Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF) Program

Overview

The Alabama Innovation Act (AIA), formed by Legislative Act #2019-404, established the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF). The purpose of the ARDEF Program is to encourage new and continuing efforts to conduct research and development activities within the state for the purpose of increasing employment opportunities and products and services available to the citizens of Alabama.

News

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs hosted the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF) Program grant application workshop on February 29, 2024. A video of the presentation is available below:

Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF) Program – Application Workshop

ARDEF Workshop Memo

FAQ

Note to applicants: ADECA has received several questions regarding match. State funds cannot be used as match.

Does 100% of the match requirement have to be supplied by the private sector applicant?

No.

Can the match requirement be shared between the eligible research entity and the private sector applicant?

Yes.

Is match limited to cash?

Match is limited to cash, grants, and contracts.

Can salaries paid to academic staff from state funds be used as match?

No, state funds cannot be used as match.

Can we use our academic time and salary (state funds) to provide the cost-share match?

No, state funds cannot be used as match.

Can match be used to pay indirect costs in excess of the 10% of grant amount awarded?

Although the eligible research entity may have an indirect cost rate higher than 10%, the ARDEF grant funds cannot cover more than ten percent (10%) of the eligible research entity’s indirect costs and administrative costs. Match may be used to pay indirect costs and administrative costs in excess of 10% of the ARDEF grant provided that the match is not from state funds.

Can the eligible research entity supply 100% of the match?

Yes, the only requirement is that state funds cannot be used as match.

Can the private sector industry partner be headquartered outside of Alabama?

Yes.

Can other grants be used to meet the match requirement?

Yes, provided they are not state-funded grants.

What percentage of match is required?

The applicant is required to provide a match equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total project cost. For example, for a total project cost of $200,000, the required 50% match is $100,000.

Would in-kind cost share, such as expenses to run samples on existing laboratory equipment, be acceptable for the match?

No, based on legislation, match may only be in the form of cash, grants, or contracts.

Application

FY25 ARDEF Application and Guide – deadline: July 29, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST

ARDEF Rating Guide

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

The current 2017 NAICS codes can be found at https://www.census.gov/naics/. AIA defines approved activities based on the 2012 NAICS Codes. 2012 to 2017 NAICS code changes

Contact

(334) 242-5290 | ardef@adeca.alabama.gov

Overview

News

FAQ

Application

Program Guide and Implementation

ARDEF Oversight Committee Reports

Resources

Contact