How much funding can be received?

Get up to $2 million in funding over three years to form a research network made up of multidisciplinary teams focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning to assist first responders in decision making.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides a comprehensive framework for non-repayable funding contributions, ensuring a structured and transparent financial process. The funding is designed to cater to multiple facets of a research project, from inception to completion, while maintaining financial accountability.

Funding mechanism: Non-repayable contributions up to a maximum of $2,000,000 per proposal.
Duration: Funding available until the end of June 2027.
Eligible costs include stipends, equipment acquisitions, consultant services, laboratory analysis, materials, supplies, publication, communication costs, travel, and administrative overheads, with specific restrictions on each category.
Administrative overhead costs not to exceed 15% of total eligible costs before overhead.
Equipment acquisitions capped at $5,000 per acquisition, with this category not exceeding 20% of total approved eligible costs.
Contribution payments are advanced upon annual cash flow requirements forecast and acceptance by DND.
Any excess advance payments must be returned or offset in the next fiscal year.
In-kind contributions and indirect costs are ineligible for funding.
Final payment contingent upon completion and acceptance of all project activities as per the contribution agreement.
Contractual agreements required with all Ultimate Recipients for fund redistribution by Initial Recipients, subject to DND approval.
More than 50% of eligible costs must be incurred within Canada.
Strict financial reporting and documentation requirements, including cash flow forecasts and actual expenditures reports.
Audit rights for account and record inspection by Government of Canada representatives are mandatory for at least six years post-project completion.

grant_single_labels|projects

This CFPMN grant aims to enhance the capabilities of first responder communities by leveraging advanced analytics and decision support technologies. Eligible projects emphasize the development and integration of analytics tools, AI, and other advanced technologies to support first responders in strategic and operational contexts.

Developing Big Data and algorithm-based tools for strategic and operational levels of analysis.
Creating responder analytics tools for frontline operational use.
Developing AI tools to detect trends, activities, and fusion of information for tri-service emergency management.
Enhancing situational awareness beyond current industry offerings through advanced S&T solutions.
Integrating AI/ML algorithms with big data and cloud computing for anticipatory analytics.
Improving means for distilling operationally useful metrics and analysis from field information.
Creating models and tools that exploit field and open-source data for public safety and security events detection.
Developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance situational awareness for proactive decision making.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 637,000

Developing AI tools for optimizing disaster relief logistics

$ 660,000

Implementing AI-driven systems for fire department operations

$ 525,000

Developing a machine learning algorithm for police patrolling algorithms

$ 515,000

Research on data-driven disaster response strategies

$ 610,000

Creating a prototype for AI-enhanced emergency medical response

$ 530,000

Designing AI-based predictive policing models

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the composition of multidisciplinary teams and the involvement of diverse organizations.

The Micro-net team must be composed of members from at least three separate eligible organizations and/or institutions.
Each proposal team must include one member from a Canadian Provincial, Territorial, or Municipal government organization.
Eligible Lead Applicants must be Canadian universities, Canadian incorporated for-profit or not-for-profit organizations, or Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal government organizations.
Eligible partner organizations can also include international universities and educational institutions.
The Lead Applicant must be a senior scientific researcher from a Canadian eligible organization or institution and must act as the main contact point for the Micro-net.
Micro-net teams must include at least three researchers from three separate eligible organizations, one of which must be a Canadian PTM government organization.
Activities proposed must address the specific S&T challenge and should include diverse research and development activities and participation in scientific conferences.
All organizations involved must have the legal status necessary to enter into a funding agreement.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is eligible for multidisciplinary teams composed of researchers from at least three separate organizations or institutions, including a mandatory Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal government organization.

Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada.
Canadian incorporated for-profit organizations.
Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal government organizations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant application guidelines do not specify any particular types of companies or industries that are explicitly ineligible. Therefore, there are no specific restrictions provided in the documentation regarding the ineligibility based on the status or main activity of the company.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The eligible projects focus on research and development activities that enhance safety and security capabilities for first responders through advanced decision technologies. These projects aim to address specific Science & Technology (S&T) challenges outlined in the grant context.

