Digitization and cybersecurity

We are seeking pre-commercial innovative prototypes that can be tested in real life settings and address a variety of priorities within the Government of Canada.

Funding mechanism:
Contract

Opening date: 
March 21, 2023

Closing date: 
April 18, 2023, 14:00 Eastern Time

 

Overview

The Testing Stream aims to procure, test and evaluate innovative late stage pre-commercial prototypes.

The purpose of these calls for prototypes (CFPs) is to create pools of conditionally qualified innovations that Canada may select from to address a broad range of the Government of Canada organizations' requirements.

Each call includes a Standard Component and Military Component:

Standard component: $1,100,000 CAD

Military component: $2,300,000 CAD

If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a prototype that can respond to one of the problems below, apply now!

Problem statements

Secure data environments

Canadians are increasingly seeking information about the products they buy and use to make informed decisions about environmental sustainability and their health.

In 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC) carried out National Consultations on mandatory labelling and supply chain transparency for chemicals in consumer products. In these National Consultations, stakeholders demonstrated interest for having a central database to collect chemical ingredient data (in particular toxic chemicals, or chemicals of potential concerns) contained in products and to provide information to a wide range of end users.

The Government of Canada is looking for a database system. The database would be designed to ensure that the information is available throughout the entire lifecycle of products and materials, including at the waste stage. The central access would:

  • help consumers make better-informed decisions when buying products by providing information on how to best use and dispose of such products in Canada,
  • help improve response rates and data accuracy for reporting compliance, and
  • encourage substitution of harmful substances with safer alternatives.

The database would be available to supply chain managers and downstream users, such as retailers, consumers, and recyclers. Various viewing options would need to be integrated for these different types of users.

The Government of Canada is seeking cutting-edge technologies that deliver an enterprise-class database with data immutability at scale. Data must come with cryptographic verification at every transaction to ensure there is no tampering possible. Technologies must include features that would provide substantiate information to various users (supply chain managers, consumers, recyclers, etc.)

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Definitions
International stewardship standards/alignment:
Capable of operating in global supply chains using, for instance, the Materials Declaration Data Exchange Standards (IPC-175x), Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, standard language like the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), or the GRI Standards for sustainability reporting
Operations-ready:
A functional prototype (in form, fit, and function) that is ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment
Substantiated information:
Measures will be taken to supply evidence that proves that information is not false or misleading. There will be security in showing something to be true, or to support a claim with evidential information via a content moderation or verification process
Sustainability and health information:
Includes information on ingredients/chemicals (in particular, the presence of chemicals of potential concern), on the recycled content of the product or its packaging, product certifications, origin, recyclability, greenhouse gas emissions, or water and energy consumption
Tamper proofing:
Methods are used to hinder, deter or detect unauthorized access to a device or circumvention of a security system
Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

  • Systems comprised of a set of technological functionalities (High Availability, Security, Deployment Readiness, Backup and Restore, Monitoring), including the necessary integrated hardware and software.
  • Systems that can securely store and protect confidential, sensitive, or protected information employing methods and technologies such as:
    • user authentication and authorization;
    • semi-automatic updates;
    • tamper-proof and immutable records;
    • network security; and
    • encryption in transit and encryption at rest.

Digital credentials

Canadians expect easy, secure, and trusted access to digital services. They need to be able to control who can and—more importantly—can't, access their digital information. Digital credentials offer Canadians the ability to confirm their identity during service transactions. The Government is looking to leverage new technologies to meet this emerging need, while ensuring that trust is maintained and privacy is protected when interacting with Government of Canada departments. As the digital credentials ecosystem evolves, in the future these credentials could be used by other public and private sector services.

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Definitions
Digital Credential (also referred to as Verifiable Credential):

A digital credential is the electronic equivalent of physical documents that you already have that can verify your identity, such as your driver's license or health card. Digital Credentials allow you to provide information about yourself, what you can do, or what services you can access. Digital Credentials let people and businesses access services online without having to go to a location in person, send sensitive information through mail, or gain access to information such as other usernames and passwords associated with your identity.

