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AMPC MLA
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How the program works

Project funding

AMPC members are able to access a percentage of their contributions (15%) to cover up to 25% of the project cost. To access this funding members must agree to match this figure dollar for dollar. MLA will provide funding for up to 50% of approved project costs.

Project budget items

The following project items can be included for approval for funding and must be outlined in the approach and methodology section of the application form:

  • Fees to researchers, external consultants/resources
  • Plant salaries: where internal resources are substantially dedicated to the project. Generally this would not include CEO/Owner salaries
  • Operating costs: consumables, travel, components for prototype assembly
  • Capital items: generally these should not form a substantial proportion of the overall budget. It must be clearly demonstrated that the capital item is essential for the project and will be used primarily for the purposes of the project. When no longer required for the project, capital items are to be disposed of, either to the company at an agreed written down value, or otherwise sold on an arm’s length basis
  • MLA project management fee: MLA charges a project management fee that is usually 8-10% of the project budget. Where additional technical services are to be provided by MLA (as agreed) these are charged at cost

All of the above items are agreed by the company and MLA prior to commencement of the project, and can only be varied by mutual agreement.

Intellectual property

As a general principle, Intellectual Property (IP - such as patents, copyright material, trademarks etc) developed within the project will be owned by MLA. However, where there has been substantial background IP, these proportions will be varied and agreed prior to commencement of the project. Income arising from the commercialisation of project IP may be shared with the processor in proportion to their contribution to the project.

Subcontracting

In many instances, some or even all of the project may be undertaken by third parties (research or consulting organisations). These arrangements will be formalised via a subcontractor agreement. In these instances, the principle contractor may be either MLA or the processing company and this will be agreed prior to commencement of the project.

Terms and Conditions

All projects will be governed by MLA’s terms and conditions under formal contractual arrangements.

Confidentiality

MLA recognises that in many instances, strict observance of confidentiality will be essential to protect the commercial interests of the company. Appropriate systems are in place within MLA and these arrangements are normally embodied in signed Confidentiality Agreements or clauses. 

Exclusivity

Where appropriate, MLA negotiates exclusivity arrangements to ensure companies realise commercial benefit from their investment in the project. Exclusivity varies from project to project but may include:

  • One to two years confidentiality prior to release and dissemination of project details and outcomes to the wider industry
  • Exclusive licences to the company for the life of a patent
  • Exclusive use of the project outcomes (eg new technology) for 1-2 years

Project management

Projects are managed collaboratively by MLA and the processing company. The processor retains a high degree of control and ownership of their initiative throughout the life of the project.

A Project Management Group may be established with representation from the processor and MLA, the role of which includes: monitoring project progress and outcomes; agreeing variations in project milestones, expenditure etc; agreeing continuation beyond go/no go points; and agreeing on selection and appointment of subcontractors.

Commercialisation strategy

Where the project outcomes include commercially valuable intellectual property, MLA and the company will agree on a Commercialisation Plan. This plan will normally include:

  • Intellectual property protection
  • Commercialisation vehicle (eg. Licensing Agreement, new start-up etc)
  • Commercial returns to company and MLA (royalties etc)
  • Financial support during commercialisation phase
  • Industry dissemination

Project evaluation

Your proposal will be assessed against formal selection criteria that include:

  • Clearly stated objectives
  • How attainable are the objectives from the methodology
  • The experience and achievements of your project team
  • The team’s access to the resources necessary to complete the project
  • How important the project is to advancing the knowledge and understanding of the meat industry
  • The importance of the problem addressed by the project
  • The benefits to the Australian red meat industry
  • The probability of success
  • The novelty, uniqueness and originality of the project