Application Measure 4.3 Support for Investments in Infrastructure Related to Development

Application Measure 4.3 – ‘Support for investments in infrastructure related to development, modernisation or adaptation of agriculture and forestry’

Version 1.1 14th February 2017

MANAGING AUTHORITY (EAFRD)

Funds and Programmes Division, Triq il-Kukkanja,

Santa Venera (Malta)

Telephone: (+)356 2200 1142

The Managing Authority reserves the right, in particular on the basis of approval or direction by the European Commission, to amend from time to time certain provisions established by the respective guidance document and their application form.
Such amendments may become applicable and enforced retrospectively.
In case of any conflicts between guidelines and the text of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 and other legislative text, the interpretation given by the RDP and relevant legislation will be given priority.
The English version will be the legally binding text.
The Managing Authority also reserves the right to request additional information not included in this application form.

Instructions

Applicants are reminded to check that they have referred to the latest guidance notes as available on the website, and that they have filled in the latest available version of the application form that is available for download from the website. Only the latest version available at the time of application will be accepted.

Please read the accompanying guidance notesfor Measure 4.3‘Support for investments in infrastructure related to development, modernisation or adaptation of agriculture and forestry’before filling the application.

The information you provide in your application form will be used to check the eligibility of your project.

The information in your application will also be used to grade your application according to the selection.

Applicants are to check that all necessary supporting documents are submitted together with this form.

All declarations and references will need to be backed by supporting documentation (Refer to section 6 of the application)

The Managing Authority may request additional material following submission of the application.

If there is insufficient space to answer any question, please continue on a separate sheet and attach this to your application form.

Please complete this document in block letters or in electronic format. Once completed, filled applications will need to be delivered BY HAND to the MA at the following address:

Director General

Funds and Programmes Division

Parliamentary Secretariat for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds

Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto (MEAIM)

Triq il-Kukkanja, Santa Venera

For further information regarding the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, you can also visit the website of the Managing Authority at:

Section 1 – Details of the Applicant

Name of Organisation
Postal Address
Post Code
Project Leader[1]
Position within organisation
I.D. Card No.
Phone number
Fax number
E-mail address
VAT number (if any)
Person authorised to sign on behalf of the organisation
Position within organisation
I.D. Card No.
Phone number
Fax number
E-mail address

Q1.1 Type of Organisation

Choose from the list below:

-Government Ministry or Department

-Government Entity/Authority/ /etc 

-Local Council 

-Administrative Committee 

Q1.2Legal Status

Public sector organisationPublic equivalent body

In case of a public equivalent body kindly, provide the equivalent Legal Act by which the entity is constituted.

1.3Partner organisation (local or transnational)

1.3.1Specify whether the operation entails the involvement of any other organisation/s

Yes[2]No

If Yes, provide the details of the organisation/s

Name of Organisation
Legal Status / Public sector organisation
Public equivalent body
Others (please specify)
______
Contact Person
Position within organisation
Phone number
E-mail address

1.3.2Explain the role of the partner organisation/s within the operation and its added value in reaching the expected results

1.3.3Explain how the envisaged activities are in the partner organisation/s’ remit

1.3.4Please specify if the partner organisation/s will provide co-financing

YesNo

If Yes, please indicate the specific activity and the amount as well as the source of funding:

Activity / Amount (€) / Source of funding claimed (€)

Q1.4Organisational capacity (max marks 20)

Applicant must describe below how well the project demonstrates long term sustainability. Consideration will be made of how the project will continue to benefit the business/sector/rural area after RDP funding comes to an end. Application should also demonstrate his financial viability and the administrative capacity, competence and technical resources available to him.

Q1.4.1Describe how the benefits of the project will continue to be delivered after grant support comes to an end.

Q1.4.2Retention of Documents

Kindly describe procedures already in place or yet to be set up by the Applicant to ensure that all documents regarding expenditure and audits [required to ensure an adequate audit trail].

