Full Application Guide
Full Application Form (Download instructions)
Tables for Budget and Partner Information (updated)
Book 4
As outlined in the Competition Guide and Letter of Intent Guide for the 2017 NCE International Knowledge Translation Platforms (NCE-IKTP) Initiative competition, selected applicants are invited to submit a full application following the review of the Letters of Intent.
The full application consists of four individual books:
Book 1: The Proposal
Book 2: Letters of Support
Book 3: Curriculum Vitae
Book 4: Signature Pages
Candidates submitting a full application are advised to read this guide in conjunction with the following documents that are available on-line:
The deadline for the electronic submission of the full application for the 2017 NCE-IKTP Initiative Competition is October 17, 2016. Applications must be received by the NCE Secretariat by 4:00 p.m. EST.
Applications must be submitted to the NCE on-line electronic application system (https://excellence.nce-rce.gc.ca) as a single, searchable PDF file. (Instructions for creating a searchable PDF are included in Appendix B.) Book 4 may be omitted from the electronic version, however, it must be included as part of the paper original.
Applicants must also provide the NCE Secretariat with one unbound original copy by October 24, 2016, containing the original signatures. The unbound copy must be identical to the electronic submission. Inclusion of additional material in the unbound copy will result in the rejection of the application from the competition.
To use the NCE Secure Submission Site:
Complete the required fields and select the NCE-IKTP > 2017 Competition > Full Application (FA) from the respective drop down menus. The PDF document may not exceed 20 MB.
The following message will appear on-screen if the document is successfully uploaded:
Thank you for using the NCE Secure Submission Site. You have successfully submitted the document below. We will contact you or the contact person indicated in the document should we require any additional information. Document submitted: <AcronymOfProgEnglish>_<AcronymOfCompEnglish>_<AcronymOfDocTypeEnglish>_
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Networks of Centres of Excellence
2017 NCE-IKTP Initiative Competition
16th Floor, mailroom
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Print must be in black ink, of letter quality (minimum standard), with no more than six lines per inch. The type size for fonts measured in points (pts) must be no smaller than 12 pts. If measured in characters per inch (cpi), it must be no more than 10 cpi. Condensed type is unacceptable.
Use white paper, 8½ x 11 inches (21.5 cm x 28 cm), with margins of 3/4 of an inch (1.905 cm) (minimum) all around. Include the title of the proposed network at the top of every page (in the header) and number the pages consecutively.
Graphs and illustrations may be included but count as part of the page limits set out below. Either single or double column presentation of text, graphs or illustrations is acceptable. Any extra material will be removed.
BOOK 1: The Proposal
Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages)
The host institution plays an important role in a network, through both the direct support of the network administrative centre and by participating in network governance.
Provide a cover letter from the institution that proposes to host the NCE-IKTP network administrative centre. The letter must be signed by the applicant and the President or CEO (or delegate) of the institution.
The letter must detail the nature of the anticipated support that will be provided by the host Institution and the level of engagement on network governance. If the support is different from what was in the Letter of Intent, the letter must provide details on those differences.
Please refer to guidelines for the meaning of signatures (see On-line Resources).
Application Form
Complete all sections of the NCE-IKTP Application Form, which is available on-line.
Executive Summary for Public Release (1 page max)
Provide a one-page summary describing the “opportunity”, and how the proposed NCE-IKTP network will be “seizing the opportunity”. Consider the following points:
Write for a general audience using plain language as the summary may be used for communication purposes, such as press releases or the NCE website. Examples may be found here.
Spreadsheets
Table 1 – Alphabetical List of Key Individuals (unlimited pages)
Provide an alphabetized list of the individuals and organizations that will be participating actively in the network. Include a brief description of the nature of the participation.
Table 2 – Summary of Anticipated Funding for the Network
Indicate, for Years 1 to 4, the total funding being requested from the NCE Program (line 1) as well as the anticipated cash support (lines 2 to 6) from other sources. In-kind support (lines 8 to 12) from all other sources should be listed on a separate page.
Where a commitment of cash or in-kind support is made, a Letter of Support certifying the contributor's commitment to the network is required in Book 2.
Table 3 – Proposed Expenditures of NCE-IKTP Funds for the Administrative Centre
Provide detail on the proposed expenditures of NCE funds for the operations of the network administrative centre. Include costs for salaries, equipment, staff and committee travel, communications activities, and meetings.
Add rows in the table, if needed, in order to specify all Communications activities. Provide details and justification for all entries in Table 3 on following pages.
Please note: eligible expenses include costs related to platform activities (such as: knowledge mobilization, commercialization, communication activities, networking, development of tools, etc.) and the associated administration of the network. NCE-IKTP initiative funds may not be used to fund research or research costs.
