Subject to section 8.12 of this RFP, Proponents will bear entirely and exclusively all costs and expenses incurred in any way associated with developing, preparing and submitting their Initial Proposal and Project Proposal, including but not limited to attending meetings, site visits, interviews, workshops, etc., and providing any additional information required by the Project Owner irrespective of whether or not the Project or the Alliance proceeds or the Proponent's Initial Proposal or Project Proposal is accepted by the Project Owner.