On this page:
Please note the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Round 2 will be updated regularly. Interested parties should monitor the website and note future updates as they become available.
General
What is the Education Investment Fund (EIF)?
The EIF is one of the three Nation-building Funds established by the Nation-building Funds Act 2008. The role of the EIF is to build a modern, productive, internationally competitive Australian economy by supporting world-leading, strategically-focused infrastructure investments that will transform Australian tertiary education and research.
Funding
How much money will be available in Round 2?
The amount of funding available for allocation in Round 2 will be determined through the Australian Government Budget process.
Is there an upper limit to the amount of funding each proposal can receive?
There is no upper limit to the amount of funding each proposal can receive. However, all institutions will be required to demonstrate that their project provides good value for money and will result in improvements consistent with the level of investment.
My proposal has received or is eligible for Australian Government or state/territory government funding under program X. Am I able to submit an EIF proposal as well?
The EIF is not a substitute for existing programs. Rather, it is to be considered complementary. Applications for projects that could be funded under other existing funding programs should be directed to such programs. These might include, but are not limited to, the Capital Development Pool, the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities program and the Industry Skills Centre program. In particular it is important to note the relationship between the EIF and the Health and Hospitals Fund. Further information can be found in Section 8.2 of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Institutions that have received or have applied for Australian Government or state or territory government funding for a project will need to demonstrate that EIF funding is an essential addition to their project.
Is there a minimum size a project can be? (Monday 23 February 2009)
In accordance with Guidelines the EIF will provide funding for projects that create or develop significant infrastructure - with a minimum total project value of $5 million for vocational education and training providers and $15 million for higher education institutions and research institutions. Applicants should consider whether their total project value meets the minimum value condition before submitting an application. Please note that the total project value may include the contribution sought from EIF as well as other amounts of co-investment.
How critical is the minimum project value? Would a project just under the minimum be considered? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
In accordance with the Round 2 Guidelines the EIF will provide funding for projects that create or develop significant infrastructure - with a minimum total project value of $5 million for vocational education and training providers and $15 million for higher education institutions and research institutions. Projects which do not meet the relevant minimum value as stated in the Guidelines will not be considered.
Does the EIF incorporate the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training (TLC (VET)) or will TLC (VET) be subject to a separate application process? (Monday 23 February 2009)
TLC (VET) is not a component of the EIF and is subject to a separate application process to the EIF Round 2. Stakeholder consultations are being undertaken for the various TLC (VET) elements, draft guidelines are being developed and administrative processes and IT support are being developed. It is anticipated that there will be a call for project nominations by June. The DEEWR web site will be updated shortly to include information on the program.
I heard that in relation to funding submissions in Round 2 of the EIF, private registered training organisations would not be 'competing' for funding under the EIF with public institutions - that is, funding amounts have been proportioned to the public (i.e. TAFES or govt VET institutions) and private RTO sectors. Is this correct? (Monday 23 January 2009)
No. Funding amounts have not been proportioned to the public and private RTO sectors.
Institution eligibility
Is my institution eligible to apply for funding?
Applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Can you please direct me to information regarding Round 2 eligibility? (Wednesday 18 February 2009)
For information on EIF Round 2 please refer to the website: www.deewr.gov.au/eif.
With regards to eligibility for non-universities, applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements, of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Where can I access the Higher Education Support Act 2003 mentioned in Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Guidelines? (Monday 23 February 2009)
The Higher Education Support Act 2003 can be found at the ComLaw Website.
Are Independent Medical Research Institutes eligible to make applications to the EIF Round 2? (Monday 23 February 2009)
Please refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements, particularly 4.1.2, and Section 8.2 Relationship to the Health and Hospitals Fund of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Please be aware that subject to 8.2 principal 4 of the EIF Program Guidelines which is reflected in the Health and Hospital Fund (HHF) Guidelines, a Medical Research Institute or any other Research Institute can only apply under one Fund for each individual project. Section 8.2 identifies a set of principles which provide the basis for managing the relationship between the EIF and HHF. Principle 3 states that applications cannot be put forward for consideration under both the HHF and the EIF. Projects which are intended to provide infrastructure that predominantly and in the first instance improves health outcomes are to be considered for funding under the HHF, whereas, projects which are intended to provide infrastructure that predominately and in the first instance improves educational outcomes are to be considered for funding under the EIF.