Networks must adhere to the regulations and administrative policies found in the Tri-agency
Use of Grant Funds document and the NCE Program Guide. In general, networks follow the regulations for the granting agency under which its related research area falls.
Table 4 – Confirmed Contributions from Partner Organizations
Using one page per organization, provide details on anticipated and confirmed incremental cash and in-kind contributions from each partner organization. On a separate page following each contribution page, include a short explanation for the contribution, its purpose, and how it will be distributed in the network.
As mentioned above, a letter from each partner organization confirming each incremental contribution must be included in Book 2. Include, as a preface to this table, an index showing the name of the partner organization and the page number of the accompanying letter in Book 2.
STRATEGIC PLAN (19 pages maximum – free form)
Complete the free form section of the application using the sections described below respecting the overall page limit. Outline all changes made since the LOI stage.
Network Vision (1 page)
Describe the vision of what the network proposes to achieve, including specific goals and objectives. These must align with the objectives of the NCE-IKTP initiative. The vision should describe the expected value and impacts of the network within the timeframe of the proposed funding cycle and beyond, especially with respect to the expected outcomes and impacts on partners, knowledge users and end beneficiaries, for the benefit of Canada and Canadians. Provide evidence that the proposed strategy will ensure successful completion of the proposed activities during and after the NCE-IKTP funding period, and increase long-term impact of the network. Research is not an eligible activity under the NCE-IKTP program. Do not include goals, objectives or vision as they relate to a research program.
Review Criteria:
In order to be successful, an application must meet the threshold of excellence in all five review criteria, which are weighted equally in the evaluation. Consult the 2017 NCE-IKTP competition guide for a full description of each criterion.
It is important that the network demonstrate the involvement of key individuals and/or inclusion of key activities in areas that fall under the domains of two or more of the three federal granting agencies. This information should be included when addressing all of the review criteria to enable the reviewers to assess the significance of the contributions of the individual(s) and/or importance of the activities.
1. Expected Impacts and Added Value - what will the NCE-IKTP network achieve? (4 pages)
Describe the expected impacts and added value of the proposed NCE-IKTP network. Provide examples of how the proposed platform will improve access to global knowledge, thereby benefitting Canadian and international stakeholders. Define how the knowledge translation and/or technology adoption will be assisted through the relationship-building provided by the network via the platform and the importance of the inclusion of multidisciplinary approaches in achieving the objectives. Describe how Canada’s profile on the global stage will be raised through this initiative.
Where there are overlaps with existing networks or initiatives in Canada or abroad, including those that are part of the NCE suite of programs, explain the added value provided by the proposed platform. As well, clearly articulate the relationship to the existing network and the successes of the network related to this IKTP initiative.
Consider the following in addressing this criterion:
2. Model for Collaboration - how will the NCE-IKTP network strengthen, expand and intensify meaningful international collaborations to achieve its objectives? (3 pages)
Describe how the proposed platform will strengthen, expand and intensify meaningful international collaborations across the range of expertise that is needed to achieve the stated objectives. Outline the strategy that will be utilized to build links and ensure shared benefits between national and international institutions.
Consider the following:
3. Strategic Plan - how will the NCE-IKTP network achieve impact? A well-defined plan is critical for success. (4 pages)
Provide an overview of the strategic plan for how the NCE-IKTP network will achieve impact. The strategic plan should reflect the goals and objectives for the platform, and provide metrics to measure the success of the planned activities. Provide a description of the process(es) that will be used to identify internationally-important knowledge gaps and to engage and build collaborations. Describe the process for adapting to new opportunities and unexpected challenges.
Consider the following:
4. Proposed Team - who is going to drive the Strategic Plan and undertake the Platform activities in the NCE-IKTP network? (3 pages)
A network must demonstrate that it has identified the key individuals and roles and responsibilities necessary to establish, expand and intensify relationships with partners in Canada and abroad (including Canadian and international partners and other relevant experts, stakeholders, and beneficiaries) to create strong fruitful collaborations. NCE-IKTP networks must also demonstrate that these individuals have worked successfully in large, multidisciplinary projects or programs. It is expected that the Platform team will include a strong diversity of expertise and perspectives and will represent the international nature of the NCE-IKTP network with plans to execute activities both in Canada and abroad.
Consider the following:
5. Management and Governance (3 pages, as well as a 1 page organizational chart)
This criterion addresses the structure and policies that will be put in place to oversee the NCE-IKTP network. It is expected that the governance and management teams will include a strong diversity of expertise and perspectives and will represent the international nature of the network’s goals and activities.
