Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST 2015)

Announcement of Opportunity

Publication date: July 23, 2015

Application deadline: October 16, 2015

1. Introduction

The objective of the Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to support Canadian university research projects that offer hands-on experience in space-like missions to Canadian Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) and more precisely to students and young researchers (post-doctoral fellows or PDFs) needed in the marketplace.

The primary result sought from this opportunity is to attract and train Canadian HQP to build capacity to enable Canada's future competitiveness and productivity in the space sector.

Building Canadian capacity in space science and technology is a priority for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Canada must develop and maintain a robust and experienced workforce within industry, academia, and government in order to continue playing an active role in future space missions. Opportunities to participate in a space mission, including developing and using scientific instruments for satellites, the International Space Station (ISS) or other space-based platforms, are infrequent, but when a space mission activity is approved, a team with expertise and experience must be quickly formed to meet challenging schedule constraints driven by launch or market opportunities.

"Space-like missions" are projects that allow space experts in academia to propose interesting research suitable to maintain their expertise, attract and train the next generation of HQP, and prepare for future missions. These projects consist of:

• Building or modifying scientific instruments or technologies;
• Using them in a simulated space environment, or flying them on suborbital or miniature orbital platforms (nanosatellites); and when appropriate,
• Conducting data analysis to address scientific and/or operational objectives, or assess the success of a technology test.

"Space-like missions" also have the sense of fidelity to actual space mission requirements, operations and/or constraints. Where space-like missions proposed under this AO also contribute to validation of space missions currently in orbit, or reduction in risk for anticipated future space missions, the fidelity of the training experience is increased for students and PDFs, and results of such activities contribute more directly to research priorities for Canada.

"Simulated space environment" includes ground-based infrastructure simulating a microgravity environment, environmental test chambers simulating the space environment, remote-sensing infrastructure located in remote and isolated environment, and fieldwork conducted on Earth at analogue sites that replicate some features and/or processes that could be found on other planetary bodies and asteroids, or that replicate some operational constraints encountered on space missions. Typically, for Earth system and solar-terrestrial sciences research projects, the use of remote-sensing infrastructure in remote locations is highly relevant to testing and validation of scientific instruments in orbit, while for planetary surface missions, activities at analogue sites are necessary to understand and validate surface operations needs for instruments and systems. Testing instruments and systems in an environmental test chamber helps understand how instruments will perform in relevant space pressure and/or temperature and/or planetary regolith environments.

Analogue sites, ground-based infrastructure simulating microgravity, remote-sensing infrastructure located in remote and isolated environments, and suborbital platforms are ideal environments to conduct space-like missions, providing students and PDFs with unique educational opportunities to obtain practical experience in projects related to all aspects of space-based mission experiments. Since these opportunities are relevant to the length of time required to complete master's and PhD programs, they present students with an excellent opportunity to acquire hands-on experience prior to entering the Canadian job market.

This AO is consistent with the terms and conditions of the CSA Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology – Research Component.

Applicants are asked to read the following AO thoroughly before submitting their applications. This AO was prepared to help applicants complete the application process, and outlines key elements, including mandatory criteria for eligibility, details on eligible projects and the selection process. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and the individual funding agreements governing a project, the latter document(s) will take precedence.

2. AO Objective

The objective of this AO, which is linked to the CSA G&C Program objectives, is to support Canadian university research projects that offer hands-on experience in space-like missions to Canadian HQP and more precisely to students and young researchers (PDFs) needed in the marketplace.

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Eligible Recipients

• Canadian universities

3.2 Eligible Projects

To be eligible, it is mandatory that a project address the following elements, which are further described in Sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.7. For instance, projects must include:

• Involvement of Canadian HQP in a space-like mission through training activities;
• A planned field campaign at an analogue site, the use of specific ground-based infrastructure or a planned suborbital/orbital flight during the period covered by the grant agreement;
• A training plan;
• Activities related to specific research priorities identified for this FAST AO;
• A funding request falling into one of the three identified categories;
• Activities that will be linked to CSA G&C Program Objectives;
• The use of a space technology during a suborbital flight, during fieldwork or at a ground-based infrastructure.

3.2.1 Eligible HQP

For this AO, Canadian HQP includes:

• Undergraduate students;
• Graduate students (master's and PhD levels);
• Post-doctoral fellows (PDFs).

3.2.2 Eligible Research Platforms, Ground-based Infrastructure and Analogue Sites

The following platforms, ground-based infrastructures or field sites will be considered for the implementation of projects, either in Canada or abroad:

3.2.2.1 Suborbital/Orbital Platforms

• Stratospheric and/or high-altitude balloons;
• Aircraft and/or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle;
• Sounding rockets; and
• Nanosatellites or CubeSats (maximum mass of 10 kg).

