There is a simple application and review process for interested entities. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The following guidelines and steps should help you develop a responsive application.

Eligibility Determination: Review the eligibility and funding criteria to determine whether you and your proposal are eligible.

Proposal and Scoring Criteria: The proposal document outlines in very specific terms the proposal requirements and the primary criteria for funding, and the Scoring Criteria specify the factors that will be considered in the review process. A thorough review and understanding of these requirements and criteria will enable you to make a clear and thorough case for your project.  

Draft Proposal Review: Respondents may request a preliminary review of the proposal with Fund representatives to answer any questions about the process, to seek guidance on the specific proposal requirements or to address the primary criteria for funding.
 
Submission of Proposal: Proposals are submitted to the Michigan ICT Innovation Fund at ozolsa@michigan.gov.

Two Phase Review Process: The review process consists of two phases, which provides an opportunity for clarification and potential refinements to the proposals.

• Phase I: A preliminary review will be conducted by ICT and program specialists, who will develop summary materials and recommendations for the ICT Investment Board. Applicants may be contacted for additional information during this period.
• Phase II: The Investment Board will convene, consider and allocate funding based on the quality of the proposals and availability of funds. 

Notification and Support Options: All applicants will be notified of the results of the review and approval process. There are three potential outcomes for projects that the Innovation Fund Board judges as meritorious.

• Innovation Fund Support: Some proposals may receive Innovation Fund support
• ICT Innovation Center: Some projects may be proposed as candidates for the ICT Innovation Center when it becomes established. 
• ICT Enterprise Portfolio: Some projects may be integrated in the ICT Enterprise Portfolio, becoming a part of the DTMB or agency work plans. 

Receipt of Award and Memorandum of Understanding: Awards will be issued in the form of loans. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Innovation Fund Board and the respondent will formalize the award.

Monitoring and Reporting: Monitoring and reporting of the projects will be on a monthly basis and the provisions will be agreed upon within the MOU.

Repayment of Loan: The loan is to be repaid within three to five years. Repayments are to be in the form of inter-departmental transfers from either (1) the budgets of the service or functional areas which were the beneficiaries of the Innovation Fund sponsored initiative, or (2) other funds designated by the Director of the state agency that is the responsible authority for the initiative.

Agencies and Departments must repay the Innovation Fund from other appropriated funds if the ICT funded initiative does not succeed.