Each NCE-IKTP network must have an organizational structure appropriate for the management of a complex multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multi-national program with a clear distinction between management and oversight functions. A strong governance model with a sound management structure is essential to its success. Note that all successful NCE-IKTP networks must be incorporated federally as a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
If an industry-led not-for-profit corporation is proposed as the Host Institution, it must be able to demonstrate that it has in place appropriate and robust policies, procedures and financial controls to administer funding to academic institutions.
Consider the following:
References Cited (no page limit)
Provide a bibliography of all references cited in previous sections
Acronyms (no page limit)
Provide an alphabetized list of all acronyms used in the application.
BOOK 2: LETTERS OF SUPPORT
5. Letters of Support (Up to 15 letters, maximum 2 pages per letter)
No more than 15 letters can be included. Maximum of two pages each. Provide letters from partners providing cash/in-kind support only. If there are more than 15 organizations providing support, choose the 15 most impactful letters that provide details on specific cash or in-kind contribution to include in the application. Letters that describe a general level of support for the network should not be included.
The letters should be addressed by the contributing stakeholder to the proposed Network Director and confirm in-kind or cash contributions.
End users are expected to provide letters of support that include their engagement and a description of the anticipated benefits and impacts of the network as well as detail their cash or in-kind contributions.
Provide a summary table for the letters of support indicating the name of the organization, page number, cash and/or in-kind contribution to the network, the sector (academic, industry, provincial, federal, other), and page reference at the beginning of this section.
Letters of support should:
If the applicant is also a principal in a collaborating or supporting organization, another senior official must sign on behalf of that organization.
BOOK 3: CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) (maximum 10)
The applicant is responsible for selecting up to 10 short CVs for inclusion in Book 3. Any additional CVs (>10) will be removed. The NCE Secretariat will only accept CVs that conform with a tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) CCV Presentation Standard.
The CVs should be in alphabetical order by last name of the researcher and each should be separated by a bookmark.
BOOK 4: SIGNATURE PAGES
Please use the form provided to produce signature pages. Use one page per organization, unless the number of individuals from an organization is large enough to require additional pages.
The signature of each academic participant is required to confirm their willingness to participate in the network and to acknowledge their agreement that the applicant will administer any NCE-IKTP award in accordance with NCE-approved management, governance and accountability structures.
Note that an electronic version of the signature forms is not required. Please only submit the signatures as part of the unbound original copy.
Refer to Appendix A for the meaning of electronic and original signatures.
For more information, please contact the NCE Secretariat at:
Rick Schwartzburg
Senior Program Manager
Email: rick.schwartzburg@nce-rce.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-943-7616
Networks of Centre of Excellence
NCE-IKTP Competition
16th Floor, mailroom
350 Albert Street
Ottawa ON K1A 1H5
NCE website
Information Regarding the Meaning of Signatures
Information Regarding In-kind Eligibility
Guidelines for Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships
In-kind Eligibility Table (CIHR)
Tri-Agency Use of Grant Funds
Tri-Agency Responsible Conduct of Research
Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct Of Research
Privacy Act
Environmental Review Policy for Networks Receiving NCE Funds
NSERC’s Guidelines on Environmental Review and Assessment
Other Useful Resources
For more information on the NCE Program, the use of NCE funds, and other relevant NCE program information, consult the NCE Program Guide.
For more information on Management and Governance, see the
Each application including the Application Form must be submitted in the following order. The maximum number of pages permitted for each section is indicated below.
Spreadsheets
Strategic Plan (Free Form – 19 pages)
What do the electronic or original signatures on the application mean?
For the Lead applicant
By signing and submitting my application, I (the Lead applicant):
Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to the NCE Secretariat) as they pertain to grant application information;
For academic participants:
By accepting to participate in the Network, I (the academic participant) also agree to the above.
The signatures of the institutional authorities certify that:
The signatures of authorized officers of other supporting organizations certify that the organization:
For further information, refer to the
Consent to Disclosure of Personal Information Policy - Frequently Asked Questions.
Guidelines for merging PDF documents
Adobe Pro is required in order to merge PDF documents, which is available for download online on
Adobe's website. Once Adobe Pro has been downloaded, various PDF documents can be merged into a single document.
The Application Form is a protected document, so you will need to follow the steps below in order to merge various PDF documents into one cohesive, searchable document.
1) Preferred method:
If you do not have the option to merge (which can happen depending on the software you are using, although it is fairly rare), you will have to complete the above steps then use one of the PDF merging websites below:
www.primopdf.com (recommended – free and easy to use)
www.foxyutils.com/mergepdf/
www.pdfmerge.com
2) Alternate method:
From the LOI Form