3.2.2.2 Field Sites

• Analogue sites that replicate some features and/or processes that could be found on Mars, the Moon, and other planetary bodies and asteroids.

3.2.2.3 Ground-based Infrastructure

• Terrestrial prototypes of stationary or mobile planetary exploration surface structure e.g., planetary rover, landers;
• Remote astronomy observatory infrastructure;
• Remote sensing infrastructure located in isolated and remote environments;
• Microgravity simulation infrastructure (centrifuge, drop tower, rotating bioreactor, radiation exposure facility);
• Environmental test chambers, including those simulating the pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, atmospheric composition, and/or regolith environment of planetary bodies.

Annex A presents further details on research platforms, ground-based infrastructure or analogue sites eligible for projects related to Earth system science, solar terrestrial sciences or space life science. For these three research disciplines, no other infrastructure than those listed in Annex A will be considered as eligible.

3.2.3 FAST AO Research Priorities

To be eligible, projects for which this AO provides support must provide hands-on training experience to Canadian HQP through a space-like mission focusing on one or more of the six research disciplines and at least one of the research priorities listed in Table 1.

3.2.4 Training Plan

Proposals must include a detailed training plan that outlines how hands-on experience will enable Canadian HQP to develop some or all of the following skills:

• Project management (resourcing, scheduling, compliance with budgets);
• Industrial design;
• Mechanical, optical or electrical engineering systems;
• Payload assembly, integration, testing and operation;
• Software development;
• Data analysis;
• Interpersonal communication and leadership; and/or
• Problem solving.

The level and content of training should be appropriate to the research discipline, whether it is related to science or engineering, and should include opportunities for interaction and collaboration with other researchers inside and outside the organization, where appropriate.

The CSA strongly encourages collaborative research activities involving academia, industry, and foreign researchers. In collaborative research activities involving industry, HQP training may be enhanced by exposure to an industrial working environment. Similarly, industry personnel may benefit from being involved in academic research.

3.2.5 Funding

Eligible projects will have to fall within one of the following categories, which are further described in Section 6.1:

• Category A: Maximum grant of $500,000 for projects including, for example, significant space technology development activities or large numbers of Canadian HQP.
• Category B: Maximum grant value of $200,000 for projects including, for example, minor space technology development activities.

3.2.6 Links to CSA G&C Program Objectives

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to at least one of the following CSA G&C Program objectives:

• Support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA and particularly those defined specifically for this AO;
• Foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA;
• Support information gathering, studies and research related to space.

3.2.7 Other Information on Eligible Projects

As reflected in the selection criteria entitled "Fidelity of the space experience," in Table 2 of Section 5.2, end-to-end projects are highly encouraged. An end-to-end project usually includes the following activities:

• Project/mission planning, management and operation;
• Feasibility assessment;
• Technical requirements definition, design, construction, integration and testing of innovative instruments or technologies that show promise for future satellite missions;
• Technology commissioning, calibrating and validating;
• Airborne, space-based and ground-based campaigns:
  • To demonstrate technical capabilities of the instruments;
  • To demonstrate scientific value of the new observations;
  • To enhance scientific understanding of the processes being observed;
• Flight operations and technology recovery or field deployment management; and
• Activities related to experiments, such as collecting and analyzing data.

Applicants from different universities could present separate proposals for the same flight or field mission, but each proposal must have distinct technology development activities involving Canadian HQP.

Applicants are not allowed to break down a project into numerous phases in order to obtain more than the maximum grant. Furthermore, even if the maximum funding for one project is not reached, the completion of a funded phase does not automatically guarantee funding of the remaining phases.

3.3 Access to Foreign Suborbital Platforms

Through this AO, the CSA is soliciting proposals that require, among others, the use of suborbital platforms. Applicants may take advantage of several flight opportunities that could be free of charge. Those opportunities, outlined in Annex B, are:

1. Potential Access to the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) Stratospheric Balloons (free of charge);
2. Access to Sounding-Rocket, Balloon and Cubesat Launches through the European Space Agency (ESA) Education Program.

4. Applications

4.1 Required Documentation

The application must include the following:

• A complete typed original application form completed and signed by the duly authorized representative;
• Two hard copies of the proposal;
• A copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the applicant;
• Letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions, if applicable;
• Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the Applicant Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act section included in the application form);
• For organizations in Quebec, M-30 Supporting Documentation form completed and signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the M-30 form for organizations in Quebec included in the application form); and
• A single PDF-formatted file containing copies (identical to the paper copies) of all the above-requested documents with all security features disabled on standard electronic media (USB memory key, CD, or DVD). The proposal must be included in the file as a searchable PDF-formatted document (PDF/A-1a format preferred). If there is any discrepancy between the hard and the soft copies, the hard copy takes precedence.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that his/her application complies with all relevant federal, provincial and territorial legislation and municipal bylaws.

