The HEEF Advisory board has released the draft HEEF guidelines for the 2009 funding round. The purpose of the Guidelines is to assist eligible higher education institutions to apply for funding through the HEEF Grants Program.
In order for Universities to obtain their share of the 2009 funding round, they should start considering what projects should be submitted at the expression of interest ("EOI") stage. Proposals must be submitted to the HEEF Secretariat prior to 3 July 2008. We note that the projects included in the EOI must be endorsed by the Vice Chancellor, or equivalent.
Each University may submit no more than three EOI proposals. Furthermore, if more than one proposal is submitted, the University must indicate their priority order. Each University will be eligible to apply for HEEF grants in excess of $10 million and no more than $100 million.
In determining which EOI's will proceed to Stage 2 (the application phase), the HEEF Advisory board will use the following principles to identify strategically focused investments which will be recommended to the Minister to obtain funding:
- Investments will build the teaching, learning and/or research capacity of institutions and individuals to develop world class Australian institutions;
- Collaboration is encouraged;
- Internal and external co-investment is encouraged where relevant;
- Investments should be aligned with the institution's strategic goals and missions;
- Institutions should show how they will acquire the research, teaching and learning expertise to ensure facilities are used to best effect;
- Institutions should show that they will acquire project management skills and all other components necessary for the investment to be successful;
- Institutions will demonstrate financial viability and have clear and effective financial arrangements in place for the management of the investment.
Universities should commence preparing a strategic plan to determine which project will be considered a priority for the University and also the projects that are most likely to satisfy the above criteria.
Furthermore, as the guidelines are still in draft form, there is still opportunity to contribute to the selection and assessment process. National consultations will be conducted to discuss the draft guidelines during March and early April 2008. Moore Stephens will be attending a consultation session regarding the draft guidelines.
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