Q1.4.3Institutional Framework

In the box below, clearly describe the institutional framework within which the project will have to operate.[3] [Up to 100 words]

Kindly provide details below of the tasks to be assigned to the project manager/ administrator [Up to 100 words]

Please provide Project Organisational Framework

Q1.5Coordinating Body/Line Ministry[4]

Ministry
Director (Programme Implementation)[5]
Phone number
Fax number
E-mail address
EU Fund Manager/ EU Officers (and/or equivalent position)
Phone number
Fax number
E-mail address

Section 2 – Details of the Project

Q2.1Project Title

Please provide a title for the proposed project (not more than 10 words)

Q2.2Project Overview

Please provide a description of the proposed project describing in detail why the project is needed, and the type of interventions that will be made.

Q2.3Please describe how the objectives of your proposed investment are linked to the objectives of this Measure.

Q2.4Please describe how the result of your proposal investment contribute towards the needs, cross-cutting objective and focus areas of this Measure[6].

Q2.5Technical Description of the Investment

Provide a short summary of the proposed infrastructure and the work for which assistance is being proposed specifying its main characteristics and components. [up to 150 words]

Note that a detailed report prepared by an architect/quantity surveyor appointed by the applicant is required as additional supporting documentation. See checklist for documents required.

2.6Project duration

Project Timetable

Please provide the project duration, in months, in the space below:

(c)Duration (in months): ______

Kindly note that project must be completed and the final request for payments submitted by June 2018 or as determined by the MA in the grant agreement.

2.7 Indicative Implementation schedule[7]

The applicant is to complete the below indicative implementation timetable (per quarter) by providing the envisaged schedule for each call for tenders/quotations/employment. The five stages of implementation are identified hereunder.

D = Design[8]P = Call Published[9]E = Evaluation[10]I = Implementation[11]C = Closure[12]

Year / Nth Year* / N+1
(please specify the Nth year) / 20… / 20…
Quarters / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th
Call 1
(please specify)
Call 2
(please specify)
Call 3
(please specify)
Call 4
(please specify)

If necessary, additional rows may be added.

* N represents the starting year of the project.

Note:The Public Procurement Regulations 2016 of 28/10/2016, Legal Notice 352/2016 (and any subsequent amendments) should be consulted in order to establish realistic timeframes.

It is important to note that beneficiaries may only claim reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred as from the date of signing of the contract (Grant

Agreement) with the Managing Authority.

The MA reserves the right to cancel the agreement (and/or apply penalties) if the project is not implemented according to schedule. The MA will not be responsible for any losses sustained by the beneficiary.

Section 3- Key Investment Plan

Q3.1Project Cost

In the tables below provide a list of the key components of the proposed project to be co-financed through this Measure along with the VAT value as indicated. Please refer to Guidance Notes for assistance on eligibility (use additional sheets if necessary).

Activity / Value excluding VAT (€) / VAT Amount (€) / Final Cost including VAT (€) / Eligible cost excluding VAT (€) / Applicant’s contribution excluding VAT (€) / Applicant’s contribution including VAT (€)
Resurfacing or construction Works (including Traffic Management & ancillaries)
Road Markings
Professional fees[13]
Publicity and Dissemination
Other works
Total Costs

Q3.2Envisaged Contracting and Disbursement Schedule

The applicant is to complete the below indicative disbursement schedule (per quarter) by providing the envisaged scheduled of disbursement and contracting for each component of the proposed project.

Year / Nth Year* / N+1 / TOTAL
(please specify the Nth year) / 20… / 20…
Quarter / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th

Call 1 (please specify)

(Eligible costs excl VAT) (€)

/ Contracting
Disbursement

Call 2 (please specify)

(Eligible costs excl VAT) (€)

/ Contracting
Disbursement

Call 3 (please specify)

(Eligible costs excl VAT) (€)

/ Contracting
Disbursement

Publicity

(Eligible costs excl VAT)

(€)

/ Contracting
Disbursement

Employment Call[14] (Eligible costs excl VAT) (€)

/ Contracting
Disbursement

Total eligible costs (Excl VAT) (€)

Total non-eligible costs (Excl VAT) (€)
Eligible VAT (€)
Non-Eligible VAT (€)
Grand Total (€)

If necessary, additional rows may be added.

NB: Applicant must include all envisaged contracts.

* N represents the start year of the project.