Digital Credentials provide individuals the option of using the digital equivalent of their physical documents, that can be stored in a secure digital wallet on your personal device.

When accessing a government service, such as filing your taxes or applying for a social benefit through the CRA, a digital credential would give you the option of selecting the required information from your digital wallet and sharing it with the service, with all information shared being protected as per the Privacy Act. They give users greater control in how and when their information is used, and greater ease in using it.

Digital credentials are:

  • Accessible: Digital credentials should work with assistive technology, and reduce challenges associated with traditional paper forms and in-person visits. Digital credentials could also help members of marginalized communities such as the unsheltered people, who may not have access or security when using or storing their physical documents, to access important GoC services.
  • Convenient: Users would be able to access services faster using a variety of digital platforms (mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.).
  • Optional: Digital credentials would be completely voluntary. Other forms of physical documents, like a driver's license or passport, will still be accepted and used.
  • Private: Digital credentials allow users to be able to choose who sees their information and what they get to see, with only the required data being disclosed. Digital credentials keep user data private and allow them more control over the sharing of their personal information.
  • Secure: Digital credentials benefit from Canada's strong and ever evolving cyber security protections, and add to this security landscape.
Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

Digital trust services and technologies that enable the use of digital credentials make it quicker and easier for organizations and individuals to conduct digital transactions across the economy and society, in ways including:

  • Issuing and verifying services;
  • Digital wallets;
  • Trust Registries; and
  • Platforms designed for digital trust/credential interoperability testing of technical conformity and/or compatibility (1-to-Many testing)

Cybersecurity

The frequency of cyber-attacks and cyber incidents is increasing both globally and within Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to assuming a more assertive posture in the cyber domain, through strengthening our defenses and expanding our exploration of novel tools and technologies that are capable of identifying, mitigating, and auditing threats.

The engagement and application of digital technologies is critical in securing government infrastructure and operations, advances in technology have made it possible to automatically track, record and analyze almost every aspect of daily life. Ensuring that the government is secure in the digital age is instrumental in making use of increasingly useful technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence in the provision of cybersecurity and cyber secure digital environments.

The Government of Canada is requesting solutions to bolster cybersecurity operations, including solutions capable of identifying and defending attacks from malignant actors, assessing threats against current capability limitations, and performing system audits to expose weaknesses.

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Definitions
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Computers and robots that are capable of behaving in ways that both mimic and surpass human capabilities when performing tasks in simulated and real-world environments.
Digital technologies:
The provision and the use of electronic technologies required to install and integrate STEM, and other technology systems. Digital technologies also involve working principles, processes, and standards which apply to the technology industry.
Machine Learning (ML):
Refers to the technologies and algorithms that enable systems to identify patterns, make decisions, and improve themselves through experience and data. ML is primarily used to process large quantities of data very quickly using algorithms.
Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

Innovative and novel cryptography solutions;

  • Innovative and novel Zero-trust solutions;
  • Cybersecurity solutions that can provide:
    • threat assessment, identification, monitoring, and active remediation
    • forensics, audit, investigation, and remedial actions
  • Cybersecurity tools that provide incident, event, and case management;
  • Cybersecurity and situational awareness innovations, including decision analysis and response solutions;
  • Technologies to help process, analyze and optimize the data pipeline including those that can assist with the real-time analysis of relevant data, including those that leverage AI and Machine Learning;
  • Information Management (IM) tools which can ensure that collected data can be processed, exploited, filtered and disseminated;
  • Solutions that expand network awareness and integrated situational awareness capabilities;
  • Cybersecurity tools to secure semi-autonomous vehicles;
  • New and future generations of devices, systems machinery, sensors, and actuators;
ISC will not accept any of the following:
  • Communications-only tools; and
  • Innovations that cannot function in a closed-network or secure environment as a result of being entirely reliant upon external cloud services

Information and records management

A number of processes across Canada continue to operate within a paper-based document or image management framework. Paper files and processes do not scale as efficiently as digital ones, and cannot be as easily indexed and integrated into records-keeping and decision-making. This challenge represents a barrier in the provision of timely, organized, and effective service. Even when information and records exist digitally, they often lack a holistic, integrated, and interoperable network useful for capturing, storing, and querying data that would aid in informing decisions.

