46 CFR §385.51

1. (a)In terms of the accomplishment of a public purpose—
   1. (1)The potential contribution which the proposed work is expected to make to the MarAd assistance mission;
   2. (2)The economic, environmental, and societal significance which a successful demonstration or project may have for the nation, and in particular the national merchant marine program;
   3. (3)The relationship of the proposal to:
      1. (i)The public need for the potential results of the research, development, or demonstration effort, and whether it is unlikely that similar results would be achieved in a timely manner in the absence of Federal assistance;
      2. (ii)Whether the potential opportunities for non-Federal interests to recapture the investment in the undertaking through the normal commercial utilization of proprietary knowledge appear inadequate to encourage timely results;
      3. (iii)The extent of the problems treated and whether the objectives sought by the undertaking are national, widespread, or regional in their significance;
      4. (iv)The extent of opportunities to induce non-Federal support of the undertaking;
      5. (v)The degree of risk of loss of the investment inherent in the research, and the availability of risk capital to the non-Federal entities which might otherwise engage in the field of the research so as to further timely development of the technology; and,
      6. (vi)The availability of appropriations to MarAd.
2. (b)In terms of the particular objectives of the project, whether the project has:
   1. (1)High technical merit which promises or represents an innovative idea, method, or approach;
   2. (2)Program value not previously recognized or pursued by MarAd; and,
   3. (3)A reasonable degree of probability of achieving the stated objectives.