Conceptual design and analysis for enhancing the strategic and operational capabilities of first responders.
Development and validation of proof of concept systems for improved data processing and decision-making.
Integration and testing of advanced analytic tools and AI-based systems.
Prototyping new solutions for situational awareness and emergency management.
Participation and presentations in scientific conferences related to safety and security technologies.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is open to multidisciplinary teams with partners primarily from Canadian organizations or institutions. International partners may participate but are subject to specific criteria set by the Department of National Defence in Canada.

Canadian universities and educational institutions chartered in Canada.
Canadian incorporated for-profit organizations.
Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
Canadian provincial, territorial, and municipal government organizations.
International universities and educational institutions as collaborators.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Micro-Net Composition / Budget and Timeline: Demonstration of all eligibility requirements for the Micro-net composition, budget, and timeline. The funding requested must not exceed $2,000,000, and activities must conclude by June 2027.
Alignment with S&T Challenge: Description of project objectives and demonstration of how the scientific and technological basis meets the expected outcomes of the S&T challenge.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Identification of the current TRL, which must be between 1 and 6, inclusive, and description of the R&D activities that have advanced the solution to this TRL.
Innovation - Novelty: Demonstration of the novelty of the research and its advancement of basic and applied research in support of the S&T challenge.
Innovation – Transformative: Listing of expected outcomes and how they have the potential to be transformative, exploiting and competitively advancing knowledge, science, or technology.
Scientific Quality: Detailed description of the scientific strategy, methodology, research questions, key risks, impacts, and mitigation strategies.
Micro-net Management Capabilities: Description of management capacity and structure including systems, controls, capabilities, and responsibilities for funds disbursement and risk management.
Micro-net Scientific Capabilities: Information on the team's time commitments, responsibilities, expertise, and relevant publications related to the proposal.
Micro-net Collaboration: Demonstration of how partners/collaborators will work together to benefit from multidisciplinary membership.
Sustainability: Description of sustainability plans for activities beyond DND funding.
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+): Demonstration of how GBA+ considerations have been integrated into the overall analysis and proposal.
Work Plan: Feasibility and approach of the work plan, including expected outcomes, challenges, partner involvement, budget, and sources of funding.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Create CPC Connect Account
If you don't have an account, register on the CPC Connect service by completing your personal profile on the Canada Post website.
Step 2: Request Connect Conversation
Email DRDCCSS-RDDCCSS@forces.gc.ca with your CPC Connect email address to request a Connect conversation at least three business days before closing date.
Wait for email notification from CPC to access the Connect conversation.
Step 3: Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)
Complete the DND LOI form available through their platforms.
Submit the LOI using CPC Connect before 2:00 pm Eastern Time on November 15, 2023.
Step 4: Await LOI Evaluation Results
Wait 5 to 6 weeks after the LOI deadline for notification on submission status.
Eligible applicants will be invited to submit Full Proposals.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Full Proposal
Upon invitation, prepare the Full Proposal using DND’s provided form.
Submit the complete Full Proposal through CPC Connect by the specified deadline.
Step 6: Await Full Proposal Evaluation
Wait 8 to 10 weeks after the Full Proposal deadline for selection notification.
Step 7: Contribution Agreement Process
If selected, DND will invite you to enter a contribution agreement.
Finalize agreement details regarding project funding and obligations.
Step 8: Confirmation and Reporting
Upon agreement signature, manage funds and report progress as per DND requirements.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for the grant:

Initial recipients are responsible for the financial and administrative management of the micro-net funds according to the contribution agreement with DND.
Applicants can submit only one Letter of Intent, but members from eligible organizations can participate in multiple micro-nets with distinct project activities.
A Privacy Notice Statement ensures the confidentiality of submitted information under the Access to Information and Privacy Act.
Projects are subject to a final report requirement that comprehensively details project objectives, methodologies, outcomes, and recommendations.
The Technology Readiness Levels for projects must be between TRL 1 and TRL 6 at the time of selection.
A comprehensive communication plan is encouraged, with materials ideally provided in both English and French.
There are guidelines and auditing requirements around the use of intellectual property developed during the funded projects.