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
Advanced sensors and materials for terrestrial and space applications
Advances in data capture, and real-time and post-event processing and analysis for the application of data underscore a new need to deploy technologies that can perform an array of functions related to the acquisition and interpretation of data. In focus, are technologies that can perform novel sensing and surveillance functions.
The Government of Canada is interested in testing sensor and surveillance technologies, as they relate to addressing needs identified within the below sub-groups.
Sub-Group 1: Novel surveillance technologies
In order to maintain persistent surveillance over the vast and heterogenous geography of Canada, the Government of Canada requires a diverse and complementary set of surveillance technologies along with new applications, enabled by advanced sensor data exploitation methodologies.
The Government is seeking operation-ready sensor technologies that enable novel surveillance, with usage on Earth and in space. We expect to see technologies addressing challenges posed by year-round, persistent surveillance of the Canadian Artic, territorial waters, and air space.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- EO/IR sensor system:
- Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems are imaging systems which include both visible and infrared sensors.
- Operation-Ready:
- the solution is ready to deploy, operate, and maintain without significant issues.
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.:
- Visible and near-infrared sensor systems, for extremely low-light applications such as passive imaging during night-time;
- Sensor systems for single-photon detection;
- EO/IR sensor systems with full-well capacity greater than 1Me-;
- EO/IR sensor systems with time-of-flight capacity;
- Event-based EO/IR sensor systems;
- Technologies for real-time, embedded sensor data exploitation;
- Space-qualified versions of any of the above-mentioned technologies; or
- Sensor technologies with satellite applications that can provide data on co-orbital proximity, real-time detection, and interference events.
Sub-Group 2: Novel sensor technologies
Canadian Armed Forces members employ a number of sensors on the battlefield to aid in observation, these detections generally range from the visual to thermal portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, but can include others for the purpose of maintenance and material detection applications.
The Government of Canada is interested in testing miniaturized fused devices that can exploit multiple frequency bands to aid in observation and target detection. These hyper-spectral devices (that are not limited to two portions of the spectrum, necessarily) can give Canadian Armed Forces members a technological advantage. The Government is also interested in the application of advanced sensor technologies for the maintenance and support of material assets. With a growing need to detect material property deficiencies, such as corrosion and material fatigue, advanced sensor technologies can provide significant advantage for in-service and through-life applications.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- Hyper-spectral devices:
- hyperspectral sensors acquire imagery in hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands, which facilitates fine discrimination between different features on the Earth's surface
- Multi-sensor fusion and analysis:
- solutions capable of combining information from several sources, in order to form a unified picture or data set for analysis
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.
- Hyper-spectral sensors, three or more different sensors;
- Miniaturized fused viewing devices suitable to be helmet mounted or affixed to a weapon;
- Fused sensors with some form of image enhancement and on-board processing to improve the image quality;
- Fused sensors with built in artificial intelligence, to aid in target recognition or detection;
- Multi-sensor fusion and analysis technologies;
- Multipurpose sensors capable of material property detection, to support maintenance and operations; and
- Advanced surveillance, material property detection, and multipurpose sensors to support maintenance and operations.
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
- Devices that include low generation imagers (i.e. 2nd Generation Image Intensifiers).
Uncrewed autonomous systems
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be using uncrewed and remotely piloted systems for a variety of combat and non-combat operations such as: surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, inspections of facilities/infrastructure or ships, remote response, support for search and rescue, emergencies, and natural disasters. These technologies will fill a critical need of surveillance in the Canadian Arctic and maritime regions. As the Northwest Passage becomes more navigable, water traffic is expected to increase and the ability to monitor remote waterways and landmasses will be crucial in maintaining Canadian sovereignty. We invite Bidders to propose innovative uncrewed and remotely piloted systems of various types, sizes and operational capabilities.
The proposed systems should be able to improve the situational awareness and decision making of the members in operation, and, when deployed in remote locations, provide autonomous means of detection, tracking and position reporting of object of interest. The Government of Canada is also seeking uncrewed and remotely piloted infrastructure that will allow rapid deployment, remote maintenance and resupply of civilian and military technologies for such operations.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- Novel fuel technologies:
- Novel fuel technologies refer to transportation fuels that are produced using innovative processes, including fuel cells and fuels produced from non-traditional feedstocks.