Applications must be mailed to the CSA at the following address:

Applicants must also take note of the following:

• Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT), October 16, 2015.
• Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the FAQ section of this AO (see Section 9). The CSA will answer questions received before October 2, 2015.

4.2 Service Standards for this AO – Complete Applications

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Selected applications will be announced on the CSA website. The CSA has set the following service standards for delays in processing requests, acknowledgements of receipt, funding decisions and payment procedures.

Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within two weeks following the AO's closing date.

Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within fourteen weeks of the AO's closing date and to send a grant agreement for signature within four weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment: The CSA's goal is to issue payment within four weeks of the successful fulfillment of the requirements outlined in the grant agreement.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. Applicants must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion.

5. Evaluation

5.1 Eligibility Criteria

Applications will first be submitted to an eligibility assessment to verify if each of them:

• Represents an eligible recipient as defined in Section 3.1;
• Represents an eligible project as defined in Sections 3.2 and 3.3; and
• Meets program funding provisions defined in Section 6.1.

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

Once the eligibility assessment is completed, applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Benefits to Canada;
• Results;
• Resources;
• Project feasibility; and
• Risk and risk mitigation strategies.

Table 2 below shows the definition and a breakdown of all selection criteria, which are further described in Annex D. Applicants should carefully address each of them when writing their proposals.

Table 2. Definition and Breakdown of Selection Criteria

5.3 Evaluation Process

Only applications that have passed the eligibility assessment listed in Section 5.1 will be given further consideration.

Once the eligibility criteria are confirmed, evaluators will assess the screened applications according to the criteria listed in Section 5.2. Evaluators shall be experts in the fields relevant to the applications and may include representatives of Canada and other countries, and representatives of other government and non-government agencies and organizations. If applicable, a multidisciplinary evaluation committee will be formed when applications from different disciplines are competing in order to provide a uniform final score and ranking of proposals. An application must receive an overall minimum score of 70% as well as minimum specified thresholds to be considered for funding.

Before a final decision is made, the CSA's Program Manager responsible for this AO may seek input and advice from other organizations, including (but not limited to) federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government agencies and organizations.

6. Funding

6.1 Available Funding and Duration

Payments of transfer will be done through grant agreements. Each of them will cover a period of up to three years to allow successful applicants (recipients) to complete their training and project objectives. The total funding available under this AO is $6 million: $4 million allocated for Category A projects, and $2 million for Category B projects. The two categories of funding are:

• Category A for projects including, for example, significant space technology development activities or large numbers of Canadian HQP. It covers proposals in which a total amount up to $500,000 per project is requested. The maximum amount available per year is $200,000.
  • This category is for a project that includes, for example, development of a new prototype instrument or advanced space system, and/or a high-fidelity end-to-end mission simulation. It could include the development of a new space technology or a significant improvement of an existing space technology as well as testing/validating it during a flight, during a deployment to a remote site, during fieldwork, or in a simulated space environment.

• Category B for projects including, for example, minor space technology development activities. It covers proposals in which a total amount up to $200,000 per project is requested.
  • It could include testing/validating a new space technology during a flight, during a deployment to a remote site, during fieldwork or in a simulated space environment. The maximum amount available per year is $100,000.

The following table explains the total envelope for each category:

Projects will be selected based on their ranking scores and funding category. However, the CSA will ensure to fund at least one project per research discipline defined in Section 3.2.3. Unused funding from either category will be transferable to the other. The overall number of grants awarded and their funding level will depend on the availability of funds.

Before each installment, the CSA Program Manager will reassess the recipient's eligibility and review the recipient's progress report. While the duration of proposed projects should not exceed three years, a recipient's grant agreement may be amended to allow a recipient to re-fly or use its payload/technology during an additional flight mission or fieldwork campaign. The grant agreement would then be amended under the same terms and conditions as those set out in the original grant agreement. Under such amendment, additional funding to support travel and living expenses may be made available to a recipient, subject to the availability of funds and an evaluation of the justification provided by the recipient.

Given the objectives of this AO and the limited available budget, a Principal Investigator (PI) could only submit one proposal in response to this AO (although an institution may apply more than once). Multiple submissions from an institution cannot be for the same project or mission. However, two or more PIs from different institutions can apply separately for the same flight or space-like mission if their applications concern the development of distinct technologies.

Approved proposals will be eligible for a total amount of government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) of up to 100% of total project costs.

To determine the amount of funding to be allocated, consideration will be given to the availability of CSA funds, the total cost of the project, and the other confirmed sources of funds provided by other stakeholders and the applicant. The CSA reserves the right to reject any proposals or reduce the amount of the grants or the contributions at its entire discretion.

Applicants must identify all sources of funding in their applications and confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. Upon completion of a project, the recipient must also disclose all sources of funding.

