Grant Assistance Program

GAP: Fostering International R&D Collaboration in Georgia

A service of the u.s. Civilian Research 8t Development Foundation (CRDF), the Grant Assistance Program (GAP) has assisted organizations seeking to engage Eurasian science, technology and engineering communities since 1998. In partnership with the Georgian Research and Development Foundation (GRDF), the CRDF is pleased to offer GAP services in support of collaborative activities with Georgian scientists, engineers and students.
 

Why GAP Works in Georgia
CRDF and GRDF have individually and jointly managed over 100 awards, including travel support, major equipment grants, and collaborative R&D projects in Georgia-valued at more than $5 million, over ten years. GAP services in Georgia will utilize CRDF and MRDA's experience and established mechanisms for supporting research collaborations in Georgia to provide a wide range of administrative, financial, logistical and management support services to other organizations seeking to collaborate with the Georgian scientific community. GAP's proven track record of success throughout Eurasia makes it an ideal service for research collaborations with partners in Georgia.

Why Organizations Choose GAP

Experience: GAP has facilitated more than 900 individual projects of varying size and complexity valued at over $130 million throughout Eurasia. GAP services include funds transfers, procurement and delivery of equipment, financial reporting and logistical support.
Risk Management: CRDF and GRDF's enabling agreements with the Georgian government, extensive banking network and effective financial controls maximize the benefits while reducing the risks and costs of funding research. CRDF's network of travel agencies, preferred vendors and other resources are available to support project needs.
Flexibility: GAP's management procedures and services can be tailored to the specific needs of each client. Whether a single graduate scholarship or a multi-institutional research project, GAP's flexible management systems allow organizations to achieve their goals.
Support: Expert knowledge of local laws, customs procedures, and other in-country regulatory issues reduce the administrative burden on funding organizations. The experience and in-country administrative and logistical of GRDF further enhance GAP services in Georgia.

The Department of State's BioIndustry Initiative (BII) includes a major renovation project at Biokombinat, a former veterinary vaccine production facility in Georgia. In partnership with the CRDF's Nonproliferation Programs and GRDF, GAP has provided telecommunication capabilities and salary support to Biokombinat employees as they destroy virus stockpiles and prepare the facility for a renovation to a state of the art feed mill that will sustain Georgia's agricultural economy. CRDF will next engage an engineering firm to oversee and carry-out the renovation.

The Georgian Research 8t Development Foundation funds merit-based research competitions and conducts training programs designed to increase cooperation between the research and development communities of the United States and Georgia. GRDF also promotes alternatives for scientists formerly involved in weapons research.