FAQs

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Does submitting an EOI or DPR guarantee that I am being awarded a project?

No. These are different steps involved in shortlisting of projects by PMMG and the competent authority. The decision of the competent authority remains final and binding in regards to the awarding of projects.

Can project technical requirements change after submitting a DPR?

The competent authority can change the project specifications at any point of time based on requirements of the user. The expectation of meeting revised specifications remains binding while selecting agency/agencies for awarding a project.

Does the 24 months deadline include the necessary certification procedures?

Yes. It is expected that the procedures involving production, testing and certification are completed within the stipulated 24 months.

Where can I find more details about certification guidelines for airborne products?

You may find the same in the document titled “Policy for Design Development and Production of Military Airsystems and Airborne Stores” and the document titled “Certification of Military Airsystems & Airborne Stores and Approval of Organizations” published by CEMILAC in the “Resources” section of this website.

Where can I find more details on industrial licensing requirements for Defence products?

The same can be found in the Press Notes dated January 01, 2019 and September 11, 2019 as released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The links are mentioned below:

DIPP Press Note 1: https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/Press%20Note_1_2019.pdf

DIPP Press Note 2: https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/Press_Note_2_12092019.pdf

What is a Feasibility Analysis?

For the purposes of the scheme, PMMG with the assistance of Invest India undertakes Feasibility analysis of all project requirements as submitted by the Service Headquarters of the various branches of the Armed Forces. Under this analysis, the portal accepts feasibility studies from industries and technical experts registered with the website, within a stipulated deadline. After the same, Invest India undertakes the feasibility analysis, first through industrial analysis and then facilitating a workshop under the aegis of Directorate of TDF with academic and industry experts and representatives, based on which a final output is prepared for the perusal of the Directorate of TDF which takes a decision on the requirements as submitted by the Armed Forces.

Who can participate in a Feasibility Study?

Educational Institutions, Indian Enterprises and Industry Experts can participate in a Feasibility Study.

How can I fill in a Feasibility Study?

Step – by – step guidelines have been provided in the Tutorials section of the website as “Guide for Submission of Feasibility Study”.

Can a Foreign Entity participate in the Feasibility Study?

No, Foreign Entity can not participate in the Feasibility Study.

Can I expect any awarding/results from a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is an exercise which invites your inputs towards assessment of feasibility of a project requirement. After undergoing all procedures pertaining to this assessment, a requirement is deemed "feasible/not feasible" for taking it ahead as a project. As such, a feasibility study doesn't warrant any awarding and hence results of the same are not declared for individual submissions. If a project is deemed feasible, it is opened up as a project for accepting EOIs.

What are the criteria for shortlisting of Indian Vendors under the scheme?

Detailed guidelines are provided in Para C of “Appendix ‘A’” document as provided in “Resources” section of this website.

Who are eligible to respond to an EOI request for a project?

Detailed guidelines are provided in Para D of “Appendix ‘A’” document as provided in “Resources” section of this website.

Where can I find a proper format for an agreement in case I am applying as a consortium of companies?

An illustrative format is provided in Annexure I of “Appendix ‘A’” document as provided in “Resources” section of this website.

How many individuals/companies can participate in an Association of Persons (AoP)/Consortium for the scheme?

Maximum 3 individuals/companies may participate.

Can I change the members of an AoP/Consortium after a project is awarded to me?

Details about making changes to constitution of an AOP/Consortium may be found in Para ‘E’ of the Appendix ‘A’ document as provided in the “Resources” section.

Can I participate as an individual participant and an Association of Persons [AoP] at the same time?

No. Please refer to Para 3 (e) under section D [Eligibility to Respond to an EOI as an Individual Entity or a Consortium] of Appendix ‘A’ to the Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] as provided in the “Resources” section of the website.

What is the pattern of ownership of the IP [Patents/Trademarks/Copyrights/Background Information/Foreground Information] under the scheme?

Please refer to the Appendix ‘B’ document as provided in the “Resources” page of the website.

I am unable to submit EOIs from my profile. What should I do?