The MA reserves the right to cancel the agreement if the disbursement is not implemented according to schedule. The MA will not be responsible for any losses sustained by the beneficiary.

Q3.3Risks and Conditionality

Conditionality and risks are issues pertaining to the operation which could jeopardise its timely and effective implementation. These should be indicated clearly highlighting what could be done, by when and by whom. Conditionality/ies not within the control of the operation is/are deemed to be risks and should also be included. If the Applicant fails to identify risks or the extent of the risks, operations which receive approval may have the grant agreement withdrawn by the Managing Authority at a later stage when the risk becomes apparent.

Risk Types / Description / Consequence / Probability
(High, Medium, Low, N/A) / Impact
(High, Medium, Low, N/A) / Response Strategy
Technical Risks
Financial Risks
Legal Risks
Capacity Risks
Public Procurement Risks
Implementation Risks
Other Risks

If necessary, additional rows may be added.

Q3.4Revenue generation (all figures must be quoted in EUR)

Is the project expected to generate net revenue[15]?

Yes

If ‘YES’, please specify how revenue will be generated:

Charges to Users

Entrance fees

Rent

Feed in Tariff/ Cost Savings

Other ______

Indicate the revenue estimated amount below:

Q3.5Information and Publicity[16]

Describe how the applicant will publicise that the project is part-financed by the EAFRD and how the target group and the general public will be informed about the EAFRD contribution to the project. The Applicant must be guided by the principle of proportionality[17] when completing this section. Beneficiaries are required to adhere to the applicable publicity requirements laid down in Annex III of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 808/2014[18].

The applicant is to provide an indicative budget for each of the communication activities proposed above and to specify the target audience of these activities.

Tool / Action / Access Points / Presentation[19] Mode / Audience / Budget (€)
Print Media / Newspapers
Stickers
Industry/ Business/ Organisation Journals and Magazines
International Publications
Signage / Plaques
Billboards
Broadcast Media / TV
Radio
Events / Domestic Events
Conferences
Exhibitions
Internet and Websites / Local Websites
Mailshots/Online newspapers
Seminars, Conferences or Workshops / Sectoral business groups
Press release – Launch Event
Participation during trade exhibitions, fairs, national events, etc.
Promotional Material / Supplied during national events or events focused at different target groups (e.g.: pens, note pads, etc.)
Direct Mail Actions / Distribution to households on a national or regional basis
Posters / Sectoral, business groups or interests
On site
Other (please specify)
Sub Total

If necessary, additional rows may be added.

Total Publicity Budget[20] - €______

The Beneficiary should note that points will be awarded according to the adequateness and strategy for result dissemination, including a strategy for promotion of EU funding which goes over and above the minimum obligation laid down in Annex III of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 808/2014, as may be amended[21].

Section 4 Selection Criteria

Q4.1.1Project must target at least one or more of the following focus areas and cross cutting objectives. Please tick the focus areas and cross cutting objectives targeted by the project[22]. (Q4.1.1 + Q4.1.2 max marks 20)

Focus Area 3A: Improving competitiveness of primary producers

Focus Area 4B: Investment water management

Focus Area 5A: Increasing efficiency in water use by agriculture

Focus Area 5B: Increase efficiency in energy use in agriculture and food processing

Focus Area 5C: Facilitating the supply and use of renewable sources of energy, of by-products, wastes, residues and other non-food raw materials for purpose of the bio-economy.

Focus Area 5D: Reducing nitrous oxide and methane emissions from agriculture

Contribution to Cross-Cutting Objectives

Environment

Climate

Please provide a description of how the project will target the focus areas and cross cutting objectives ticked above.

Q4.1.2 Malta needs as identified in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020[23](Q4.1.1 + Q4.1.2 max marks 20)

Applications for support will be considered on the basis of their contribution to the needs identified in Malta’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

In the box below, please indicate how the proposed project will be contributing towards one or more of these needs: ‘Need 1-Water, Waste and Energy’, ‘Need 2 Maltese Quality Produce’ ‘Need 4 Landscape and Environment’, and ‘Need 5- Quality of Life’ as identified in the RDP 2014-2020.