6.2 Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are direct expenses that are associated with the delivery of the approved project and that are required to achieve the expected results of the project. Expenses will be covered subject to the applicant signing a funding agreement, in the form of a grant, with the CSA.

Eligible costs for grants under this AO are the following:

• Access fees;
• Accommodation and meal allowances;
• Acquisition, development and printing of materials;
• Acquisition or rental of equipment (a maximum of 30% of the grant for laboratory instruments);
• Aircraft and watercraft charter services;
• Bursaries;
• Consultant services;
• Costs for carrying out environmental screening and/or impact studies;
• Costs related to obtaining security clearance;
• Data acquisition;
• Data management;
• Laboratory analysis services;
• Licence and permit fees;
• Launcher services;
• Marketing and printing services;
• Materials and supplies;
• Overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 10% of the grant value);
• Participation fees at conferences, committees and events;
• PST HST and GST net of any rebate to which the recipient is entitled and the reimbursement of any taxes for goods and services acquired in a foreign country net of any rebate or reimbursement received in the foreign country;
• Publication and communication services;
• Registration fees;
• Salaries and benefits;
• Training;
• Translation services;
• Travel; and
• Tuition fees.

7. Funding Agreements

7.1 Payments

The CSA and each successful applicant (the recipient) will sign a funding agreement. This is a condition for any payment made by the CSA with respect to the approved project.

Payments will be made in a lump sum or instalments as described in the signed agreement. Grant funding agreements will include a clause stipulating the recipient's obligation to confirm, once a year in the case of multi-year agreements, their eligibility for the G&C Program – Research Component, and inform the CSA in writing of any changes to the conditions used in determining their eligibility for this component.

7.2 Audit

The recipient of a funding agreement shall keep proper records of all documentation related to the funded project, for the duration of the project and for six (6) years after the completion date of the project, in the event of an audit. This documentation shall be available upon request.

7.3 Conflict of Interest

In the funding agreement, the recipient will certify that any current or former public office holder or public servant it employs complies with the provisions of the relevant Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector respectively.

7.4 Intellectual Property

All intellectual property developed by the recipient in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient.

7.5 Organizations in Quebec

An organization in Quebec whose operations are partially or fully funded by the province of Quebec may be subject to the Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif, R.S.Q., Chapter M-30.

Under Sections 3.11 and 3.12 of this Act, certain entities/organizations, as defined in the meaning of the Act, such as municipal bodies, school bodies, or public agencies, must obtain authorization from the Secrétariat aux affaires intergouvernementales canadiennes du Québec (SAIC), as indicated by the Act, before signing any funding agreement with the Government of Canada, its departments or agencies, or a federal public agency.

Consequently, any entity that is subject to the Act is responsible for obtaining such authorization before signing any funding agreement with the Government of Canada.

Quebec applicants must complete, sign and include the M-30 Supporting Documentation form with their application.

7.6 Publications and Communication

Subject to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement, the CSA may request to receive a copy of publications arising from the work as well as be informed in advance of significant press releases or media interest resulting from the work.

7.7 Outcomes and Performance Measurement

This AO is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Increase the skills of Canadian HQP in space-related research disciplines;
• Expand knowledge in space science and/or technology areas of priority via research projects;
• Establish and/or maintain partnerships, particularly with industry and foreign researchers;
• Leverage partner contributions; and
• Increase the number of Canadian HQP active in space-related research disciplines.

By contributing to maintaining excellence in key capabilities and to inspiring Canadians, this AO will address key principles of Canada's Space Policy Framework. It will enable Canadian HQP to be well prepared to participate in future space missions while developing their skills and acquiring new scientific and technical knowledge, thus helping ensure the strategic and sustained utilization of space in Canada.

8. Privacy Notice Statement

The CSA will comply with the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act with respect to applications received. By submitting personal information, an applicant is consenting to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the following Privacy Notice Statement, which explains how the applicant's information will be managed.

Necessary measures have been taken to protect the confidentiality of the information provided by the applicant. This information is collected under the authority of the CSA Class G&C Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology – Research Component, and will be used for the evaluation and selection of proposals. Personal information (such as contact information and biographical information) included in the rejected proposals will be stored in a CSA Personal Information Bank for five (5) years and then destroyed (Personal Information File no. ASC PPU045). Personal information included in the successful proposals will be kept along with the proposal results for historical purposes. These data are protected under the Privacy Act. According to the Privacy Act, the data linked to an individual and included in the proposal being evaluated can be accessed by the specific concerned individual who has rights with respect to this information. This individual may, upon request, (1) be given access to his/her data and (2) have incorrect information corrected or have a notation attached.

Applicants shall note that for all agreements over $25,000, information related to the funding agreement (amount, grant or contribution, name of the recipient and project location) will be made available to the public on the CSA website.