EOIs are only enabled for accounts registered as “Industry” in the website. We request you to review the type of registration and write to dir.tdf-drdo@gov.in for assistance in changing the type of your registration. Further, you need to be logged - in into the portal while submitting your EOI. 

For any other technical/website – related queries, whom should I approach?

You may visit the “contact us” page and submit your queries.

I was unable to submit EoI/ DPR due to internet issue/ website problem/ power cut etc. What Can I do?

As a good practise, Handholding for online submission of EoI/ DPR will be done till 48 hours prior to closure of EoI/ DPR. Problems like Internet failure, Server overload, website issue, reasons within or beyond control of TDF shall not be considered as case for extension of submission timeline. Submission of EoI or DPR by other means will also be not accepted. As a good practise it is advised that EoI / DPR Submission may be done earlier to avoid last moment problems.

How is Funding Facilitated under the Scheme?

Details of the process involvement in release of funds can be found in Para 42 of the Standard Operating Procedure document as provided in the “Resources” section of this website. Summarily, the release of funds is facilitated under one of the two options.

Option 1: Issuance of Grant Letter, release of 20% of the Grant Amount and reimbursement of costs in the 5 (five milestones) for disbursement of the remaining 80%. 

Option 2: The 80% can be availed as an advance against a bank guarantee/collateral. 

For the purpose of Fund release, the selected agency is required to open and operate a new bank account with complete access and information to books of accounts to DTDF/DRDO.

 

 

What if an agency developing a project experiences cost overruns?

Conditions pertaining to cost and time overruns have been covered in Para 47, 48 and 49 of the Standard Operating Procedure Document as provided in the “Resources” section of the website.

Are there any restrictions on the cost head expenses that must be keep in mind before submitting the price bid?

Yes, the following points must be kept in mind before submitting the price bid:

1. Academia share should not be more than 40% of the total project cost.
2. Overheads share should not be more than 10% of the total project cost.
3. Contingency share should not be more than 3% of the total project cost.

While filling out the DPR format in the price bid, can an Industry applicant include the charges incurred for usage of the already existing equipment within their possession under the 'Equipment' head?

The equipment head should solely include the costs incurred for acquiring new and essential equipment for which invoices within the validated time period must be existing. It is clarified that the wear, tear, usage and depreciation of equipment shall not be a part of the 'Equipment' head and must be included as a part of 'consumables' / any other relevant heads whilst providing price bid.

What is the process of participating in the scheme?

Details pertaining to the process may be found in Para 25 of the Standard Operating Procedure which you may find in the “Resources” section of the website. Summarily, the process involves issuance of Expression of Interest [EoIs], shortlisting of agencies based on their EOIs, seeking a Detailed Project Report, followed by selection of DA’s after which a project is awarded.

How do you decide the requirements/projects to be uploaded on the scheme?

Detailed procedure about the same may be found in the Standard Operating Procedure Document [Para 16 onwards] as provided in the “Resources” section of the website.

I have my own innovation which might be useful for the Armed Forces. Can I apply for the scheme?

We classify such innovations as “suo moto proposals”. We are accepting proposals against the requirements forwarded by MoD as per SOP.
We encourage you to kindly visit our portal [http://tdf.drdo.gov.in] and acquaint yourself with the scheme and upcoming projects.

Who can participate in the Feasibility Analysis?

Individual Experts, Educational Institutions, SMEs and Large Enterprises can participate in the Feasibility Analysis.

What are the guidelines to be followed for forming a consortium or Association of Persons [AoP] for participating in this scheme?

You can find detailed guidelines about the same in the “Appendix – A” document as provided in the “Resources” section in the website.

How many projects can I apply to?

You can apply for multiple projects, however you must provide all the details of the list of projects that you have been awarded/applied for already under the TDF Scheme.

I got rejected in a previous cycle of TDF scheme. Can I re-apply in the next cycle?

Yes. You can apply.

What is the criteria for evaluation of EOIs?

Illustrative criteria for evaluation may be found in “Appendix – E” document as provided in the “Resources” section of the website.

What are the documents which need to be submitted along with the DPR?

