COVID-19 Challenge: An intelligent digital clearing house

Sponsor

National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)

For More Information

Visit the Covid-19 Challenge Website

Description

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in collaboration Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is seeking a digital solution to enable Canadian industry and global communities of researchers, health providers and funders to exchange, share and procure expertise and materials in response to COVID-19. This platform must be adaptable to future emergencies and crises and expandable to other jurisdictions.

This digital platform will be used to address scenarios such as:

  1. I want something you might have:  Allow health providers and regulators to post needs for equipment, services, and expertise.
  2. I have something you might need: Allow solution providers to offer existing products, services and information.
  3. I'm researching something you might be able to help me with: Allow government researchers and policy makers to share ideas and procure expertise across all levels of government.
  4. I need a material, product, part or service:  Allow firms to connect with appropriate government departments or other firms in the supply chain.

The intent is to provide a scalable, robust infrastructure that can integrate multiple emerging platform initiatives, for use by public, private, and non-profit organizations across multiple sectors to share information, expertise in response to a global crisis such as COVID-19.

Eligibility

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*

* Calculations must take into account and include affiliated businesses, such as parent companies and subsidiaries, that are either in or outside of Canada

Funding Availability

Multiple grants could result from this Challenge.

  • Estimated number of Phase 1 grants: 2
  • Estimated number of Phase 2 grants: 1

Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.

Maximum Project Value

The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 Grant resulting from this Challenge is $300,000.00 CAD for up to 3 months.

The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 Grant resulting from this Challenge is $1,000,000.00 CAD for up to 12 months. Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.

Indirect Costs

40%

Project Duration

  • Phase 1 projects have a maximum duration of 3 months.
  • Phase 2 projects have a maximum duration of 12 months.

Special Notes

Please refer to the Office of Research COVID 19 web-page for directives related to research activities at the University of Guelph.

Deadlines

If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.

TypeDate
External Deadline

How to Apply

Eligible companies are required to submit their application through the Innovative Solutions Canada Website.

For Questions, please contact

All incoming questions regarding this specific challenge should be addressed to solutions@canada.ca.

All enquiries must be submitted in writing no later than 48 hours before the Challenge Notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.

You can also consult the Frequently asked questions about the Innovative Solutions Canada Program.

glossary is also available.

Alert Classifications
Category:
Funding Opportunities and Sponsor News

Disciplines:
Health and Life Sciences
Humanities
Information and Communications Technology
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Social Sciences