R&D for Multi Satellite Data Integration - Earth Observation applications and utilization

Announcement of Opportunity

Publication date: November 20, 2013

Application deadline: December 18, 2013

1. Introduction

Current plans supplied by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) agencies estimate that around 100 new satellite missions will be launched for operation between 2012 and 2017 (The Earth Observation Handbook: 2012 Special Edition for Rio +20, European Space Agency (ESA)). These new satellites will ensure continuity, provide improved resolutions and accuracies, and introduce new capabilities.

To ensure that Canadian industry remains at the forefront of emerging space technologies and is enabled to develop applications that capitalize on these new sensors and their capabilities, the Earth Observation Applications Development Program (EOADP) issues Announcements of Opportunity (AOs) for funding through the Canadian Space Agency's Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology.

Please read the following AO thoroughly before submitting your application. It has been prepared to assist applicants through the application process and outlines important elements including mandatory criteria for eligibility, details on eligible projects and the selection process. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and the individual funding agreements governing a project(s), the latter document(s) will take precedence.

2. AO Objectives

This AO aims to support Research and development (R&D) on multi-data integration. This is defined as the combination of RADARSAT imagery with other types of satellite imagery, plus any other complementary forms of data such as in-situ measurements, models or surface truth information. This comprehensive data acquisition pools capacity and maximizes interoperable and synergistic use of available satellite systems.

3. Eligibility

3.1 Eligible Recipients

Contributions under this AO are aimed at for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada.

3.2 Eligible R&D Projects

This AO is soliciting R&D projects for multi satellite data integration that includes RADARSAT data. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will assess applicants' response to the following requirement:

Describe the objectives and anticipated results of the project, including a description of the technological challenges that will have to be overcome for the project to succeed. How does this go beyond routine development activities?

A project may consist of several activities to attain its objectives or results. Any logical breakdown or combination of these activities can constitute a funded project. However, breaking down a project into numerous activities or sub-activities to obtain more than the maximum contribution funding is not allowed for what is considered to be one project. Furthermore, even if the maximum funding for one project is not reached, the completion of a funded activity does not automatically guarantee funding of the remaining activities of the project.

The following are examples of R&D projects:

• investigating novel approaches to convert satellite measurements into useful parameters that can be applied in scientific models, and that can be compared and inter-calibrated among the different satellite missions;
• development of assimilation methodologies to integrate satellite and in-situ observations;
• development of new analytical methodologies to exploit existing long time series of satellite measurements.

3.3 Link to CSA priorities

This AO will support the Earth Observation Data and Imagery Utilization program activity. The key result expected from projects selected for funding is:

• A Canadian industry that turns Earth Observation (EO) space data into useable products is enhanced.

This result encompasses both capacity building of industry and an increased use of EO-based solutions by the end-user community.

3.4 Link to G&C Program Objectives

The Research component of the G&C Program provides financial support for the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA. This program supports targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.

The overarching priority of the CSA is the utilisation of RADARSAT data.

4. Applications

4.1 Required documentation

• a completed typed original application form (PDF or Word templates) signed by the Duly Authorized Representative. This includes the Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information and Privacy Act form signed by the Duly Authorized Representative;
• a copy of the application form (identical to the signed paper copy) on standard electronic media (preferably a USB Key);
• one (1) bound hardcopy and one (1) softcopy (preferably a USB Key) of the proposal. Note that the softcopy must be in one single file in WORD or PDF;
• a copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the Applicant;
• letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions (if applicable);
• financial statements for the last two (2) years and the most recent interim results.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application complies with all relevant federal, provincial/territorial and municipal laws.

Applications must be post-mailed to the CSA at the following address:

Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday December 18, 2013.

• applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted;
• incomplete applications will not be considered;
• only one request for contribution per Applicant (lead organization) will be accepted for review.

4.2 Proposal Format and Content

The proposal should be written in a concise and clear manner, preferably using 12 point letter size (except for tables and figures) in a Times New Roman font (maximum of 20 pages, excluding appendices). The proposal must include the following sections:

• a title page, including:
  • name of AO;
  • project title.
• table of contents;

Project Description, including:

• introduction;
• feasibility;
• resources;
• risks and mitigation measures;
• results;
• benefits to Canada.