You will be required to submit a Project Definition Document [PDD] as per “Appendix – C” as well as your financial documents as per Annexure -II of Appendix-D of the SOP. Details are provided in the “Resources” section in the website.

Where can I find the format of the DPR to be submitted?

Format of the DPR may be found in “Appendix – F” as provided in the “Resources” section in the website.

What are the general terms and conditions I need to follow for participating in the scheme?

You may find general terms and conditions as a pop – up while applying for a project in the website. You may find a downloadable version of the same in the “Resources” section in the website.

How can I submit the Expression of Interest?

We have inculcated a paperless system for accepting EOIs to our projects. You may find a step-by-step guide in the “Resources” section in the website.

I am a new start-up and don’t have sufficient infrastructure or experience, but I want to participate in the TDF scheme?

TDF scheme will also projects requirements targeting nascent Start-up from time to time. Such projects will be of cost less than Rs. 1 Cr and will be opened only to nascent Start-ups. In case, no nascent Start-up qualifies then other Start-ups will be considered.

How do I apply for a TDF award?

Application for Technology Development Fund Scheme award will be submitted online (https://tdf.drdo.gov.in).

Does the company/firm need to be founded prior to TDF proposal submission?

Yes. Proposals are only accepted from entities registered as "industry" in the portal. For registering as "industry", we mandate submission of your MSME/Startup India recognition certificate.

Must I own a company to receive TDF award?

No (Partnership Firm, Sole Proprietorship firm registered under applicable laws are also eligible).

Do I need to pay any service fee to DRDO/DTDF for applying for the scheme?

No. DRDO/DTDF doesn't charge any fee/remuneration for awarding of projects.

Can I empanel a consultant to apply on my behalf?

Yes. However, the cost element for the same has to be borne by the bidder.

Does the scheme cover for any additionally applicable taxes?

No. Your price quotations in the project should be inclusive of GST.

What are the qualifying criteria for being a nascent Start-Up?

A start-up will be considered as Nascent Start-ups on fulfilling the following criteria:
a) The Start-up shall be less than 3 years old
b) The Start-up shall be incubated in a government recognized / assisted Incubator
c) The Incubator shall be at least 2 years old and should be have experience of supporting at least 25 Start-ups
d) The facility available with incubator shall be made available to participating start-up. A maximum of 20% of total project cost can be used towards payment to incubator.

What is this scheme about?

Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in Defence Technology as a part of the 'Make in India' initiative. It is a programme of MoD (Ministry of Defence) executed by DRDO meeting the requirements of Tri-Services, Defence Production and DRDO.

This scheme aims at funding the development of defence and dual use technologies that are currently not available with the Indian industry, or have not been developed so far.

What kind of Products/Innovations are Generally Considered under the scheme?

Information about the same can be found in Para 1 of the Standard Operating Procedure document as provided in the “Resources” section of the website.

What are the key criteria for development of projects under this scheme?

  • The scheme will be limited to development of technologies or prototype of product having potential use for the Services.
  • The financial criteria for inclusion of projects under the TDF scheme will be that the cost of development spread across all the required technology development phases will not exceed INR 10 crore.
  • Typically, the projects under the TDF scheme will not exceed a development period of two years.

Who can apply for the scheme?

  • Proprietorships/Partnerships/LLPs/Private Limited Companies owned and Controlled by Resident Indian Citizens. 
  • Types of entities above with foreign investments/partnerships not exceeding 49%. 
  • Aspirants may form a consortium/Association of Persons and apply, with the aforementioned criteria applicable.

Can Large Enterprises/Educational Institutions/Non – Profits Apply for the scheme?

  • Non – Profits are not eligible to Participate in the scheme. 
  • If Educational Institutions/Research Institutions are involved, their involvement in the work cannot exceed 40%. In such arrangements, the Industry applicant shall be considered as the Lead agency. Further, Research Institutions are considered at par with educational institutions.

Whether the test facility available with DRDO or MoD will be provided free of cost?

The test facility available with DRDO or MoD will be provided to DA on basis of essentiality & priority as decided by the custodian of the test facility. However, the test facility, when made available to DA, will be on charges as prescribed by the custodian of the facility.