Questions and Answers
CategoryNo.

Questions

2019/3/18
Answers

Regarding procedures for application
1 Is an overseas company eligible for application independently?

Yes, any overseas companies are eligible for application independently as long as theysatisfy the requirements set forth in article 6. Application Requirements in the Guidelines of
the Subsidy Program, such as "(The entities) ensure organizations for properly conducting
the relevant subsidized project.", "(The entities) have the capacity, knowledge andexperience required for 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 otherpurposes than the evaluation/review. And we've made a non-disclosure agreement with all
the members of the review committee. Nevertheless, you have to be noted that the
information which has not been classified 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 thewebsite 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 in implementation of If you need supplemental information, please contact us. We cannot assure we can provide
the project?
all of the information you need; and if we provide the information, we will release thisinformation 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 of stipulated 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 this project as a
JV, please describe the leading company and the implementation scheme on the designatedform.

7 Is it allowable to make a proposal through the methods other than filling in the specified application
forms (i.e. by oral presentation or using the media such as brochures 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 to recommend partnercompanies or organizations for us?

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

9 If we apply for the project with other companies as a team, how will the process after the adoption be? The managing company (or managing organization) takes charge of establishment of theimplementation plan, preparation and submission of the accomplishment report. Eachcompanies 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 thecommencement date of the subsidized project. Is it acceptable to describe 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 export somethingwhich requires permission under Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act ?

Please mark "〇" to the item "Not Required" and state the reason too.

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Questions and Answers
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2019/3/18
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13 Regarding the project implementation scheme described in "7. Requirement Conditions for Grant
Decision (5)", does it need to be stated at the time of proposal?

Please attach the document of the project implementation scheme in "7. Requirement
Conditions for Grant Decision (5)" to the results report after the end of the project. Thereis 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 the consumption tax inthe expenses covered by the subsidy when calculating the amount 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 make adjustments
depending on the national budgetary situation. On the application documents, pleaseindicate the year in which payment will occur, and indicate that it will be an order thatcrosses 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)～ of "2.
Contents of Project"?

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

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Questions and Answers
CategoryNo.

Questions

2019/3/18
Answers

Regarding procedures for evaluation and adoption
17 Who is in charge of evaluation of the proposals?

The application documents shall firstly be evaluated by the review committee consisting ofexperts. Paper examination and if necessary, applicants' oral presentation shall be also
conducted.

18 For the presentation evaluation, can we supplement some information to the contents of theapplication document?

You can add supplementary explanation at the presentation evaluation.

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

If you cannot come to the venue for the presentation, please contact us in advance so thatyou can make a presentation via a Web conference, a TV conference and such. In such acase, however, the applicant may take risks of bad connection, etc.

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

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

21 This solicitation seems to be more advantageous to Japanese companies because it is easier for them This project is financed by Japanese governmental budget and is implemented in
to observe the guidelines or the manual when compared with overseas companies.
accordance with Japanese scheme and in compliance with Japanese laws. However, any
Japanese companies will not be treated preferentially in the review process.
22 Regarding the evaluation criterion, what do the "basic points" and the "additional points" mean
respectively?

The "basic point" refers to the conditions which must absolutely be met; and the"additional points" refer to the items which give additional points if the contents of the
proposal are excellent. Please note that if you fail to meet a "basic points" condition, youwill be disqualified.

23 Is there a possibility that a member of the review committee would use the proposal documents forany other purpose other than for evaluation ?

Because conclusion of the non-disclosure agreement is one of the conditions ofappointment of the members of the review committee, they won't make use of theapplication documents for any other purpose other than for evaluation.

24 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 as soon as
possible. The review committee is planned to be held on March 27~29, 2018 (afternoon). For
the details, please refer to the website below.
https://en.dccc-program.jp/1417

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

The number of proposals to be adopted is one or more than one. About the number of
proposals to be adopted of each project, please refer to "7. Requirement Conditions for
Grant Decision (5)" on the guidelines for applying.

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Questions and Answers
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Regarding the RFP (Miscellaneous)
26 When is the subsidy going to be paid?

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

27 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 thenecessity of these meetings and reports.

28 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.

29 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 amount by PMO. This procedure isformulated by Japanese accounting rules.

30 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 (rawmaterials, 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.

