signed between the ordering party and the receiving party.

Article 6. Management of Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. The Department of Science and Technology shall take the lead and coordinate with related units to guide, inspect, and supervise the management and implementation of scientific and technological tasks at all levels as follows:

a) Compile and review lists of scientific ideas; propose and order new scientific and technological tasks;

b) Organize councils to determine lists of scientific and technological tasks;

c) Compile and submit for approval lists of scientific and technological tasks;

d) Organize councils to select and directly assign leading organizations and individuals for scientific and technological tasks;

e) Review and approve explanatory documents and sign contracts for the implementation of ministerial-level scientific and technological tasks and regular scientific and technological tasks according to functions;

f) Inspect, organize evaluations, acceptance, registration, preservation, and publication of results from the implementation of scientific and technological tasks in compliance with regulations on state secrets in the field of natural resources and environment;

g) Organize the development and submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval of objectives, research content, main products, and evaluation criteria for ministerial-level scientific and technological programs; propose and submit to the Minister for approval the establishment of the Program Steering Committee;

2. Organizational units under the Ministry shall be responsible for:

a) Compiling and reviewing lists of scientific ideas; proposing and ordering new scientific and technological tasks of units within their management scope to proceed with subsequent steps as stipulated in this Circular;

b) Guiding, inspecting, supervising, and organizing the implementation of scientific and technological tasks of units within their management scope as prescribed.

3. Activities managing scientific and technological tasks shall be funded from the annual scientific public expenditure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Chapter II

NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS

Article 7. Basis for Proposal

1. National science and technology programs approved by the Minister of Science and Technology include: National key science and technology programs under the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries at the ministerial level and agencies under the Government assigned to take the lead.

2. Urgent issues serving economic and social development; contents of international cooperation on science and technology with foreign countries that have been approved by competent authorities.

Article 8. Procedure for Proposal

1. Based on the annual guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, subordinate units of the Ministry shall be responsible for compiling a list of national science and technology tasks to propose for commissioning, along with the dossier (including the letter, proposal form, and summary table, accompanied by digital documents), to be sent to the Ministry (through the Department of Science and Technology).

Tasks within the national science and technology program led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be implemented according to the management regulations of the Program.

2. The Department of Science and Technology shall review and compile the list of proposed national science and technology tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to organize advisory boards to determine the list of tasks.

Article 9. Procedure for Determining the List

1. National science and technology tasks within the scope of management of the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries at the ministerial level and agencies under the Government leading:

a) The Department of Science and Technology shall submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to establish an Advisory Board or seek opinions from consulting experts to determine the list of science and technology tasks to propose for commissioning with the Ministry of Science and Technology or other ministries at the ministerial level and agencies under the Government;

b) Based on the results of the work of the Advisory Boards determining the list of science and technology tasks or the opinions of consulting experts, the Department of Science and Technology shall compile the list and submit it to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for signing the document proposing the commissioning of the Ministry with the Ministry of Science and Technology or other ministries at the ministerial level and agencies under the Government.

2. National science and technology tasks within the science and technology program led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:

a) After receiving the proposal form and the consolidated list of proposals from the Program Steering Committee, the Department of Science and Technology shall submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to establish an Advisory Board to determine the list of science and technology tasks; the procedure and content of the Advisory Board's work shall be carried out according to the provisions of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BKHCN dated April 10, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the procedures and formalities for determining national science and technology tasks using state budget funds (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BKHCN) and Circular No. 03/2017/TT-BKHCN dated April 3, 2017, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BKHCN;

b) Based on the results of the work of the Advisory Board determining the list of science and technology tasks, the Department of Science and Technology shall compile and submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval of the list of tasks to organize selection and direct assignment.

3. In case the proposed task is not accepted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology shall notify in writing the reasons to the subordinate unit of the Ministry that has organized or individual who proposed the task.

Article 10. Selection and direct assignment of organizations and individuals to perform scientific and technological tasks

1. The selection and direct assignment of organizations and individuals to perform national-level scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN.

2. The results of the selection and evaluation of national-level scientific and technological tasks, after being approved, shall be notified to the selected organizations and individuals, the immediate superior administrative agency of the selected organization, and published in the Natural Resources and Environment Newspaper and on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal.

3. Selected organizations and individuals responsible for implementing scientific and technological tasks shall have the responsibility to amend and complete their winning application files according to the conclusions of the Evaluation Board before submitting them to the competent authority for content and budget review.

Article 11. Review and Approval of Task Descriptions and Contract Signing

1. The procedures and formalities for reviewing and approving the results of the selection and direct assignment of national-level scientific and technological tasks under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries and agencies at the level of ministries and ministerial-level agencies shall be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN.

2. The procedures and formalities for reviewing the results of the selection and direct assignment of national-level scientific and technological tasks under the Scientific and Technological Program managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Department of Science and Technology shall submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for the decision to establish a content review team and appoint a staff member from the Department as the administrative secretary. The composition of the Review Team shall comply with Clause 4 of Article 8 of Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN.

In case of necessity, the head of the Review Team may invite representatives of related organizations and individuals to participate and provide opinions;

b) The Review Team shall organize meetings in accordance with Article 14 of Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN;

c) In case of necessity, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall decide to seek independent expert advice or conduct on-site inspections of the material, technical, human resources, and financial capacity of the organizations and individuals proposed to lead the implementation of the task. The process of seeking independent expert advice shall be conducted in accordance with Articles 19 and 20 of Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN;

d) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall send the files of national-level scientific and technological tasks that have been selected and directly assigned to the Ministry of Science and Technology for preliminary review before approving the content and budget in accordance with Clause 6 of Article 11 of Circular No. 05/2015/TT-BKHCN dated March 12, 2015 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the organization and management of national-level scientific and technological programs.

3. Signing of task descriptions and research and technology development contracts:

a) For national-level scientific and technological tasks within the management scope of the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries and agencies at the level of ministries and ministerial-level agencies, which are led by units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Director of the Department of Science and Technology shall sign the task description on behalf of the managing agency;

b) For national-level scientific and technological tasks under the Scientific and Technological Program managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Director of the Department of Science and Technology shall sign the approval of the task description, budget estimate, and research and technology development contract.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of approval of the task description and signing of the research and technology development contract, the task leader shall be responsible for submitting one set of files, including the task description and contract, to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology), the immediate superior administrative agency of the leading organization (if any), and the unit transferring the research results.

Article 12. Inspection, supervision of implementation and adjustment of project descriptions and contracts

1. National science and technology tasks within the scope of management of the Ministry of Science and Technology and other ministries at the ministerial level and agencies under the Government leading:

a) The inspection and supervision of scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with the management regulations of the Minister of Science and Technology and the Program's management regulations;

b) In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize surprise inspections of national-level scientific and technological tasks led by units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. National science and technology tasks within the science and technology program led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment:

a) The inspection and supervision of scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with the Program's management regulations;

b) The head of the unit directly subordinate to the Ministry (the direct superior administrative body of the leading organization or the agency entrusted with leading the scientific and technological task) shall be responsible for urging the leading organization (if any) and the individual in charge of the scientific and technological task to implement the contents approved in the project description; organizing internal inspections of the progress and quality of the products of the scientific and technological task;

c) In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize surprise inspections of the content, progress of implementation, and financial situation of scientific and technological tasks. The inspection date shall be notified to the leading organization five working days in advance.

3. The procedures and content of inspection, evaluation, and adjustment during the implementation of national-level scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BKHCN dated March 11, 2015, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, which stipulates the inspection, evaluation, adjustment, and termination of contracts during the implementation of national-level scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget.

Article 13. Procedures for Evaluation and Acceptance

The procedures for evaluating and accepting the results of research of national-level scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 11/2014/TT-BKHCN dated May 30, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, which stipulates the evaluation and acceptance of the results of implementing national-level scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget.

Article 14. Registration, Preservation of Results, and Public Disclosure of Information

1. Organizations leading, and individuals in charge of national-level scientific and technological tasks managed or led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for:

a) Implementing registration, preservation, and public disclosure of information in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 14/2014/TT-BKHCN dated June 11, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, on the collection, registration, preservation, and public disclosure of information about scientific and technological tasks (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 14/2014/TT-BKHCN);

b) Submitting one set of files as prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 3, Article 12 of Circular No. 14/2014/TT-BKHCN to the Department of Information Technology and Environmental Resource Data, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

c) Registering with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal to publicly disclose the results of scientific and technological tasks in accordance with Clause 2, Article 11 of Decree No. 43/2011/NĐ-CP dated June 13, 2011, issued by the Government, concerning the provision of information and online public services on the website or electronic portal of state agencies;

2. Organizations leading, and individuals in charge of national-level scientific and technological tasks shall be responsible for publicly disclosing the research results of scientific and technological tasks in specialized journals and other mass media.

