R&D for C- and X-Band Satellite Data Integration

Announcement of Opportunity

Earth Observation Applications Development Program

Publication date: October 3, 2014

Application deadline: November 10, 2014

1. Introduction

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the German Space Administration (DLR) signed a Framework Agreement on Space Science and Technology Cooperation in September of 2013. One of the areas of cooperation identified in the Agreement is Earth Observation (EO).

To ensure Canadian Industry is enabled to develop applications that capitalize on C-band (RADARSAT) and X-band (TerraSAR-X, TanDEM-X) SAR sensors and their capabilities, the CSA's Earth Observation Applications Development Program (EOADP) is issuing this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) and will award non-repayable contributions to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada through the CSA's Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology.

Please read the following AO thoroughly before submitting your application. It has been prepared to assist applicants through the application process and outlines important 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(s), the latter document(s) will take precedence.

2. AO Objectives

The main objective of this AO is to advance the capabilities and expertise in Canada's industrial sector for the use and application of EO data, particularly with regard to C-band in combination with X-band SAR data. This will maximize the interoperable and synergistic use of both satellite systems. Another objective of this AO is to encourage collaboration between the Canadian and the German EO Industry.

3. Eligibility

Only those proposals that satisfy eligibility criteria 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and that are ranked highest for the criterion in Section 3.5 will be invited to submit a full proposal.

3.1 Eligible Recipients

Contributions under this AO are aimed at for-profit and not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada (this excludes academic institutions).

3.2 Eligible R&D Projects

A research and development (R&D) project is defined as any pre-commercial science and technology activities that are carried out to resolve unknowns regarding the feasibility of (i) space concepts or (ii) applications in the space sector.

This AO is soliciting R&D projects for EO application development activities that include RADARSAT and TerraSAR-X and/or TanDEM-X data. The CSA will assess applicants' response to the following requirement:

Describe the objectives and anticipated results of the project, including a description of the technological unknowns that will have to be resolved for the project to succeed. How does this go beyond routine development activities?

A project may consist of several activities to attain its objectives or results. Any logical breakdown or combination of these activities can constitute a funded project. However, breaking down a project into numerous activities or sub-activities to obtain more than the maximum contribution funding is not allowed for what is considered to be one project. Furthermore, even if the maximum funding for one project is not reached, the completion of a funded activity does not automatically guarantee funding of the remaining activities of the project.

3.3 Link to CSA Priorities

This AO aligns with three core principles of Canada's new Space Policy Framework:

1. Positioning the private sector at the forefront of space activities;
2. Progress through partnerships; and
3. Excellence in key capabilities.

3.4 Link to G&C Program Objectives

The Research component of the G&C Program provides financial support for the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA. This program supports targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.

The overarching priority of the CSA is the utilization of SAR data.

3.5 Demonstration that Integrating RADARSAT and TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X Data Enhances EO Solutions

Demonstration Criterion (8 points)

Description: This section describes the proposed EO solution that integrates RADARSAT data with TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data. This criterion also evaluates if and how data integration from these two sources will enhance the new EO products, services or processes and lead to improvements over current state-of-the-art practices.

4. Notice of Intent - Stage 1

The objective of this stage is to verify the eligibility of the applicant and the project before receiving a full proposal.

The proposals evaluated in this first stage should include:

• Documents necessary to verify eligibility of the applicant according to the criteria mentioned in Section 3.1 of this AO.
• A description of the project (maximum of 5 pages) that allows the CSA to assess the project's eligibility under the criteria listed in Section 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 of this AO.

One (1) hard copy and one (1) soft copy (preferably on a USB key) of the Stage 1 proposals must be post-mailed to the CSA at the following address:

Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST), November 10, 2014.

4.1 Service Standards – Notice of Intent

Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within four (4) weeks of receiving the notice of intent. The acknowledgment will include an invitation to submit a full proposal or a letter stating that the project is not eligible.

