Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CRDF Solutions and CRDF Global?
CRDF Global is a non-profit organization that was created in 1995 to promote international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources, training, and services.
CRDF Solutions is a suite of services, offered by CRDF Global, that provides financial, project management and information technology services to organizations in support of their collaborative scientific research, educational, and charitable activities. Please visit our service descriptions for more information.
Does CRDF Solutions provide funding for international research activities?
CRDF Solutions does not provide funding for international research activities. However, we can help facilitate the transfer of funds internationally if you receive funding from another source.
If you are seeking funding opportunities, please visit CRDF Global for more program funding and competitions.
Who is a typical CRDF Solutions client?
You can find a list of clients in the “Who we work with” section of our website. Typically, we support all kinds of organizations involved in R&D activities, such as: Research Institutes, University Sponsored Programs, Charitable Foundations, Non-profits, Non-Governmental Organizations, Government Agencies, Corporations, Multinational Companies, Small Businesses, and so on.
CRDF Solutions provides support to the largest and smallest activities.
What are the costs associated with CRDF Solutions services?
FOCUS – Standard pricing applies for services provided under FOCUS. Please see the official fee announcement.
IMPACT – Custom-designed management package for your program. Please contact us to determine your needs and we will develop a proposal that best fits your program.
LOGIC – Our grants and our IT solutions for managing them. Please contact us for recommendations and customized tools for managing your grants.
SPARK – Professional services, offered jointly by our “partnership for innovation”, requires a consultation to determine your needs for global expansion. You can start by contacting us today with your initial inquiry.
I have worked with other organizations and did not pay management costs. Why would a non-profit charge for these services?
Some intergovernmental agencies have been established to promote international research partnerships in certain countries. However, these agencies usually engage only certain types of researchers, such as former weapons scientists.
CRDF Global is an independent, non-profit organization. Since we are a non-profit, our costs are
Is your rate competitive? How does CRDF Solutions compare to other organizations?
Our rate is very competitive. You will be hard pressed to find another organization that offers the same comprehensive services and high-level of customer service.
How quickly are CRDF Solutions services implemented?
In general, getting started depends on the scope of the activity. To learn more about the turnaround time for each service please visit the Getting Started page or contact us now.
Our institution expects to receive funding from a foreign funder. How can we engage CRDF Solutions for assistance?
Often times, the funder is unaware of the difficulties and obstacles prevalent in funding research activities at institutions in other countries. This requires some education about your institution’s specific protocols and the laws in your country. We can facilitate a conversation with your funder to explain the benefit of using CRDF Solutions. Please contact us for more information.
Is CRDF Solutions responsible for the technical reporting and results of my foreign research partner?
The Sponsor is responsible for project technical oversight. The management of project resources by CRDF Global is limited solely to financial and administrative matters related to the funding of the project, and CRDF Global is not responsible for the conduct, operation or oversight of project related activities. Such responsibility resides with the project participants and the Sponsor only.
Why would I be concerned about transparency?
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Transparency helps alleviate the corruption problem, by improving information sharing, level of organizational accountability and integrity. CRDF Global ensures each project has received all necessary legal, governmental, export control and other reviews prior to initiating payments. CRDF Global uses mechanisms for making payments directly to individual project participants (for salary payments), to specific vendors (for equipment or services) on behalf of the university, and other mechanisms are designed to ensure every transaction is verifiable and appropriate and that funds are utilized for the purpose for which they are provided.
What kind of risk should I anticipate in international scientific collaboration and how does CRDF Solutions mitigate risk for my projects?
Issues usually faced by organizations conducting international scientific collaboration are:
| Cultural | Cross-cultural nuances and culture-centric perspectives quite often make cross-cultural communication difficult
| We have the international know-how as a result of conducting work in over 30 countries, as well as four international offices that ease and expedite the process
|
| Intellectual Property | Details such as background intellectual property, connection between IP and export control, managing of IP given increasing transportation of large data sets and research differ across national borders
| Due to ongoing international work we have established best management practices in regards to intellectual property
|
| Export Control | Issues such as trade embargoes and sanctions, foreign policy concerns are managed differently in every country
| In conducting international collaboration work CRDF Global makes sure to follow the
detailed export compliance program guidelines established for the organization |