Are non self-accrediting higher education providers eligible to apply for funding of $15 million? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As defined in the Round 2 Guidelines, eligible higher education institutions are:
All institutions listed at Table A, Table B or Table C (sub-paragraphs 16-25(b)(ii) and (iii)) of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and self-accrediting and non self-accrediting Higher Education Providers registered on the Australian Quality Framework Register at the time of application.
The Guidelines do not provide for any differentiation between the above higher education institutions in relation to eligibility.
The minimum project values do not refer to the amount of funding for which an institution can apply. In accordance with the Guidelines the EIF will provide funding for projects that create or develop significant infrastructure - with a minimum total project value of $5 million for vocational education and training providers and $15 million for higher education institutions and research institutions. Please note that the total project value may include the contribution sought from EIF as well as other amounts of co-investment. Projects which do not meet the relevant minimum value as stated in the Guidelines will not be considered.
There is no upper limit to the amount of funding each proposal can receive. However, all institutions will be required to demonstrate that their project provides good value for money and will result in improvements consistent with the level of investment.
Are CRC’s eligible to apply for EIF 2 funding under the research institution sector? (Thursday 26 February)
Potential applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Round 2 Guidelines to consider whether their organisation is an eligible applicant. By way of assistance, under section 4.1.2 of the EIF Program Guidelines Round 2, research institutions are defined as, inter alia,:
- institutions and other research-related organisations that have an affiliation or partnership with a Higher Education Institution (as defined under section 4.1.1); and
- Australian organisations primarily involved in undertaking research or research related activities where a significant public benefit can be demonstrated.
It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate and provide evidence of how it meets one or more of these criteria in line with the Selection Criteria and Program guidelines. This will enable the departments to assess eligibility if and when your organisation applies for funding.
Number and type of proposals eligible for funding
What kind of projects will be funded under EIF?
Applicants should refer to Section 2.4 Use of Funding of the Round 2 Guidelines.
How many proposals can I submit?
As per Section 3.3, Is my institution eligible to apply for funding?, of the Round 2 Guidelines, each applicant in EIF Round 2 may, in their own right, submit ONE (1) application in each sector in which they are eligible. Applicants must indicate on the Application Form in which sector they wish their application to be considered.
Applicants may also collaborate on other applications which are not submitted in their name.
Can an applicant be both a higher education provider and a research institute and submit an application in both sectors? (Wednesday 18 February 2009)
With regards to eligibility, applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Round 2 Guidelines.
With regards to the number of applications that can be submitted, each applicant in Round 2 may, in their own right, submit ONE (1) application in each sector in which they are eligible. For example, a multi sector applicant will be permitted to submit one proposal in each sector in which they are eligible. Applicants who are eligible in more than one sector must indicate on the Application Form in which sector they wish each of their applications to be considered. Where an applicant considers that an application cuts across sectors, they must nominate the sector in which the benefits are likely to be greatest. The sector-based evaluation criteria questions in the Round 2 Guidelines provide further guidance on the selection of sectors. All applicants should consult these before nominating their sector.
Applicants may collaborate on other applications which are not submitted in their name.
Can an EIF project from a multijurisdictional institution cover technical upgrading and refurbishment to link facilities on multiple campuses, or is each application required to be site specific? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As set out Section 7.1 Conditions of Funding "Australian Government capital funding includes but is not limited to payments for building activities required to design and construct/refurbish the project, direct building costs associated with building new or upgrading existing premises (for example building, plumbing, electrical etc), purchase of an existing property, essential clinical equipment and information management and technology systems, and the purchase of land..."
As such, a project to upgrade technical equipment may fall within this definition. There is no restriction in the EIF guidelines that a project be site specific.
Would an institution need to own a property to be renovated using EIF funds or can it be leased? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
The Round 2 Guidelines do not specifically exclude a project proposal in which an applicant proposes to lease (rather than buy or build) a property for the purposes of an infrastructure project involving redevelopment or refurbishment of the property which meets the EIF objectives.
General guidance on preparing an application is provided in the Round 2 Guidelines, in particular in the following sections:
Section 2.4, Use of funding, of the Round 2 Guidelines outlines the purposes for which funding can (but is not limited to) be used; and
Section 5.4, Projects result in improvements consistent with the level of investment, of the Round 2 Guidelines, notes that applicant must demonstrate in their applications that projects would provide good value for money, have a clear public benefit and deliver improvements that are both significant and strategic.
Is digital infrastructure encouraged for EIF applications? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
The creation and development of all types of significant infrastructure in the tertiary education and research sectors is encouraged under the EIF Round 2 Guidelines.