For additional information on privacy matters prior to submitting a proposal, please contact:

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is the responsibility of the applicants to obtain clarification of the requirements contained herein, if necessary, before submitting an application.

For any questions related to the AO, applicants shall use the following generic email address lecedessetc-thegandccoe@asc-csa.gc.ca. Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the FAQ section of this AO. The CSA will respond to questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EDT), October 2, 2015.

At any point, applicants are welcome to share with the CSA their comments or suggestions regarding the AO, the program or the process. Applicants may either use the generic email address or the generic web-based Comments and Suggestions Box.

Annex A - Eligible Sites and Infrastructures for Earth System Science, Solar-Terrestrial Science, and Life Science Research Projects

This annex presents sites and infrastructures that are considered as eligible for projects related to the Earth system sciences, solar-terrestrial sciences, and life sciences disciplines.

I. Eligible Sites and Infrastructures for Earth System Sciences and Solar-Terrestrial Sciences:

The following sites listed in the 2013 Geospace Observatory (GO) Canada – Instruments and Data Announcement Opportunity:

Other eligible sites and infrastructures are located in the north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone, including for instance the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), Cambridge Bay, NU, and the Polar Environmental Research Laboratory (PEARL), Eureka, NU.

II. For Space Life Science^{Footnote 2}

Eligible research platforms, ground-based infrastructure and analogue sites are those that would be required to address one or more of the risks related to human space flights mentioned below in Table 1:

• Suborbital platforms mentioned in Section 3.2.2.1;
• Ground-based infrastructure simulating microgravity environment:
  • Drop-Towers, Centrifuge;
  • Microgravity simulation using rotating wall bioreactors (RWBs) or clinostats
    • Relevant microbial, cellular, or whole-animal based research;
  • Animal models of unloading:
    • Hindlimb suspension model suspending the rear part of rodent's body for short periods and remove the contact of hind limbs with the ground;
  • Radiation exposure facility:
    • Brookhaven National Lab or other specifically designed facilities used to understand or mitigate space radiation risk;
  • Isolated, remote field stations or similar environment:
    • Infrastructure or sites simulating the isolated, confined and extreme environments that occur with human spaceflight. Infrastructure used to conduct bed-rest studies is not eligible for this AO.

Annex B - Access to Foreign Suborbital Platforms

A. Potential Access to CNES Stratospheric Balloons

In 2010, the CSA entered into a 10-year agreement with the France's CNES. Under this agreement, the CSA will develop and operate for CNES a mid-latitude facility for launching balloons in Canada (Timmins, Ontario). In exchange, CNES will fly and operate balloons every year for Canada/CSA from different locations in the world where CNES conducts balloon campaigns.

This collaboration with CNES will allow Canada to benefit from CNES technology and expertise, thus maximizing the probability of safe and successful flights, significant scientific findings, while reducing the overall cost to Canadians. According to the CNES/CSA Implementing Agreement, the CSA will be entitled to the following:

• Fly an average of five (5) payloads on CNES stratospheric balloons per year regardless of where in the world the launch takes place;
• Two (2) of these five payloads will fly on two dedicated balloons as primary payloads. One of these two primary payloads will have a maximum mass of 1,000 kg, while the second will have a maximum mass of 500 kg; and
• Three (3) secondary payloads will fly as piggy-back payloads on European gondolas. Each of these three secondary payloads should not have a mass exceeding 50 kg.

In the case of primary payloads, the recipient will have to fly its payload on its own gondola. Neither CNES nor the CSA will be responsible for providing such a gondola, including pointing systems and/or gondola sub-systems (such as power and communication systems). Any proposal requesting access to the CNES's CARMEN pointing gondola will be rejected. However, CNES will provide the telemetry and telecommunications system (TM/TC-SIREN) that will allow the payload communications system to download data to the ground. Information on the TM/TC-SIREN system is available upon request.

In the case of secondary payloads, the recipient must provide a self-contained payload that will not interfere with the European primary payload, unless the secondary payload is part of a pre-established international collaboration project in which the European PI has confirmed access to a CNES balloon flight opportunity. Secondary payloads are opportunity-based; their launch is a function of the volume, mass and power available on a given gondola. Secondary payloads should therefore assume that, until a specific platform has been identified, they will have to provide their own power.

Regarding telecommunications, all gondolas flying with the CNES balloon system (NOSYCA) can use the provided Telecommunication & Telemetry Control (TT&C) SIREN module, which is available to all payloads. However, in the case of secondary payloads, the total bandwidth allocation must be shared by all of the instruments mounted onboard a given gondola. Payloads may also be equipped with their own TT&C system. FAST grantees would then be responsible for demonstrating their system's radio frequency is compatible with NOSYCA. FAST grantees are also responsible for all associated radio communication licenses. All flight hardware is typically recovered within three days after landing, thereby permitting the use of on-board memory for larger sets of data rather than real-time telemetry.

