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|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- National Research Council Canada (NRC)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
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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 eligible projects and activities for this grant include designing and producing inclusive industrial protective headwear that meets the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Z94.1) standard and accommodates various head coverings.
- Design of adjustable protective headwear
- Testing of the headwear to meet CSA Z94.1 standards
- Engaging with stakeholders for feedback and improvement
- Developing eco-friendly and sustainable materials for headwear production
- Collaborating with CSA Group to ensure technical and safety compliance
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$60,000
Vancouver
Creating eco-friendly industrial headwear for Muslim female workers in Vancouver.
$80,000
Toronto
Developing CSA-compliant protective headwear for Sikh construction workers in Toronto.
$85,000
Calgary
Developing inclusive headwear for transgender miners in Calgary.
$50,000
Montreal
Creating CSA-compliant headwear for medical staff wearing hijabs in Montreal.
$85,000
Ottawa
Designing inclusive headwear for construction workers in Ottawa with medical head coverings.
$75,000
Winnipeg
Producing sustainable headwear for mining workers with cultural head coverings in Winnipeg.
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
To be eligible for the grant, proposals must be submitted by small businesses meeting specific criteria. These criteria include being for-profit, incorporated in Canada, and having a workforce primarily based in Canada.
- 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 annual wages, salaries, and fees are paid to employees and contractors working mostly in Canada
- 50% or more of FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work
- 50% or more of senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are Canadian provinces and territories where small businesses are incorporated.
- Province of British Columbia
- Province of Alberta
- Province of Saskatchewan
- Province of Manitoba
- Province of Ontario
- Province of Quebec
- Province of New Brunswick
- Province of Nova Scotia
- Province of Prince Edward Island
- Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Territory of Yukon
- Territory of Northwest Territories
- Territory of Nunavut
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
Grant for the Design of Inclusive Safety Helmets
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is challenging companies to develop industrial safety helmets that accommodate religious, cultural, medical, or gender identity headwear. This project aims to eliminate systemic barriers and promote inclusion while adhering to current safety standards.
Details of the Grant Program for the Design of Inclusive Safety Helmets
The grant program launched by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) aims to foster innovation in the design of industrial safety helmets that can be worn with headwear for religious, cultural, medical, or gender identity reasons. This program, structured in multiple phases, focuses on developing a helmet prototype that meets the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Z94.1) standards while providing adequate protection and practical fit for various headwear such as turbans, hijabs, and kippahs.
This funding program is crucial in the context of modern Canada, where diversity and inclusivity are core values. Currently, many workers who wear headwear for religious or other reasons must choose between their safety and their beliefs, an unacceptable choice that can lead to exclusion from certain sectors or significant safety risks. PSPC's project aims to remove these barriers by encouraging small Canadian businesses to develop innovative solutions.
The funding is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: In this phase, companies can receive up to CAD 300,000 for six months of work, aimed at proving the feasibility of their solution. The project must demonstrate how it will meet the CSA Z94.1 standard criteria and be adjustable for different types of headwear.
Phase 2: Only companies that have successfully completed Phase 1 will be eligible for this phase, in which they can receive up to CAD 1,000,000 for a 24-month development period. This phase focuses on the development and testing of the prototype, validating its functionality and safety in accordance with established standards.
The program is exclusively open to small Canadian businesses, defined as having a maximum of 499 full-time equivalent employees, and these companies must demonstrate that they conduct their research and development activities in Canada. PSPC also emphasizes supporting environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to minimize any negative impact.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria for each phase emphasize several critical aspects:
Scope of Innovation: Companies must describe in detail the proposed innovation, the scientific and technological basis, and how it meets the challenge's key outcomes.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): The proposal must indicate the current TRL (between 1 and 4), detailing the R&D work undertaken to reach this level.
Technological Advancement: Solutions must demonstrate clear competitive advantages and significant technological advancements compared to existing solutions.
Scientific and Technological Risks: Applications must identify potential risks and strategies to mitigate them.
Project Plan: Phase 1 must include a detailed plan of milestones and activities, including an estimate of the TRL progression by the end of this phase.
Inclusion: Companies must demonstrate their commitment to including underrepresented groups in their R&D efforts.
The program also highlights the importance of rigorous financial management, effective monitoring and oversight of allocated funds, and a clear vision for Phase 2 of the prototype development. Companies must describe their financial controls and monitoring mechanisms, as well as present an overview of their strategy for Phase 2, including main tasks, risks, and necessary human resources.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
This grant program not only promotes technological innovation but also aims to create an inclusive and respectful work environment for all Canadians, regardless of their beliefs, identity, or medical needs. PSPC, in coordination with the CSA Group, is committed to working with selected companies throughout the process to develop, test, and finalize suitable safety solutions. The ultimate goal is to inform the update of the CSA Z94.1 standard to reflect this new inclusivity in industrial safety equipment.
Interested companies are invited to submit their proposals by the deadline of August 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The selection process will be rigorous, and the chosen companies will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to a project that could be a game-changer for many workers in Canada and beyond.