Article 15. Management and Use of Assets

The management and use of assets formed through the implementation of science and technology tasks funded by the state budget shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Chapter III

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

Article 16. Requirements for National Science and Technology Programs

1. Requirements for national science and technology programs:

a) Must produce scientific and technological results to serve the priority development directions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the development of scientific and technological potential in one or several fields; developing key technologies. The results of scientific and technological tasks must demonstrate novelty, creativity, applicability, and meet the program's objectives;

b) Must include national scientific and technological tasks that are directly and indirectly related to each other in terms of expertise;

c) The duration of national science and technology programs shall not exceed five years, during which the specific scientific and technological tasks' implementation period must be consistent with the regulations for each type of task.

2. Requirements for national scientific and technological research topics:

a) Applied research and technology development topics must meet the following requirements:

- Possess prospects for improving productivity, quality, and efficiency; have specific application addresses or commercialization potential;

- Have feasible plans to develop technology or scientific and technological products during the experimental production phase.

b) Basic research topics serving policy formulation and management must meet the following requirement:

- Produce scientific grounds and timely solutions for addressing practical issues in formulating and implementing Party guidelines, state policies, and laws;

- Publish at least one article in a specialized journal;

- Encourage postgraduate training while conducting research topics.

c) The implementation period of the topic shall not exceed thirty-six months from the date of signing the contract to perform the task. In special cases, this is decided by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

3. Requirements for national scientific projects:

a) Must be based on tasks approved by the National Assembly, Government, Prime Minister, or the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; coordinated programs between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial people's committees, and centrally-administered city people's committees;

b) Research outcomes must be proposals or draft policies, regulatory documents with full scientific and practical grounds;

c) The implementation period of the project shall not exceed twenty-four months from the date of signing the science and technology contract.

4. Requirements for national experimental production projects:

a) For national experimental production projects with funding outside the state budget, the leading organization of the project must commit to mobilizing funds for implementation through cooperation with enterprises or organizations, individuals with non-state budget capital;

b) For national experimental production projects without funding outside the state budget, there must be immediate confirmation upon completion that they will be allowed by the competent authority to continue implementing the project on a larger scale;

c) The technology or scientific and technological product originating from the results of applied research and technology development topics must have been evaluated, accepted, and recommended for application by the Science and Technology Council or is the result of exploiting inventions or useful solutions;

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

đ)The implementation period of the national experimental production project shall not exceed thirty-six months from the date of signing the science and technology contract.

Article 17. Procedure for Proposing

1. Organizations and individuals submit proposal files for tasks to units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The proposal file for tasks includes:

a) Order form for commissioning task orders or task proposal forms according to models B1a-PĐHNV, B1b-PĐHNV, B2a-PĐXNV, B2b-PĐXNV;

b) List of proposed tasks arranged in order of priority according to model B3-THĐX.

2. Units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for:

a) Compiling the list of proposed tasks from organizations and individuals;

b) Establishing and organizing meetings of the advisory council at the grassroots level to determine the list of tasks;

c) Completing the proposal file for scientific and technological tasks and submitting it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology). The file includes:

- Proposal letter from the unit;

- List of tasks arranged in order of priority according to model B3-THĐX;

- Proposal form for each task according to model B2a-PĐXNV, B2b-PĐXNV;

- Commissioning proposals according to model B1a-PĐXĐH, B1b-PĐXĐH;

- Meeting file of the advisory council at the grassroots level (including: Decision on establishing the advisory council at the grassroots level to determine the list of tasks; minutes of the council meeting, comments of council members);

- Results of information searches according to model B4-KQTrC of related research topics and projects funded by the state budget that have been and are being implemented for commissioning proposals in the form of research topics and projects.

3. The Department of Science and Technology reviews and compiles the list of scientific and technological tasks proposed by units and the list of tasks directly commissioned by the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (if any) by field (name, urgency, objectives, main content, expected products, estimated implementation time, selection method or direct assignment), and submits it to the Minister for consideration and decision on the list of tasks to be put forward for consultation by the advisory council to determine scientific and technological tasks.

4. In case a task proposal is not accepted, the Department of Science and Technology will notify and clearly state the reasons to the individual and unit proposing the task.

Article 18. Advisory Council to Determine the List of Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Before organizing the advisory council to determine the list of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology may seek opinions from experts or work with representatives of the leadership of subordinate state management units within the Ministry by field to determine scientific and technological tasks by field and specialty to be presented to the advisory council to determine the list of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry.

2. The advisory council to determine the list of scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is chaired by the Deputy Minister in charge of the field, and the Director of the Department of Science and Technology is the Vice-Chairman. The council, decided by the Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, consists of: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members representing the leadership of specialized sector management agencies under the Ministry and specialists in the field. The council must have at least two-thirds of its members familiar with the research content of the tasks.

Individuals proposing to be the principal investigator of a task, or those currently being penalized for administrative violations in scientific and technological activities, are not allowed to participate in the council.

3. The council has the responsibility to advise and determine the list of proposed scientific and technological tasks, including: determining the name, objectives, main content, expected products, and organizational methods (selection or direct assignment) of each scientific and technological task.

4. The Department of Science and Technology sends materials to council members at least five working days before the council meeting. Materials include: task proposal forms for scientific and technological tasks; summary tables of task lists and results of information searches about related scientific and technological tasks according to model B4-KQTrC.

5. Working methods of the council:

a) Council members provide comments and evaluations of proposed scientific and technological tasks according to model B5-PNXĐX and send them to the Department of Science and Technology at least one working day before the council meeting;

b) The council only convenes when at least two-thirds of the members are present, including the Chairman (or the Vice-Chairman authorized) and at least one opposing member;

c) The council operates based on democratic centralism principles. Council conclusions are adopted through direct voting or secret ballot;

Different opinions of council members are compiled by the council's scientific secretary for discussion and voting approval. Council members can request to retain their opinion if it differs from the conclusion of the Chairman;

d) Council members are individually responsible for their opinions and collectively responsible for the Chairman's conclusions. The Chairman is individually responsible for the council's conclusions;

e) Representatives of units proposing scientific and technological tasks may be invited to attend the council meeting.

6. Procedures and formalities for council operations:

a) Administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the council;

b) The Chairman manages the meeting;

c) The council elects a counting team consisting of three council members, with the team leader being the council's scientific secretary;

d) The council discusses each proposed task regarding its urgency, novelty, non-duplication, feasibility, and application potential, and ability to mobilize resources outside the state budget (for experimental production projects);

đ) The council evaluates the proposals and votes to assess the proposed scientific and technological tasks according to model B6-PĐGĐX;

e) The counting team conducts the vote count, summarizes the results according to model B7-BBKP.

A scientific and technological task is included in the list submitted to the Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for approval for selection or direct assignment to organizations or individuals to implement if more than three-quarters of the council members present recommend "implementation." In necessary cases, the Chairman may commission a ministry-level scientific and technological task to be included in the list submitted to the Minister for approval for organization selection or direct assignment.

g) The tasks proposed for implementation shall be discussed in detail by the Council to reach a consensus on the name of the task, objectives, main content, expected products, and method of implementation (selection or direct assignment); voting to prioritize them in the list of proposed tasks.

h) The tasks proposed not to be implemented shall be discussed in detail by the Council to reach a consensus on the reasons for not implementing them.

7. The results of the Advisory Council meeting to determine scientific and technological tasks in various fields of the Ministry shall be recorded in the minutes according to Model B8-BBHDDM.ofThe results of the Advisory Council meeting to determine scientific and technological tasks in various fields of the Ministry shall be recorded in the minutes according to Model B8-BBHDDM.

Article 19. Approval of the List of Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Based on the minutes of the Advisory Council meeting to determine scientific and technological tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology shall compile and submit to the Minister for consideration and approval of the list of scientific and technological tasks. In necessary cases, the report shall seek independent expert opinions before approving the list.

2. Within fifteen working days from the date the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment approves the list of scientific and technological tasks, the Department of Science and Technology shall have the responsibility to publicly announce the list of tasks on the Ministry's electronic information portal and send a notification document regarding directly assigned tasks to subordinate units.

3. The selection and direct assignment of scientific and technological tasks at the ministerial level shall be decided by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Principles and conditions for participating in selection and direct assignment to implement ministerial-level scientific and technological tasks shall be carried out in accordance with Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular.