Is there any way to submit a national shared infrastructure that does not require a single institution to "give up" its chance at a physical building project application? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As per criterion 5, Extent of co-investment and collaboration, of the Round 2 evaluation criteria, collaboration is encouraged where it enhances the quality of the project outcomes and increases the efficiency of the investment.
As per Section 3.3, Maximum Number of Applications, of the Round 2 Guidelines, each applicant in EIF Round 2 may, in their own right, submit ONE (1) application in each sector in which they are eligible.
For example, a multi sector applicant will be permitted to submit one proposal in each sector in which they are eligible. Applicants who are eligible in more than one sector must indicate on the Application Form in which sector they wish each of their applications to be considered. Where an applicant considers that an application cuts across sectors, they must nominate the sector in which the benefits are likely to be greatest. The sector-based evaluation criteria questions in the Round 2 Guidelines provide further guidance on the selection of sectors. All applicants should consult these before nominating their sector.
Applicants may collaborate on other applications which are not submitted in their name.
Chapter 3 of the nation building funds act refers to both "higher education infrastructure" and separately to "education infrastructure". What is the difference between these two categories? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
The Nation-building Funds Act (2008) specifies, in sub-sections 139 and 142, the difference between payments in relation to the creation and development of higher education infrastructure and payments in relation to the creation and development of eligible education infrastructure.
In summary, payments in relation to the creation and development of higher education infrastructure are payments to higher education institutions for the creation or development of education infrastructure, or payments for the creation and development of education infrastructure where that infrastructure relates to the higher education sector. A payment in relation to the creation or development of eligible education infrastructure are for designated education infrastructure-related matters where the education infrastructure relates to education specified in a legislative instrument made by the EIF designated Ministers. The process for determining that a specified matter is a designated education infrastructure related matter is outlined in the legislation at sub-section 143.
Would developing Non Endorsed Training Package Support Materials be considered "Infrastructure" under the Education Investment Fund? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As stated under Section 4.2 (Use of Funding) of the Program Guidelines, "Non-capital costs equivalent to not more than 5% (emphasis added) of the funding may be considered for activities which are required to set up any structures needed to manage the infrastructure, for example, professional fees, governance structures, and legal fees related to the establishment of a business".
Section 7.1 (Conditions of Funding) of the Program Guidelines states that "Australian Government capital funding includes but is not limited to payments for building activities required to design and construct/refurbish the project, direct building costs associated with building new or upgrading existing premises (for example building, plumbing, electrical etc), purchase of an existing property, essential clinical equipment and information management and technology systems, and the purchase of land...".
Accordingly, a project which consists entirely of non-capital costs, such as the development of a training package or IT software solutions, would not be eligible for funding.
Is it the intent of this fund to support applications for student accommodation? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
There is nothing in the Education Investment Fund (EIF) Program Guidelines Round 2 or the Nation-building Fund Act (2008), which establishes the EIF, precluding student accommodation from funding. In completing an application, institutions who wish to apply for funding for student accommodation should consider the extent to which that accommodation meets the evaluation criteria for the funding round.
The “Attachment A: Cost/ Use Breakdown Table” must be completed by all Applicants. The information in the space breakdown table seems to relate to projects that construct a building. If our project will not construct a building, but rather critical digital infrastructure, are we still required to complete the table? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As stated in the Application Form, all applicants are required to complete " Attachment A: Cost/ Use Breakdown Table ". For non-physical infrastructure, please provide as much information as possible, including at a minimum "Description of Space" "Actual/Indicative Total Cost" and "Source of Cost Estimate" under the row "Other Use". To assist in this process, the "Description of Space" column can be amended to read "Description of Infrastructure". You may also wish to add additional "Other Use" rows to the table if necessary.
Can you please clarify which operating costs (5%) can be included as part of the application. Is there any restrictions? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
EIF funding cannot be used for operational costs. As stated under Section 2.4 (Use of Funding) of the Program Guidelines, "Funding is not available for operational costs or minor capital works, maintenance projects (or) recurrent funding..."
Further, "Non-capital costs equivalent to not more than 5% of the funding may be considered for activities which are required to set up any structures needed to manage the infrastructure, for example, professional fees, governance structures, and legal fees related to the establishment of a business. Reasonable contingency fees for possible cost escalations may also be included."
Application process
How does the application process work? Will it be a one stage or two stage process?
Round 2 of the EIF will use a one stage application process. Applicants will be required to submit a Round 2 Application Form available from the Resources page.