31 When is the date of subsidization decision ?

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

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Questions and Answers
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General Question regarding Projects
32 Is it possible for the entities with partial proposals to request the concerned organizations to provide
necessary information to implement the project by compiling input and output information?

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

33 What should we do when it's difficult to describe input and output information in detail at the time ofthe submission of proposal?

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

34 Regarding the gathering domestic and overseas wisdom in "3. Operation of research anddevelopment" , it says that it is important to be validated and reviewed objectively by third parties
such as academic societies, etc. and such validation and review must distinctively be placed in thedevelopment 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.

35 On-site demonstration might significantly be delayed because of the situation of the site. In the case, When an entity expects a delay of the implementation, please inform PMO of it as soon as
how should the implementing entity cope with?
possible. We would consider how to cope with.
36 When foreign currencies other than Japanese Yen are used for this project, how will the exchange rate For the exchange rate, if the subsidized entity has an in-house rule of exchange rate, it canbe determined?
be applied. Otherwise, the basic exchange rate of Japanese currency of Bank of Japan will
be used. Please be noted that the subsidy can be paid only in Japanese yen after thedetermination of the amount.
37 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development [5] Cooperation with decommissioning activities PMO may also request the necessary information. When information on the implementationand other research and development", it says that the information on implementation of the projectof the project is obtained, the subsidized entity must also present them in a timely andmust be shared with and offered to PMO and the concerned organizations in a timely and appropriate appropriate manner.
manner so as to contribute to the decision making on the method of fuel debris retrieval, etc.. Is theinformation requested from PMO?
38 Are the deliverables of the subisidized 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 on request.

39 Describing the subcontractor (outsourced or commissioned entity) in the Implementation Organization For reasons of financial efficiency, in principle, subcontractor shall be subject to general
Chart, if it is adopted, will the special contract order of the subcontractor be approved?
competition or it is necessary to prepare a statement for selection stating clearly thereasons for selection. So, sole-source procurement cannot be accepted only by specifying
the subcontractor's name.
40 How do subsidized entities cooperate with each other in the case when multiple proposals are
adopted?

In this solicitation, only one proposal is planned to be adopted.

41 How do applicants set the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ?

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

42 Regarding "1. Purpose of Project", it says "the results obtained from this project will be utilized forthe engineering activities conducted by TEPCO". Can we share necessary information on TEPCO's
engineering after the adoption？

It is possible to exchange information with Tokyo Electric Power Company after the start ofthe project. PMO will make coordination as necessary.

43 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development (5)", it says "PMO and other 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.

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

In the case of information exchange between operating entities, this is when one or bothbusiness 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 transactions
exceeding 1 million yen, the name of the consignee must be included in the project implementation
scheme, but what are the eligible costs here?

In "11. (1) Classification of Expenses Covered by Subsidy", the eligible costs are as follows.
Expenses for raw materials, consumables, design/fabrication/processing,facility/equipment(except for items corresponding to equipment expenses and rental andhire fees), research, outsourcing, other necessities (except for items corresponding tomeeting expenses and assistant personnel costs).

46 Is it possible to give a presentation of the interim and final report meetings and the presentationmaterials for report meetings in English?

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

47 Partial proposals have been approved for “Research and Development of Processing and Disposal of
Solid Waste”, but have not been approved for other projects?

Partial proposals have been approved only for "Research and Development of Processingand Disposal of Solid Waste".

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Questions and Answers
CategoryNo.

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2019/3/18
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Regarding the Project "Development of Analysis and Estimation Technology for Characterization of Fuel Debris"
48 In "2. Contents of Project(1) [1]", it says "efficient analysis". Please describe what you mean by"efficient". Are there any conditions?
49 In "2. Content of Project", it says that information will provided on the research results of anothersubsidized project "Development of Analysis and Estimation Technology for Characterization of Fuel
Debris (Development of Estimation of Aging Properties of Fuel Debris)". Is it possible to request
information from entities relevant to the project?

In conducting sample analysis at multiple facilities, we expect efficiency of the analysis
system and implementation method.
In the guidelines for applying to the "Development of Analysis and Estimation Technology
for Characterization of Fuel Debris (Development of Estimation of Aging Properties of Fuel
Debris)", it shall state to share information to this project. PMO shall coodinate between
other parties where it is necessary.