5. Complete Applications - Stage 2

5.1 Required Documentation

• a completed typed original application form (PDF or Word templates) signed by the duly authorized representative. This includes the Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form signed by the duly authorized representative;
• a copy of the application form (identical to the signed paper copy) on standard electronic media (preferably a USB key);
• one (1) bound hard copy and one (1) soft copy (preferably on a USB key) of the proposal. Note that the soft copy must be in one single file in Word or PDF;
• a copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the applicant;
• letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions (if applicable);
• financial statements for the last two (2) years and the most recent interim results;
• for not-for-profit organizations in Quebec, M-30 Supporting Documentation form completed and signed by the duly authorized representative.

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

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

Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST), February 6, 2015.

• applications sent by email will not be accepted;
• incomplete applications will not be considered;
• only one (1) request for contribution per applicant (lead organization) will be accepted for review. Affiliated companies shall be considered as one (1) applicant. Consequently, affiliated companies may only receive one (1) contribution.

5.2 Proposal Format and Content

The proposal should be written in a clear and concise manner, preferably using 12-point letter size (except for tables and figures) in a Times New Roman font (maximum of 20 pages, excluding appendices). The proposal must include the following sections:

• a title page, including:
  • name of AO;
  • project title.
• table of contents;

Project Description, including:

• introduction;
• feasibility;
• resources;
• risks and mitigation measures;
• results;
• benefits to Canada.

5.3 Contact Information

To obtain general information on the Program, please contact:

Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the Frequently Asked Questions of this AO (see Section 10). The CSA will answer questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2015.

5.4 Service Standards – Complete Applications

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Applications that have been selected will be announced on the CSA website under this AO.

The CSA has set service standards related to delays in processing requests, the acknowledgement of receipt, funding decision and payment processes.

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

Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within twelve (12) weeks of receiving a completed application package or closing date of the AO, and to send for signature a contribution agreement within eight (8) weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment:
The CSA's goal is to issue payments within six (6) weeks of the successful fulfillment of requirements outlined in the contribution agreement.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. The applicant must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion. Service standards may vary by AO.

6. Selection Process

Only applications that include all of the documents itemized in Section 5.1 will be evaluated.

Proposals will be evaluated against point-rated criteria, and those with the highest scores will receive funding. It is estimated that about four (4) projects will be funded under this AO.

6.1 Evaluation Process

Evaluators will assess each application based on evaluation criteria listed in Section 6.2.

Evaluators will be experts in the field relevant to the applications and may include representatives of the Canadian government and non-governmental organizations.

The determination of the amount of support will take into consideration CSA availability of funds, the total cost of the project as well as the other confirmed sources of funds invested by other stakeholders and the applicant.

6.2 Evaluation Criteria

Feasibility

• Clarity of objectives and project description
• Methodology
• Data plan

Resources

• Relevant capabilities and experience
• Management plan

Risks and Mitigation Measures

• Identification of the key risks associated with the project and mitigation strategies (technical, managerial, financial)

Results

• Synergy & partnerships between Canadian and German space industries

Benefits to Canada

• Enhancement of Canada's world-class expertise/leadership and international competitiveness

Proposals will be scored in accordance with the following:

The proposal scoring for each evaluation criterion will be determined using a range from 1 to 8 points, 8 being the highest rating:

• 1 or 2 points (Level A)
• 3 or 4 points (Level B)
• 5 or 6 points (Level C)
• 7 or 8 points (Level D)

As an example, the maximum point rating, including the weighting factor, for the "Benefits to Canada" criterion is 20 points. If a proposal receives "6" for this criterion in the evaluation process, the final score attributed to the criterion will be:

6 * 2.5 (weighting factor) = 15.0 points (score)

Point-rated evaluation criteria that are not addressed in the proposal will be given a score of zero, and the proposal will be rejected.

Feasibility

Description: This criterion assesses whether research objectives are clearly described and the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in attaining them. The technical methodology demonstrates that the work packages, their sequence and the data plan are clearly substantiated, coherent and feasible.