When is the application deadline? Can you extend the application deadline?
Applications must be received:
- by 4:00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time ( AEDT) on Monday 2 March 2009.
There will be no extensions to the application deadline and late applications for Round 2 will not be considered, except in exceptional circumstances.
Exceptional circumstances are considered to be those beyond the control of the applicant. Applicants who wish to have a late application considered will be required to provide compelling evidence as requested by the Departments to support their claim that failure to meet the deadline was for reasons beyond their control.
My institution submitted a proposal in the HEEF funding round, is the Round 2 application process different?
The Round 2 application process is different to the HEEF funding round application process.
Round 2 will operate in accordance with the Round 2 Program Guidelines. Proposals must be made on the Round 2 Application Form.
Completing the Application Form
Can I resubmit a proposal that was previously unsuccessful in EIF Round 1 (HEEF)?
Institutions may submit a proposal that was unsuccessful in EIF Round 1 (HEEF), however, proposals must be made on the Round 2 Application Form and in accordance with the Round 2 Guidelines.
My proposal could be considered in more than one sector. Which one should I choose?
Applicants may only submit proposals in the sector(s) in which they are an eligible applicant under the EIF. (Applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Round 2 Guidelines to determine eligibility).
Where a proposal cuts across sectors, applicants should nominate the sector in which the benefits are likely to be greatest. The sector-based evaluation criteria questions in the Round 2 Guidelines provide further guidance on the selection of sectors. All applicants should consult these before nominating their sector.
Applications will undergo comparative assessment within sectors (higher education, research, and vocational education and training). While giving due regard to the sector nominated by the applicant, the Board, the Departments and/or the Ministers may re-allocate the application to another sector if that sector is considered more appropriate. If this occurs, the applicant will be notified and will be given an opportunity to provide additional information which enables their application to be assessed against the specific criteria of the new sector.
My institution hasn’t yet had a chance to complete a feasibility study for our proposal. Will this hurt our chances of receiving funding?
Applicants are not required to complete a feasibility study as part of the application process, however if a feasibility study has already been completed this should be indicated in the Application Form under criterion f) Project quality and project readiness; this study, or a summary of it, may be included at Attachment C, (this is an optional attachment).
Can I submit additional information about my proposal that is not asked for in the application template? If so, how?
All applications for funding must use the application form available from the EIF website. Applicants are required to complete all parts of the form and adhere to all requirements, including formatting and word limits. Additional information or attachments that have not been explicitly requested must not be provided (or attached to the proposal).
What part of my application will be made public?
Part 2A of the Application Form, including the name of the institution, project title, location, costs, summary, proposal timeframes, nominated sector and whether the application has been submitted to the Health and Hospitals Fund, may be published on the EIF website. When completing the Application Form, institutions should ensure that information provided in this section is able to be published.
Can you advise the contact name, office and street address for hand delivery of the 12 copies of the application and CD? (Wednesday 18 February 2009)
Applications may be hand delivered to:
The Mailroom
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
29-31 Brindabella Circuit
Brindabella Business Park
Applications must be received:
- by 4:00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time ( AEDT) on Monday 2 March 2009.
Is it possible to send an electronic copy by the due date, in case the hard copies and disc form do not arrive by the expected time? (Wednesday 18 February 2009)
As per Section 3.4 of the Round 2 Guidelines, Lodgement of Applications, applications must be received by 4:00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDT) on Monday 2 March 2009.
This deadline applies to both the twelve (12) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy on a compact disc (in Microsoft Word format, entirely in black and white) of each application.
As per Section 3.5 of the Round 2 Guidelines, Late Applications, given the short timeframe for the Round 2, late applications will not be considered except in exceptional circumstances and only when it is agreed that there is sufficient time to adequately assess such applications.
DEEWR will provide eligible applicants with notification of receipt via email within five working days of receiving the application. This notification will be sent to the email address of the contact person for the application.
Can a cover letter accompany our proposals? (Monday 23 February 2009)
Cover letters will be removed from applications and will not be considered by the Advisory Board.
Page 16 of the Round 2 Application Form refers to ‘short to medium term’. What is the definition of ‘short to medium term’? (Monday 23 February 2009)
Funding for Round 2 can commence as early as financial year 2009-10 and is strictly limited to a five year period, to financial year 2013-2014. As noted in the Ministers' foreword to the Guidelines, Round 2 of the EIF will be conducted within a very short timeframe to provide an immediate boost to the tertiary education and research sectors and stimulate the Australian economy. In this context and with regards to criterion f) project quality and readiness, of the Application Form (page 16), priority will be given to projects which are ready to proceed immediately.