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid.
- Complete uncrewed and remotely piloted systems for uses including, but not limited to: long-range cargo (payload > 5kg and range > 50km), search and rescue (area > 5km2), and infrastructure inspection (as close to 1M of structure);
- Uncrewed and remotely piloted systems with a variety of fuel and battery types including, but not limited to: electric, gas, petrol, aviation, and hydrogen combustion fuels;
- Remote operation centers and fire resistant drone operations centers;
- Forward-operating bases for conducting remote uncrewed and remotely piloted system operations and maintenance;
- Live uncrewed and remotely piloted system-based computing and/or meshing of infrastructure models;
- Artificial intelligence or machine learning systems for uncrewed and remotely piloted system infrastructure monitoring
- Smart hangars/depot and remote uncrewed and remotely piloted system delivery;
- Persistent surveillance with real time alerts;
- Vehicle-launched and recoverable uncrewed and remotely piloted systems (e.g. truck bed drone boxes, ship launched systems, micro platforms);
- Tethered drones and drones fixed to buildings for monitoring;
- Small drone swarms and the accompanying software for operation of ground, surface, or underwater swarms;
- Small rugged uncrewed and remotely piloted systems that can operate in a GPS-denied and complex environment (e.g. indoor, forest rubbles);
- Airspace Management Systems;
- Solutions capable of multi-domain operations including: ground and air, ground and surface, surface and underwater, air and surface, air and underwater;
- Heavy cargo transportation solutions with complete systems that enable an uncrewed and remotely piloted system to be flown from ships at a remote location;
- Uncrewed and untethered technologies that support hull inspection, corrosion detection, cleaning and painting applications;
- Solutions capable of launching or monitoring sonobuoys, including those launchable from ship or aircraft
- Counter-UAS systems (c-UAS)
- Solutions that are deployable to, or from, land and sea origins;
- Rapidly deployable solutions capable of set-up and deployment within 60 minutes;
- Solutions capable of regularly updating to address threats posed by emerging commercial drone technology;
- Solutions capable of detecting, tracking, jamming, and intercepting enemy uncrewed and remotely piloted systems;
- Solutions capable of combatting and protecting assets from drone and swarm technologies;
- Solutions capable of being integrated easily with command and control software;
- Solutions capable of using AI for classification to reduce the false alarm and reduce the operator workload;
- Solutions capable of being distributed and controlled remotely;
- Solutions capable of communication (video, data and command transfer) between all distributed assets and sensors;
- Solutions capable of mitigating LTE, 5G uncrewed and remotely piloted systems;
- Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
- Solutions that can be launched from ships at a remote location (e.g. limited connectivity/bandwidth and space in which system & infrastructure occupies on a ship);
- Solutions that have multiple uses (e.g. an uncrewed and remotely piloted system that can conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance or Mine Detection);
- Solutions capable of either autonomous operation, manual operation, or a combination of autonomous and manual;
- Solutions that can run on electric or renewable energy, or those that can run on innovative or novel fuel technologies (i.e. hydrogen fuel cells);
- Solutions capable of communicating back to the ship/control station (although not necessarily continuous)
- Underwater infrastructure technology including underwater charging, docking and download stations
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
- Individual components or incomplete systems that cannot be integrated into existing operations; and
- Incomplete systems that do not include a full technology stack. All requisite hardware and software must be appropriately integrated to be considered for qualification into the program.
Enhanced warfighting
As the Canadian Armed Forces moves into an exciting new era of bespoke designs, built to serve the current and future security interests of Canada, additions for future capability and upgrades must be optimized to keep up with the technological demands that future operations might entail.
We invite Bidders to propose innovations that will ensure that mobility options, weapons, sensors and command systems are using appropriate and innovative technologies to assist the CAF's personnel, soldiers, and in missions. Mission sets of consideration include: defence diplomacy, collaborating with other government departments and agencies in support of domestic defence and security, rapid provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peace support operations and combat operations.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- ASW:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- UAS:
- Uncrewed Aerial Systems (complete drone systems with no onboard or remote pilots or safety pilots to operate the aircraft beyond visual line of sight)
- RPAS:
- Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 of the Evaluation Grid.