Once a grant is obtained, for any CNES balloon flights, the recipient must fill out a questionnaire providing additional information on its payload and the flight requirements. The recipient will subsequently be responsible for ensuring its payload and its gondola (if appropriate) is ready on time and meets safety and interface requirements, which are outlined in user's manuals and are available upon request. The CSA will carry out an internal technology assessment several months before a CNES balloon campaign to confirm whether or not a proposed payload is ready as planned. The CSA will do its utmost to fly all FAST grant recipient payloads that meet the CSA Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA), interface and schedule requirements, and are compatible with CNES balloon campaign plans and schedule. However, the CSA cannot guarantee a flight at the location, period of the year or time of day stated in a recipient's proposal.

Applicants interested in utilizing a CNES balloon flight must clearly state so in their application and provide information on their payload as well as their flight preferences (such as period of the year for a flight, launch site and the expected support required by CNES and the CSA).

CNES usually confirms the location of a balloon campaign approximately one year before the campaign. The CNES balloon launch site for 2016 is Timmins, Ontario, at mid-latitude. CNES has not yet decided where its launch campaigns will be held in subsequent years. The other site considered by CNES is Kiruna, Sweden, in the Arctic.

All expenses associated with payload and gondola development, testing, integration and shipping, as well as travel and accommodation before, during and after the launch campaign, are the grant recipient's responsibility. Expenses associated with a CNES balloon launch, flight operation and balloon recovery, as well as the TM/TC system, will be supported by CNES and/or the CSA and therefore should not be included in the budget of the applicant's proposal.

Regarding CNES mission profile, several altitudes are possible when using a CNES stratospheric balloon. These altitudes typically range between 32 and 42 km. Multiple levels during one flight are also possible. The chosen profile is typically a function of the payload's scientific and technical objectives, the total mass of the entire platform as well as the wind parameters on the day of the flight. For flights taking off from Timmins, the path generally follows an eastward or westward direction, depending on the stratospheric winds. The flight must be kept within a 500-km radius flight polygon from the launch site.

For general information on the CSA's balloon program, please refer to the Stratospheric balloons website.

To obtain a copy of the CNES Balloon User Manual, please send a request to: lecedessetc-thegandccoe@asc-csa.gc.ca. This document is subject to change at any time. Notice of such changes will be sent only to organizations that would have officially requested a copy of the document.

B. Student Access to Sounding Rocket, Balloon and Cubesat Launches through ESA

As a Cooperating State of ESA, Canada, and therefore Canadian students, may be eligible for ESA Education Programs and therefore have access to a centrifuge or a drop tower or be able to fly a Cubesat. For more information, visit the ESA website.

Moreover, through ESA and under a bilateral agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), Canadian students have access to the REXUS/BEXUS program, which allows students from universities and higher education colleges across Europe and Canada to conduct scientific and technological experiments on research rockets and balloons. Two rockets and two balloons are launched each year, carrying up to 20 experiments designed and built by student teams. REXUS experiments are launched on an unguided, spin-stabilized rocket powered by an Improved Orion motor with 290 kg of solid propellant. It is capable of taking 40 kg of student experiment modules to an altitude of approximately 90 km. The vehicle has a length of approx. 5.6 m and a body diameter of 35.6 cm. BEXUS experiments are lifted by a balloon with a volume of 12,000 m³ to a maximum altitude of 30 km, depending on total experiment mass (40-100 kg). The flight duration is two to five hours. EuroLaunch, a joint venture involving the Esrange Space Center of the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles. Experts provide student teams with technical support throughout the project. REXUS and BEXUS are launched from the SSC's Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. Additional information can be obtained at the REXUS/BEXUS program website.

Annex C - International MSR Analogue Mission Deployment in November 2016

MSR is a goal of the international Mars Exploration Program. Numerous studies^{Footnote 3} have considered the advantages of returning samples from known context on Mars for analysis in state-of-the-art laboratories on Earth. The broad science objective of a first MSR mission is to understand Mars history and its past habitability.

This FAST AO solicits proposals for MSR Analogue Mission science investigations and exploration technology investigations. These investigations would be conducted as part of an international field deployment in 2016, offering students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the scientific, technical, and operational constraints of a landed rover mission.

Investigations proposed in this priority area must be consistent and compatible with:

1. The overall international MSR Analogue Mission science objectives to characterize the geologic context and history of the site and, using the acquired geologic information, determine the habitability of an ancient environment, assess the biosignature preservation potential within that environment, and seek signs of ancient life within the geologic record; and/or
2. Exploration technology objectives to develop and test capabilities of instruments, rover systems, coring and/or caching systems that might be used on a potential future MSR mission. Particularly desired for technology advanced system investigations are novel mobility capabilities to access difficult-to-reach places, improvements to rover autonomy and navigation that may allow significant speed-up of surface operations, and novel coring approaches to acquire hard rock (basalt-like) cores under low-power constraints typical of Mars missions; and
3. The analogue site (see Figures C.1 and C.2) and schedule of the MSR Analogue Mission deployment, as described below (see Table C.1).