The “Cost/Use Breakdown Table” at Attachment A to the Application Form asks for information about space (m2). Is this Gross Floor Area or Useable Floor Area? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
At Attachment A, the Total building(s) area requests applicants to identify the Gross Floor Area (GFA) and the Usable Floor Area (UFA). In the body of the table, in the column under the heading "Space", the gross floor area (GFA) in m2 is required. The next column along asks for the % of that gross space available as useable floor area (UFA).
Can modifications be made to the table? For example, can rows be added under “space breakdown” to include VET “labels” (FATI code classifications) such as Practical Area or Workshop or Simulated Workspace? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
You can make minor modifications to include FATI codes in the 'other' lines of the table provided that the information you include is meaningful to a layperson.
What funding may be included in the Financial Details table at Part 2B and the monetary value of co-investors' contributions at e) ii), Principle 3. Specifically, can non-capital funding be included as cash (eg salaries of joint appointments or endowed chairs, and scholarships or fellowships) in either or both tables? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
With regard to the Financial Details table at Part 2B, the focus is on the cash and in-kind co-investment for the project build/development. Operational costs such as salaries, scholarships and fellowships must not be included.
With regards to table ii under criterion e) extent of co-investment and collaboration, the focus is also on co-investment and collaboration for the project build/development. It is open to applicants in this particular table, however, to extend that to co-investment and collaboration during its operation provided that this is set out separately in the table.
For the Financial Details table at Part 2B (page 7), can contributions which are expected to be received for the operation of the facility after construction be included? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
No, do not include operational funding in this table.
At Table 1, Monetised Costs/Benefits, does "project" refer to the operational phase? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
There would also be costs/benefits during the build/development.
Can post-construction contributions (ie operational phase) be included in the table at e) ii)? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
It is open to applicants, in this particular table, to include co-investment and collaboration during its operation provided that this is set out separately in the table.
Does the table at g) iii) relate to the operational phase (ie post-construction), not the building phase? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Yes, table g) iii) requires the applicant to provide cash-flow projections from the first three years year of the project’s operation, that is, from the time the infrastructure is operational and in use.
Does the implementation plan and risk management strategy at Attachment D relate to the construction phase only? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Yes, the implementation plan refers to the construction phase only.
There appears to be an inconsistency in the Application Form in relation to funding for the project. In Part 2B, the first column is for Year 1 which is 2009-10. In Part 4 e) ii), the first column is for Year 0 which is 2008-09. How do we show funding for the project prior to 30 June 2009 in section 2B? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Funding for the Education Investment Fund Round 2 is limited to a five year period, from financial year 2009-10 to financial year 2013-2014. Part 2B is focussed on overall funding for the project for that period.
Development of many projects, eg through feasibility studies, will have already commenced. Part 4 e) ii) includes a year 0 to capture the monetary value of co-investors' contributions in the current financial year. Funding earlier than the current financial year can be added in a brief note below Part 4 e) ii).
In completing the Application Form, would you like us to remove all guidelines included in the form and just provide responses to the various questions OR should we leave the whole form intact while completing the slots? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As long as responses to the evaluation criteria are compliant with word limits and it remains clear which criteria are being addressed, institutions are free to remove guidelines and other information from the application form if desired.
Are there any guidelines regarding what can be included as in-kind contributions? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
An in-kind contribution is a non-cash contribution to the project development and build. An in-kind contribution could include, for example, the value of land which is being contributed to a project. Operational costs, be they cash or in-kind, such as salaries, scholarships and fellowships should not be included, with the exception of in table ii under criterion e) extent of co-investment and collaboration. In this table, the focus is on co-investment and collaboration for the project build/development. It is open to applicants in this particular table to include operational co-investment and collaboration, either cash or in-kind, provided that this is identified separately.
In table 4 (g) (iii), if there is no specific income associated with the occupants of the building to be constructed with EIF funding, do you require details of the projected staff salaries for the service groups, as well as maintenance and services costs – all relating to the specific building for which funding is sought? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Applicant institutions should complete table (iii) with information relating to expected income and expenditure for projects. Income can include funding from the institution for ongoing operation of the project. Expenditure can include salaries, maintenance and service costs as you suggest. Even if the cash-flow projections, as indicated in table (iii), are negative, all applicant institutions have the opportunity to explain how the infrastructure funded by EIF will be integrated into ongoing business operations at Section 4 (g) (iv).
