Research Opportunities in Satellite Earth Observation

3.1 Eligible Recipients

3.2 Eligible Projects

To be eligible for CSA funding, projects must consist of one or more of the following:

• Research activities of interest to Canada related to science and technology disciplines and their satellite Earth observation applications. Other remote sensing and in-situ data sources may be included, but only as secondary, supportive sources for the satellite Earth observation data as in, for example, calibration/validation research;
• Development of innovative EO education methods and training materials, including aspects on accessibility and interactivity.
• Activities that sustain space research and development (R&D) capabilities;
• Studies to develop capabilities that enhance the space utilization sector;
• End project phases such as analyses of space data and the transformation of those data into useful information, along with the dissemination of the ensuing results.

All development phases necessary for a project are eligible. Any logical breakdown or combination of these phases can constitute a funded project under this AO. However, breaking down a project into numerous phases submitted as distinct proposals to obtain more than the maximum grant or contribution under this AO is not allowed. Furthermore, the completion of a funded phase does not automatically guarantee future funding of the remaining phases.

To be eligible, the activities outlined in the project must also align with the ARL ladder, described as follows. The projects within this component are those that seek to identify an application (ARL 1), consider innovative concepts (ARL 2), select a preferred approach (ARL 3), seek to develop a concept (ARL 4), validate the concept feasibility (ARL 5), integrate the application in the user environment (ARL 6), and refine the application solution (ARL 7). Detailed information about the ARL scale can be found in Appendix B.

The scope of the proposed project concept is broad and open in terms of the data, technologies and applications that may be considered, provided that the project represents a tangible advancement in the ARL ladder and bridges a gap in knowledge and information that has the potential of improving the applicant's capabilities.

This includes the following:

• Data: Any sources of satellite EO data may be proposed for this purpose, many of which can be found in the open marketplace. This includes a variety of optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, as well as non-image data and other relayed data.
  Note: It will be the responsibility of the applicant to locate theses sources based on the objective of their proposed project and to obtain all of the data to be used in the project from commercial or public sites, such as, but not limited to, the Earth Observation Data Management System (EODMS) hosted by NRCAN. If costs are to be incurred in acquiring EO imagery or other data type, the applicant should include these costs in their financial bids to be commensurate with project value. For the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), archived data 16m and coarser over land is open to public. However, access to high resolution RCM data requires applicants to be a vetted user. Access to RCM data | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca)
• Technologies, methods and applications: The proposed project may be related to new applications, data products, models/prototypes, methodologies, teaching/learning methods and tools education material, systems, services provided that it is either new or a significant improvement. Most importantly, the proposed project should represent progress to a higher level in the ARL hierarchy.
• Applications areas: Canada has the potential for greater capacity building to meet the challenges for a broad range of applications. This AO may address any education and application area of importance and relevance to Canada, aligned with CSA's priorities (section 3.3).

Please note that projects with the following primary objectives are not eligible under the AO:

• The development or improvement of a specific technology, such as a new sensor; or,
• Use or testing of the technology in preparation of a space flight.

3.3 Links to CSA Priorities

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to at least one of the CSA priorities stated below as per Canada's Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation.

• Harnessing satellite EO to address climate change and issues that matter to Canadians;
• Strengthening the delivery of critical services to keep Canadians healthy, safe and informed; and
• Inspiring skills and capacity development for the next generation.
• Ensure that satellite EO data is free, open, and accessible to maximize science, innovation, and economy.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that increase the representation and advancement of women and underrepresented groups in space sciences and engineering as one means to foster excellence in research and training. The applicants must also demonstrate how their organization or team contributes to EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) and Indigenous People involvement as identified in Appendix A, Evaluation Criterion 4.1.

3.4 Links to the Class G&C Program Objectives

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to the achievement of at least one of the following objectives:

• To support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the Canadian Space Agency;
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the Canadian Space Agency;
• To support the creation of new knowledge, scientific studies, and research related to space.

4.1 Required Documentation

Applicants must submit a completed application as described below.

The application must include the following:

• A completed typed original application form (Word, 217 KB) signed by the Duly Authorized Representative;
• Proof of incorporation or registration and 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); and
• 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);
• Documentation supporting the activities proposed within the project.

The application must be prepared as a single PDF-formatted file containing all of the above requested documents with all security features disabled. Please order the document with the application form and proposal first. The proposal and supporting documents must be included in the file as searchable PDF-formatted documents (PDF/A-1a or PDF/A-2a formats preferred). If there are any accessibility issues with the submitted PDF file, all consequences reside with the applicant.

Any missing supporting document or any incoherence between the requested documents and the information provided within the documents may lead to the rejection of the proposal on that sole basis.

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

Submission is done by first completing an account creation request at the electronic proposal portal. Please note that Google Chrome is the browser of choice for submissions. Applicants are encouraged to create their account several days before the submission deadline, in order to address any technical difficulties that could arise.

Upon account creation, the CSA will send an email with instructions on how to connect to the CSA secure filer system to allow you to upload documents securely. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload their applications well before the submission deadline.

• Proposals must be received at CSA no later than the closing date and time indicated at the top of this AO page.
• Applications sent by email or as email attachments will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications shall not be considered.

The questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the "Frequently Asked Questions" of this AO (see Section 9). CSA will respond to questions received before 17:00 ET, 10 business days prior to the closing date.

