Call for Proposals - Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund

Call for Proposals

On January 27, 2009, Budget 2009 announced new funding for INAC to invest in maintaining or upgrading key existing Arctic research facilities. Budget 2009 stated that funds will be allocated on a competitive basis to projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011, with a view to providing a near-term economic stimulus while building a strong foundation for Arctic research capacity that supports government priorities. This announcement supports the commitments of the federal science and technology strategy to promote world class excellence in research, and leverage our research strengths to achieve economic and social advantage. It represents a key deliverable for the Government of Canada's Northern Strategy.  In particular, it supports the commitment and planning to build a world-class high Arctic research station, which will lever existing infrastructure by serving as the hub for scientific activity in Canada's vast and diverse Arctic region.  This investment provides the opportunity to ensure that a robust network of infrastructure is in place when the station opens.

This  Fund is open to applicants who meet all three of the following mandatory criteria:

1. Canadian-owned organizations;
2. Government, academic, or not-for-profit organizations; and,
3. Existing facilities supporting Arctic science and technology (S&T) located in Canada's North.  For the purposes of this Fund, Canada's North is defined as the land and ocean based territory that lies north of the southern limit of discontinuous permafrost from northern British Columbia to northern Labrador.

There is up to $85 million available to be allocated over two fiscal years. The value of any single award per project proposal must be at minimum $500,000 and may not exceed $20 million over two years. It is anticipated that one to two projects may be funded at the maximum amount. Please be advised that funding will be allocated up to $35 million in 2009/10 and $50 million in 2010/11 fiscal years respectively. Depending on the availability of funding after the first round of funded proposals, subsequent rounds may be issued. 

INAC is seeking the necessary approvals for this Fund. Should these approvals not be confirmed, applicants should note that the Call for Proposals will be cancelled and no funding will be awarded. If the Call for Proposals is cancelled, proposal preparation costs are the sole responsibility of the applicants and will not be refunded by the Government of Canada. 

The Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund aims to improve existing facilities supporting Arctic S&T, and to ensure these stations are safe, energy efficient, adhere to standards and continue to meet the needs of researchers. Wherever possible, renovations and upgrades should result in facilities that are more energy efficient and utilize greener technologies; result in the employment of Northerners, engagement of Northerners' professional services, or use of Northern suppliers or Northern firms in carrying out the contracts; and increase the participation of Northerners in Arctic science and technology.

To be eligible for funding, interested organizations must submit proposals that meet the criteria in the Program Guidelines. The amount allocated to successful applicants will be determined by the strength of the proposals, the quality of each submission, and the funds available. The deadline for submitting proposals is Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 23:59 PST. Associated letters of Support will be accepted up to March 11, 2009 at 23:59 PST.  Due to the tight timelines associated with this Fund, no extensions will be granted.  Applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process approximately four weeks after the submission deadline.

Targeted timelines

For more information on the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund or if you require assistance or guidance in interpreting the program guidelines, contact: the Arctic Science Policy Directorate by email dpsa-aspd@ainc-inac.gc.ca or by phone at 819-934-9973.  We request that proposals be submitted by electronic mail to dpsa-aspd@ainc-inac.gc.ca. Applicants are advised that due to server restrictions electronic submissions should not exceed 10 MB at the risk of being filtered out. Proposals may also be submitted on CD by mail to:

Arctic Science Policy Directorate
C/O Floor: 10 15 EDDY
10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4

I hope that you will consider submitting a proposal under this Fund, which represents an integral component of the overall vision for the high Arctic research station and a lasting legacy for International Polar Year.

Sincerely,
Patrick Borbey
Assistant Deputy Minister
Northern Affairs Organization
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

• Program Guidelines
• Proposal and Budget - Checklist and Instructions
• Proposal Template
• Frequently Asked Questions