Can you please provide clarification on the cost-benefit analysis in terms of the level of detail required and the approach to use? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Applicant institutions are encouraged to read the EIF Program Guidelines Round 2 and the Round 2 Application Form for guidance on the completion of an application. In relation to the cost-benefit analyses, guidance on the types of costs and benefits to be included and a rating scale is provided at Section 4 (d) (ii) and (iii) of the application form.
Does a Master Plan/Concept Proposal fall under your interpretation of a feasibility study? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Applicants are not required to complete a feasibility study as part of the application process. The summary of a feasibility summary (maximum of 2 pages) can be included if it is relevant to Evaluation Criterion (f) - project quality and readiness. A summary of a Master Plan or Concept Proposal may only be included if it provides information relevant to this Evaluation Criterion. Please note that the 2 page maximum would apply and that any additional information or attachments that have not been explicitly requested must not be provided (or attached to the proposal).
Do you want to see the cost and benefit cash flow projection for a number of years? If yes, then how many years should be shown? Do you want to see the NPV of the project? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
There is no prescribed requirement regarding the number of years the expected costs and benefits should be projected. The costs and benefits should be calculated in accordance with a reasonable estimate of the time period over which they will accrue.
There is no requirement in the table at d) (ii) to provide the net present value of the project.
Should the 12 copies of the application be single-sided and not bound or stapled? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As the Program Guidelines for Round 2 do not specify any requirements for the compilation of hard copies, applicant institutions are free to choose whether to provide single or double sided applications, with or without staples or binding.
Does each of these 12 copies need to be signed by the applicant separately, or can we use one signed copy, and simply take 11 photocopies of it? (Thursday 26 February)
It is sufficient if one copy of the application is signed by the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent of the applicant institution and 11 copies of the signed application are made.
Is a construction cash-flow breakdown required for the application? Or does this need to be reflected as a bulk figure in Part 2 B in the EIF cash contribution line only? (Thursday 26 February)
There is no requirement in the application form to provide a construction cash-flow. Details on funding for the project should be provided at Part 2B - Financial Details of Project, and cash-flow projections for the first three years of the operation of the project should be provided at Part 4 (g) (iii).
We are in the process of completing the application form for lodgement, and wish to know what are the key areas or issues that need to be addressed in order of priority. (Thursday 26 February)
Applicant institutions are encouraged to read the EIF Program Guidelines Round 2 when preparing an application. The Guidelines detail the requirements for participation in Round 2 of the EIF funding program. Section 5 of the Guidelines provides information and guidance on each of the Evaluation Criteria against which proposals from eligible institutions will be evaluated. There is no priority order in relation to the Evaluation Criteria.
Applicant institutions should note that they are required to address all sections of the application form and adhere to the word limits indicated.
Regarding the table titled “Details of other organisations/entities that will contribute resources to this project” – if the application institution is also intending to contribute fund to the project, do we list ourselves, or just include our name and contribution in the “Financial details” section? (Thursday 26 February)
If an applicant institution will provide funding towards an EIF project, it should be included as an "organisation/entity that will contribute resources to this project" under Part 1 of the Application Form, with the detail of the contribution provided under Part 2B and at Part 4 (e) (ii).
Is it mandatory to complete to cost-benefit analysis at Part 4(d) of the application form? (Thursday 26 February)
As stated in the "Important Advice on Submitting Applications" on page 1 of the Round 2 Application Form, applicants are required to complete all parts of the form.
Some costs and benefits are difficult to calculate. Do we have permission to provide percentage values only, or is it mandatory that we provide a figure as well? (Thursday 26 February)
In the current funding round, while priority will be given to projects that can be implemented in the short- to medium- term, less developed projects will still be considered. This means that some applicants will have undertaken formal cost-benefit analyses, while others will not. The guidelines and application form indicate that applicants should, where possible, quantify returns. This can be at a high level and an estimate will be helpful if you have not undertaken a formal cost benefit analysis.
Can you please let me know if it is acceptable to include Letters of Support, as different from letters of confirmation from co-investors, in the application? (Friday 27 February)
Attachment C to the application form is restricted to letters of commitment from confirmed co-investors. If an applicant institution has letters of support from collaborators or other supporters, this could be noted in the response to Part 4 (e) (i) of the application form. As stated at sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the Guidelines, the Board and/or the departments will request further information, such as confirmation of collaboration from third parties, from applicants if required.