Regarding the Project "Development of Sampling Technologies for Retrieving Fuel Debris and Internal Structures"
50 In "2. Contents of Project(1)[1]," it says collecting small sample volumes while investigating inside the When preparing the proposal, please refer to the publication of project results about thePCV. Is there any information about specific investigation plan and devices?
"Project for Development of Technologies for in-depth Investigation of PCV inside". In thisproject, investigation plan and devices are under consideration.
Regarding the Project "Development of Technologies for Retrieving Fuel Debris and Internal Structures"
51 Should the plans of the income and expenditure be divided by fiscal year and submit a total of two?

As described in "7. Requirement Conditions for Grant Decision (2)", in this project, subsidy
rate is divided into two parts, one is fixed, and another is within 1/2 of the subsidy cost.
Please submit the plan of the income and expenditure separately by the difference of thesubsidy rate. So please submit in total four plans (2 for 1st year and 2 for 2nd year and by
by subsidiy rate difference between fixed amount and within 1/2 of the subsidy cost).

Regarding the Project "Development of Technologies for Retrieving Fuel Debris and Internal Structures (Development for Dust Collection System of Fuel Debris)"
52 In "2.Contents of Project", it says to develop the dust collection system according to theIt does not mean that it does not meet the requirements of the guidelines if you developing
charcteristics of the dust generated by various processing method of fuel debirs. Is it good enought the system which can be applied to only one processing method. But a system that can beto understand that the proposal for the devlopment of the dust collection system focusing on only
applied to multiple processing methods rather than just one processing method is preferable.
one processing method also meets the requirement of the solicitation guidelines of the program?
53 In "2. Contents of Project," when acutually performing system development, it seems that deteiled
data on site is needed. Is there any reference for design specification on site?

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See the following site for information on about internal structure of Fukushima Daiich
Nuclear Power Plant.
https://dccc-program.jp/files/20140711/en/index.html
However, please note that content such as dose information is not current in this document.
When preparing the proposal, please refer to the research results of mainly "Advancementof Retrieval Method and System of Fuel Debris and Internal Structures" and "Advancementof Fundamental Technologies for Retrieval of Fuel Debris and Internal Structures". After
adoption, we will provide necessary information.

Questions and Answers
CategoryNo.

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2019/3/18
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Regarding the Project "Development of Technologies for Containing, Transportation and Storage of Fuel Debris"
54 In the last part of "2. Contents of Project", it says participation in and cooperation with theinvestigation on technologies conducted in the related subsidized project, it may be necessary to
carry out this work. Where should we incorporate this content in parts of (1)～(4) when preparing the
proposal, and where should we budget?

Please describe this content separately from parts of (1)～(4), and calculate its budget
separately.

55 In "2．Contentns of Project", can you share the technology development results of a container which When preparing the proposal, please refer to the published information. After the adoption of
was carried out in the past subsidized project?
proposal, PMO will coordinate as much as possible so that information can be handed overfrom entities in past subsidized projects.
56 Should the plans of the income and expenditure be divided by fiscal year and submit a total of two?

As described in "7. Requirement Conditions for Grant Decision (2)", in this project, subsidy
rate is divided into two parts, one is fixed, and another is within 1/2 of the subsidy cost.
Please submit the plan of the income and expenditure separately by the difference of thesubsidy rate. So please submit in total four plans (2 for 1st year and 2 for 2nd year and by
by subsidiy rate difference between fixed amount and within 1/2 of the subsidy cost).

57 It says that a number of approaches for removal of debris are being considered. Do you mean that a
study of a system for containing, transportation and storage for each approach for removal of fueldebris is required?

Please make a study of a system that corresponds to each method or all method.

58 At the end of "2. Contents of Project", it says participation in and cooperation with the investigationon technologies. What do you require specifically?

It means to participate in the investigation on technologies for sorting out what is removed
from PCV into fuel debris and radioactive waste conducted in the project of "Developmentof Tecnologies for Retrieving Fuel Debris and Internal Structures", and to cooperate insharing related information from this project and aquiring of information affecting thisproject.

Regarding the Project "Research and Development of Processing and Disposal of Solid Waste"
59 In "7. Requirement Conditions for Grant Decision," is the maximum amount of subsidy changed incase of multiple adoption at the partial proposal?

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The maximum amout of subsidy is 1,100,000,000 JPY for each application at the partial
proposal. In case of multiple adoption, the grant amount will be changed.