Article 20. Urgent Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Urgent scientific and technological tasks shall be assigned by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The unit receiving the task shall submit a proposal file for the scientific and technological task (including the task assignment document, proposal letter for the scientific and technological task, and task description) to the Department of Science and Technology for submission to the Minister for consideration and decision through direct assignment.

2. Urgent scientific and technological tasks serving state management work shall be prioritized over other tasks. The approval process for urgent scientific and technological tasks shall be initiated immediately upon request, regardless of the annual science and technology plan. The Department of Science and Technology shall coordinate with relevant agencies to prioritize budget allocation after the task description has been approved.

Article 21. Announcement and Application Documents for Selection and Direct Assignment to Implement Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. At least thirty working days prior to organizing the selection, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall announce the list of ministerial-level scientific and technological tasks for selection on its electronic information portal for organizations and individuals to register for participation in the selection.

Organizations and individuals meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 5 of this Circular have the right to register for participation in the selection to implement scientific and technological tasks.

2. Application documents for selection and direct assignment to implement scientific and technological tasks include:

a) Decision on establishment or certificate of registration for scientific and technological activities of the leading organization;

b) Charter of operation of the leading organization (if applicable);

c) Application form for leading the implementation of the task according to Model B10-DDK;

d) Description of the task according to one of Models B11a-TMDTU, B11b-TMDTXH, B11c-TMDASX, B11d-TMDKH;

đ) Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization applying to lead the task according to Model B12-LLTCT;

e) Scientific curriculum vitae of the individual applying to lead the task and other key individuals involved in the task, confirmed by the personnel management agency according to Model B13-LLCN;

g) Brief scientific curriculum vitae of experts accompanied by confirmation of expert salary (if hiring experts) according to Model B14-LLCG;

h) Confirmation document of agreement from cooperating organizations to implement the task according to Model B15-XNPH;

i) Proof of capability in terms of human resources, equipment, and ability to mobilize funds from other sources (if there are cooperating organizations or mobilizing funds from other sources);

k) For experimental production projects with funding outside the budget: legal commitment documents and explanations of the ability to mobilize funds from non-budgetary sources (financial statements of enterprises in the last two to three years; loan commitments or loan guarantees from financial institutions; commitments on contributions from the leading organization and other participating organizations);

l) Price quotations for equipment and raw materials needed to purchase for task implementation;

m) Other related documents deemed necessary by the applicant to supplement and enhance the persuasiveness of the application;

3. Requirements for Application Documents

a) The application package must be sealed and clearly marked on the outside with the name of the scientific and technological task, the name and address of the organization or individual applying to lead the task, and a list of documents and texts included in the package;

b) Number of application packages: one (01) original package (with stamps and signatures) printed on A4 paper using Unicode Vietnamese font according to national standard TCVN 6909:2001, and one (01) electronic copy of the package recorded on CD/USB (PDF format, without password protection);

c) Applications must be submitted within the specified deadline as announced in the selection notice. The receipt date of the application is considered the postmark date (for applications sent by mail) or the stamp date of the Ministry's Office (for applications sent directly). Before the application deadline, organizations and individuals participating in the selection may withdraw, replace, supplement, or modify their applications submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. All supplements and modifications must be submitted within the prescribed time frame and become part of the application package.

d) Applications shall be sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology) for consolidation.

Article 22. Procedures for selecting and directly assigning to perform tasks

1. The head of the organization responsible for the task shall be responsible for:

a) Organizing selection or directly assigning to groups or individuals within the unit;

b) Organizing meetings of the grassroots advisory council on selection and direct assignment to perform scientific and technological tasks;

c) Completing the dossier within the time limit specified in Clause 2, Article 21 of this Circular and sending it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology).

2. Checking and confirming the validity of the dossier:

a) Within fifteen days from the deadline for submitting the dossier, the Department of Science and Technology shall organize the opening, checking, and confirming the validity of the dossier with the participation of representatives of relevant agencies (if necessary) and representatives of organizations and individuals participating in the selection.

b) A valid dossier is one that conforms to the prescribed forms and meets the requirements stipulated in Article 4 and Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 21 of this Circular.

c) The results of opening the dossier shall be recorded in a protocol according to Model B16-BBMHS.

3. Advisory Council for Selection and Direct Assignment to Perform Scientific and Technological Tasks:

a) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall establish the Advisory Council for Selection and Direct Assignment to Organizations and Individuals Responsible for Scientific and Technological Tasks (the Department of Science and Technology shall propose and appoint members to serve as secretaries of the Council); the Council shall consist of nine to eleven people including: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and members; the Council must have at least two-thirds of experts in fields related to the research area of the scientific and technological task.

The Council may have one member who belongs to the organization registering as the main responsible party for the scientific and technological task, this member cannot be the Chairperson or the reviewer.

Experts and reviewers who have participated in the Advisory Council to determine the priority list of tasks shall be invited to participate in the selection and direct assignment Council for corresponding scientific and technological tasks.

b) At least five working days before the meeting, the Department of Science and Technology shall send the dossier of the scientific and technological task to each member of the Council. Each member writes a review and evaluation form according to one of the models B17a-PNXƯD, B17b-PNXXH, B17c-PNXDA, and sends it back to the Department of Science and Technology at least one day before the meeting.

c) The Council shall only convene if at least two-thirds of its members attend, including the Chairperson or the authorized Vice-Chairperson and one reviewer. In case of necessity, representatives of management agencies and related units may be invited to attend the Council's meeting.

d) Situations where individuals are not allowed to participate in the Council: the principal investigator, key participants in performing the task, those involved in coordinating the performance of the task; persons currently being administratively punished for violations in scientific and technological activities; spouses, parents, children, siblings, or half-siblings of the principal investigator; persons with evidence of conflicting interests with the principal investigator or the main responsible organization.

4. Procedures for convening the Council:

a) The administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the Council, the minutes of opening the dossier (in case of selection), introduces the composition of the Council and the attendees of the meeting;

b) The Chairperson of the Council shall preside over the Council's meeting. In case the Chairperson is absent, the authorized Vice-Chairperson shall preside over the meeting in writing according to Model B22-GUQ;

c) Elect a ballot counting committee consisting of two Council members (including the Head and a member);

d) The principal investigator of the scientific and technological task shall present a summary to the Council about the research outline, propose cost-sharing methods up to the final product or partial cost-sharing, answer questions from the Council (if any). For selected tasks, the individual registering as the principal investigator shall not attend the meeting when the Council discusses and evaluates the selection results;

đ) Representatives of the agency expected to use the research results express their opinions on the necessity and requirements for the research products;

e) Members of the Council provide comments and evaluate each dossier and compare the registration dossiers of the same scientific and technological task;

g) The Council shall discuss, and each Council member shall vote to score each dossier by secret ballot according to one of the models B18a-PĐGƯD; B18b-PĐGXH, B18c-PĐGDA;

h) The ballot counting committee assists the Council in summarizing the results according to Models B19-BBKP; B20-THKP; for selected dossiers, the results are summarized based on the average total score from highest to lowest;

i) The Council publicly announces the evaluation results and approves the Council's working minutes according to Model B21-BBHĐTM. Recommend organizations and individuals selected or directly assigned to be responsible for the scientific and technological task.

Organizations and individuals recommended by the Council as selected are those whose dossiers rank highest in the average total score of criteria and must achieve at least 70 out of 100 points, with no criterion having more than one-third of the attending Council members giving zero points. In cases where the average scores are equal, the selection result will be determined based on the evaluation form of the Chairperson of the Council.

k) The Council shall discuss and agree to recommend the determination of the meeting results with basic information, including: Name of the organization and individual proposed as the main responsible party for the selected or directly assigned task; points requiring supplementation and modification in the task description (including: Main scientific and technological products with corresponding economic-technical indicators that need to be achieved (if applicable); number of domestic and foreign experts required to participate in the task (if applicable); cost-sharing method (up to the final product or partial cost-sharing); other points requiring modification in the task description).

5. In cases where Council members have differing opinions on selecting organizations and individuals to perform scientific and technological tasks, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall consider and approve after obtaining the independent expert's evaluation opinion. Each dossier will obtain the evaluation opinion of one (01) or two (02) independent experts. Dossiers sent to independent experts do not include the names of the organizations and individuals responsible for the scientific and technological task. Independent experts are personally responsible for the results of their evaluations.

6. Based on the results of the Council meeting and the opinions of independent consulting experts (if any), the Science and Technology Department compiles the selection results and submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval of the organization or individual in charge of implementing the scientific and technological task.