4.3 Contact Information

To obtain general information on the Program, please contact:

Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA Web site in the Frequently Asked Questions of this AO (see Section 9). The CSA will answer questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, December 4, 2013.

4.4 Service Standards – Applications

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Projects that have been selected will be announced on CSA website under the section of this AO.

CSA has set service standards related to delays in processing requests, the acknowledgement of receipt, funding decision and payment processes.

Acknowledgement: CSA goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within two (2) weeks of receiving a completed application package.

Decision: CSA goal is to respond to the proposal within twelve (12) weeks of receiving a completed application package or closing date of the AO and, to send for signature a contribution agreement within eight (8) weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment: CSA goal is to issue payments within four (4) weeks of the successful fulfillment of requirements outlined in the contribution agreement.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. The applicant must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion. Service standards may vary by AO.

5. Selection Process

Only applications that include all of the documents itemized in Section 4.1 will be evaluated.
Proposals will be evaluated against point-rated criteria and those with the highest scores will receive funding.

The determination of the amount of support will take into consideration CSA availability of funds, the total cost of the project as well as the other confirmed sources of funds invested by other stakeholders and the applicant. It is estimated that about ten (10) projects will be funded under this AO.

5.1 Screening Criteria

Applications must meet the screening criteria. The screening process will determine if the application:

• represents an eligible recipient (Section 3.1);
• represents an eligible R&D project as defined in Sections 3.2 to 3.4;
• meets Grants and Contributions Program funding provisions (Section 6).

5.2 Evaluation Process

Only applications that have passed the screening criteria will be considered further.

Evaluators will assess each application based on evaluation criteria listed in Section 5.3.

Evaluators will be experts in the field relevant to the applications and may include representatives of the Canadian government, and non-governmental organizations.

The determination of the amount of support will take into consideration CSA availability of funds, the total cost of the project as well as the other confirmed sources of funds invested by other stakeholders and the applicant.

5.3 Evaluation Criteria

1. Feasibility

• Clarity of objectives and project description
• Methodology
• Data Plan

2. Resources

• Relevant capabilities and experience
• Management plan

3. Risks and Mitigation Measures

• Identification of the key risks associated with the project and mitigation strategies (technical, managerial, financial)

4. Results

• A Canadian industry that integrates RADARSAT technologies with other satellite technologies
• Demonstration that multi-satellite data integration enhances EO solutions (products, services, processes)

5. Benefits to Canada

• Canadian industrial capabilities and know-how are advanced, relative to the use and application of EO data
• Broadened use of space-based solutions
• Enhanced ability to meet national space needs and increased global competitiveness

Proposals will be scored in accordance with the following:

The proposal scoring for each evaluation criterion will be determined using a range from 1 to 8 points, 8 being the highest rating:

• 1 or 2 points (Level A)
• 3 or 4 points (Level B)
• 5 or 6 points (Level C)
• 7 or 8 points (Level D)

As an example, the maximum point rating, including the weighting factor, for the "Resources" criterion is 8 points. If a proposal receives "6" for this criterion in the evaluation process, the final score attributed to the criterion will be:

6 * 2.5 (Weighting factor) = 15.0 points (score)

Point rated evaluation criteria that are not addressed in the proposal will be given a score of zero.

1. Feasibility

Description: This criterion assesses whether research objectives are clearly described and the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in attaining them. The technical methodology demonstrates that the work packages, their sequence and the data plan are clearly substantiated, coherent and feasible.

Data should be chosen to best demonstrate the feasibility, performance, and success of the project. The data plan should describe all of the EO data that will be used in the project, including areas of interest, dates and volume of data, any other complementary imagery or other data types, whether they have been previously acquired or if they need to be acquired during the project.

Rating scale

• D: The proposal clearly states and describes specific research objectives that are realistic. The proposed methodology for the research activities shows a sound and methodical approach to conducting the work and achieving the objectives. An excellent data plan is included.
• C: The proposal states and describes specific research objectives of the study that appear to be realistic. The proposed methodology for the research activities shows a good approach to conducting the work. However its effectiveness in achieving the technical objectives of the work is not fully substantiated. A good data plan is included.
• B: The proposal states and describes specific research objectives of the study that may not be realistic. The proposed methodology for the research activities shows an adequate approach to conducting the work. However there are gaps in the methodology and its effectiveness in achieving the technical objectives of the work is poorly substantiated. A marginal data plan is included.
• A: The proposal is not clear about the research objectives of the study. The proposed methodology for the research activities is not appropriate or is not adequately elaborated. The data plan is poor and lacks detail.