The Government of Canada is seeking solutions designed to leverage AI, Robotic Process Automation, and Machine Learning in the digitizing and indexing of paper and paperless information and records.

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Definitions
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence such as: visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages
Robotic Process Automation (RPA):
a software or technology that makes it easy to build, deploy, and manage software robots that emulate humans actions when interacting with digital systems and software
Machine Learning (ML):
the use and development of computer systems that are able to learn and adapt without following explicit instructions through the use of algorithms and statistical models that analyze and draw inferences from patterns in data
Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

  • Solutions capable of digitizing paper and image files and providing digital preservation;
  • Solutions capable of digitizing, aggregating, and sorting various scientific and/or research information;
  • Image recognition and processing solutions, as well as automated indexing solutions including those that leverage AI, RPA, and ML;
  • Information and data discovery solutions capable of providing analysis and recommendation on workload packages to optimize linkages between assets and information and determine proper handling (data migration, storage, deletion);
  • Solutions that leverage AI in document and records management for historical legacy and policy evolution for the purpose of reconstructing how policies and programs have evolved over time;
  • Solutions that leverage automated decision-making for sorting, classifying, and auditing of various information artefacts (transitory, legal, financial, historical, scientific, and research, etc.);
  • Solutions that support litigation readiness and information artefact identification for litigation requirements; and
  • Solutions that leverage AI in the translation of documents and images
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
  • Full-scale records management database software as the Government of Canada relies upon GCDOCS as its official records management tool

Artificial intelligence

The proliferation and maturation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology across Canada offers promise in improving how the Government of Canada serves Canadians. Given the wide applicability and design of AI solutions, virtually any process stands to benefit from the integration of AI technologies.

The Government of Canada is increasingly looking to utilize artificial intelligence to make, or assist in making, administrative decisions in order to improve service delivery. The Government is committed to doing so in a manner that is compatible with core administrative law principles such as transparency, accountability, legality, and procedural fairness.

The Government is seeking AI solutions that can inform service delivery by collecting, structuring, and aggregating information as well as those capable of automated decision making or other like outputs.

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Definitions
Data Rich Capture Software:
solutions capable of extracting information from paper or electronic documents and converting it into data
Robotic Process Automation (RPA):
a software or technology that makes it easy to build, deploy, and manage software robots that emulate humans actions when interacting with digital systems and software
Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

  • Data Rich Capture Software (3D, Geolocated, video, audio, or velocity noise);
  • AI Powered Sentiment Analysis Tools when sentiment is not clear(to differentiate types of sentiment) and sentiment analysis for customer journey and satisfaction over time;
  • Innovative and novel AI solutions for chatbot customer satisfaction;
  • AI Virtual Agents that can take action to aid people in doing administrative tasks (e.g. issuing of onboarding forms, off-boarding forms, initiate security pass, locking accounts, initiating meeting to obtain hardware, etc.);
  • AI Data Bias Assessment Tools – innovations that can detect bias in data, analyze data inputs and outputs for bias, or assess how algorithms have learned over time in order to identify blind spots for action; or
  • AI-driven Accessibility assessment tools that can assess terrain and physical environments for their ease of access.
ISC will not accept any of the following (out of scope):
  • Intelligent automation solutions integrating RPA with AI;
  • AI for decision making that includes probable root cause (fault/failure) for IT Operations, and;
  • AI incident management.

Emergency alerting

The National Public Alerting System (NPAS) provides federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) emergency management organizations with the capability to rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to safety and life.

The technical infrastructure for the NPAS provides authorized government alert issuers with various mechanisms (e.g., via alert interface, trusted feed, or text-to-speech) to alert the public, through a wide range of distributors including Radio/TV broadcasters, wireless operators, or other distributors that subscribe to the feed (RSS/TCP Socket, Satellite, etc.).

The Government of Canada is seeking solutions to complement existing end-to-end (e2e) alerting capability of the current NPAS in the following aspects:

  • alert issuance (e.g., hazard detection, auto-notification);
  • effective and robust distribution of alerting messages;
  • secured and reliable transmission of alerts from alerting sources (e.g., authorized FPT alert issuers, auto-detection devices) to the public.

