2019/5/8

Questions and Answers
Catego No.
QuestionsryRegarding procedures for application
1 Is an overseas company eligible for application independently?

Answers
Yes, any overseas companies are eligible for application independently as longas they satisfy the requirements set forth in article 6. Application
Requirements in the Guidelines of the Subsidy Program, such as "(Theentities) ensure organizations for properly conducting the relevant subsidized
project.", "(The entities) have the capacity, knowledge and experience requiredfor conducting the relevant subsidized project", etc.

2 How will the information contained in the application documents be handled?

METI and PMO will NOT use the contents of application documents submitted
for other purposes than the evaluation/review. And we've made a nondisclosure agreement with all the members of the review committee.
Nevertheless, you have to be noted that the information which has not beenclassified as confidential will be subject to disclosure as a response to the legal
request for disclosure.
For the details of the private policy of this RFP, please refer to the "Private
Policy" on the website below.
[URL]
https://en.dccc-program.jp/files/20190304PMSE.pdf

3 Can the costs for the application be covered by the Japanese Government?

No, any costs for the application are not compensated.

4 Is it possible to ask for additional data on plants, etc. in establishing a proposal or If you need supplemental information, please contact us. We cannot assure wein implementation of the project?
can provide all of the information you need; and if we provide the information,
we will release this information on the website.
5 Is an organization without juridical personality eligible for application?

This organization is also eligible as long as it satisfies the requirements ofstipulated in Item 6 in the Guidelines.

6 Do you accept proposal from a JV of multiple organizations?

We can accept proposals submitted by JVs. If you would like to apply for thisproject as a JV, please describe the leading company and the implementation
scheme on the designated form.

7 Is it allowable to make a proposal through the methods other than filling in thespecified application forms (i.e. by oral presentation or using the media such asbrochures and image files)?

We will not accept any proposals not using the stipulated submission forms.
Any other form will NOT be taken into account for the paper screening.

8 We would like to make a proposal jointly with other companies. Is it possible torecommend partner companies or organizations for us?

No. You must find suitable partners and establish the implementation schemeby yourself.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
Questionsry
9 If we apply for the project with other companies as a team, how will the process
after the adoption be?

Answers
The managing company (or managing organization) takes charge ofestablishment of the implementation plan, preparation and submission of theaccomplishment report. Each companies and organizations composing the JV
must be investigated for the settlement of the subsidy amount.

10 There may be some time lag between the deadline of the application documents
and the commencement date of the subsidized project. Is it acceptable todescribe the implementation scheme based upon the personnel change taking
place after the deadline?

Yes, It is acceptable.

11 Regarding Form 5, what should we present the related documents to submit ?

If you have received approval of Export administration regulations from METI,
please present documents that can confirm the approval.

12 Regarding Form 5, what should we write down if we don't have a plan to import or Please mark "〇" to the item "Not Required" and state the reason too.
export something which requires permission under Foreign Exchange and Foreign
Trade Act ?
13 Regarding the project implementation scheme described in "7. Requirement
Conditions for Grant Decision (5)", does it need to be stated at the time ofproposal?

Please attach the document of the project implementation scheme in "7.
Requirement Conditions for Grant Decision (5)" to the results report after theend of the project. There is no need to include it in the application form.

14 How should we handle the consumption tax increase ｐlanned on October 2019?

When it corresponds to "those listed below... permitted to include theconsumption tax in the expenses covered by the subsidy when calculating theamount of subsidy" described in "11. Allocation of Expenses (3)", calculate
the grant amount with 10% consumption tax rate at the time of application.

15 Is it possible to place an order to crossing the fiscal year?

If you place an order over the fiscal year, it may be necessary to makeadjustments depending on the national budgetary situation. On the application
documents, please indicate the year in which payment will occur, and indicatethat it will be an order that crosses the fiscal year. In actual execution, PMO
will consult individually.

16 Do you list outsourcing costs for each subcontractor, and do you list for each
item (1)(2) of "2. Contents of Project"?

Regarding outsourcing costs, please describe the breakdown for each work
item scheduled for outsourcing.

17 The implementation period of the project is 2 years, should the items of theimplementation plan and the implementation year be associated?

Please associate the implementation items described in the implementation
plan with the implementation year. At that time, please describe items that will
be implemented across the fiscal year so that they can be understood.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
QuestionsryRegarding procedures for evaluation and adoption
18 Who is in charge of evaluation of the proposals?

Answers
The application documents shall firstly be evaluated by the review committee
consisting of experts. Paper examination and if necessary, applicants' oralpresentation shall be also conducted.

19 For the presentation evaluation, can we supplement some information to thecontents of the application document?

You can add supplementary explanation at the presentation evaluation.