4.2 Application for Phase 2

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 processing times, acknowledgement of receipt, funding decisions and payment procedures.

Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within 2 weeks of receiving the completed application package.

Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within 16 weeks of the AO's closing date and to send a grant agreement for signature within 8 weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment: The CSA's goal is to issue payment within 4 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. Service standards may vary by Announcement of Opportunity.

5.1 Eligibility Criteria

• Represents an eligible recipient as defined in Section 3.1;
• Represents an eligible project as defined in Sections 3.2, 3.3, 3.4; and
• Meets program funding provisions Section 6.1.

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation committee will evaluate eligible applications according to the following criteria. These are further described in Appendix A.

The minimum overall score required to be considered for funding is 60 points. Criterion that have not been addressed in the application will be given a score of 0.

The final score for each application will be the cumulative total for all five of the criteria scores. The application scores will then be ranked and grants will be selected in ranked order.

5.3 Evaluation Process

Only applications that have met the eligibility criteria 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 will be familiar with the fields relevant to the applications and may include representatives from other Canadian Government departments as well as external consultants.

An application must achieve an overall minimum score of 60% for Project Phase 1 applications, and 70% for Project Phase 2 applications, as well as the specified minimum thresholds for each criterion to be considered further 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.

The results obtained in this AO could take into account certain factors in the final decision to grant funding, such as, but not limited to, the representativeness of the four designated groups (woman, Aboriginal person, disabled person or member of a visible minority), regional distribution, academic level, distribution between universities and post-secondary educational institutions, etc.

Other factors may also be taken into account such as, but not limited to, the priorities of the Government of Canada and the CSA, growth potential, marketing opportunity, return on investment, involvement of HQP and students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), etc.

6.1 Available Funding and Duration

The maximum funding per grant agreement to an eligible recipient is $312,500 over 3 years. The maximum funding per year per project is $125,000 for year 1, $125,000 for year 2, and $62,500 for year 3. The total funding available under this AO is expected to be $5,000,000 over 3 years.

The CSA reserves the right to reject any proposals or reduce the amount of the grants 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.

The number of projects under this AO will depend on funding availability. Submitted proposals should plan to be completed within a maximum period of three (3) years.

An applicant (university or post-secondary institution) may be funded for more than one (1) project under this AO provided each project has a different Lead Researcher. Regional distribution will be taken into consideration in the final decision of grant funding, as stated in section 5.3.

A researcher can only be the Lead Researcher for one (1) active grant under this AO at any given time.

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.

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.

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.

For grant agreements, 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 (L.R.Q., c. 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 du Québec aux relations canadiennes (SQRC), 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 Performance Measurement

The CSA will ask the recipients to report on certain aspects of their projects such as:

• Knowledge Creation
  • Knowledge production (including publications)
  • Presentations
  • Intellectual property (including patents)
• Capacity Building
  • Project's research team (including highly qualified personnel supported)
• Collaboration
  • Partners' contributions
  • Partnerships
  • Multidisciplinary

7.7 Open Access Publications

In the event that publications result from the project, the CSA wishes to promote the dissemination of findings that result from the projects it funds as quickly and to the greatest number of people as possible. Improved access to scientific results not only allows scientists to use a broader range of resources and knowledge, but also improves research collaboration and coordination, strengthens citizen engagement and supports the economy.

Thus, the CSA promotes the use of open access publication and archiving by recipients in order to facilitate the widest dissemination of findings that results from its funded projects. Thus, recipients are invited to publish, in a timely matter, their articles by using one of the following methods:

1. Accessible online repository (institutional or disciplinary) so that the publication is freely accessible.
2. Journal offering open access to articles.

It should be noted that these two methods are not mutually exclusive and that recipients are encouraged to use both.

Finally, the CSA wishes to receive, as a courtesy, a copy of the publications (if not freely accessible) or the hyperlink (if freely accessible) and its digital object identifier (DOI). These will be use to improve accessibility by including them in the CSA publications directory.

Scoring

Each criterion will be rated on a letter scale from A to E, with A being the highest score. A numerical weight is associated with each letter.

Each criterion will be rated on a scale from "Excellent" to "Does not address" with corresponding score ranges as described in the table in Section 5.2. The final scores for each criterion will be determined as part of the consensus discussions by the evaluators.

There is an overall required minimum score of 60 to pass. The applicant is advised to read Evaluation Criteria carefully when preparing the proposal.

1. Benefits to Canada

• Maximum: 30

2. Results

• Maximum: 30

3. Feasibility

• Maximum: 10

4. Resources

• Maximum: 20

5. Technical and Management Risk and Mitigation

• Maximum: 10

The purpose of this criterion is to evaluate how well the proposal identifies potential risks associated with the proposed scope of work, an assessment of the potential likelihood of the risk occurrence, its level of impact on the work, as well as mitigation strategies for each risk. Possible risks could include difficulty hiring appropriate HQP, loss of HQP to the project, difficulty acquiring needed parts, change in data availability, etc.

Overall Evaluation Score

• Maximum score 100
• Minimum passing score 60

11.1 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 1

11.2 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 2

11.3 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 3

11.4 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 4

11.5 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 5

11.6 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 6

11.7 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 7

11.8 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 8

11.9 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 9