The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.

Outcomes:

Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.

  • Solutions or tools that can be used in devices (e.g., mobile phones, Internet of Things) or systems (e.g., conventional vehicles, autonomous vehicles) to alert the public to specific emergency situations;
  • Solutions to protect the existing NPAS from malicious attacks (e.g., cyber-attack, electromagnetic pulse attack);
  • Solutions that can improve the precision of alerts targeted to specific geographical locations;
  • Solutions that reduce the alert coverage gaps of existing services, and maximize the Government's ability to disseminate information to the public irrespective of varying demographics (for instance, age, gender, location, occupation, etc.);
  • Solutions that can bridge gaps of current alerting infrastructure and improve the overall resiliency of alerting eco-systems in all situations, especially in the event of catastrophic disasters (e.g., earthquake, flooding, wildfire), and;
  • Solutions or tools that minimize the time of alert dissemination and enable faster public uptake and reaction to emergency alerts.

Eligibility and evaluation

Mandatory Criteria (MC)

MC1: Canadian Bidder

The Bidder must meet the definition of a Canadian Bidder. A Canadian Bidder is defined as a Canadian person or entity submitting a proposal on its own behalf and having a place of business in Canada where the person or entity conducts activities on a permanent basis that is clearly identified by name and accessible during normal working hours.

MC2: Canadian Content

80% of the financial proposal costs, the total proposal price to Canada stated in "Section –G Financial Proposal", must be Canadian goods or Canadian services. For the complete Canadian content definition please refer to the Canadian Content Definition A3050T (2020-07-01) at Part 1, General Information, Article 1.5 of the solicitation documents:

MC3: Ownership

The Bidder must be the owner of the Intellectual Property (IP) for the proposed innovation, or have a licence to the IP rights from a Canadian licensor for the proposed innovation and not be infringing on any IP rights.

MC4: Problem Statement

The Bidder's proposed innovation, as described and in its intended application, must provide a relevant solution to the outcome(s) described in the selected Problem Statement.

MC5: Pre-Commercial Status

The proposed innovation must not be openly available in the marketplace, and must not have been previously sold on a commercial basis as of the date of this bid submission. Refer to the definitions of Pre-Commercial Innovation and Commercial Sales at Appendix 2 of the solicitation documents:

MC6: Previously Pre-qualified Innovation

The proposed innovation or any other versions of the proposed innovation must not have been previously awarded a contract in the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) or its predecessor, the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP), nor under the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Testing Stream.

The proposed innovation or any other versions of the proposed innovation must not currently be active in a pool of pre-qualified innovations. A proposed innovation that is currently active in a pool will be accepted only once the bid validity period for that proposal has expired or the Bidder has withdrawn their innovation from the relevant pool, prior to solicitation closing date.

Bidders may submit multiple proposals, ensuring that each proposal is for a different Innovation.. The same or similar proposals may not be submitted twice for different problem statements. If the proposed innovation is similar or identical to an innovation previously submitted by the bidder that is currently active in a pool and has not been withdrawn prior to solicitation closing, the following assessment will be used to determine sufficient difference to proceed.

Pass

Sufficiently Different

  • A distinct product and/or service that has undergone a completely separate path of R&D or that diverged early in technology development.
  • Significant modifications to the application of the previous technology or components of the technology, applied in a setting or condition which was not possible or feasible for the pre-qualified or contracted innovation; OR
  • A significant improvement in functionality, cost or performance over the pre-qualified or contracted innovation.
Fail

Not Sufficiently Different

  • Incremental improvements;
  • Technologies that follow a normal course of product development (i.e. the next version or release); OR
  • Stated differences are not quantified or are inadequately described.

MC7: Maximum Funding

The Bidder's Financial Proposal must not exceed $1,100,000 CAD in the Standard Component, or $2,300,000 CAD in the Military Component, not including applicable taxes, shipping costs, and travel and living expenses, where applicable. Refer to Section G – Financial Proposal.