7. Within seven working days after the Council meeting, the organization or individual proposed for selection and directly assigned to implement the scientific and technological task shall be responsible for completing the dossier according to the Council's comments and sending it back to the Science and Technology Department.

Article 23. Reviewing and Approving the Task Description and Signing the Contract

1. The review dossier shall be established in four copies, including:

a) Minutes of the Council meeting for selecting and directly assigning the implementation of the scientific and technological task;

b) The completed scientific and technological task description and explanatory documents from the organization and individual regarding their adoption of the comments, confirmed by the Chairman of the Council and the reviewers according to Model B23-BCHTHS.

2. Reviewing the task description

a) The Science and Technology Department submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for deciding to establish the Task Description Review Team. The Review Team consists of: the Team Leader being the Science and Technology Department’s leadership; one member representing the Planning and Finance Department; one member representing the Science and Technology Department; one member being the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or reviewer of the Council for selecting and directly assigning the implementation of the scientific and technological task. The Team Leader may invite representatives of related organizations and individuals to participate and provide opinions.

b) The Review Team is responsible for determining the content of work; time and members performing the work; volume of various types of work; products; application addresses of the scientific and technological task.

c) Five working days before the review meeting, the Science and Technology Department transfers the dossier to the Review Team members. The Review Team meets to unify the content of the task description; specifically identify cooperating organizations; main and participating members of the task; workload of each member according to the research content and compile a review minutes according to Model B24-BBTĐ.

d) Based on the results of the Review Team's work, the Science and Technology Department compiles and sends the minutes and notification to the organizations and individuals assigned the task. Within seven working days after the Review Team's meeting, the organization or individual in charge of the task must complete the dossier according to the review comments and send it back to the Science and Technology Department.

3. Within ten working days after receiving the completed dossier according to the review comments, the Science and Technology Department checks each task dossier, sends a document to the Planning and Finance Department, the International Cooperation Department (for scientific and technological tasks with research, survey, experience learning activities abroad), and related units (if any).

4. Within seven working days after receiving the dossier, the Planning and Finance Department and related units are responsible for determining the total budget estimate for implementing the scientific and technological task based on the Review Team's results at point b, clause 2 of this Article, and send it to the Science and Technology Department for compilation and request for dossier completion.

5. Within five working days after receiving the completed dossier, the Science and Technology Department compiles and submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval of the leading organization, principal investigator, and budget estimate for the scientific and technological task.

6. The Director of the Science and Technology Department signs on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to approve the task description and research contract according to Model B26-HĐNVKH.

Within thirty working days after approving the task description and signing the research and technology development contract, the leading organization is responsible for submitting the task description and contract to the Science and Technology Department, the Planning and Finance Department, the direct superior management agency of the leading organization (if any), the unit receiving technology transfer, and related units.

7. The Science and Technology Department announces the approved scientific and technological tasks on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal.

Article 24. Inspection, supervision of implementation and adjustment of project descriptions and contracts

1. During the process of implementation, the direct managing agency shall organize and be responsible for regularly inspecting and supervising, promptly identifying and correcting any errors that affect the objectives, contents, progress plans, and results of science and technology tasks that have been approved.

2. Annually, on April 15 and October 15, organizations primarily implementing ministry-level science and technology tasks shall report to their immediate superior managing agencies (if any) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology) on the implementation status and budget disbursement progress, clearly stating any difficulties and recommendations (if any) during the implementation process according to form B27-BCĐK.

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall establish an inspection team to review the content, progress, and budget usage of science and technology task implementation. The inspection team members include: the Team Leader being the Department of Science and Technology's leadership; members comprising representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Planning and Finance, related units, and experts (if necessary).

b) The Team Leader shall be responsible for compiling the results and proposing solutions. The inspection results serve as the basis for the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to consider suspending or continuing the implementation, adjusting, supplementing, and terminating the contract. The inspection situation record is established according to form B28-BBKTĐK.

3. The inspection, supervision, and evaluation costs shall be taken from the management budget for science and technology activities.

4. Adjustment of Project Descriptions and Contracts:

a) In cases where it is necessary to adjust science and technology tasks, the direct managing agency (if any), the primary organization, and the task leader shall submit a written proposal to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration and decision on adjustments.

b) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall consider and decide on adjustments regarding the name, primary organization, leader, implementation period, content, budget, products, and assignment methods for science and technology tasks based on the opinion of the Department of Science and Technology. If necessary, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will seek independent expert opinions at the request of the Department of Science and Technology Director.

c) The Department of Science and Technology Director shall sign on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to approve adjustments not falling under the provisions of point b of this clause in the Project Description and Contract without changing the approved objectives, content, products, and budget for the implementation of science and technology tasks.

5. Adjustment of Implementation Periods for Science and Technology Tasks

a) In cases where it is necessary to extend the implementation period, the primary organization and task leader must submit a written extension request thirty days before the end of the implementation period. The extension request should clearly state the reasons for the delayed progress, accompanied by a report on the implementation status at the time of requesting the extension.

The extension of the implementation period may only be granted up to two times, with a total extension period not exceeding twelve months for tasks with an implementation period of twenty-four months or more, and not exceeding six months for tasks with an implementation period of less than twenty-four months. The extension period does not apply to the case stipulated in point b of this clause.

b) In cases where sufficient funds are not allocated according to the approved plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall decide to extend the implementation period.

c) The Department of Science and Technology Director shall issue a letter on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to permit or deny the extension of the implementation period for the case stipulated in point a of this clause; and notify the extension for the case stipulated in point b of this clause.

d) Any letters related to the extension of the implementation period are part of the Project Description and Contract.

Article 25. Evaluation, acceptance, registration, retention, publication, transfer, and application of research results

1. Not later than thirty days before the expiration date of the scientific and technological task implementation period, the leading organization must complete self-evaluation and acceptance at the basic level. The head of the task is responsible for submitting the report and accompanying documents to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for evaluation and acceptance at the ministerial level.

2. Self-evaluation of the task implementation results

a) Not later than thirty days before the basic-level evaluation and acceptance, the head of the task must submit the final report and accompanying documents to the leading organization for evaluation and acceptance;

b) The leading organization of the task has the responsibility to conduct self-evaluation of the implementation results according to Clauses 7 and 8 of this Article before submitting the evaluation and acceptance dossier to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology). The self-evaluation of the task implementation results may apply the provisions on evaluation and acceptance of ministerial-level tasks under this Article;

c) The results of self-evaluation are compiled and reported according to Form B29-KQTĐG.

3. The dossier for evaluation and acceptance at the ministerial level includes:

a) A letter requesting evaluation and acceptance at the ministerial level from the leading organization according to Form B33-CVNT;

b) A comprehensive report according to Form B31b-HDBCTH, a summary report of the task implementation results according to Form B31c-HDBCTT;

c) Scientific and technological products of the task, scientific content reports according to Form B31a-HDBCND;

d) Copies of the contract and task description;

đ) Confirmation documents; related documents on publication, training; acceptance and utilization documents of research results by the receiving organization according to the task description;

e) Data (surveys, analyses...), logbooks;

f) Reports on transferred and applied products in practice (if applicable) according to Form B40-BCSPUD;

g) Confirmation documents regarding the agreement of authors on the order of names in the list of authors implementing the task;

h) Reports on the use of approved funds;

i) Dossier and self-evaluation reports of the task implementation results;

k) Basic-level evaluation and acceptance dossier: Decision establishing the basic-level evaluation and acceptance board; minutes of the basic-level evaluation and acceptance board meeting; comments of the review members;

l) Other documents (if any).

4. Within five working days after receiving a valid dossier, the Department of Science and Technology will publish information on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal. The published information includes:

a) General information about the task: Name, code number, budget, implementation time, leading organization, head and main participants;

b) Scheduled time and location for organizing the evaluation and acceptance.

5. Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of Task Implementation Results

a) Within fifteen working days from the receipt of a valid dossier, the Department of Science and Technology will submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment a decision to establish the Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of Ministerial-Level Task Implementation Results;

b) The Advisory Board for Evaluation and Acceptance of Ministerial-Level Task Implementation Results (hereinafter referred to as the Board) consists of nine members including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two review members, a scientific secretary member, and other members; among them: six members are science and technology experts, three members represent the leading organization, the receiving organization of research results, and the agency proposing the task, including at least one member who has participated in the Advisory Board for determining the task list or the Advisory Board for selection and direct assignment; the leading organization can appoint members to participate in the Board but cannot be the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, review members, or scientific secretary members;

c) Cases not allowed to participate in the Board as stipulated in Point d, Clause 3, Article 22 of this Circular;

d) In special cases due to complexity or specific requirements of the task, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment may decide the number and composition of the Board differently from the provisions in Point b, Clause 4 of this Article.