2. Resources

Description: This criterion assesses the combined technical and management capability (qualifications, experience) of team members to effectively achieve project objectives, and should include a description for each of the proposed team members stating their roles and responsibilities within the project. Resumes should be provided in an appendix.

This criterion also evaluates the Management Plan for its completeness and its effectiveness in directing the project to a successful completion.

Rating scale

• D: The proposed project team is highly experienced in the relevant technologies or applications. The proposal includes well described roles and responsibilities of each team member. The proposal provides a coherent and comprehensive Management Plan that will be effective in delivering the project.
• C: The proposed project team has worked actively in the relevant technologies or applications. The proposal includes roles and responsibilities of each team member. The proposal provides a credible Management Plan but its ability to effectively deliver the project may be somewhat limited.
• B: The proposed project team has some experience in the relevant technologies or applications. The proposal lists team member roles but is vague about their responsibilities. The proposal provides a marginal Management Plan, and its ability to effectively deliver the project is doubtful.
• A: The proposed project team has limited or no experience in the relevant technologies or applications. The proposal includes team members but does not describe their roles and responsibilities. The proposal provides a poor Management Plan, which will not be effective in delivering the project.

3. Risks and Mitigation Measures

Description: This criterion assesses any critical issues that could potentially jeopardize the successful completion of the project (technical, managerial, financial). An assessment of the risks involved should be accompanied by a mitigation strategy.

Rating scale

• D: The proposal clearly states the risks to the successful completion of the work within the stated timeframe and budget. The risks are assessed in terms of their impact and likelihood and solid mitigation measures are proposed.
• C: The proposal states some of the risks to the successful completion of the work within the stated timeframe and budget. The risks are assessed in terms of their impact and likelihood. Mitigation measures are proposed but are weak.
• B: The proposal states some of the risks to the successful completion of the work within the stated timeframe and budget but does not properly assess them. Mitigation measures are inadequate or non-existent.
• A: The proposal does not clearly state the risks to the successful completion of the work within the stated timeframe and budget. Mitigation measures are inadequate or non-existent.

4. Results

Description: This criterion evaluates the proposed EO solution that integrates data from RADARSAT with that of other satellite sensors and may also include other types of complimentary data. This criterion also assesses if and how multi-satellite data integration will enhance the new EO products, services or processes and lead to improvements over current state-of-the-art practices.

Rating scale

• D: The proposal gives an excellent description of the EO solution that integrates data from RADARSAT with that of other satellite sensors and may also include other types of complimentary data. The proposal shows clearly how the research will lead to enhanced EO products, services or processes, and improvements over current state-of-the-art practices through the integration of multi-sensor data.
• C: The proposal gives a good description of the EO solution that integrates data from RADARSAT with that of other satellite sensors and may also include other types of complimentary data. The proposal shows, in a general way, how the research will lead to enhanced EO products, services or processes, and improvements over current state-of-the-art practices through the integration of multi-sensor data.
• B: The proposal gives a marginal description of the EO solution that integrates data from RADARSAT with that of other satellite sensors and may also include other types of complimentary data. The proposal states that the research will lead to enhanced EO products, services or processes, and improvements over current state-of-the-art practices through the integration of multi-sensor data, but does not explain how.
• A: The proposal gives a poor description of the EO solution that integrates data from RADARSAT with that of other satellite sensors and may also include other types of complimentary data. It is not clear that the research will lead to enhanced EO products, services or processes, and improvements over current state-of-the-art practices through the integration of multi-sensor data.

5. Benefits to Canada

Description: This criterion evaluates the potential of increasing industrial capabilities and know-how as pertains to the use and application of satellite EO data and how the project will broaden the use of space-based EO data. It also assesses how the proposed project will contribute to enhancing Canadian industry's ability to meet national space needs and its ability to be competitive in the global market.