20 Should the applicant come to the venue for the presentation evaluation?

If you cannot come to the venue for the presentation, please contact us inadvance so that you can make a presentation via a Web conference, a TV
conference and such. In such a case, however, the applicant may take risks ofbad connection, etc.

21 How long is the time of oral presentation of the presentation evaluation?

The time of oral presentation may be changed according to the number ofapplicants.

22 This solicitation seems to be more advantageous to Japanese companies because This project is financed by Japanese governmental budget and is implemented
it is easier for them to observe the guidelines or the manual when compared with in accordance with Japanese scheme and in compliance with Japanese laws.
overseas companies.
However, any Japanese companies will not be treated preferentially in thereview process.
23 Regarding the evaluation criterion, what do the "basic points" and the "additional The "basic point" refers to the conditions which must absolutely be met; andpoints" mean respectively?
the "additional points" refer to the items which give additional points if thecontents of the proposal are excellent. Please note that if you fail to meet a"basic points" condition, you will be disqualified.
24 Is there a possibility that a member of the review committee would use theproposal documents for any other purpose other than for evaluation ?

Because conclusion of the non-disclosure agreement is one of the conditionsof appointment of the members of the review committee, they won't make useof the application documents for any other purpose other than for evaluation.

25 When will the results of the paper screening be informed? When will the review
committee be held?

We will inform the entity having passed the paper screening of the result assoon as possible. The review committee is planned to be held on May 27, 2019.

26 Is the number of proposals to be adopted decided in advance?

The number of planned adoption is one or more. The specific number of
adoption has not been decided.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
QuestionsryRegarding the RFP (Miscellaneous)
27 When is the subsidy going to be paid?

Answers
Basically, the payment will be made after the subsidy amount is settled
following the completion of the subsidy project. However, depending on theentity's circumstance, the payment by estimate before the completion of the
project may be admitted.

28 If an overseas entity is adopted, how will the meetings be held? And how often?

PMO and implementing entities will have meetings, interim report and final
report as well as progress report of the project as necessary. The frequency of
meetings depends on the necessity of these meetings and reports.

29 Is there any reference for METI's health insurance costs by grade?

Please see the latest list of the health insurance costs which is posted on our
web site.

30 Can the subsidy amount to be actually paid be determined only after the"settlement of the amount" procedure, which is conducted after completion of
the project?

The paid amount will be settled after expiration of the project period,
confirmation of the project result, and inspection for settlement of the amountby PMO. This procedure is formulated by Japanese accounting rules.

31 How should the necessary expenses for the project be categorized in the
proposal?

Please divide the necessary expenses into (1) labor costs and (2) operating
costs (raw materials, consumables, design/fabrication/processing,facility/equipment, goods purchase, research, outsourcing, travel,
remunerations, rent/depreciation and other necessities) as described in Exhibit
2 of the Grand Policy for Subsidy.

32 When is the date of subsidization decision ?

The date of subsidization decision is still uncertain at this moment. After theselection results, we plan to make the decision to grant the subsidy promptly
as soon as the submission of the application form for grant and the adjustment
with PMO are completed.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
QuestionsryGeneral Question regarding Projects
33 Is it possible for the entities with partial proposals to request the concernedorganizations to provide necessary information to implement the project bycompiling input and output information?

Answers
We assume that the subsidized entity and the concerned organizations will
share the information by the compilation of input and output information. If
necessary, PMO will cooperate in coordinating between them, etc.

34 What should we do when it's difficult to describe input and output information indetail at the time of the submission of proposal?

For the proposal, you can draw it up as your planned basis.

35 Regarding the gathering domestic and overseas wisdom in "3. Operation ofresearch and development" , it says that it is important to be validated andreviewed objectively by third parties such as academic societies, etc. and such
validation and review must distinctively be placed in the development plan or be
set as a milestone. Is it necessary to write down the determined contents on the
proposal?

For the proposal, you can draw it up as your planned basis.

36 On-site demonstration might significantly be delayed because of the situation of
the site. In the case, how should the implementing entity cope with?

When an entity expects a delay of the implementation, please inform PMO of it
as soon as possible. We would consider how to cope with.

37 When foreign currencies other than Japanese Yen are used for this project, howwill the exchange rate be determined?

For the exchange rate, if the subsidized entity has an in-house rule ofexchange rate, it can be applied. Otherwise, the basic exchange rate ofJapanese currency of Bank of Japan will be used. Please be noted that thesubsidy can be paid only in Japanese yen after the determination of theamount.

38 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development [5] Cooperation with
PMO may also request the necessary information. When information on thedecommissioning activities and other research and development", it says that the implementation of the project is obtained, the subsidized entity must also
information on implementation of the project must be shared with and offered to present them in a timely and appropriate manner.
PMO and the concerned organizations in a timely and appropriate manner so as tocontribute to the decision making on the method of fuel debris retrieval, etc.. Is
the information requested from PMO?
39 Are the deliverables of the subsidized entity a report?