6. Meeting of the Board

a) The evaluation and acceptance dossier is sent to the Board members and the specialized team (if any) at least seven working days before the meeting along with the comment form according to Forms B36a-NXKQƯD, B36b-NXKQXH;

b) The Board meeting is organized within thirty days from the date of establishment decision. The Board only proceeds with the meeting when ensuring the following requirements:

- The Department of Science and Technology has received written comments from two review members and the assessment opinion of the specialized team according to Forms B34-NXTĐSP, B35-BCTĐSP (if any) at least one working day before the Board meeting;

- The Board meeting must have at least two-thirds of the Board members present, including the Chairperson or the authorized Vice-Chairperson and at least one review member.

c) Participants in the Board meetings include: Board members, task head, representatives of the leading organization, representatives of the directly managing agency of the leading organization, representatives of related units, and other members invited by the Department of Science and Technology if necessary. The Department of Science and Technology appoints one staff member as administrative secretary to perform administrative tasks during the Board meeting;

d) Procedure for Board operations:

- The administrative secretary announces the decision to establish the Board, introduces the composition and attendees;

- A representative of the Department of Science and Technology outlines the main contents and requirements for evaluation and acceptance as stipulated in this Circular;

- The Board Chairperson unifies and approves the work content of the Board according to the provisions of this Circular;

- The scientific secretary records the discussion opinions at the meetings, builds and completes the evaluation and acceptance minutes according to the conclusions of the Board meeting;

- The task head presents a summary of the task organization and implementation process, results, scientific and technological products, and the self-evaluation report of the task implementation results;

- Members of the Council ask questions to the head of the task. The head, related individuals answer the Council's questions (if any) and do not attend the meeting when the Council discusses to evaluate the implementation results;

- Reviewing members present their comments on the implementation results; the scientific secretary reads the comments from absent members (if any); members of the Council express opinions on the results of the task;

- Members of the Council assess and classify the implementation results according to model B37-ĐGKQNC; the administrative secretary compiles and reports the voting results;

- The Chairman drafts the conclusion according to model B38-BBĐGNT. In cases where the Council classifies the result as "Not Achieved," specific products that have achieved and those that have not achieved must be identified according to the contract for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to handle according to current regulations. The Council discusses and unanimously agrees on each content of the conclusion and approves the minutes;

- The Council's concluding opinion is sent to the organization responsible for implementing the task within two working days after the end of the Council meeting;

7. Requirements for Evaluation by the Council

a) The evaluation of the task results is conducted through an evaluation form bearing the stamp of the Ministry on the upper left corner of the first page;

b) Members of the Council evaluate independently without discussing their evaluation results;

c) An evaluation form is valid if it complies with the regulations for each evaluation content.

d) An invalid form is one left blank or evaluated contrary to the regulations;

- The overall classification result of the task is based on the individual evaluation results of each Council member as stipulated;

8. Content of Evaluation and Requirements for Products

a) Evaluation of product type; quantity, volume of products; product quality compared with the ordered specifications;

b) Evaluation of the completeness, clarity, authenticity, and logical consistency of the comprehensive report, summary report (research methods, techniques used...), accompanying documents (design documents, technology, intermediate products, cited documents...);

c) Evaluation of the applicability and transferability of the product;

d) Requirements for the comprehensive report:

- A general overview of existing research results relevant to the task;

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

- The report content is a systematic and logically presented representation of all research results; scientific arguments are based on theoretical and practical specifics to address research issues, truthfully reflecting the task results consistent with common practices in scientific research activities;

- Logical and scientific structure and style;

- Requirements for products:

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

- For products such as samples; materials; equipment, machinery; production lines and other measurable products, they must be tested/examined/inspected at independent specialized agencies competent for this purpose, separate from the task leading organization;

- For products such as application principles; methods; standards; regulations; technical provisions; computer software; design drawings; technological processes; diagrams, maps; data, databases; analytical reports; forecasting documents (methods, procedures, models...); plans, master plans; economic-technical justifications, feasibility studies, and similar products, they must be reviewed by a specialized scientific council or a team of experts established by the task leading organization;

- For products such as postgraduate training outcomes, useful solutions, inventions, publications, and similar products, they must have confirmation documents from relevant authorities;

9. Evaluation and Classification

a) Each Council member evaluates the task results according to model B37-ĐGKQNC. The evaluation results of each Council member are classified into four levels as follows:

- Excellent: when the total score is ≥85 points and the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry on time;

- Good: when the total score is between 70 and under 85 points and the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry on time, or the total score is ≥85 points and the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry late but not more than 30 days;

- Satisfactory: when the total score is between 50 and under 70 points and the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry on time, or the total score is ≥70 points and the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry late but not more than six months;

- Unsatisfactory: when the total score is less than 50 points or the acceptance dossier is submitted to the Ministry later than six months;

b) Overall assessment of the task according to four levels:

- Level "Excellent" when all votes are at level "Good" or above, including at least half of the votes at level "Excellent" (In case the number of votes at levels "Excellent" and "Good" are equal, the result will be determined according to the evaluation form of the Council Chairman);

- Level "Good" when all votes are at level "Satisfactory" or above, including at least two-thirds of the votes at level "Good";

- Level "Satisfactory" when at least two-thirds of the votes are at level "Satisfactory" or above;

- Level "Unsatisfactory" when more than one-third of the votes are at level "Unsatisfactory";

10. Handling of Ministry-Level Acceptance Results:

a) In cases where the scientific and technological task results are classified at level "Satisfactory" or above:

- Within thirty days after receiving the ministry-level acceptance results, the task head completes the comprehensive report, summary report, products, and related documents; reports on the completion of the evaluation and acceptance dossier according to model B39-BCHTHS, and submits it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology);

- The Department of Science and Technology coordinates with the Council Chairman to inspect and supervise the completion of the evaluation and acceptance dossier. The Chairman confirms the completion of the dossier by the task head according to model B39-BCHTHS;

b) In cases where the task evaluation results are classified at level "Unsatisfactory":

- If not extended during the initial evaluation, an extension may be considered but not exceeding six months;

- The evaluation and acceptance Council recommends an extension; the leading organization and task head must submit a request for an extension period (along with the dossier, minutes of the ministry-level evaluation, and handling plan) to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

- Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the request for extension of the implementation period submitted by the leading organization, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall examine and notify its opinion on the extension of the scientific and technological task.

- After the extended period, the re-evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Article but not more than once for each scientific and technological task.

- The costs for completing the contents that have been approved and contracted; the costs for re-assessment and acceptance shall be borne by the leading and principal organizations of the scientific and technological task.

c) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall handle based on the conclusions of the Evaluation Council in accordance with the regulations.

d) The leading and principal organizations of the scientific and technological task shall proceed with the procedures to establish intellectual property rights to protect the research results of the scientific and technological task in accordance with the regulations.

11. Registration, retention, and transfer of the results of the ministry-level task

Within a period not exceeding forty-five days after the completion of the assessment and acceptance, for tasks classified as "Achieved" or higher, the leading and principal organizations of the task shall cooperate with the Department of Science and Technology to register, retain, and transfer the results at:

a) The National Scientific and Technological Information Center in accordance with Circular No. 14/2014/TT-BKHCN dated June 11, 2014, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, regarding the collection, registration, retention, and publication of information on scientific and technological tasks;

b) The Department of Information Technology and Environmental Resource Data; the direct management agency of the leading organization; the leading organization of the scientific and technological task; the receiving unit approved in the Task Description.

The documents submitted to the units specified herein shall include: final report, summary report, two pages summarizing the research results (in Vietnamese and English), CD containing all products, special reports, and other related documents.

c) The Department of Science and Technology

The documents submitted shall include: a copy of the certificate of registration of the results of the scientific and technological task using state budget funds from the National Scientific and Technological Information Center; a copy of the receipt of the registration dossier of the ministry-level scientific and technological task from the Department of Information Technology and Environmental Resource Data; a copy of the Memorandum of Transfer of Research Results; CD containing all products, special reports, and other related documents.

12. The Department of Science and Technology shall publish the results of the scientific and technological task on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal in accordance with Clause 2, Article 11 of Decree No. 43/2011/NĐ-CP on the provision of information and online public services on the website or electronic portal of state agencies.

13. Application of research results

a) For at least five consecutive years (from the date of product handover), the heads of organizations receiving research results shall annually report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology) on the application and use of the results.