Rating scale

• D: The proposal clearly shows how the research will contribute to the organization's expertise in the use and application of satellite EO data, and should lead to broadened use of space-based EO data. The proposal shows how the proposed EO solution will address national needs and enhance the organization's international competitiveness.
• C: The proposal shows how the research will contribute to the organization's expertise in the use and application of satellite EO data, and may lead to broadened use of space-based EO data. The proposal is unclear on how the proposed EO solution will address national needs and enhance the organization's international competitiveness.
• B: The proposal shows how the research will contribute to the organization's expertise in the use and application of satellite EO data. It is not clear that it will lead to broadened use of space-based EO data. The proposal is unclear on how the proposed EO solution will address national needs and enhance the organization's international competitiveness.
• A: The proposal gives a general idea of how the research will contribute to the organization's expertise in the use and application of satellite EO data. It is not clear that it will lead to broadened use of space-based EO data. The proposal does not address how the proposed EO solution might address national needs or enhance the organization's international competitiveness.

6. Funding

6.1 Available Funding

For the purposes of this AO, the maximum limit of the non-repayable contribution per accepted project must be less than $100,000 over 18 months. This limit applies to the entire portion of the Government's contribution for the lead Applicant.

The "Stacking Limit" is the maximum government (federal, provincial/ territorial and municipal) financial assistance for a project. An approved proposal will be eligible for total government assistance of up to 75% of total eligible project costs. The overall number of contributions awarded and their level will depend on the availability of funds.

The CSA reserves the right not to accept any proposals or to reduce the amount of the contributions at its entire discretion.

Applicants are required to identify all sources of funding in their proposal and to confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. In addition, upon completion of a project, the applicant will be required to disclose all sources of funding. Should the CSA determine that assistance from federal, provincial and municipal sources exceed the stacking limit, the CSA will recover the amount that the CSA determines to be over the stacking limit. The recovery will be calculated on a pro-rated basis according to the proportion of total government assistance contributed by the federal government, should amounts not be disclosed at the time at the determination by the CSA, the CSA may withhold any amount that the CSA determines to be appropriate to recover any excess funding.

6.2 Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are direct expenses associated with the delivery of the approved project that are required to achieve the results to which it relates. Expenses will be covered subject to the applicant signing a funding agreement, in the form of a contribution, with the CSA.

The eligible costs for contributions under this AO are the following:

• acquisition or rental of equipment;
• consultants services;
• data acquisition;
• material and supplies;
• overhead (administrative) costs, not to exceed 15% of eligible costs;
• salaries and benefits; and
• travel.

6.3 Data Sources

The focus of the current AO is R&D related to the use of RADARSAT imagery in combination with other sources of satellite imagery, in addition to other complementary data. This may include airborne, in-situ data, models or surface truth information.

Each proposal should provide a data plan for the imagery that is intended to be used for the proposed project. Data should be chosen to best demonstrate the feasibility, performance, and success of the project objectives. The data plan should describe all of the RADARSAT data that will be used in the project, including areas of interest, dates and volume of data, any other complementary imagery or other data types, whether they have been previously acquired or if they need to be acquired during the project. The data plan should explain why these data are needed.

Since the focus of the current AO is related to the use of EO imagery for research and development purposes, the CSA will provide access to a reasonable amount of RADARSAT imagery free of charge to the successful applicants. However, a large volume of archived imagery is maintained that Applicants are encouraged to try to incorporate into their proposed activities, which can be viewed at ceocat.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/portal/index.html.

Other sources of complementary imagery may be required and used to support the R&D activities. The CSA will lend a reasonable amount of other datellite imagery free of charge from the following missions as part of the Government of Canada National Master Standing Offer (NMSO) for commercial satellite imagery:

Figure 1 – Other satellite imagery

However, if imagery from other EO space missions, airborne data and in-situ data are proposed, the Applicant will be responsible for obtaining the necessary complementary data to conduct its research activities, and include this cost in the project budget.

The data plan should take into consideration the potential constraints related to RADARSAT data acquisition (e.g., priority levels, scheduling conflicts and end user license agreement). It should be noted that data orders under these R&D projects have lower acquisition priority than for Government of Canada operational needs.

Some areas in Canada are particularly susceptible to RADARSAT data acquisition conflicts. As a result, the risk associated with these areas, with respect to data availability, might increase. Projects that focus on these areas and/or planning to use time series should propose a solid mitigation strategy (alternative study sites, or data, reducing the number of sites, etc.). The following areas are particularly susceptible to RADARSAT data acquisition conflicts:

• St-Laurence basin including the greater Montreal area and the eastern townships;
• the greater Ottawa area;
• the Athabasca River and oil sands sites in northern Alberta.

