Hot Hints

Searching Phase:

• SMEs should contact the NCP in their country to get the right information on possible calls and possible partners. Link
• Now: Look out for an interesting project and become partner in a consortium within 7 FP.
• You can find ongoing projects on the CORDIS website (www.cordis.eu). Take the title and use a search engine (e.g. Google or Yahoo) for the project web­site.
• Use the CORDIS newsletter Focus (Newsletter)

Preparation Phase:

• Start early (6 to 9 months before the expected call) with at least three or four other partners from the EU member states or associate states.
• Select the right instrument: Integrated Project (IP), Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP), Network of Excellence (NoE), Coordination Action (CA) or others
• Read the right documents for the selected instrument. Do not forget the Annexes! Here can you get the most valuable information (e.g. road maps, overviews).
• If you have selected an open call, use an early deadline (cut-off day) for your proposal. The later you chose the more competition you will have.
• Structure your proposal according to the guidance document for your selected instrument.
• Highlight different passages, use bullet points and other means to facilitate easier reading.
• Take into account that all papers will be printed in black and white.

Proposal Phase:

• Give your written proposal to person who you trust and ask him/her to evaluate your proposal against the evaluation criteria. Use the right evaluation criteria!
• You can submit your proposal only with EPSS (ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL SUBMISSION SYSTEM). Therefore you should get acquainted with EPSS in advance. (EPSS Guide)
• Fill in all forms accordingly to the description. There is not more space available as described.
• Start with EPSS two weeks before the deadline of the call.
• Press always the “submit” button if you or your partners have changed the documents.