- Artificial Intelligence in ASW;
- Marine, Air, and Ground warfighting tools and support capabilities;
- Autonomous Systems;
- Batteries and portable energy systems;
- Complete battery systems for different vehicle platforms that can be fully integrated;
- UAS and RPAS appropriate for deployment in active combat theatres;
- Command and Control solutions.
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
- Incomplete systems that do not include a full technology stack. All requisite hardware and software must be appropriately integrated to be considered for qualification into the program.
Digital enablers
Increasing the Canadian Armed Force's (CAF) cyber capabilities and expertise are critical to defending Canada against 21st century threats. The engagement and application of digital technologies are critical for the success of future force capability. Despite the fact that personnel lives have become increasingly IT-enabled, the militaries of the world continue to rely heavily on manual and analog as trusted systems.
Advances in technology have made it possible to automatically track, record, and analyze almost every aspect of daily life. Transitioning the CAF enterprises into the digital age is instrumental to make use of increasingly beneficial technologies, such as machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
The Government of Canada is seeking solutions that can digitally enable operations, and solutions aimed at exploiting opportunities for integrating digital technologies and sciences into the fundamental operations of the Canadian enterprise.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- AR:
- Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Computers and robots that are capable of interacting 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 technology involves 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.
- Variety of wireless communication(s) solutions for routine activity, updates, or future remote sensing and operation(s);
- Technologies to help process, analyze and optimize the data pipeline, including those that can assist with the real-time analysis of military relevant data;
- Solutions that expand network command and control integrated situational awareness capabilities;
- New and future generations of devices, systems machinery, and actuators;
- Information Management (IM) tools that can ensure collected data can be processed, exploited, filtered, and disseminated to facilitate decision making processes tactically, operationally and strategically;
- AR for situational responsiveness designed to enhance human information availability (i.e. AR environments that simulate real-world environments that can enable operators to perform responsive functions, including damage control, systems diagnostics, and repairs);
- AR for use in engineering design review and design collaboration;
- Solutions to enable automated and collaborative review, including approval and archiving solutions for data, such as 3D data and visualization models for online and offline collaboration
ISC will not accept any of the following (out of scope):
- 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.
Training and in-service support
The world is evolving and expanding at an unprecedented rate, as is global threats to peace, security, and stability. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a vital instrument for the Government of Canada in participating and leading security and stability operations around the world. To fulfill this role of being a leader of defence, the CAF needs to prepare its members intellectually and professionally in order to meet the anticipated challenges within ambiguous, dynamic and complex security environments.
Experience has shown that warfighting skills alone can't be relied upon as a condition of success. Force Posture and Readiness direction ensures force elements (individual or collective units or capabilities) are trained in accordance with established readiness levels. Readiness levels are achieved through the individual training of CAF members, collective training (training teams to work together), validation activities (assessments), equipment servicing, and readiness management.
The Government of Canada invites Bidders to propose innovations that can help develop, bolster, or deliver training to CAF personnel. Canada is seeking solutions that can enhance the situational awareness and operational capabilities of personnel during the performance of their duties.
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.
Training:
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) based training solutions;
- Realistic simulations for use in training environments;
- Computer simulation solutions for use in training environments;
- Solutions to build training courses and materials for various branches of the CAF;
- Visualization tools to assist in job performance, including bridge and navigation visualization tools as well as solutions that expand situational awareness;
- E-learning solutions and innovations that enhance remote training capabilities.
In-Service Support:
- Equipment services and maintenance solutions;
- AR engineering and design applications for use in the maintenance and support of military assets and infrastructure;
- 3D models and digital twin solutions designed to support military assets and infrastructure in built environments.
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
- Solutions that are purely meant for enhanced communications or collaboration;
- Solutions that store data outside of Canada; and
- Software only solutions that require integration into existing DND infrastructure. We will consider solutions that can be programmed into hardware and purchased as a complete system.
