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 subsidizedproject.", "(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/20200714PMSE.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 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.

15 In "3. Operation of research and development (7)", it says application for thesubsidy is to be made by the joint name with TEPCO. Is it necessary to describe
TEPCO in Implementation Organization Chart at Form2 Annex1?

When applying, it is not necessary to describe TEPCO in this chart.

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Questions and Answers

Catego No.
QuestionsryRegarding procedures for evaluation and adoption
16 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.

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

You can add supplementary explanation at the presentation evaluation.

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

Regarding the presentation evaluation, remote presentation evaluation using
web conference system is considered as a candidate for avoiding the spread of
COVID-19. Detailed information will be notified after the paper screening.

19 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.

20 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.
21 Regarding the evaluation criterion, what do the "basic points" and the "additionalpoints" mean respectively?

The "basic point" refers to the conditions which must absolutely be met; andthe "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.

22 In "9. Evaluation and Adoption", it says "the applications which have been judged The contribution to local industrial development in these regions is not a
not to meet the criterion [3] and [5] shall be disqualified regardless of evaluation condition necessary essential. This point corresponds to the additional judging
of the other criteria." , while in [3] referring that "contribution(s) to local industrial respect.
development such as working with companies which run business in the Hamadoriand other regions*". Do these references meant that it would be adoptable on thecondition that it contribute to local industrial development such as working withcompanies in the Hamadori and other regions?
23 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.

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Questions and Answers

Catego No.
Questionsry
24 When will the results of the paper screening be informed? When will the review
committee be held?

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

Answers
We will inform the entity having passed the paper screening of the result assoon as possible. The review committee is planned to be held between 24thand 28th, August.
Please refer to the following URL.
[URL]
https://en.dccc-program.jp/2874
Detailed schedule will be notified after the paper screening.
Regarding the project "Development of Technologies for scaling up Retrieval of
Fuel Debris and Internal Structures (Development of Technologies for Ensuring
Safety during Fuel Debris Retrieval)", the number of planned adoption is one.

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Questions and Answers

Catego No.
QuestionsryRegarding the RFP (Miscellaneous)
26 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 theproject 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 ofmeetings depends on the necessity 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 ourweb 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 amountby PMO. This procedure is formulated by Japanese accounting rules.

30 How should the necessary expenses for the project be categorized in theproposal?

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, remuneration,
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 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
32 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.

33 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.

34 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 theproposal?

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, 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.

36 Regarding "3. Operation of research and development (2)", is an open tendering
When you will order project related works to the companies which run business
required when we consider ordering project related works to the companies which in the area Hamadori, Fukushima-Prefecture, you may offer a selective
run business in the area Hamadori, Fukushima-Prefecture?
tendering or a single tendering.
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.

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Questions and Answers

Catego No.
Questionsry
40 Describing the subcontractor (outsourced or commissioned entity) in theImplementation Organization Chart, if it is adopted, will the special contract orderof the subcontractor be approved?

Answers
For reasons of financial efficiency, in principle, subcontractor shall be subject
to general competition or it is necessary to prepare a statement for selection
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.

42 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.

43 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. Ifnecessary, the secretariat will make adjustments when entering into aconfidentiality agreement.

44 In "3. Operation of research and development (7)", application for the subsidy is
You may submit your subsidized project application without consultation withto be made by the joint name with TEPCO. Is it necessary to consult with TEPCO TEPCO. When you submit grant application, PMO will introduce to you TEPCO
when submitting our subsidize project application documents? If it is essential, we personnel. After that, subsidized entities will consult with TEPCO.
need some instructions how to contact with TEPCO.
45 In "3. Operation of research and development(7)", it says "PMO in which Nuclear
Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation havejoined.". Where would be the contact point for the procedure of grant application
for the subsidy?

Regarding the procedure for grant application for the subsidy, the contact point
offices is within Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI). MRI proceeds theprocedure of grant decision in consultation with Nuclear Damage Compensation
and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation (NDF). For more detailed
information, please refer to "Grant Policy for Subsidy for the Project ofDecommissioning and Contaminated Water Management".

46 In "3. Operation of research and development(10)", is it necessary to include
other options in the plan at the planning stage?

For other options, please prepare at the planning stage, if necessary, at yourdiscretion.

47 In "7. Requirements Conditions for Grant Decision (5)", it says that in the caseof transactions exceeding 1 million yen, the name of the contractor must beincluded 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 andrental and hire fees), research, outsourcing, other necessities (except for items
corresponding to meeting expenses and assistant personnel costs).

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Questions and Answers

Catego No.
Questionsry
48 In ""9. Evaluation and Adoption(2)", it is described that working with companies
which run business in the Hamadori and other regions. When we submit the grantapplication, is it necessary to describe the company name which we plan to workwith?
49 Is it possible to give the interim and final report meetings and the presentationmaterials for report meetings in English?

Answers
If you don't decide the company specifically when you submit the grant
decision, please describe that you plan to working with these company and thecontents of order.
It is possible to give a presentation and the materials for report meetings inEnglish.

50 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?
51 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
ryRegarding the Project "Development of Technologies for scaling up Retrieval of Fuel Debris and Internal Structures (Development of Technologies for Ensuring Safety during
Fuel Debris Retrieval)"
52 In "2. Contents of Project", there are two contents, (1) and (2). Is it possible to
It is possible to make a partial proposal for (1) or (2).
make a partial proposal for (1) or (2)?

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