MC8: Program Eligibility

The Bidder's proposal must be aligned with the mandate of the ISC Testing Stream where Canada procures, through a Contract, the Bidder's Innovation with the purpose of testing it in an operational environment.

The following criteria only applies to Small Businesses

MC9: Small Business

The Bidder must be a for-profit person or entity, with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. This calculation must take into account and include affiliated businesses, such as parent companies and subsidiaries that are either in or outside of Canada.

MC10: Bidder Presence in Canada

The Bidder must meet the following minimum requirements: 50% or more of the Bidder's FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work; 50% or more of the Bidder's annual wages, salaries and fees must be paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada; and 50% or more of the Bidder's senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence. These calculations must take into account and include affiliated businesses, such as parent companies and subsidiaries that are either in or outside of Canada.

Stage 1 Technical Evaluation – Screening Criteria (SC)

SC1: Innovation

The proposed innovation must meet one or more of the ISC definitions of innovation below:

  • An inventionFootnote 1, new technology or new process that is not currently available in the marketplace.
  • Significant modifications to the application of existing technologies/components/processes that are applied in a setting or condition for which current applications are not possible or feasible.
  • An improvement in functionality, cost or performance over an existing technology/process that is considered state-of-the-art or the current industry best practice.
Pass The proposed innovation meets one or more of the ISC definitions of innovation.
Fail
  • The proposed innovation does not meet any of the ISC definitions of innovation; or
    • The proposed innovation is an incremental improvement, "good engineering", or a technology that would go ahead in the normal course of product development (i.e. the next version or release).

SC2: Operational Readiness Validation

The Bidder must demonstrate that at the time of proposal submission, the proposed innovation is ready for testing in an operational environment, i.e. at minimum TRL 7 per the ISC Technology Readiness Level Scale.

Pass
  • The Bidder has provided evidence demonstrating that, at minimum, the proposed innovation is a functional prototype (form, fit, and function) ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment, at the time of proposal submission; and
    • The Bidder has provided evidence supporting that an operational demonstration of the proposed innovation is feasible.
Fail
  • The proposed innovation is not ready for demonstration in any operational environment at the time of proposal submission or the Bidder has not provided evidence to that effect; or
    • The Bidder has not provided evidence supporting that an operational demonstration of the proposed innovation is feasible.

SC3: Safety Considerations

The Bidder must demonstrate that they have obtained or possess, at the time of proposal submission, the certifications, licences, and approvals required to safely deploy the proposed innovation, and that it poses no risks to individuals or Government of Canada organizations involved in an operational demonstration.

This is to ensure that a Government of Canada organization and personnel are not exposed to safety or privacy risks during the conduct of the operational demonstration.

Pass

At the time of proposal submission:

  • The Bidder has demonstrated that they have obtained or possess the certifications, licences, and approvals required to safely deploy the proposed innovation; and
    • No concerns remain regarding the physical safety and privacy of individuals that could be involved in an operational demonstration; and
      • The proposed innovation does not pose organizational safety or security concerns for a Government of Canada organizations when used in an operational setting.
Fail

At the time of proposal submission:

  • The Bidder has not demonstrated that they have obtained or possess the certifications, licences, and approvals required to safely deploy the proposed innovation; and/or
    • Concerns remain regarding the physical safety or privacy of individuals that could be involved in an operational demonstration; and/or
      • The proposed innovation may pose organizational safety or security concerns for a Government of Canada organizations when used in an operational setting.

SC4: Scope – Outcomes

The Bidder must demonstrate that the proposed innovation provides a solution to the selected Problem Statement by the Bidder. In addition, the Bidder must demonstrate that the proposed innovation meets one or more of the Outcomes identified in the selected Problem Statement by the Bidder. Proposed innovations that possess characteristics and functionalities cited in the out of scope Outcomes will not be accepted

Pass
  • The proposed innovation is within the scope of the selected Problem Statement by the Bidder, and clearly addresses one or more of the outcomes identified in the selected Problem Statement.
Fail
  • The proposed innovation is articulated as out of scope for the selected Problem Statement by the Bidder, or;
    • The proposal does not clearly demonstrate how the proposed innovation addresses any one of the outcomes identified in the selected Problem statement by the Bidder, or;
      • The proposed innovation is poorly described and does not permit concrete analysis, or;
        • There is little to no scientific and/or technological evidence that the proposed innovation is likely to meet any of the outcomes.

