Frequently asked questions: Grants and contributions projects in the context of COVID-19
1. Will the current COVID-19 situation affect my project or funding agreement?
The current COVID-19 situation may affect your organization. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA hereafter) is committed to ensuring that the management of grants and contributions is flexible to adapt to various situations.
The CSA will exercise flexibility to reduce potential impacts on recipients and participants as well as on project duration and the types of activities that can be funded.
The CSA will continue to work with other Government Departments, Agencies and counterpart Space Agencies to ensure maximum flexibility and a streamlined process for recipients to allow them to modify their projects and their grant or contribution agreements in dealing with the challenges posed by COVID-19.
2. In the current context, what will happen if I submit my reports and claims late?
The CSA will exercise flexibility to accommodate for delayed transmission of documents, reports and payment claims.
3. Do I need to adapt my project activities in the context of COVID-19? What should I do if the activities of my project are affected or cancelled?
The current COVID-19 situation may affect the activities and timelines set out in your funding agreement. If the situation merits, based on advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), alternate activities to reduce travel, group-based activities and personal contact could be considered, such as virtual conferences or teleconferences. We recommend that you refer to the advice provided by the PHAC to stay informed on current prevention measures.
If your activities need to be adapted or cancelled due to the current COVID-19 situation, or if you require an extension of your funding agreement, you will be required to provide a written rationale describing the situation. Flexibility measures will have to respect the terms and conditions of the CSA Class Grant and contribution program. Please contact the CSA Program Authority identified in the Funding Agreement.
4. What costs, if any, will be allowed moving forward for organizations that may be closing indefinitely due to the COVID-19 situation?
The current COVID-19 situation may result in organizations closing for an indeterminate period. Should this occur, the CSA will continue to work with the organizations. In these cases, the recipient is requested to provide a written rationale to explain the situation and its impact on project costs. Please contact the CSA Program Authority identified in the Funding Agreement.
5. I had to cancel some activities set out in my agreement. Do I have to reimburse the Agency for the funds I already received to cover the expenses incurred for these activities?
Project activities may be disrupted, postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Flexibility will be exercised on all reasonable costs associated with the event and its cancellation. These costs can be covered through the grant or contribution agreement. In these cases, the recipient is requested to provide a written rationale to explain the situation. Please contact the CSA Program Authority identified in the Funding Agreement.
6. In the current context, I am concerned that I will not meet the results set out in my agreement. What should I do?
The CSA will provide flexibility in terms of expected results. In cases where an amendment to your agreement is required, for instance to substitute or withdraw certain activities, the expected results will need to be revised to reflect the current situation. Please provide a written rationale describing the situation. Please contact the CSA Program Authority identified in the Funding Agreement.
7. Will CSA continue to accept Applications for Funding?
Current Announcement of Opportunities (AOs) will continue to accept applications, although there may be delays in processing.
Please refer to the Opportunities at the Canadian Space Agency page for more information. Updates will be posted as they become available.
8. I would like to have further information on the situation surrounding COVID-19
To keep up-to-date on COVID-19, please refer to your local or regional public health authorities.
You can also consult the following resources offered by the Government of Canada:
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