Q4.2Preparedness/readiness (max marks 10)

Readiness refers to project proposals that are in an advanced state of preparedness such as tenders have already been launched; necessary permits have been obtained etc.

Q4.2.1Do you have the necessary permits, drafting of tenders, cost benefit analysis and any other necessary documents to immediately commence working on the project should it be selected?

Yes

Evidence of readiness should be provided. Please indicate below at which stage the project is in terms of readiness, furthermore please fill-in section 4.2.2(Proof of all documents will need to be attached to the application).

Q4.2.2Planning and Environmental Permits

Do any of the activities or purchases envisaged within the operation require a planning or an environmental permit?

YesNo

If Yes, please specify below:

If Yes, has the Planning Authority (PA) and/or the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) already been contacted at this stage?

YesNo

If Yes, what was the outcome of discussions with the PA/ERA? Please also indicate reference to any official correspondence with the PA/ERA, including permit numbers.

If you have answered ‘No’ to both questions, please indicate how the applicant reached its conclusion that no components of the project require the approval of the PA/ERA.

The Applicant is to annex to the application form, any official correspondence with the Planning Authority/Environment and Resources Authority.

Does the operation or parts thereof require an environmental impact assessment (EIA)?

YesNo

If Yes, please provide details of current status (Terms of Reference published, public consultation, etc.) and expected date for conclusion of the EIA process.

Q4.3Cost effectiveness (max marks: 20)

Describe the added value of the proposed operation and its cost-effectiveness.The applicant should provide evidence and information to sustain his/her argument. For a definition of cost-effectiveness, please refer to the Guidance Notes for this Measure.

Q4.4Complementarity (max marks 10)

Other Community Financing Sources

Has an application been made for assistance from any other Community source for this project, any part thereof or for any earlier phase of this project (including feasibility and preparatory phases)?

Yes

If ‘YES’, please give details:

Is this project complementary to any project already financed or to be financed by the ERDF, Cohesion Fund or other source of Community finance?

Yes

If ‘YES’, insert details below:

Identify and summarise any related activities being undertaken and/or that have already been undertaken by the applicant organisation and/or other parties (through EU, national and/or other funds) in connection or in support of the same project or policy. Please also identify which funds have been utilised for related activities.

Name of Programme / Details of awarding body / Name of Project / Reference Number / Funds Received (€) / Year of Award / Status of Project[24]

Will the proposed project lead to possible funding opportunities under other measures or funds?

Yes

If yes, please give details

Q4.5Horizontal Priorities (maximum marks 20)

Will the proposed intervention/s contribute towards the promotion of equal opportunities, equality, non-discrimination and improved accessibility whilst targeting sustainable development in the areas of economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection.

Yes

Consideration will be made of whether the applicant has an appropriate policy on equality and diversity (eg. as an employer), access requirements have been taken into account (eg. for buildings, websites), and whether any jobs created are open to a diverse range of applicants.

If You have answered yes, please fill in details below:

Q4.5.1Equal opportunities

Please mention any specific components and explain how the applicant will ensure that equal opportunity will be integrated in the operation. The applicant should not limit the effort to the legal obligations.

Equal Opportunities / Measures adopted at design stage / Measures to adopt at Implementation stage
Equality between men and women
Non Discrimination
Accessibility

Q4.5.2Sustainable Development

Describe how the operation shall contribute to any and/or all of the three pillars of sustainable development, as well as the cross-cutting objectives of the RDP.

Sustainable Development / Description
Environmental Dimension
Economic Dimension
Social Dimension
Cross-cutting objectives (environment, climate change, and innovation)

Describe specific actions addressing the environment and provide the amount allocated to the selected actions

Environment’s Protection Actions / Description / Amount allocated (€)
Reduce GHG emissions
Renewable Energy Sources
Energy Efficiency
Water reuse/treatment
Any other climate change mitigation and adaptation measure

Q4.6Young Farmer (max marks 10)[25]

Are you less than 41 years of age? (On the date of submission of application)

Yes

Q4.7Dissemination (max marks 10)

Will you be implementing a dissemination strategy which goes beyond the minimum obligations established by Commission Implementation Regulation (EU) No. 808/2014?