Stage 2 Technical Evaluation – Point-Rated Screening Criteria (PS)

PS1: Advance on State of the Art

The Bidder must demonstrate that the proposed innovation improves upon current approaches and state of the art, or current practices relevant to its purpose or application, in a manner that yields competitive advantages.

2 points
  • The proposed innovation improves minimally upon the current state of the art, though not sufficiently enough to create competitive advantages in existing market niches; or
    • The stated advancements are not substantiated with specific, measurable evidence.
12 points
  • The proposed innovation offers one or two minor improvements, and no significant improvements, to the state of the art that are not likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches; or
    • The stated advancements are well-described in general, but are not substantiated with specific, measurable evidence.

24 points
Minimum

  • The proposed innovation offers three or more minor improvements to the state of the art, that together are likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches; OR
    • The proposed innovation offers one significant improvement to the state of the art, that is likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches.
40 points
  • The proposed innovation offers two or more significant improvements to the state of the art, that are likely to create competitive advantages in existing market niches and could define new market spaces; or
    • The proposed innovation can be considered a new benchmark of state of the art that is clearly ahead of competitors and that is likely to define new market spaces.

PS2: Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy

The Bidder must demonstrate a suitable Intellectual Property (IP) strategy, relevant to protect IP generated by the proposed innovation and to protect the Bidder. This criteria also assesses the degree to which the strategy is appropriate to support successful commercialization.

0 points The Intellectual Property (IP) strategy is insufficiently rationalized or substantiated, and is poorly suited for background IP or generated IP as they pertain to the proposed innovation.

8 points
Minimum

  • The ongoing activities described and rationalized form a suitable IP strategy in terms of relevant background IP or generated IP, and enables the application of suitable protection where and when relevant, as they pertain to the proposed innovation; and
    • A path to effective monetization of the proposed innovation is generally described, and sufficiently adequate considering the maturity of the company and the sector or industry.
12 points
  • The activities described are well substantiated and form an IP strategy that addresses all relevant background IP and generated IP as they pertain to the proposed innovation, and will ensure the Bidder is protected; and/or
    • The Bidder describes an IP strategy factoring considerations beyond the operational demonstration of the proposed innovation, for the effective and competitive leveraging of IP in terms of profitable exploitation and market access.

PS3: Management Team

The Bidder must demonstrate that they have filled the key roles in the management team with individuals possessing relevant background or skill setFootnote 2, who can support the successful commercialization of the proposed innovation.

  • Role A: Company leadership (e.g. CEO, or equivalent)
  • Role B: Technology development (e.g. CTO, or equivalent)
  • Role C: Commercialization strategy (e.g. Business Manager, or equivalent)
  • Role D: Financial management (e.g. CFO, or equivalent)
0 points
  • One or more roles are not identified; or
    • One or more roles significantly lacks relevant background or skill set; or
      • One or both company leader role and technology manager role have significant and unmitigated gaps in qualifications relevant to the company's activities, which could obstruct the company's efforts to reach commercial launch.
4 points All roles are identified and possess a background or skill set (education and/or experience) that is relevant to the company's activities or their respective fields, however gaps remain that are unmitigated and have the potential to impede commercial launch and commercial success.

8 points
Minimum

All roles are identified and possess, or are supported by, a background or skill set (education and/or experience) that is relevant to the company's activities or their respective fields, and will likely enable them to reach commercial launch.
12 points All roles are identified and possess, or are supported by, a strong background or skill set (education and/or experience) that would serve well in commercializing the proposed innovation, is clearly relevant to their respective industry, and increases the likelihood of commercial success.

PS4: Financial Capacity

The Bidder must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources and a credible financial strategy in order to execute their commercial launch plan, without a potential ISC Testing Stream contract.

