Upcoming Public Finance Helpdesk Workshops
Final Model Grant Agreement is Published
Differences between ICT and other Programs
SMEs and the 60% Derogation rate
EPSS Problems
Workpackages and different Activities
FREE downloadable FP7 book published. ***Updated***
Updated FP7 Budget Tables for CPs tool
Open Workshops
Upcoming Public Finance Helpdesk Workshops:
08/05/2007 1 Day FP7 Financial Workshop in Brussels, Belgium.
09/05/2007 2 Day Proposal Writing Workshop in Brussels, Belgium.
14/05/2007 2 Day in-depth FP7 Financial Workshop in Brussels, Belgium - ***Fully Booked***.
Final Model Grant Agreement is Published:
As you were notified in our special announcement, the separate model grant agreements have been adopted for the 'Cooperation' and 'Capacities', 'People' (Marie Curie) and for the 'Ideas' (European Research Council) Specific Programmes. They have all now been published. It is important that you refer to the correct ones.
To access the any or all of the agreements, please click here.
Differences between ICT and other Programs:
In ICT the interpretation of Collaborative Projects is significantly different from the other parallel programs. In ICT they are subdivided into STREP and IP which are differentiated in a way similar to FP6 whereas in the other programs it is purely on requested funding. The implication of this is that some activities such as Training are not permitted in ICT STREPs whereas it is generally in other STREPs. There are subtle differences also - so you must pay attention to the ICT documents (i.e Workprogram and Guide for Applicants) and not what is written generally for FP7 or specifically for other programs.
In ICT STREPs, dissemination at 100% may only be permitted to a limited extent if included under consortium management.
SMEs and the 60% Derogation rate:
There is an update to this topic which is available here.
EPSS Problems:
There are some usage problems with the EPSS system. One particular confusing aspect is that in Form A3.1 when seen on the screen may have several Activity Types faded out, whereas when the form is printed, they all look as being available.
These teething problems are common at the start of a Framework Program. If you have any specific problems then we find the EPSS team very helpful.
Please note that on Form A3.1 Coordination and Support Activities relate to CSA proposals (Coordination for CA and Support for SA). They should not be confused with Management or Other on STREPs and IPs.
Workpackages and different Activities:
In most Guides for Applicants only a single activity type is permitted per Workpackage in proposals.
Please check the one specific for your proposal under Part B description.
FREE downloadable FP7 book published. ***Updated 22 April 2007***
Version 1.4 of Mr. Myer W. Morron’s new FP7 ICT Book, which follows on from the highly acclaimed FP5 and FP6 versions has been published by EFPConsulting Ltd. It replaces previously released versions. We apologise for these frequent updates, but it is important to communicate latest information.
In Version 1.4 we have added a new Chapter 16 that is a cookbook on how to set up a proposal from the logistical point of view and includes details relating to use of EPSS and the updated version of our CP budgeting Spread sheet.
The downloadable book continues to be free as it was in the previous framework programs. The book is constantly updated and registered users are notified of important changes and updates by Email.
In order to download the book please register once on the EFPConsulting site (not to be confused with your registration to the Finance Helpdesk), which allows you unlimited access to the book and its updates by logging in.
To download from the EFPConsulting site, please click here.
Updated FP7 CP Budget spread sheet tool:
The Finance Helpdesk has published this tool which is in line with the new FP7 Grant Agreement. It has been updated today to match the terminology used in EPSS A3 forms.
We now have 2 versions:
· CP Proposal Finance Spread Sheet with 7 Workpackages and 6 Partners
· CP Proposal Finance Spread Sheet with 10 Workpackages and 19 Partners
Full operating instructions for this tool are found in Chapter 16 of Myer Morron’s Book (see above).
We invite FP7 proposers to make use of this updated tool.
To download the tool, click here.
Open Workshops:
1 Day FP7 Financial Workshop in Brussels, Belgium.
To answer the overflow of demand for our February and March Workshops in Brussels, the Finance Helpdesk will be holding an additional open 1 day FP7 Financial Workshop on 8 May 2007, in Brussels, Belgium.
The workshop will be aimed at project managers and is particularly relevant to anyone who wants to understand the FP7 Financial Rules and how to report correctly. This Workshop is aimed at the Cooperation Theme.
The Workshop will cover:
· Differences between FP6 and FP7
· FP7 Financial Rules
· Budgeting Rules
· Flat rate Overheads Vs Real Costs (FC Calculation)
· Derogation Scheme
· Cost Recording
· Eligible Costs
· In-House Financial Recording Systems
· Cost Reporting
· Management Reports (Form C)
· Audit Certificates
· Final Payments
For more information please click here.
2 Day Proposal Writing Workshop in Brussels, Belgium.
In response to requests, The Finance Helpdesk together with EFPConsulting, are holding an open 2 Day Proposal Writing Workshop on 9 & 10 May 2007, in Brussels Belgium.
The workshop is aimed at people from organisations who are interested in taking part in an FP7 project proposal. The workshops shortcut the learning curve for writing a quality proposal with a higher chance of success and cover such areas as: background reading and considerations before you begin; detailed discussion of the “do’s and don’ts” of each proposal section; budgetary and other financial considerations.
This workshop is an interactive workshop with the participants acting as evaluators in order to best understand what makes a good or a bad proposal.
For more information please click here.
2 Day in-depth FP7 Financial Workshop
The Finance Helpdesk will be holding a 2 Day in-depth FP7 Financial Workshop targeted at Accountants, Auditors and Financial Personnel on 14 & 15 May 2007 in Brussels, Belgium.
Workshop Aim:
To ensure the attendees have all the tools required to interpret and implement the new rules of FP7. This is key in enabling them to understand and implement their own, or their clients’ financial responsibilities and options in applying for and undertaking an EU RTD project. This Workshop is aimed at the Cooperation Theme.
The Workshops will include specially prepared materials including: presentations, exercises and workbooks with illustrated examples. These workshops will be conducted by experienced qualified accountants.
The Finance Helpdesk Workshop will be implemented through:
· Explaining and interpreting current written published material,
· Case Studies and examples,
· Discussion of problems and situations from the participants,
· Consultants’ extensive experience in the EU Framework Programs.
Workshop topics:
· Funding Schemes
· Differences between FP6 and FP7
· FP7 Participation, Subcontractors, Third Parties
· Risk-sharing Finance Facility, Guarantee Mechanism
· Funding Regimes, Lump Sums, Flat Rates
· Funding Rates, Activities
· Personnel Costs, Average Personnel costs, Employment issues, Students
· Receipts
· Eligible & Ineligible costs
· Going from AC to Full Costs
· Overheads, Possible Methods, Direct Costs Vs Indirect Costs,
· Financial Planning, Financial Spreadsheet
· Bookkeeping, Accounting Records, Timesheets, Cost Recording
· Financial Reporting, Timing and approval of financial reports
· Certificate on Financial Statement
· EU Audits / Liquidated Damages
· Consortium Agreement financial Issues
· The Role of the Coordinator
For more information please click here.
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