We are a Table A university submitting a research application. As such, on page 4 of the application, do we tick "higher education institution" (the first box) or do we tick "research institution" and then "higher education institution as the subset? (Friday 26 February)
As stated on the application form, applicants should indicate all categories under which they are eligible according to the Guidelines. As such, a higher education institution as defined in section 4.1.1 of the Guidelines should indicate both "Higher Education Institution" and "Research Institution - Higher Education Institution".
Part 1 Applicant information requests, the general university phone, fax and website address. However, it also asks for an email address, which I assume is the general institution email address (as specific contact details come later in the section). Our institution doesn't have one general email address - we have several depending on the nature of the enquiry. What should we add here? (Friday 26 February)
If your institution does not have a general enquiry email address, please indicate "not applicable" at this section of the application form.
Can I include photographs in my application? (Friday 26 February)
Photographs can only be included in the following places of the application form:
1) On the cover page. Please note that the graphics and text on the cover page must not be removed to make room for a photograph.
2) In a response box as part of an answer to one of the evaluation criteria. Please note that page and word limits will still apply.
3) As part of the 2-page summary of the Feasibility Report at Attachment C. Again, the two-page limit will still apply even with the inclusion of the photograph.
The electronic copy of the application on the compact disc MUST be entirely in Word format and MUST be black and white.
Vocational Education and Training providers
What level of documentary evidence would support a VET application for funding through EIF Round 2?
DEEWR anticipate that there will be significant interest in this funding round from the vocational education and training (VET) sector. We therefore anticipate significant competition for available funding.
The Application Form Round 2 requires applicants to demonstrate the merits of their proposal against the Evaluation Criteria. Some Evaluation Criteria require documentary evidence. Where this is required, it is clearly indicated in the application form.
How can I demonstrate the training history of a provider as part of a VET application for funding through EIF Round 2?
Part 4 (b) of the application form requires applicants to demonstrate how the project is aligned with the proponent organisation’s priorities and strategic directions. In addressing this criterion, applicant institutions may provide details about their training history to demonstrate existing strengths and how these may be enhanced through an EIF investment.
How can I demonstrate the financial viability of a VET application for funding through EIF Round 2?
Part 4 (g) (i) of the application form requires applicants to demonstrate how the applicant organisation is financially viable on an ongoing basis. If a feasibility study of the project has been completed, a 2-page summary can be included at Attachment C to the application form. Additionally, details demonstrating how recurrent costs associated with the proposed training facility will be met may be provided.
How can I demonstrate key support for a VET application for funding through EIF Round 2?
Part 4 (e) (i) of the application form provides applicants with the opportunity to describe the nature of any tentative or agreed co-investment or collaboration. Letters of support from confirmed co-investors may be included at Attachment A to the application.
How can I demonstrate and describe the training that will be provided through facility and how it will meets skills needs as part of a VET application for funding through EIF Round 2?
Part 4 (a) of the application form provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate how their proposal addresses national priorities. For VET applicants, these priorities include:
- Will this project support the attainment of the targets of the Productivity Agenda Working Group of the Council of Australian Governments, including halving the proportion of Australians ages 20-64 without qualifications at Certificate III level and above by 50% between 2009 and 2020, and doubling the number of higher qualification completions (diploma and advanced diploma) between 2009 and 2020?
- Will this project improve responsiveness to rapid changes in demand for skills development and/or address skill shortages, especially in traditional trades?
- Will this project help the reorientation of existing skills to meet the challenge of businesses focused on sustainable development, including demand for new green skills?
- Will this project contribute towards an integrated tertiary education system with closer links between the vocational education and training sector and the higher education sector?
In addition, Part 4 (c) of the application form requires applicants to demonstrate the extent to which their project will transform the capacity of i) their institution and ii) their nominated sector. In addressing this criterion, applicants may wish to provide information about the registered scope of their training facility and the training that will be provided in the facility. Details on how the EIF investment will enhance the capacity of the institution, the sector more broadly and meet skills needs in the local or broader region is also appropriate.
Evaluation
How will my proposal be evaluated?
Proposals from eligible applicants will be evaluated against the EIF evaluation criteria specified in Section 5 of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Proposals will be assessed by the Advisory Board against the EIF evaluation criteria. The Board will advise the Minister for Education and the Minister for Research as to which projects satisfy the EIF evaluation criteria.
The Ministers will consider advice from the Board and make recommendations to the Government on which projects should be funded. The amount of funding available for allocation in Round 2 will be determined through the Australian Government Budget process.