In determining the credibility of a financial strategy, evaluators consider: funding sources, the amount of secured and unsecured funds, the degree of risk, and whether these risks are reasonable or sufficiently mitigated based on the context of the sector. Credibility, potential risks, and applicability to support launch costs should also be considered.

Financial resources must demonstrate the ability to commercialize the proposed innovation.

0 points
  • The Bidder has not demonstrated they have sufficient funds to commercialize the proposed innovation; or
    • The Bidder has no credible plan to secure necessary funds or the costs are significantly underestimated; or
      • The financial strategy provided is inadequate, unrealistic, or incomplete.

8 points
Minimum

  • The Bidder has demonstrated they have funds in place, and otherwise possesses the financial capacity to undertake production and delivery of the proposed innovation; or
    • The Bidder has a credible financial strategy and remaining unsecured funds will not significantly impede commercializing the proposed innovation.
12 points The Bidder has demonstrated they have sufficient secured funds and have a credible financial strategy to successfully commercialize the proposed innovation.

Stage 3 Technical Evaluation – Point Rated Criteria (PR)

PR1: Innovation Benefits

This criterion is intended to assess the degree to which the proposed innovation could contribute to the positive economic development of the innovation ecosystem in Canada.

0 points Economic benefits are not identified or are insufficient.
4 points Economic benefits to the innovation ecosystem in Canada are limited.
8 points Economic benefits to the innovation ecosystem in Canada are significant.

PR2: Operational Demonstration Risk Mitigation Strategies

This criterion is intended to assess the degree to which the Bidder has identified all important risks in the demonstration scenario, and degree to which those risks are addressed with appropriate mitigation strategies.

0 points
  • 2 or more important risks were not identified and/or have a high level of residual risk.
4 points
  • 1 important risk was not identified; and/or
    • The risks that were outlined in the demonstration scenario have mitigation strategies that are plausible and sufficiently described, but there is moderate residual risk.
8 points
  • All important risks have been identified; and
    • The risks outlined in the demonstration scenario have mitigation strategies that are plausible and sufficiently described, but there is some residual risk.
16 points
  • All important risks have been identified; and
    • The risks outlined in the demonstration scenario have mitigation strategies that are comprehensive and well described, and there is very little residual risk.

PR3: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Benefits

This criterion is intended to assess the degree to which the Bidder has sufficient measures to effectively achieve and maintain diversity, inclusivity and gender equity within; their business, supply chain, or business ecosystem.

Score levels reflect the number of the following elements the Bidder addressed in their answer:

  • Anti-discrimination policies;
  • Recruitment strategy and hiring process;
  • Training available to educate the Bidder's workforce on diversity and inclusion;
  • How diversity and inclusion are factored into Bidder's supplier selection methods.

ISC recognizes the Government's commitment to increase supplier diversity by leveraging social procurement practices for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous People. If your company is registered on the Indigenous Business Directory, you will receive the maximum score for the stage 3 technical evaluation – Point-Rated criteria #3 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Benefits.

0 points Policies regarding diversity, inclusivity and gender equity are not identified, are insufficient, or do not appear genuine.
4 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder is implementing some measures (two (2) elements) to achieve and maintain diversity, inclusivity and gender equity.
8 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder is implementing most measures (three (3) elements) to achieve and maintain diversity, inclusivity and gender equity..
12 points Information provided clearly demonstrates that the Bidder is implementing all measures (all four (4) elements) to achieve and maintain diversity, inclusivity and gender equity.

PR4: Commercialization Strategy and Market Risks

This criterion is intended for the Bidder to demonstrate that they have a credible strategy to commercialize the proposed innovation, identifying market risks and providing suitable mitigation strategies for these risks.

0 points
  • The presented commercialization strategy, market risk strategies and mitigation strategies are inadequate, incomplete or have not been presented.
8 points
  • The presented commercialization strategy, market risk strategies and mitigation strategies could support limited target market entry; or
    • Shortcomings in the expertise, human resources, partners/sales channels or physical assets present unmitigated risks to successful commercialization.
24 points
  • The presented commercialization strategy, market risk strategies and mitigation strategies are clear and well-developed and, given full implementation, should support entry into the target market; and/or
    • Shortcomings in the expertise, human resources, partners/sales channels and physical assets present only small risks to successful commercialization.
32 points
  • The presented commercialization strategy, market risk strategies and mitigation strategies are complete, strong, and are highly likely to support long-term and sustained entry into the target markets; and
    • The Bidder has the expertise, human resources, partners/sales channels and physical assets required to move forward with successful commercialization.