Table D-1 below is an example of the format that should be used for the RADARSAT data plan. For other satellite data, airborne or in situ data proposed in the project, a separate table should be provided.

Notes:

1. ScanSAR Beam modes are only available for SGF (SCN/SCW) products. Quad_Pol products are not available for processing level SGF.
2. Specify if fieldwork data collection is planned during satellite data acquisition.

The RADARSAT imagery and other complementary data as Identified in Figure 1 do not need to be purchased by the Applicant and the cost should therefore not be included by the Applicant in the project budget. However, the project budget should include the cost of any other complementary data (identified in the Data Plan) that will need to be purchased by the Applicant during the project.

All commercially available RADARSAT beam modes are eligible under this AO.

7. Funding Agreements

7.1 Payments

The CSA and the successful Applicants (hereinafter referred to as the Recipients) will sign a funding agreement. This represents a condition for any payment made by the CSA with respect to the approved project.

Payments for contribution agreements will be made in accordance with the process and the reporting requirements described in the signed funding agreement. Upon notice of a successful application, the CSA will have no liability until a funding agreement is signed by both parties. Only eligible costs incurred after the funding agreement is signed and indicated in the agreement will be paid and/or reimbursed.

7.2 Reporting

• progress reports every 6 months including activities, progress and challenges encountered;
• final report summarizing project activities and results;
• as a courtesy, the CSA would like to receive a copy of publications arising from the work, and to be informed in advance of significant press releases or media interest resulting from the work.

7.3 Conflict of interest

In the funding agreement, the Recipient will certify that any former public office holder or public servant it employs complies with the provisions of the relevant Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Former Public Office Holders and the Value and Ethics Code for Public Servants respectively.

7.4 Intellectual Property

All Intellectual Property that arises in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient.

7.5 Performance Measurement

The CSA will ask the recipients to report on certain elements of projects such as:

In Knowledge

• publications;
• presentations;
• patents.

In Capacity

• highly qualified personnel supported.

In Products & Services

• number of EO applications developed;
• number of RADARSAT scenes used.

8. Privacy Notice Statement

The CSA will comply with federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act with respect to applications received under this Component. By submitting your personal information, you are consenting to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the following Privacy Notice Statement which explains how Applicant's information will be managed.

Necessary measures have been taken to protect the confidentiality of the information provided by the Applicant. This information is collected under the authority of the CSA Class Grant and Contribution Program to support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology - Research Component, and will be used for the evaluation and selection of proposals. Personal information (such as contact information, biographical information, etc.) included in the rejected proposals will be stored in a Personal Information CSA Bank for 5 years and then destroyed (Personal Information Bank to be registered with Treasury Board Secretariat soon). Personal information included in the successful proposals will be retained along with the results of their proposals for historical purposes. These data are protected under the Privacy Act. According to the Privacy Act, the data linked to one individual and included in the proposal being evaluated can be accessed by the specific concerned individual who has rights with respect to this information. This individual may, upon request, (1) be given access to his/her data and (2) have incorrect information corrected or have a notation attached.

Applicants should note that for all agreements over $25,000, information related to the funding agreement (amount, grant or contribution, name of the recipient and project location) through this Component and the purpose of the funding will be made available to the public on the CSA website.

If you need additional information on privacy matter before sending your proposal, contact Danielle Bourgie, Coordinator, Access to Information and Privacy, at the CSA.

Telephone: 450-926-4866
Email: danielle.bourgie@canada.ca

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A "Frequently Asked Questions" section will be added to the AO. When questions are raised by a potential applicant, the Program Manager will respond to the Applicant through this section.

It is the responsibility of interested parties to obtain clarification of the requirements contained herein, if necessary, before submitting an application.

At any point of the process, you are invited to share with us your comments or suggestions regarding the AO, the program or the process. You can use the anonymous Web-Based Comments and Suggestions Box available at:
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/funding-programs/grants-and-contributions-snapshot.asp#comments.

If you have any questions related to the AO, you can either use the Web-Based Comment and Suggestion Box or email address (lecedessetc-thegandccoe@asc-csa.gc.ca), both tools are anonymous. The questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of this AO. CSA will respond to questions received before 5:00 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, December 4, 2013.