The updated CRM for Research and Technology Advisors is now available

Date: April 21, 2015

The Claim Review Manual (CRM) for Research and Technology Advisors (RTA) has been updated.

Chapters 1 and 2 have been revised to clarify Agency guidelines regarding compliance approaches, email communications and access to information and privacy (ATIP) in addition to clarifying definitions for “determination”, “conclusion” and “decision”.

Chapter 3 has been revised to include information on joint technical-financial issues.

Chapter 4 has been revised to include information on risk assessment and review issues in addition to clarifying procedures regarding review plan requirements and approval. The section on “claims involving a large number of projects” was clarified. The section on “consideration for large claims” was deleted. The first-time claimant advisory service (FTCAS) service is also included.

Chapter 5 has been revised to clarify procedures regarding requests for information, reviews with or without onsite visits, and communicating decisions to the claimant to improve transparency and consistency. In addition, new sections describing FTCAS and claimant’s supporting evidence and oral information have been added.