Annex D: Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund?

A1 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.

Q2 What is the link between the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund and the “world-class Arctic research facility” that the Government of Canada has already announced?

A2 The fund will support the Government's commitment to building 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 a robust network of infrastructure is in place when the station opens. Budget 2009 also committed to funding to undertake a feasibility study for the station.

Q3 Does a facility applying to this fund need to be located in the North?

A3 Yes, the facility does need to be based and located in the North to be eligible for this fund. For the purposes of the 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. A facility must always support Arctic science and technology.

Q4 Who is eligible to access the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund?

A4 To be eligible for the fund, all facilities must be owned by a government, academic, or not-for-profit organization with supporting Arctic science and technology, that addresses a demonstrable Arctic science and technology infrastructure need located in Canada's North (see A3 for a definition of Canada's North).

Q5 Is there funding to support the operations and maintenance of these Arctic facilities?

A5 No, funding for operations and maintenance will remain the responsibility of the organizations that manage the facilities and cannot be funded under the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund.

Q6 How is a facility defined for the purposes of the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund?

A6 The facility can be terrestrial or aquatic based and must meet the key elements of eligibility outlined in A3 and A4.

Q7 What are the minimum and maximum levels of funding that an organization can apply for?

A7 There is up to $85 million available to be allocated over two fiscal years beginning in 2009/10. 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 level. 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.

Q8 How is this program related to the recent International Polar Year (IPY) Logistics for Health and Safety call for proposals?

A8 The eligibility and funding varies for these two programs. Recognizing that the announcement of the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund may affect applications to the IPY call for proposals, funding and decisions on the IPY Logistics proposals have been deferred until the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund decisions are made. Proponents are encouraged to submit proposals to the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund provided the proposal meets the eligibility and criteria of the call.

Q9 What if the construction or renovation project includes activities that are outside of the scope outlined in the program guidelines?

A9 Funding will only be awarded for activities that are within the program guidelines. Should the construction or renovation project include activities that fall outside of the program guidelines, the proposal should be clear that it is seeking funding for activities that are within the parameters outlined in the program guidelines.

Q10 Can an individual or an institution submit more than one proposal to the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund?

A10 Yes, if the project proposals can adequately meet the requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines, more than one proposal can be submitted. However, applicants are advised that only one proposal will be accepted per facility.

Q11 Is there funding available in the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund to plan the project before constructions or renovations take place?

A11 Applicants should have completed all of the critical preparations before applying to the fund. The overall readiness of the projects to start construction or renovations and be completed within the two-year period is a key criterion that will be assessed. Professional fees for final engineering or design work could be considered if the proponent can demonstrate that they contribute to completing the project within the two-year timeline rather than delaying it.

Q12 What is the deadline for proposal submission?

A12 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 program, no extensions will be granted.

Q13 How can applications be submitted?

A13 Proposals can be submitted electronically 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 can 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

Q14 When will eligible recipients be made aware of the proposal results?

A14 Applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process approximately four weeks after the submission deadline.

Q15 Who can I contact for more information about the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund?

A15 Applicants can contact INAC at dpsa-aspd@ainc-inac.gc.ca or by phone at 819-934-9973 for more information regarding the fund.