Data should be chosen to best demonstrate the feasibility, performance, and success of the project. The data plan should describe all of the EO data that will be used in the project, including areas of interest, dates and volume of data, any other complementary imagery or other data types, whether they have been previously acquired or need to be acquired during the project.

Resources

Description: This criterion assesses the combined technical and management capability (qualifications, experience) of team members to effectively achieve project objectives. The proposal should include a description for each of the proposed team members stating their roles and responsibilities within the project and a Responsibility Assignment Matrix that includes the level of effort in days for each team member. Résumés should be provided in an appendix.

This criterion also evaluates the management plan for its comprehensiveness and its effectiveness in directing the project to a successful completion.

Risks and Mitigation Measures

Description: This criterion assesses any critical issues that could potentially jeopardize the successful completion of the project (technical, managerial, financial). An assessment of the risks involved should be accompanied by a mitigation strategy.

Results

Description: This criterion assesses the proposed working arrangement between the Canadian and German proponents. This criterion also evaluates the potential for sustaining a working/business relationship between the organizations beyond the proposed research.

Benefits to Canada

Description: This criterion evaluates the potential of increasing Canadian industrial capabilities (lead applicant) as pertains to the integration of C-band and X-band SAR satellite data. It assesses how the proposed project will contribute to enhancing Canada's world-class expertise/leadership and international competitiveness.

7. Funding

7.1 Available Funding

For the purposes of this AO, the maximum limit of the non-repayable contribution per accepted project must be $300,000 or less over 24 months. This limit applies to the entire portion of the Government's contribution for the lead applicant.

The "stacking limit" is the maximum government (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) financial assistance for a project. An approved proposal will be eligible for total government assistance of up to 75% of total eligible project costs. The overall number of contributions awarded and their level will depend on the availability of funds.

For this AO, the same funding and stacking limits apply to not-for-profit organizations.

The CSA reserves the right not to accept any proposals or to reduce the amount of the contributions at its entire discretion.

Applicants are required to identify all sources of funding in their proposal and to confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. In addition, upon completion of a project, the applicant will be required to disclose all sources of funding. Should the CSA determine that assistance from federal, provincial and municipal sources exceed the stacking limit, the CSA will recover the amount that the CSA determines to be over the stacking limit. The recovery will be calculated on a pro-rated basis according to the proportion of total government assistance contributed by the federal government. Should amounts not be disclosed at the time of the determination by the CSA, the CSA may withhold any amount that the CSA determines to be appropriate to recover any excess funding.

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 Eligible Costs

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

The eligible costs for contributions under this AO are the following:

• acquisition or rental of equipment;
• consultant services;
• data acquisition;
• materials and supplies;
• overhead (administrative) costs, not to exceed 15% of eligible costs;
• salaries and benefits; and
• travel.

Eligible Cost definitions are provided in Appendix A.

7.4 Data Sources

The focus of the current AO is R&D related to the use of RADARSAT imagery in combination with TerraSAR-X and/or TanDEM-X imagery.

Each proposal should provide a data plan for the imagery that is intended to be used for the proposed project. Data should be chosen to best demonstrate the feasibility, performance, and success of the project objectives. The data plan should describe all of the RADARSAT, TerraSAR-X and/or TanDEM-X data that will be used in the project, including areas of interest, dates and volume of data, any other complementary imagery or other data types, whether they have been previously acquired or need to be acquired during the project. The data plan should explain why these data are needed.

Since the focus of the current AO is related to the use of SAR imagery for R&D purposes, the CSA will provide access to a reasonable amount of RADARSAT imagery free of charge to the successful applicants. However, a large volume of archived imagery is maintained that applicants are encouraged to try to incorporate into their proposed activities, which can be viewed at ceocat.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/portal/index.html.

DLR will also provide a reasonable amount of TerraSAR-X and/or TanDEM-X imagery free of charge to the successful applicants.

