Innovative Solutions Canada — Inclusive industrial protective headwear
Canada
The PSPC Inclusive Industrial Protective Headwear Innovation Challenge.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 10, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 21, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), aims to support the design and production of inclusive industrial protective headwear for workers wearing head coverings due to religious, cultural, medical, or gender identity reasons. Eligible activities include the development of headwear solutions that meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA Z94.1) guidelines, accommodating various head coverings while ensuring safety in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant eligibility criteria indicate that companies must be incorporated in Canada. Only businesses meeting these geographical constraints can apply.
- Businesses that are incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$85,000
Calgary
Developing inclusive headwear for transgender miners
$50,000
Montreal
Creating CSA-compliant headwear for medical staff wearing hijabs
$80,000
Toronto
Developing CSA-compliant protective headwear for Sikh construction workers
$85,000
Ottawa
Designing inclusive headwear for construction workers with medical head coverings
$75,000
Winnipeg
Producing sustainable headwear for mining workers with cultural head coverings
$60,000
Vancouver
Creating eco-friendly industrial headwear for Muslim female workers
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries, and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
For the Public Services and Procurement Canada Challenge, proposals can be submitted exclusively by small businesses in Canada that meet specific criteria.
- Must be a for-profit organization.
- Must be incorporated in Canada, whether federally or provincially.
- Must have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, taking into account affiliated businesses both within and outside Canada.
- Must conduct research and development activities within Canada.
- Must ensure that 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries, and fees are paid to employees and contractors working primarily in Canada.
- Must have 50% or more of its FTE employees whose ordinary place of work is in Canada.
- Must have 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) with Canada as their principal residence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports the development of innovative industrial protective headwear solutions that can accommodate various head coverings while meeting safety standards. These projects focus on addressing systemic barriers, ensuring compliance with Canadian safety regulations, and supporting diverse workforce needs.
- Design and production of industrial protective headwear accommodating religious and cultural head coverings.
- Research and development activities aimed at testing the feasibility of new protective headwear designs.
- Collaboration with the Canadian Standards Association to ensure solutions meet CSA Z94.1 standards or inform new specifications.
- Development of sustainable, eco-friendly materials and processes for protective headwear.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses associated with research and development activities, personnel, and material costs necessary for achieving the project's objectives.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for employees involved in the project.
- Costs of materials and supplies directly related to the R&D activities.
- Equipment rental or purchase necessary for the execution of the project.
- Consultancy fees for expert advice or specialised skill sets required for the project.
- Other operational expenses critical to the development and feasibility activities.
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.
- Question 1a: Scope - Pass/Fail.
- Question 2: Current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) - Pass/Fail.
- Question 3a: Innovation - Pass/Fail.
- Question 3b: Advance on State of the Art - 0 to 20 points.
- Question 1b: Scope (Additional Outcomes) - 0 to 10 points.
- Question 4: Phase 1 Science and Technology (S&T) Risks - 0 to 10 points.
- Question 5: Phase 1 Project Risks - 0 to 10 points.
- Question 6: Phase 1 Project Plan - 0 to 20 points.
- Question 7: Phase 1 Implementation Team - 0 to 20 points.
- Question 8: Inclusivity - 0 to 20 points.
- Question 9: Phase 1 Financial Controls, Tracking and Oversight - 0 to 10 points.
- Question 10: Phase 2 Overview - 0 to 10 points.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the funding body's portal at CanadaBuys.
- Register your interest and login to access the submission form.
- Step 2: Review Guidelines and Criteria
- Carefully read through the official solicitation documents and tender notice for specific details.
- Understand the mandatory and point-rated criteria and ensure your proposal meets them.
- Step 3: Prepare Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive proposal addressing the challenge, including scientific and technological basis, innovation, and expected outcomes.
- Document your current Technology Readiness Level and R&D activities.
- Address the project's plan for Phase 1, including team composition and financial tracking.
- Consider inclusivity measures and describe them in the application.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Log in to the CanadaBuys portal and complete the Challenge Stream Submission Form.
- Attach all required documents and proposals meticulously.
- Submit the application before the closing date, August 21, 2024, 14:00 Eastern Time.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email with an application reference number.
- Ensure you keep the confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant offers an inclusive innovation opportunity in the design of industrial protective headwear, targeting systemic barriers faced by workers who wear head coverings. PSPC supports a diverse and inclusive workplace, aiming to enhance safety and accessibility for all workers through this initiative.
- Phase 1 contracts have a maximum funding of $300,000 CAD and last up to 6 months.
- Phase 2 contracts have a maximum funding of $1,000,000 CAD and may extend up to 24 months.
- Multiple contracts may result from this challenge, with a focus on safety and inclusivity.
- The challenge requires candidates to adhere to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards or provide valid alternatives.
- No travel is anticipated for Phase 1; all meetings will be conducted remotely.
grant_single_labels|contact
TPSGC.SIC-ISC.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Inclusive Industrial Protective Headwear Innovation Funding Opportunity
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is offering a funding opportunity for businesses to develop industrial protective headwear that accommodates head coverings worn for religious, cultural, medical, and gender identity reasons. This initiative seeks to reduce systemic barriers in industries requiring protective headgear and foster inclusivity.
Exploring the Grant for Innovative Protective Headwear Design
This grant opportunity focuses on fostering innovation in the field of industrial protective headwear by encouraging the development of designs that cater to the needs of individuals who wear religious, cultural, medical, and gender identity head coverings. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is committed to addressing the challenges that such individuals face in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining, where personal protective equipment is mandatory.The goal of the grant is to encourage solutions that are compatible with head coverings such as turbans, hijabs, and kippahs, addressing the lack of available options compliant with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Z94.1) standards. The initiative is particularly focused on Phase 1, or Proof of Feasibility, working with Technology Readiness Levels 1-4 to ensure the proposals are scientifically and technologically sound.Selected applicants will engage in a collaborative process with PSPC and possibly the CSA Group, aiming to test and validate their solutions' feasibility and safety to inform potential updates to the CSA Z94.1 standard. The focus is not only on compliance with existing standards but also on innovating to create adjustable solutions that can accommodate various head covering volumes and shapes.Mandatory outcomes for applicants include adherence to CSA standards and the ability to pass relevant tests, whereas additional considerations highlight the importance of adaptability across different industrial environments and sustainable material use. Through this grant, Canada seeks to play a leading role on a global stage by eliminating barriers to workplace entry and promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.The potential risks of not developing such protective gear are substantial, including increased risk of head injuries, non-compliance with safety regulations, and systemic discrimination and exclusion from certain job opportunities. Conversely, innovations that arise from this grant can mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer, more inclusive working environment.This initiative provides financial support through a contract mechanism, with Phase 1 funding up to $300,000 CAD per contract, and an estimated 3 contracts available. Successful projects may proceed to Phase 2, with increased funding and a longer development period. Eligibility is restricted to Canadian small businesses, and the applications must meet a set of mandatory and point-rated criteria to be considered competitive.The application process requires a comprehensive proposal that clearly defines the solution's scope, current technological readiness, and innovative attributes. Applicants are encouraged to highlight how their solutions advance current technologies, identify potential scientific and project risks, and outline strategies to mitigate these risks.In summary, this grant represents a significant opportunity for innovation and inclusivity in the industrial sector, supporting projects that align with Canada's broader goals of fostering equality and the efficient use of protective headgear across diverse communities. It is a step forward in meeting safety standards while respecting the diverse cultural landscape of Canada's workforce.
