Section 870-RICR-20-00-4.6 - Voucher Uses and AmountsA. An Applicant can receive a Voucher of $5,000 to $75,000 to pay or defray the costs of any of the following services or activities:1. access to research or scientific expertise, including preparatory work for research and development;2. technological development or technology exploration;3. product, service, or market development or commercialization, including prototyping, testing, or validation trials for new or enhanced products or services; or4. improved business practices that implement strategies to grow business and create operational efficiencies; orB. A Small Business Manufacturer can receive a Voucher to provide funding to finance internal research and development including, but not limited to, research, technological development, product development, commercialization, market development, technology exploration, and improved business practices that implement strategies to grow business and create operational efficiencies.C. Knowledge Providers are expected to charge on a fee for service basis and at reasonable market rates, and indirect costs charged by a Knowledge Provider shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%).D. Vouchers cannot be used for ordinary and necessary business expenses or any of the following: 1. any expenditure of time by in-house personnel of the Applicant unless the Applicant is seeking a Voucher for internal research and development as a Small Business Manufacturer;3. software purchases or basic software, web, or application development;4. routine testing or maintenance;5. general marketing or sales activities;6. general business advice or consulting, or basic professional services;7. costs associated with applying for grants and programs;8. costs of internships or support for students of Knowledge Providers; or9. entertainment or hospitality costs.870 R.I. Code R. 870-RICR-20-00-4.6
Amended effective 9/27/2023