The heads of organizations receiving research results and related individuals shall be responsible before the Minister for the use of the results in state management work, monitoring, supervision, and basic surveys on natural resources and the environment of their units.

b) After transferring the results, the leading and principal organizations of the task shall be responsible for continuing to cooperate with the organizations receiving research results to implement the use of the results in state management work, monitoring, supervision, and basic surveys on natural resources and the environment.

c) The funds for transfer, evaluation of the application and use of research results shall be taken from the annual science and technology management funds allocated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to subordinate units.

Article 26. Recognition of Results and Liquidation of Contracts

1. The dossier for recognizing results includes:

a) Minutes of the Evaluation Board;

b) Documents prescribed at point c, Clause 11, Article 25 of this Circular.

2. Within twenty working days from the date of receipt of all documents stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall examine and issue a decision to recognize the results of performing the task according to model B43-QĐCNKQ.

3. Contract liquidation:

a) When the scientific and technological task ends, the leading organization must submit a final settlement report to the competent authority;

b) After receiving the decision recognizing the results issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology shall organize the evaluation, inventory, and handover of products and assets purchased with the implementation funds of the scientific and technological task. Management and use of assets formed through the implementation of scientific and technological tasks funded by state capital shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations;

c) Liquidation of contracts between parties involved in signing the contract shall be conducted after the final settlement and asset inventory of the scientific and technological task according to model B42-BBTLHD.

Chapter IV

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

Article 27. Local Proposals

1. Requirements of state management work, research, basic investigation, monitoring, and surveillance activities related to natural resources and the environment according to the functions and responsibilities of the unit.

2. Plan for developing national technical standards and norms approved by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

3. Programs and plans for drafting normative legal documents assigned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to subordinate units to lead in drafting.

4. Scientific issues that need to be studied to propose national-level, ministry-level scientific and technological tasks or directly serve the activities of the unit.

Article 28. Proposal Procedure

1. Annually, following the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, subordinate units of the Ministry shall notify and guide organizations and individuals under their jurisdiction to propose local-level scientific and technological tasks in compliance with Article 27 of this Circular.

2. The head of the subordinate unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall review and select proposals through an advisory board or seek expert opinions; complete the dossier and send it to the Ministry (through the Department of Science and Technology).

The dossier includes: the proposal letter of the unit; a list of tasks arranged in priority order; proposal forms for each task; minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Board or expert opinions. Results of information searches on projects and programs currently being implemented using state budget funds.

3. Procedures, formalities, and application forms shall follow the provisions of Article 17 of this Circular.

Article 29. Approval of the List of Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Based on the proposals of subordinate units of the Ministry, the Department of Science and Technology shall compile and review the list of local-level tasks according to the following contents:

a) Assessing the suitability of each task with the requirements stipulated in Articles 3 and 27 of this Circular;

b) Reviewing overlaps of proposals with ongoing and completed scientific and technological tasks and other tasks funded from operating budgets.

2. The Department of Science and Technology shall notify the proposing units to revise and perfect the list (if necessary).

3. The Department of Science and Technology shall compile and submit the list and funding for local-level tasks to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for examination and approval to implement.

Article 30. Procedure for selecting and directly assigning tasks

1. Based on the Decision approving the list of grassroots-level tasks, the head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall select and directly assign organizations and individuals within the unit to prepare the task descriptions.

2. The head of the unit under the Ministry shall establish an Advisory Board for selecting and directly assigning tasks; the Board shall be responsible for reviewing and evaluating the scientific and technological task descriptions at the grassroots level in accordance with the regulations. The Board consists of seven members, including at least four experts familiar with the research content of the task.

3. The leading organization and task leader shall complete the grassroots-level task description and budget according to the conclusion minutes of the Board, compile a comprehensive report on completing the task description, and submit it to the scientific and technological management organization of the unit under the Ministry for review.

4. The procedures, formalities, and application forms shall be applied in accordance with Article 22 of this Circular.

Article 31. Reviewing, Approving Task Descriptions and Signing Contracts

1. The head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the review of the content of scientific and technological task descriptions.

2. The review of the content of grassroots-level scientific and technological task descriptions shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of this Circular.

3. The head of the unit under the Ministry shall approve the content, budget, and sign a scientific research and technology development contract with the leading organization and task leader at the grassroots level.

Within thirty days from the date of approval of the task description and signing of the contract by the competent authority, the leading organization and task leader shall be responsible for submitting the task description and research and technology development contract to the direct superior management agency of the leading organization (if any) and the receiving unit for technology transfer.

4. Within forty-five days from the date of the decision approving the list of grassroots-level tasks, the units under the Ministry shall submit two sets of files to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Planning and Finance).

5. The Department of Science and Technology shall publish the List of Grassroots-Level Tasks on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal.

Article 32. Monitoring Implementation, Adjusting Task Descriptions and Contracts

1. The leading organization and task leader at the grassroots level shall be responsible for reporting the implementation status of the task as required by the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. The head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the inspection of the content, progress, and use of funds for implementing grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks, regularly in March and September each year.

3. Adjustments to the schedule, content, and budget of grassroots-level tasks according to the annual budget allocation plan of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be reviewed and decided by the head of the unit under the Ministry.

4. The application forms shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Article 24 of this Circular.

Article 33. Evaluation, Acceptance, Registration, Preservation, Transfer, and Application of Research Results

1. At least fifteen days before the end of the implementation period, the leading organization and task leader at the grassroots level must submit the final report and accompanying documents to the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for acceptance.

2. The evaluation and acceptance of grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks shall be conducted through a Board established by the head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Board shall consist of seven to nine members, including the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, two opposing members, a scientific secretary member, and other members.

3. The evaluation and acceptance of the results of implementing grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of this Circular.

4. Handling the results:

a) If the task is rated "Pass" or higher:

- Within fifteen days from the date of the Board's evaluation result, the task leader shall complete the evaluation and acceptance file according to the Board's comments and submit it to the scientific and technological management organization of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

- The scientific and technological management organization shall cooperate with the Chairman of the Board to check and supervise the completion of the evaluation file of the task. The Chairman of the Board shall confirm the completion of the file by the task leader;

b) If the task is rated "Fail": if not extended during the implementation process, it may be considered for an extension of up to two months. After the extension period, the re-evaluation shall be conducted once in accordance with the provisions of this Article. Any additional costs (costs for completing the file, evaluation, acceptance...) shall be borne by the individual and the leading organization of the task;

c) The unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall base its handling on the conclusions of the evaluation Board and handle it in accordance with current regulations.

5. Registering, Preserving, and Transferring Research Results

Within thirty days after completing the evaluation and acceptance of tasks rated "Pass" or higher, the task leader at the grassroots level shall be responsible for registering, preserving, and transferring the grassroots-level task results as follows:

a) Registering the results with the Information Technology and Resource Data Management Bureau, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The registration file includes: Registration Form; summary report; research result information form according to model B32-TTKQNC; CD containing all products and specialized reports.

The Information Technology and Resource Data Management Bureau shall be responsible for checking the file; issuing a registration certificate for the implementation results of grassroots-level tasks to the leading organization and individual.

b) Submitting the evaluation and acceptance file to the direct management organization of the leading organization. The file includes: Summary Report; CD containing all products; copy of the registration certificate for the implementation results of grassroots-level tasks issued by the Information Technology and Resource Data Management Bureau.

c) Transferring research results to the receiving units approved in the task description.

d) Submit to the Science and Technology Department the following documents: a CD containing the complete product; a copy of the registration certificate for the results of implementing the basic-level task issued by the Information Technology and Environmental Resource Data Center; and a copy of the Research Result Transfer Minutes.

6. The Science and Technology Department shall publish the results on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal in accordance with current regulations.

7. The application of research results shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 13, Article 25 of this Circular.

Article 34. Recognition of Results and Contract Termination

1. The recognition of results from the implementation of tasks shall apply to cases evaluated at level "Pass" or higher.

2. The dossier for recognizing the results of implementing tasks includes:

a) The minutes of the evaluation and acceptance board;

b) A copy of the registration certificate for the results of implementing the basic-level task issued by the Information Technology and Environmental Resource Data Center;

c) A copy of the Research Result Transfer Minutes.

3. Within twenty working days from the date of receipt of all documents stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, the head of the subordinate unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for reviewing and issuing a decision to recognize the results of implementing the task.