Applicants will need to abide by the following end user license agreements:

RADARSAT-2 Data:

gs.mdacorporation.com/products/sensor/radarsat2/RS2_Single_User_License_agreement.pdf

TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X Data:

sss.terrasar-x.dlr.de/pdfs/TSX-TDX-user-license-v2.2.pdf

The data plan should take into consideration the potential constraints related to RADARSAT data acquisition (e.g., priority levels, scheduling conflicts). It should be noted that data orders under these R&D projects have lower acquisition priority than for Government of Canada operational needs.

Some areas in Canada are particularly susceptible to RADARSAT data acquisition conflicts. As a result, the risk associated with these areas, with respect to data availability, might increase. Projects that focus on these areas and/or planning to use time series should propose a solid mitigation strategy (alternative study sites, or data, reducing the number of sites, etc.). The following areas are particularly susceptible to RADARSAT data acquisition conflicts:

• the Atlantic Coast Region, including all Atlantic provinces and the coast of Labrador;
• the British Columbia Coast Region, including all areas west of the Coast Mountains;
• the Great Lakes Region;
• most major Canadian urban areas, and especially the Ottawa–Montreal Corridor;
• the Saint Lawrence River Basin area;
• the Athabasca River and oil sands sites in northern Alberta;
• the Eastern and Western Arctic, Hudson Bay and Arctic Ocean regions.

Table D-1 below is an example of the format that should be used for the RADARSAT data plan. For other satellite data, airborne or in situ data proposed in the project, a separate table should be provided.

The RADARSAT and TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X imagery do not need to be purchased by the applicant, and the cost should therefore not be included by the applicant in the project budget. However, the project budget should include the cost of any other complementary data (identified in the data plan) that will need to be purchased by the applicant during the project.

Only commercially available RADARSAT, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X beam modes are eligible under this AO.

8. Funding Agreements

8.1 Payments

The CSA and the successful applicants (hereinafter referred to as the recipients) will sign a funding agreement. This represents a condition for any payment made by the CSA with respect to the approved project.

Payments for contribution agreements will be made in accordance with the process and the reporting requirements described in the signed funding agreement. Upon notice of a successful application, the CSA will have no liability until a funding agreement is signed by both parties. Only eligible costs incurred after the funding agreement is signed and indicated in the agreement will be reimbursed. Payments will be on a quarterly basis.

8.2 Reporting

• progress reports every 6 months including activities, progress and challenges encountered;
• final report summarizing project activities and results;
• as a courtesy, the CSA would like to receive a copy of publications arising from the work.

8.3 Conflict of Interest

In the funding agreement, the recipient will certify that any 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 Value and Ethics Code for the Public Sector respectively.

8.4 Intellectual Property

All Intellectual Property (IP) that arises in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient.

We strongly recommend that the participants draft a Cooperation Agreement in English or French that regulates the terms of cooperation and IP ownership between all parties.

8.5 Organizations in Quebec (applicable only to not-for-profit organizations)

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

Under Sections 3.11 and 3.12 of An Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif, R.S.Q., Chapter M-30 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), certain entities/organizations, as defined in the meaning of the Act, such as municipal bodies, school bodies, or public agencies, must obtain an 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.

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

8.6 Performance Measurement

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

Products & Services

• Number of EO applications developed using RADARSAT and TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data;
• Number of RADARSAT, TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X scenes used.

Collaboration

• Partnerships.

9. Privacy Notice Statement

The CSA will comply with the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act with respect to applications received under this Component. By submitting your personal information, you are 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 Personal Information CSA Bank for five (5) years and then destroyed (Personal Information File no. ASC PPU045). Personal information included in the successful proposals will be retained 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 one 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 should 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) through this Component and the purpose of the funding will be made available to the public on the CSA website.

If you need additional information on privacy matters before sending your proposal, contact Danielle Bourgie, Coordinator, Access to Information and Privacy, at the CSA.

Telephone: 450-926-4866
Email: aiprp-atip@asc-csa.gc.ca

10. 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. At any point of the process, applicants are welcome to share with the CSA their comments or suggestions regarding the AO, the program or the process. Applicants can use the generic web-based Comments and Suggestions Box available at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/funding-programs/grants-and-contributions-snapshot.asp#comments.