Enhanced soldier systems
With the increasing pervasiveness of smart technologies, the Internet of Things, and new materials science across all domains, we are seeing, globally, a gradual evolution of core technologies into smart and next generation equivalents. This presents a huge disruption to the status quo. The military must advance and accelerate its own reinvention to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.
The Government of Canada invites Bidders to propose innovations that can provide the military the next generation of fundamental technologies and military equipment that will empower soldiers and enhance their ability to operate on the battlefield.
The relevance of proposed innovations will be assessed according to how they address and resolve the Problem Statement above.
Definitions
- Military Equipment:
- refers to weapons, arms, military supplies, and equipment that may be readily used for military purposes, including: radar systems or military-grade transport vehicles.
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid
- Protective equipment for personnel and vehicles;
- Portable communications devices;
- Enhanced weapons and weapons systems;
- Night vision goggles;
- Helmet development;
- Field communications tools;
- Radar systems; and
- Exo-suits and other soldier enhancement apparatus.
ISC will not accept (out of scope):
- Incomplete systems that do not include a full technology stack. All requisite hardware and software must be appropriately integrated to be considered for qualification into the program; and
- Software only solutions without the integration into associated system(s).
Smart sustain and fleet optimization
In response to increasingly complex security environments, effective innovation is critical to ensure DND be successful in achieving a modern and prepared Armed Forces. Assessments of the long-term future of military operating environments help to determine the likely characteristics of future conflicts, warfare, and warfighting. Future operating environment analysis accounts for both adversary and allied considerations, and these assessments can help to maintain a measure against which Canada must pace military capability development.
In order to keep stride with our allies, and outpace our potential adversaries while ensuring that North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments are met, it is imperative that CAF force development and design processes are optimized for the most efficient and effective use of national resources. Modernization efforts must be undertaken concurrent to force generation and force employment on operations.
The Government of Canada invites Bidders to propose solutions aimed at optimizing the structure and processes across the CAF enterprise.
Definitions
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF):
- the CAF environments consist of the operational environments of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force
- Lifecycle assessment tools:
- technologies that assess energy usage, toxicity, and natural resource usage across the lifecycle of a product, from the material extraction through to disposal
Outcomes:
Innovations must meet at least ONE of the following outcomes to meet the requirements of SC4 Evaluation Grid
- Intelligent Vessel and Fleet Management solutions;
- Innovations that increase modular capabilities (i.e.: containerized plug and play marine solutions);
- Bridge management and navigation automation and assistance Solutions – including novel life-saving solutions (for the marine context);
- Advanced, deployable, inventory management solutions;
- Lifecycle assessment Tools;
- Autonomous/remote technologies for autonomous vessels;
- Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) for marine, land, air or multiple operational theatres;
- Novel corrosion/damage prevention solutions – including advanced polymers, coatings and nano-materials;
- Arctic-tailored low emission vehicles including amphibious vehicles;
- Smart and autonomous damage-control solutions for ships
ISC will not accept any of the following:
- Communication and collaboration tools; and
- Incomplete systems that do not include a full technology stack. All requisite hardware and software must be appropriately integrated to be considered for qualification into the program.
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:
- Solicitation for small or medium enterprises
- Solicitation for large business, not-for-profit or academic institution
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:
- Solicitation for small or medium enterprises
- Solicitation for large business, not-for-profit or academic institution
MC6: Previously Pre-qualified Innovation
| Pass |
Sufficiently Different
|
| Fail |
Not Sufficiently Different
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
| Fail |
|
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:
|
| Fail |
At the time of proposal submission:
|
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 |
|
| Fail |
|
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 |
|
| 12 points |
|
| 24 points Minimum |
|
| 40 points |
|
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 |
|
| 12 points |
|
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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 8 points Minimum |
|
| 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 |
|
| 4 points |
|
| 8 points |
|
| 16 points |
|
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 |
|
| 8 points |
|
| 24 points |
|
| 32 points |
|
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 |
|
| 4 points |
|
| 8 points |
|
| 16 points |
|
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
- Contracts under this initiative will each have a limit of up to $8M
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.
A glossary is also available.