PR5: Adoption Potential – Features and Benefits, Target Market

This criterion is intended to assess to what degree the proposed innovation's features and benefits are attractive to the relevant target market.

0 points
  • Key features and benefits are limited and/or offer minimal differentiation from the competition; and
    • Target market is small in size, offers low growth and/or has limited long term potential.
4 points
  • Key features and benefits offer moderate differentiation from the competition; or
    • Target market is moderate in size, offers moderate growth and/or has adequate long term potential.
8 points
  • Key features and benefits offer either moderate or clear differentiation from the competition; and/or
    • Target market is moderate in size, offers moderate growth and has adequate long term potential.
16 points
  • Key features and benefits offer clear differentiation from the competition; and
    • Target market is large in size, promises high growth and/or has significant long term potential.

PR6: Adoption Potential – Cost to End User

This criterion is intended to assess to what degree the cost of the proposed innovation and the efforts required to adopt it are attractive and relevant for the target market.

The acquisition costs of the proposed innovation include the intended market price, the organizational impact, time and resources required for training and installation, and other direct costs for target market end-user (the customer) to acquire the proposed innovation.

0 points In relation to the acquisition cost and key features and benefits, an unacceptable amount of time and resources are required for the end user to adopt the proposed innovation.
4 points In relation to the acquisition cost and key features and benefits, a significant amount of time and resources are required for the end user to adopt the proposed innovation.
8 points In relation to the acquisition cost and key features and benefits, a reasonable amount of time and resources are required for the end user to adopt the proposed innovation.
16 points In relation to the acquisition cost and key features and benefits, virtually no time and resources are required for the end user to adopt the proposed innovation.

Maximum available points from Stage 2 and Stage 3 : 176 points

Minimum Total ScoreFootnote 3 from Stage 2 and Stage 3 to pre-qualify: 106 points

Pathway to commercialization (PTC)

Enabling the Government of Canada to buy what it tries – a Pathway to Commercialization for eligible Canadian SMEs

Our new pilot project gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to sell your innovation directly to the Government of Canada.

Through the PTC under ISC's Testing Stream, eligible SMEs can receive commercial contracts based on the successful testing and market-readiness of your pre-commercial prototype. It is important to note that this pathway will only be available to eligible Canadian SMEs, which represent over 97% of all businesses in Canada, a percentage that mirrors past participation in the program.

How will it work?

  • Once your initial ISC testing contract is completed, you may be eligible for the Pathway to Commercialization if your innovation is market-ready above technology readiness level (TRL) 9
  • You will have up to 12 months following the end of your initial ISC Testing Stream contract to apply to the Pathway to Commercialization, at which time you will be be assessed against the PTC entry criteria to determine if your innovation will be placed on a PTC source list where government departments can browse and purchase your successfully-tested innovations for up to three years

Important considerations

  • You must be selling the same innovation from your initial Testing Stream contract
  • If you participate in the PTC, you will no longer be eligible for additional testing through the Testing Stream. Unlike PTC contracts, additional testing contracts are still considered R&D contracts, similar to the initial Testing Stream contract. Additional testing opportunities are open to all program participants, SMEs and non-SMEs.
  • The requirements for commercial contracts will reflect the operational needs of client departments, the nature of the innovation, as well as input from Public Services and Procurement Canada, the program's Contracting Authority.

How will SMEs be assessed?

A number of criteria will be used as part of the assessment process, including:

  • Financial capacity
  • Technology readiness
  • Certifications
  • IP strategy
  • Company size
  • Scalability
  • Innovation test performance

Please read the call for proposals (CFP) for more information on the Pathway to Commercialization.

Frequently asked questions

All incoming questions regarding this specific call for proposals should be addressed to TPSGC.PASICVoletessai-APISCTestingStream.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

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

glossary is also available.