For any questions related to the AO, applicants may either use the web-based Comments and Suggestion Box or the email address (lecedessetc-thegandccoe@asc-csa.gc.ca). Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this AO. The CSA will respond to questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2015.

Appendix A

Eligible Costs Definitions

No costs incurred prior to signing a Contribution Agreement can be considered as eligible project costs, either as a CSA or an applicant contribution.

Acquisition or rental of equipment: Consists of equipment, including software rented, acquired or constructed exclusively for the project. In order to be eligible, such equipment must be identified in the project cost estimates, be commensurate with project scope and needs, and be approved by the CSA. All such equipment shall be charged to the project at the net price, including all costs incurred to get the equipment operational after deducting all trade discounts, rebates and similar charges. It also includes disposal costs. The PST, HST and GST must be excluded.

Consultant services: The nature of services to be acquired shall be set out in the proposal estimates. The amount eligible for a consultant shall be the actual contract amount. The CSA reserves the right to approve only a portion of the consultant fees submitted.

The applicant must demonstrate it has the proven ability (knowledge, expertise and capability) to execute the project. The applicant may use consultant services for specific tasks only, not for the project as a whole. In the event that consultant services are used, a detailed work plan must indicate the distribution of the work, and the IP Agreement must be provided. It must be clear that benefits will accrue to the applicant.

Data Acquisition: Other than RADARSAT data (which will be deducted from the Government of Canada credit) and TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data (which will be obtained through the CSA/DLR collaboration).

Overhead: This represents expenses of doing business that are not readily identified with a particular project or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the conduct of activities it performs.

Salaries and benefits:

a) Salaries include wages for all personnel with direct involvement in the project such as, but not limited to, engineers, scientists, technologists, researchers, project managers, students and administrative assistants. All eligible personnel must be employees on the recipient's payroll. Payment in terms of shares, stock, stock options and the like are not eligible. The amount invoiced shall be actual gross pay for the work performed and shall include no markup for profit, selling, administration or financing (PWGSC rates typically do not apply, as they contain a profit element).

The eligible payroll cost is the gross pay of the employee (normal periodic remuneration before deductions). Normal periodic remuneration rates are the regular pay rates for the period excluding premiums paid for overtime or shift work. The payroll rate does not include any reimbursement or benefit conferred in lieu of salaries or wages. When hourly rates are being charged for salaried personnel, the hourly rates shall be the periodic remuneration (annual, monthly, weekly, etc.) divided by the total paid hours in the period including holidays, vacation and paid sick leave.

Labour claims must be supported by suitable records such as time sheets and records, and be held for verification at time of audit. Management personnel are required to maintain appropriate records of time devoted to the project.

b) Benefits are defined as a reasonable pro-rated share of expenses associated with the direct labour cost such as the employer's portion of Canada Pension Plan, Quebec Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, employee benefits such as health plan and insurance, Workers' Compensation, sick leave and vacation plus any other employer-paid payroll-related expenses. Those items which have no relationship to the project or which have been charged on an indirect basis are not eligible. The determination of the fringe benefits amount shall be in accordance with generally accepted cost accounting principles. In general, the fringe benefits rate provided in the project estimate shall be computed once during the life of the project and agreed on prior to the signing of the agreement. If retroactive adjustments are made, these must be indicated on claims for progress payments for the CSA's approval.

Travel: Expenses shall be in direct relation to the project (e.g. field work, project meetings). The proponent must indicate the number of trips and the number of days for each trip, the cost, destination and purpose of each journey, together with the basis of these costs, which must not exceed the limits of the National Joint Council Office (NJC) Travel Directive. With respect to the Treasury Board Directive, only the meal, private vehicle and incidental allowances specified in Appendices B, C and D of the Directive, and the other provisions of the Directive referring to "travellers," rather than those referring to "employees," are applicable.