As it is described in "3. Operation of research and development [8] Progress
report ", you are required to report the project results, etc. to PMO onrequest.

40 Describing the subcontractor (outsourced or commissioned entity) in the
For reasons of financial efficiency, in principle, subcontractor shall be subject
Implementation Organization Chart, if it is adopted, will the special contract order to general competition or it is necessary to prepare a statement for selectionof the subcontractor be approved?
stating clearly the reasons for selection. So, sole-source procurement cannot
be accepted only by specifying the subcontractor's name.
41 How do applicants set the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ?

Please set the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) by yourself considering thetechnical details of your proposal.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
Questions
Answersry
42 Regarding "1. Purpose of Project", it says "the results obtained from this project It is possible to exchange information with Tokyo Electric Power Company
will be utilized for the engineering activities conducted by TEPCO". Can we share after the start of the project. PMO will make coordination as necessary.
necessary information on TEPCO's engineering after the adoption？
43 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development (5)", it says "PMO andother concerned entities". Which concerned entities do you refer?

The entities are the Agency for National Resources and Energy, Nuclear
Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation, Tokyo
Electric Power Company.

44 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development (5)", it says that a NonDisclosure Agreement must be concluded, as necessary. When is it necessary?

In the case of information exchange between operating entities, this is when
one or both business operators require a confidentiality agreement. If
necessary, the secretariat will make adjustments when entering into a
confidentiality agreement.

45 In "7. Requirements Conditions for Grant Decision (5)", it says that in the case of In "11. (1) Classification of Expenses Covered by Subsidy", the eligible costs
transactions exceeding 1 million yen, the name of the contractor must be
are as follows.
included in the project implementation scheme, but what are the eligible costs
Expenses for raw materials, consumables, design/fabrication/processing,here?
facility/equipment(except for items corresponding to equipment expenses andrental and hire fees), research, outsourcing, other necessities (except for items
corresponding to meeting expenses and assistant personnel costs).
46 Is it possible to give the interim and final report meetings and the thepresentation materials for report meetings in English?

It is possible to give a presentation and the materials for report meetings in
English.

47 Although it is described in the Grant Policy for Subsidy, Form No. 3, 8. as “Take As a general rule, please specify in the contract when placing an order that you
measures to ask the other party of the contract for the cooperation on necessary will cooperate to the survey and not consider an entity which is subject toinspection to conduct the Subsidized Project properly", should I take any specific suspension of grant as the other party of the contract.
measures?
48 What is the responsibility of the Subsidized Project Operating Entity if it is
discovered that the contents described in Form No. 3 of Grant Policy were notobserved?

Investigation or hearing will be conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Tradeand Industry. If the resulting judgement falls under Article 18 of the Grant
Policy for Subsidy “(3) the Subsidized Project Operating Entity has engaged infraudulence, negligence, or any other inappropriate conduct with respect to theSubsidized Project”, the grant will be canceled.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
Questions
Answers
ry
Regarding the Project "Development of Analysis and Estimation Technology for Characterization of Fuel Debris (Development of Estimation Technology of Aging Properties ofFuel Debris)"
49 Is it good to recognize that aging will surely occur?
Aging of fuel debris has not occurred in TMI-2. However, aging has occurred in
Chernobyl, and debris has become dust. It is also one of the purposes of thisproject to clarify the boundaries of whether aging will occur or not. Therefore,
it is also an outcome of this project that no aging has occurred.
50 What is the temperature setting, when preparing the simulated debris?

There was a power outage at the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Station. Therefore, temperature data was not recorded, and it is unclear
to what degree the temperature has risen. In this project, it is important to
prepare fuel debris with uniform composition. Therefore, prepare simulated
debris by raising the temperature to such extent that such debris can be
simulated. The Operating Entity should choose the heating method.

51 Although it is described in "2. Project content (1)" as "Dissolution behavior
varieties depending on dissolved oxygen concentration in water, hydrogen
peroxide concentration, pH, and temperature.", should these items such as
dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature, etc. necessarily measured?

Yes.

52 (1) Development and implementation of test methods to identify phenomena that
may contribute to the aging of fuel debris: Could the PMO specify what thefollowing means: “fuel debris shall be heated until a uniform melt is obtained”?
There are various methods which could be used to obtain a uniform melt. On theother hand, there will be heterogeneity in melted debris from Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Station which will contribute significantly to ageing. Should the
Operating Entity prioritize achieving uniformity of the fuel debris rather thanreplicating the conditions under which real fuel debris from Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Station was formed?

Normally, simulated fuel debris is created by mixing the powder of UO2, FeO
and ZrO in specific proportions and heating. If heating is insufficient, there is apossibility that not all dissolves. If the powder remains without being dissolved,
it cannot be determined whether the powder found after the examination was
generated by the examination or the sample itself is bad. So, "uniform" do notmean to make the composition uniform, but to dissolve enough not remaining
powder.

