MEDC Seeks Interest from Michigan Firms to Lead Business Plan Competition Peer Review Process

The MEDC today announced it is seeking statements of interest by Michigan companies and non-profit organizations

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced it is seeking statements of interest by Michigan companies and non-profit organizations capable of managing an independent peer review process for a potential business plan competition. A Request for Interest has been issued as an initial step in planning for a second round 21st Century Jobs Fund Commercialization Competition.

Interested organizations should have the capability to tap experts from across the state to evaluate the commercial and technical viability of businesses and products and find the most competitive funding opportunities for sustainable technology businesses with near-term job creation potential.

The peer review service provider would oversee the evaluation of proposals based on commercialization merit, scientific and technical merit, management team strengths and the ability to leverage additional funding. Other duties would include managing applications, assigning reviewers to specific proposals, scoring proposals through the MEDC’s electronic award management system, and making recommendations for funding.    

Organizations interested in providing independent peer review services should respond to contracts&grants@michigan.org by February 21st with “21CJF Review Vendor Search” in the subject line along with the following information: name of organization, primary business activity and contact name, phone and email address. Interested firms should also indicate why they believe they have the capability to conduct a peer review service with a preference for Michigan-based experts; as well as how they would manage conflicts of interest between their organization, review experts, business plan applicants and the Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board.

The Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board is responsible for administering grants and loans to support competitive-edge technology investments under the 21st Century Jobs Fund. The previous commercialization competition conducted written peer reviews on 465 qualified applicants. The field was narrowed to 179 for oral interviews and ultimately 78 organizations received $126.3 million in awards.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.