The MSR Analogue Mission deployment is planned for three weeks in November 2016 and will take place at a site of inverted stream beds in Utah, USA.

The deployment comprises three possible scenarios that each use remote science and operations teams coordinated by the CSA to target data and acquire samples:

1. Testing of an integrated CSA rover system;
2. Data and sample acquisition with hand-carried instruments and coring tools:
   1. To test instrument capabilities and measurement needs (e.g. evaluate instrument resolution/sensitivity and value-added of instrument complements)
   2. To provide a high-fidelity mission-like experience of science operations (focusing on data and sample targeting and acquisition)
   3. To validate science sampling targets by acquiring several nearby cores for comparison with targets
3. Independent technology advanced system investigations that will take advantage of the available infrastructure and planned extensive scientific validation effort.

The current solicitation is applicable only to scenarios 2 and 3 (i.e. no physical integration of proposed instruments, coring/caching systems, or software on the integrated CSA rover system is planned under this opportunity).

It is anticipated that there will be international participation and that the detailed analogue mission scenarios will be planned with input from all participants, including any teams selected under this AO.

Proposed investigations can include commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to develop requirements for space instruments or systems, minor or major technology development to modify existing prototypes, and/or significant new technology developments. All systems must be field ready by the time of the 2016 field deployment.

Proposals must include support for participation in CSA mission planning and coordination activities, participation in the remote science team (including travel & living), support for the field deployment of their instrument or system in November 2016 (including travel & living, all needed equipment and supplies, power supplies, data storage, etc.), and analysis of data. Data transfer between investigation teams and the CSA in the field (for transmission to the remote science teams) will be via standard media (e.g. USB), and will either use standard data formats (jpeg, etc.), or software will be provided by investigation teams to allow data to be used in science operations. Proposals may include a site visit in advance of the 2016 November deployment.

Proposers of instrument investigations must be willing to share data with other team members, and should be prepared to publish results in a "mission special issue." Sample cores acquired in the field will be documented by the science operations team and distributed by the CSA to participating teams to address sample analysis objectives.

Proposed investigations may include additional objectives, deployments and/or activities for 2017 and 2018 at other sites that advance their proposed objectives.

Site information:

Figure C.1: The field site is situated near Hanksville, Utah, USA, in the area of Kissing Camel Ridge. Basic amenities such as hotels, restaurants, supermarket and hardware store are available in Hanksville, and it is assumed that field teams will seek accommodation there. The nearest airport is Grand Junction, CO (via Denver, CO).

Figure C.2: An inverted channel in the region

Inverted channels = fossilised river beds

• Ancient channels filled and lithified
• Differential erosion results in positive relief
• Indicative of sedimentary environment
• Suggestion of similar features on Mars
• Kissing camel site mineralogy includes carbonates, sulfates and clays

(Credit: Balme M. R. Grindrod P. M. Sefton-Nash E. Davis J. Gupta S. et al. (2015) Aram Dorsum: A Noachian Inverted Fluvial Channel System and Candidate Exomars 2018 Rover Landing Site, 2015 LPSC Abstract #1321, Woodlands, Texas, USA.)

Annex D - Scoring and Weighting

A numerical weight is associated with each criterion. It is strongly recommended that applicants draft their proposals by providing information related to each highest score. Proposals that only or mainly describe the scientific and/or technological merits of their project will have a very low probability of obtaining a grant.

Since the objective of this AO is to train Canadian HQP, the selection criteria relate particularly to the quality of HQP training. High-quality training should attract and equip students for future careers in space science or technology, hence research should benefit Canada (be exciting, original, relevant to future missions and space opportunities), and results should provide the student with experience, knowledge and professional skills that are recognized and sought after in the Canadian space sector (industry, academia or government).

1. Benefits to Canada

• Max. 30
• Min. 20

1.1 Advancement of new knowledge and technology

This criterion evaluates the originality of the research and its probable impact and potential to advance our knowledge in the field of space science and/or technology, directly or indirectly.

• Is the research original and of high intrinsic merit?
• Does the proposed research have the potential to result in long-term, groundbreaking advances in the field of space science and/or technology? Will the research have broad impact and applications to other fields of study?
• Have some or all of the objectives already been addressed by a previous, related project? If so, how new are the current stated objectives of the proposed project, and to what degree will they build on previous work and impact our knowledge of space science and/or technology?
• How will the project contribute to developing and maintaining a robust and experienced workforce within industry, academia, and government in order to continue playing an active role in future space missions?