What are the evaluation criteria for the Round 2?
Applicants should refer to Section 5, Evaluation Criteria, of the Round 2 Guidelines.
Where is the most up-to-date version of the Evaluation Criteria? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
The latest version of the legislative instrument for the EIF evaluation criteria can be found at the Comlaw Federal Register of Legislative Instruments website – www.frli.gov.au Please note that at the time of writing, the EIF Round 2 Guidelines, available at www.deewr.gov.au/eif are consistent with the information in the legislative instruments but there is scope for these instruments to change.
Who will be assessing the proposals?
Proposals will be assessed by the Advisory Board against the EIF evaluation criteria. The Advisory Board will advise the Ministers as to which projects satisfy the EIF evaluation criteria.
Can decisions be reviewed?
Applicants may also be able to seek judicial review of decisions under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 or the common law, and should seek their own advice in relation to this.
Collaboration and co-investment
Will projects that involve overseas collaboration and/or co-investment be eligible for EIF funding?
Provided you are an eligible EIF applicant, you will be able to submit a proposal that involves overseas collaboration or co-investment. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the EIF guidelines to ensure their proposal is suitable for funding under this program.
Can I submit an application in partnership with an institution that is not eligible for EIF funding?
Eligible EIF applicants may submit an application in partnership with one or more institutions that are on their own ineligible for EIF funding. In this situation, the applicant must meet the definition of an eligible applicant. (Applicants should refer to Section 4 Eligibility Requirements of the Round 2 Guidelines to determine eligibility).
My institution’s proposal doesn’t involve collaboration or co-investment. Does this mean we won’t receive funding?
The EIF provides for the building of closer collaborations across the higher education, research and vocational education and training sectors, and collaboration is encouraged where it enhances the quality of the project outcomes and increases the efficiency of the investment.
Are the funds allocated to successful applicants on a ‘dollar for dollar’ basis? (Monday 23 February 2009)
Co-investment is not compulsory for EIF proposals; however, it is encouraged where it enhances the quality of the project outcomes and increases the efficiency of the investment.
Can institutional co-investment include in-kind investment? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
Yes. The Round 2 Application Form indicates where to provide details of both cash and in-kind co-investment. For your information, the relevant areas of the Application Form are:
- Page 7 - the row titled "in-kind contribution" on the Financial Details Table at Part 2B - Financial Details of Project; and
- Page 15 - the rows titled "in-kind contribution" (either confirmed or indicative) on the Co-investor Contribution Table under Part 3, Section (e) (ii).
The table under Principle 4 F (ii) has a column for Confirmed Co-investment. As the applicant institution is contributing around $3 million do I put the application institution as one of the co-investors. If so, do you require a letter confirming this contribution? (Wednesday 25 February 2009)
As all applications require the signature of the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent of the applicant institution, no further confirmation of this co-investment will be required.
Can the proportionate value of the land on which an EIF-funded building will sit be considered as a valid in-kind contribution to the project by the applicant institution? (Thursday 26 February)
As noted in Footnote 3 to the table at Part 2B of the application form, an in-kind contribution can include the value of land where applicable. If a proportion of the land is to be used for non-EIF project related purposes, then only the value of the land relating directly to the EIF investment should be included.
Notification and feedback
Will you be providing feedback to unsuccessful applicants?
Feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants at the conclusion of Round 2.
Future rounds
My institution has a really good project but we won’t be ready to submit a proposal by the deadline. When will the next EIF funding round be held?
It is expected that funding rounds for the EIF will occur at least annually. At this stage the dates for the next EIF funding round have not been determined. Interested parties should monitor the EIF website (www.deewr.gov.au/eif), which will be updated when this information becomes available.
Is the current ‘fast-tracked’ round the same as an annual round, or is it an additional or bonus round? (Monday 23 February 2009)
EIF Round 1 (also known as the Higher Education Endowment Fund) was fast-tracked to help stimulate the economy in response to the global financial crisis. It was originally anticipated that Round 1 projects would be announced in July 2009 and this announcement was brought forward to December 2008. Round 2 has now also been fast-tracked to continue to insulate the Australian economy from the effects of the global financial crisis. This process will enable the Government to consider the Advisory Board’s recommendations for funding within the overall budget context. The dates for the next EIF funding round (Round 3) have not yet been determined, however, as per the Round 2 Guidelines, it is expected that funding rounds for the EIF will occur at least annually.