4. Contract Termination

a) Upon completion of the basic-level task, the leading organization must submit a final settlement report to the competent authority;

b) After receiving the decision recognizing the results, the leading organization and the task leader shall conduct an assessment, inventory, transfer of products and assets purchased using the project funds. Management and utilization of assets formed through the implementation of scientific and technological tasks funded by state capital shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

c) Within ten days after the leading organization completes relevant procedures, the head of the subordinate unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall sign off on the contract termination and report to the Ministry (through the Science and Technology Department).

5. Application forms shall be implemented in accordance with Article 26 of this Circular.

Chapter V

REGULAR TASKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Article 35. Proposal Basis

1. The development strategy and operational plan of public scientific and technological organizations under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. Requirements to ensure regular research activities of scientific and technological organizations; orders from state management agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment serving management work, basic research and investigation activities, monitoring and supervision of natural resources and the environment.

Article 36. Proposal Procedure

1. Annually, in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, subordinate units responsible for policy advice and state management place orders; scientific and technological organizations under the Ministry notify and guide individuals and organizations within their units to propose regular tasks in accordance with functional responsibilities as stipulated in Article 35 of this Circular.

2. The head of scientific and technological organizations under the Ministry selects regular tasks in accordance with functional responsibilities (through the Scientific and Technological Council of the unit); completes the dossier and submits it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Science and Technology Department) before May 10.

The dossier includes: the proposal letter of the unit; a list of tasks ranked in priority order according to Form B44-DXDMTX; the minutes of the Scientific and Technological Council meeting determining the list of regular tasks in accordance with functional responsibilities of the unit.

3. Based on the proposals submitted by units, the Science and Technology Department compiles a list of regular tasks in accordance with functional responsibilities proposed by units according to Form B45-THDMTX.

Article 37. The Advisory Board determines the list of regular tasks according to functions.

1. Prior to organizing the Advisory Board to determine the list of regular tasks according to functions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology may seek opinions from experts or work with representatives of management units under the Ministry in relevant fields to identify regular tasks according to functions, to be submitted to the Advisory Board for determining the list of regular tasks according to functions of the Ministry.

2. The Advisory Board to determine the list of regular tasks according to functions of the Ministry shall be chaired by the Leader of the Department of Science and Technology, with Deputy Chairmen being representatives of leaders of specialized management agencies under the Ministry. The Board shall be established by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, consisting of: Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, and members who are representatives of leaders of Departments such as Planning-Finance, Organization-Human Resources; science and technology department staff, and some subject matter experts and managers.

3. The Board has the task of advising and determining the list of regular tasks according to functions, including: name, implementation time, expected results/products, and budget estimate for each regular task according to functions.

4. Five days before the meeting, the Department of Science and Technology sends documents to Board members. The documents include: a consolidated list of tasks, expert opinions (if any).

5. Working methods of the Board

a) Board members provide comments and evaluate the list of regular tasks according to functions on form B46-NXDMTX, to be sent back to the Department of Science and Technology at least one day before the Board meeting;

b) The Board will only convene if at least two-thirds of its members are present, including the Chairman (or the Deputy Chairman authorized);

c) The Board operates based on the principle of democratic centralism. The conclusions of the Board are adopted when more than three-quarters of the members present agree through direct voting or secret ballot.

Different opinions of members are compiled by the scientific secretary for discussion and voting approval. Board members may request to retain their opinion in cases where it differs from the conclusion of the Chairman;

d) Board members are individually responsible for their opinions and collectively responsible for the Chairman's conclusions. The Chairman is personally responsible for the conclusions of the Board.

đ) Representatives of units proposing regular tasks according to functions may be invited to attend the Board meeting.

6. Procedures for the Board's operations

a) The Board Secretary announces the decision to establish the Board;

b) The Chairman manages the meeting;

c) Board members discuss each task regarding: urgency, novelty, non-duplication, feasibility and application, alignment with development strategies and operational plans of public science and technology organizations;

d) The Board evaluates proposals through voting using form B47-ĐGDMTX;

đ) The Board secretary compiles the voting results using form B48-KPDMTX.

Regular tasks according to functions are included in the list for submission to the Minister for approval for implementation if more than three-quarters of the Board members present recommend "Implementation". In necessary cases, the Board may recommend ordering regular tasks according to functions to be included in the list for submission to the Minister for approval for organization to implement;

e) For proposed tasks to be implemented, the Board discusses specifically to vote unanimously on the name, objectives, main contents, and expected products;

g) For proposed tasks not to be implemented, the Board discusses specifically to vote unanimously on the reasons for not implementing.

7. The results of the Advisory Board meeting to determine the list of regular tasks according to functions of the Ministry are recorded in minutes according to form B49-BBDMTX.

Article 38. Approval of the list of regular tasks according to functions

1. Based on the results of the Advisory Council meeting to determine the list of regular tasks according to the functions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology shall submit the list of regular tasks according to the functions of public science and technology organizations under the Ministry for consideration and approval by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment according to Model B50-QĐDMTX.

2. Within five working days from the date the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment approves the list of regular tasks according to the functions, the Department of Science and Technology shall be responsible for sending the Decision approving the list of regular tasks to public science and technology organizations under the Ministry.

Article 39. Reviewing and Approving Descriptions and Signing Contracts

1. On the basis of the approved list of regular tasks according to the functions, the head of the science and technology organization shall select or directly assign individuals or subordinate organizations to develop descriptions of regular tasks according to the functions according to Model B51-TMNVTX.

2. Within twenty working days from the date of the Decision approving the list of regular tasks according to the functions, the science and technology organization must complete the file for each task and send it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology). The file includes: the request letter from the unit; description of each task; minutes of the Foundation Council meeting (if any).

3. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall establish an Advisory Council to review and approve the descriptions and budget estimates for regular tasks according to the functions for science and technology organizations.

a) Composition of the Council

The Council consists of seven to nine members. The Chairman of the Council is the Leader of the Department of Science and Technology, other members are representatives of Leaders and specialists from Departments such as Planning and Finance, Organization and Cadres, International Cooperation Department (when the task involves a delegation abroad); a specialist from the Department of Science and Technology serves as secretary and some subject experts and managers. The Council may have one member who belongs to the organization responsible for the regular task according to the function, but they cannot serve as Deputy Chairman. Individuals registered to participate in the task cannot join the Council;

b) At least five working days before the meeting, the Department of Science and Technology sends the file of regular tasks according to the functions to the Council members. Each member reviews and evaluates according to Model B52-NXTMTX and sends it back to the Department of Science and Technology at least one day before the meeting;

c) The Council can only convene if at least two-thirds of the members attend; including the Chairman or Deputy Chairman authorized to attend. If necessary, representatives of management agencies and related units may be invited to attend the Council meeting.

4. Procedure for the Council's Work

a) The Council Secretary announces the decision to establish the Council, introduces the composition of the Council and the attending representatives at the meeting;

b) The Chairman of the Council manages the meeting;

c) The Task Leader presents a summary of the task description, answers questions from the Council (if any);

d) Council members comment and evaluate each task description;

đ) The Council discusses, members vote to score each task using a secret ballot method according to Model B53-ĐGTMTX;

e) The Council Secretary compiles the results according to Model B54-BBKPTX;

g) The Council publicly announces the evaluation results and approves the minutes of the Council meeting according to Model B55-BBTMTX;

h) The Council discusses and agrees to recommend the results of the meeting with basic information:

- Points that need to be supplemented or amended in the description of regular tasks according to the functions;

- Main products with corresponding economic-technical indicators that must be achieved (if any);

- Other points that need to be revised in the content of the description of regular tasks according to the functions;

- Budget estimate for the task.

5. Organizations and individuals assigned to implement regular tasks according to the functions are responsible for completing the task description according to the Council's opinions within ten working days after the Council meeting; complete the file for review and send it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology). The review file is prepared in four copies, including:

a) Minutes of the Advisory Council meeting to directly assign regular tasks according to the functions;

b) The completed and revised description of regular tasks according to the functions and the explanation document of the organization or individual regarding the adoption of opinions in the Council Minutes.

6. Reviewing and Approving the Description of Regular Tasks According to the Functions

a) Within ten working days from receiving the completed file, the Department of Science and Technology checks and forwards it to the Department of Planning and Finance, the Department of Organization and Cadres, and related units (if any) for review;

b) Within seven working days, the Department of Planning and Finance, the Department of Organization and Cadres, and related units are responsible for reviewing and determining the budget for implementing each regular task according to the functions, and sending it to the Department of Science and Technology for consolidation;

c) Based on the review opinions, the Department of Science and Technology consolidates and submits to the Minister for a decision to approve the content and budget estimates for regular tasks according to the functions according to Model B56-QĐTMTX;

d) The Director of the Department of Science and Technology signs on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to approve the description and contract for implementing scientific and technological tasks according to Model B57-HĐNVTX.