1.2 Relevance to the FAST AO research priorities

This criterion evaluates the relevance of the proposed project to at least one of the research priorities listed in Section 3.2.3.

• Is the research relevant to FAST AO research priorities?
• Does the project contribute to the development of new ideas that may be integrated into or enable a future space mission?

2. Results in terms of contribution to the training of Canadian HQP

• Max. 40
• Min. 24

2.1 The relevance of experience, knowledge and professional skills acquired by Canadian HQP to the Canadian space sector

This criterion is used to assess the degree to which experience, knowledge and professional skills targeted in HQP training are desired by the Canadian space sector (industry, academia or government).

• Is it clear what experience, knowledge and professional skills are planned to be acquired by each Canadian HQP?
• Is this experience, knowledge and professional skillset of value to the space sector?
• Are these critical to the space sector and difficult to acquire without hands-on experience as provided by the project?
• Is there a description of how the specialized skills and knowledge acquired would be used in a potential future space mission, and is this need likely on a timeframe relevant to when the Canadian HQP complete their training?
• Will the professional and technical skills planned to be acquired by HQP increase their mobility from Canadian universities to the marketplace?

2.2 Fidelity of the space experience

This criterion evaluates the degree to which the project is space-like, as this will enhance the fidelity of HQP training.

For projects proposing to use ground-based infrastructure, it evaluates the quality and value of the simulated space environment for the project, and to what degree the project simulates the constraints and challenges of a space mission.

For projects using suborbital and nanosat platforms, it evaluates whether Canadian HQP will be exposed to an end-to-end flight-like experience, taking into account the budget category targeted by the proposal.

It also evaluates whether the project exposes Canadian HQP to multidisciplinary and multi-organization collaboration, typical of a space mission.

3. Resources

• Max. 15
• Min. 8

3.1. Quality and experience of the team

This criterion evaluates the quality of the project team, its combination of expertise, and its ability to carry out the research project and provide the proposed training activities. It evaluates the qualifications of the team members and the past performance of supervisors (PI, Co-I or PDFs as applicable), particularly their track record in training HQP.

• Have the team supervisors demonstrated experience in the field of study and the proposed training activities?
• Does the team have the combination of expertise required to undertake the proposed project and training activities?
• Do the team members have a demonstrated ability to manage and complete similar projects?
• Do the roles and responsibilities of each member correspond to their expertise and experience?
• Do the supervisors have a good training track record?
• How many HQP have the supervisors trained in the past and how many of them have graduated?

3.2. Interaction between Canadian HQP and researchers from different disciplines and occupations

This criterion evaluates how well the project promotes collaborative team research and interaction between Canadian HQP of different levels of academic programs (master's, PhD, and PDFs), between Canadian HQP and researchers from different disciplines, and other occupations from academia, industry and government.

4. Feasibility of the project

• Max. 15
• Min. 6

4.1 Clarity and completeness of the research, training and mentoring plans

This criterion evaluates the clarity, completeness and feasibility of the research, training and mentoring plans, with the roles and responsibilities, contribution and level of involvement of each team member clearly identified. The criterion also evaluates the likelihood that the work will be completed on schedule and within budget.

• Is the project methodology clearly described and understandable?
• Does the methodology seem realistic, efficient and well suited to the project objectives?
• Given the proposed work plan, which should include a methodology, budget, equipment, and timelines for the project, are the objectives likely to be achieved? Are the training and mentoring plans appropriate to preparing Canadian HQP to become well-rounded, high-quality HQP able to pursue productive careers in various space sectors within industry, government, academia and non-profit organizations?
• Could HQP be trained and acquire the same type of knowledge at a lower cost?
• Which actions have been taken to secure the access of a ground-based infrastructure, analogue site or suborbital/orbital platform?

5. Risk and mitigation strategies

• Max. 10
• Min. 4

5.1 Project risks (financial, managerial, environmental and technical) and mitigation strategies

This criterion evaluates key risks associated with the project and the mitigation strategies for each risk. In addition, a thorough analysis of the project's financial, technical, managerial and environmental risks will be carried out. Detailed information should be provided on technology readiness for flight or use in the field, and the risk and mitigation strategies associated with the payload launch when appropriate (level of uncertainties related to the launch date, access to infrastructure or field site, agreement with the launch provider, collaboration with industry and foreign research partners).

• Has the applicant identified and described in detail the risks including, but not limited to, the environmental, technical, managerial (including access to financial, human and material resources), and scheduling risks associated with the project?
• Are the mitigation strategies for each risk well thought out and realistic?
• What is the probability that such risks will occur?

Evaluation score

• Total Max. 100
• Total Min. 70^{Footnote 4}