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Questions and Answers
Catego No.
Questionsry
53 What is the expected nitrogen/oxygen composition on the conditions of the task
(2) Comprehensive Aging Forecasts for Fuel Debris at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Station? If the ratio of atmospheric conditions (iii) – nitrogen/oxygen =78/20, then what do “nitrogen atmosphere (low oxygen concentration)” in (ii) and“nitrogen atmosphere” in (i) mean? Is there a specific concentration of oxygen
required in (i), (ii), and (iii)? If not, is the Operating Entity expected to develop andjustify the concentration of oxygen in (i), (ii), and (iii) as part of the subsidized
project?

Answers
About (ⅰ), it assumes composition in current PCV. So, nitrogen/oxygen =100/0 because PCV is charged with nitrogen.
About (ⅲ), in the future, when containing the fuel debris, it will be an air
atmosphere. So, nitrogen/oxygen = 80:20.
About (ⅱ), when retrieving the fuel debris, it is planned to be negative
pressure inside the PCV in order to prevent the dust from scattering. If
negative pressure is maintained, it will be an air atmosphere in PCV. However,as hydrogen will be generated by radiolysis of water, it is considered tocontinue to be charged with nitrogen in order to avoid the hydrogen explosion.
It is not decided how much nitrogen PCV will be charged with, and it is unclear
what percentage of oxygen concentration will be when nitrogen is injected
while remaining PCV negative pressure. But it is considered that oxygen
concentration will be between 0% and 20%. Please set the mixing ratio of
nitrogen/oxygen by yourself.

54 If dissolution in task (2) (ii) occurs under conditions of water cooling, theIt is not possible to combine the conditions of (i) and (ii) into one task. Please
concentration of oxygen in water is more important than the concentration of
conduct the test with each condition. Oxygen concentration in-air and inoxygen in the atmosphere. In such a case, is it possible to combine the conditions water is important when considering the oxidation and elution of materials.
of (i) and (ii) into one task?
When oxygen is reduced in water, oxygen in air is dissolved in water toequilibrate depending on oxygen partial pressure in air. If oxygen is dissolved inwater, electrical potential of water rise and elution of metal ions is promoted.
So, it is important whether oxygen is present in air. Please measure oxygen
concentration in-air and in-water in this project.
55 In (1) it is stated that “Samples with varying zirconium contents, considered toenhance fuel debris stability, shall also be prepared”.
If the concentration of Zr|Zr0 is lowered, is there any preferred option to replace
it with? For example, we can replace the concentration of Zr|ZrO with UO2, inorder to study in greater detail, the matrix stabilization effect created by Zr.
Another example: we could use Fe (presumably, there will be more Fe in
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station debris than in TMI-2 debris?).

The description of the Guidelines is intended to want entity to study the
influence of the content rate of Zr on the fuel debris stability because Zr may
be a factor in the stability from the experience of TMI-2. So, it is not the
purpose to create a stabilized sample by mixing several elements. About thesimulated fuel debris, Zr should be added because a cladding tube include
Zircaloy, and Si should be added because percentage of Si of the fuel debris in
Chernobyl was about 40%, and Fe should be added because the surrounding
structural material is made of stainless steel. So, when creating simulated fueldebris, the base of such debris is U-Zr-Si-Fe-Ca-O. Please investigate anddecide by yourself whether the composition should be changed among thesesix elements or elements that have less influence on aging should be added toa matrix.

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Catego No.
Questions
Answersry
56 In the Guidelines it is stated that the Operating Entity will need to study the
It is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of factors because such list has
dependence of the influence of degradation factors (oxidation + contact withnot been created. In Guidelines for applying, the type of data to be acquired inwater) on the concentration of oxygen in water, on the concentration of hydrogen the test is indicated, but we want the entity to consider the influence factor on
peroxide and on temperature. As TENEX understands, this requirement is related the data. It is considered that influence factors depend on environmental
to dissolved oxygen (hydrated molecules of O2). The concentration of dissolved
conditions, so please investigate based on environmental conditions which is
described in (2)(i)(ii)(iii). If you understand that concentration of dissolved
oxygen in the near-surface layer of water may change due to various causes: achange of the absorption of oxygen from air it comes into contact with, a change oxygen is changed by many factors, it is better to propose a test including themethod of minimizing the effect on dissolved oxygen concentration and theof the pressure, a change of the condition of the water by the turbulization, amethod of focusing those factors.
change of the water by mineralization, etc. As there are many factors related tothe concentration of dissolved oxygen as stated above, is it possible to provide us
an exhaustive list of factors related the change of the concentration of dissolved
oxygen that the Operating Entity should study?

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