What is the schedule for NEON reviews prior to construction?
NEON Inc. has held discussions with NSF regarding the schedule for reviews. While the schedule is still under negotiation with NSF we present a rough outline. NEON Inc. will present a detailed preliminary design to a review panel convened by NSF in the final quarter of 2008. Pending successful completion of that review, approximately six months thereafter, NEON Inc. will present a Project Execution Plan (PEP) to a Final Design Review (FDR) panel convened by NSF. The Project Execution Plan must successfully pass the Final Design Review. The Project Execution Plan must be thoroughly evaluated and determined construction ready. If found construction ready, NEON, Inc. must prepare a construction proposal for consideration by the NSF BIO Directorate, NSF Director, and the National Science Board requesting construction funds. The BIO Directorate and NSF Director must decide the project is worthy of consideration for funding; the National Science Board must give the Director the authority, at
While the schedule is still somewhat under negotiation with the NSF, we can provide a rough outline. NEON, Inc. recently completed a successful preliminary design review by a panel convened by the NSF in June 2009. In November 2009, NEON, Inc. will present a Project Execution Plan (PEP) to a Final Design Review (FDR) panel convened by the NSF. The Project Execution Plan must be thoroughly evaluated and determined construction-ready. If found construction-ready, NEON, Inc. must prepare a construction proposal for consideration by the NSF BIO Directorate, NSF Director, and the National Science Board requesting construction funds. The BIO Directorate and NSF Director must decide whether the project is worthy of consideration for funding, then the National Science Board must give the Director the authority, at his discretion, to award the funds. A Cooperative Agreement must be signed by NEON, Inc. and NSF, and an award made for construction. NEON will then enter the Construction phase.