7. Within thirty days from the approval of the description and signing of the contract to implement regular tasks according to the functions, the responsible organization shall be responsible for sending the description and contract to the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Planning and Finance, the direct superior management agency of the responsible organization (if any), and the research result transfer unit.

Article 40. Inspection and Supervision

1. During the implementation process, the organization in charge of the task shall regularly inspect and supervise in accordance with its functions to promptly detect and correct any errors that affect the objectives, contents, progress, and results of the approved tasks.

2. The head of the task shall regularly report on the implementation status of the task according to the requirements of the organization in charge.

3. Upon completion of the task, the organization in charge and the head of the task shall be responsible for preparing a report on the implementation results for the year in accordance with the description and contract that have been approved.

Article 41. Evaluation, Acceptance, Registration, Preservation, Publication, Transfer, and Application of Research Results

1. Before November 30 each year, the head of the task must submit a final report according to form B58-BCTKTX and accompanying documents to the organization in charge for acceptance.

2. Self-evaluation of the implementation results of the task

a) The organization in charge shall be responsible for self-evaluating the implementation results before submitting the evaluation and acceptance dossier to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology);

b) The self-evaluation results of each task according to form B60-ĐGKQTX.

3. The dossier for evaluating and accepting the task includes:

a) A letter requesting evaluation and acceptance of the task from the organization in charge;

b) Reports on the implementation results of each task;

c) Scientific and technological products of the task;

d) Copies of the contract and task description;

d) Documents confirming and related to the publication, printing, training, reception, and use of research results (if applicable);

e) Data (surveys, investigations, analyses...) of the task;

g) Report on the use of funds for the task;

h) Self-evaluation report on the implementation results of the task;

i) Other relevant documents (if applicable).

4. Meeting of the Evaluation and Acceptance Council

a) The Council is established as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 39 of this Circular;

b) The evaluation and acceptance dossier is sent to the Council members at least five working days before the meeting along with an assessment form according to form B59-NXKQTX;

c) The Council will only convene if at least two-thirds of the Council members are present, including the Chairman or Deputy Chairman authorized to attend. In addition to the Council members, representatives of related units and other invited delegates by the Department of Science and Technology may also attend when necessary. The Department of Science and Technology appoints one clerk to serve as administrative secretary.

d. Procedure for the Council's work:

- The secretary announces the decision to establish the Council and introduces the participants and representatives;

- The Board Chairperson unifies and approves the work content of the Board according to the provisions of this Circular;

- The head of the task presents a summary of the organization and implementation process of the task, reports on the results, scientific and technological products, and the self-evaluation report on the implementation results of the task;

- Council members ask questions to the head of the task regarding the results and issues related to the task. The head of the task and related individuals answer the questions of the Council (if applicable);

- Council members provide comments on the implementation results of the task; the secretary presents the comments of absent members (if applicable); Council members exchange opinions on the results of the task;

- Council members evaluate and classify the task through a form according to form B60-ĐGKQTX;

- The Chairman drafts the Council's conclusion according to form B61-BBNTTX. In case the Council classifies the result as "Not Achieved," it must specify the completed results according to the contract for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to consider and handle according to regulations. The Council discusses and agrees on each content of the conclusion and approves the minutes;

e) The Department of Science and Technology sends the Council meeting minutes to the scientific and technological organizations under the Ministry within two working days after the end of the meeting.

5. Content of Evaluation and Requirements for Products of the Task

a) Evaluation of the comprehensive report: Evaluate 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 quantity and quality of products of the task compared to the approved description;

c) Requirements for the comprehensive report:

- A general overview of existing research results relevant to the task;

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

- The content of the report is a complete presentation of all research results structured systematically and logically; scientific arguments have theoretical and practical bases to address the research issues, truthfully reflecting the task results;

- Logical and scientific writing style.

6. Evaluation and Classification

a) Each product of the task is evaluated based on criteria for quantity and quality of products at three levels: "Excellent" when exceeding expectations; "Achieved" when meeting all requirements; "Not Achieved" when not meeting all requirements;

b) The comprehensive report on the implementation results of the task is evaluated at three levels: "Excellent" when the comprehensive report is complete and meets requirements; "Achieved" when the comprehensive report needs revision and supplementation but can be completed; "Not Achieved" when it does not fall into the above categories;

c) Overall evaluation of the task at three levels: "Excellent" when all product criteria reach the "Excellent" level and the comprehensive report reaches the "Achieved" level or higher; "Achieved" when meeting the following requirements simultaneously: All quality and type product criteria are at the "Achieved" level or higher; at least 3/4 of the quantity product criteria are at the "Achieved" level or higher (products not achieving quantity requirements still need to meet at least 3/4 of the contracted amount), the comprehensive report reaches the "Achieved" level or higher; "Not Achieved" when it does not belong to the above two cases or the dossier is submitted late by more than 60 days from the contract end date;

d) Evaluation and classification by the Council: "Excellent" if at least 3/4 of the attending Council members agree on the "Excellent" level and there is no member rating at the "Not Achieved" level; "Not Achieved" if more than 1/3 of the attending Council members rate the "Not Achieved" level; "Achieved" if the task does not fall into the above two cases.

7. Handling of acceptance results

a) In cases where the scientific and technological task results are classified at level "Satisfactory" or above:

- Within thirty days from the date of acceptance results, the head of the task shall complete the acceptance dossier, including: The consolidated report, scientific and technological products and related documents to be sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology);

- The Department of Science and Technology shall check the completion of the acceptance dossier of the task;

b) In case the task result is classified as "Not Achieved":

- Within fifteen working days from the date of acceptance results, the leading organization and the head of the task shall be responsible for completing the report and accompanying products, to be sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Science and Technology) for re-evaluation and re-acceptance.

- The re-evaluation and re-acceptance shall be carried out according to the provisions of this Article but not more than once for each regular functional task;

- Costs for completing the approved contents and signed contracts; costs for re-evaluation and re-acceptance shall be borne by the leading and head organizations of the task;

c) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall base on the conclusions of the Council and handle according to the regulations;

d) The leading and head organizations of the task shall proceed with procedures to establish intellectual property rights to protect the research results of the task according to the regulations.

8. Registration, retention, publication, transfer and application of the results of regular functional tasks

The registration, retention, publication, transfer and application of the results of regular functional tasks of scientific and technological organizations shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clauses 5, 6, and 7 of Article 33 of this Circular.

Article 42. Liquidation of Contracts

1. When the regular functional task ends, the leading and head organizations of the task must submit the final settlement report to the competent authority.

2. The liquidation of the contract shall be conducted after the settlement results are obtained and the leading and head organizations of the task have fully completed all contents stipulated in Clause 8 of Article 41 of this Circular.

3. The liquidation record of the contract implementing the regular functional task shall be prepared according to Model B62-BBTLTX.

Chapter VI

REWARD AND VIOLATION HANDLING

Article 43. Reward and Scientific and Technological Awards

1. Rewards:

a) Organizations and individuals who successfully implement scientific and technological tasks, whose results are applied in practice and bring high economic and social benefits shall be considered for rewards by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment;

b) The cost of rewards and reward levels shall be implemented according to current regulations.

2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize to present scientific and technological awards to organizations and individuals with outstanding scientific research and technological development works within its management scope or propose the Ministry of Science and Technology to consider presenting the Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award for Science and Technology according to regulations.

Article 44. Handling of Violations

Organizations and individuals participating in scientific and technological activities who violate regulations will be subject to administrative penalties according to Decree No. 64/2013/ND-CP dated June 27, 2013 of the Government on Administrative Penalties in Scientific and Technological Activities, Technology Transfer or bear criminal responsibility according to current laws.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 45. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from February 6, 2018 and replaces Circular No. 05/2015/TT-BTNMT dated February 24, 2015 of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment promulgating the Management Regulations for Scientific and Technological Tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Scientific and technological tasks currently being implemented shall continue to be implemented according to Circular No. 05/2015/TT-BTNMT dated February 24, 2015 of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment promulgating the Management Regulations for Scientific and Technological Tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

In case the legal normative documents referred to and applied in this Circular are amended, supplemented or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the new regulations.

Article 46. Implementation organization

1. The Department of Science and Technology shall be responsible for organizing guidance and inspection of the implementation of this Circular.

2. Heads of units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; leading and head organizations of scientific and technological tasks and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

3. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties, relevant state management agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly reflect them in writing to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment./.