The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program is a federal initiative administered jointly through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in partnership with Industry Canada.

2011 Knowledge Mobilization Initiative

Background

As outlined in the Letter of Intent Guide for the 2011 NCE Knowledge Mobilization Initiative (NCE-KM), selected applicants are invited to submit Full Applications following review of the Letters of Intent.

Candidates submitting Full Applications are advised to read this guide and the Letter of Intent Guide for the 2011 Knowledge Mobilization Initiative. An updated version of the NCE Network Program Guide, to be published shortly, provides information about the NCE program as a whole. Candidates will be notified by email when this document is published.

To ensure that the NCE-KM program goals and objectives are met, proposals are evaluated against the 2011 NCE-KM competition framework.

Competition Framework

Target Areas:

Applicants must demonstrate that the knowledge being applied or mobilized addresses key problems, challenges, and opportunities of high strategic importance to Canada.

Review Criteria:

Proposals are assessed against the following review criteria:

1) Expected Impacts and Added Value

expected social, economic and/or health-related impacts of the proposed NCE-KM in relation to
1. one or more receptor communities, who are expected to use or benefit from the knowledge to be mobilized; and
2. Canadians in general and the international community where appropriate;
anticipated added value of the NCE-KM;
explanation of the strategic importance of the expected impacts, both during and beyond the life of the proposed NCE-KM network;
well-defined performance and impact indicators;
feasibility of achieving the expected impacts during and beyond the life of the network

2) Excellence and Composition of the Proposed Network Team

potential and ability of the team members to achieve the goals of the NCE-KM network;
team members identified and their roles made explicit;
demonstrated world class capacity and track record of the team members to achieve the objectives of the NCE-KM network. The team will include researchers (knowledge producers) and receptors (knowledge users). In some cases, there may be an overlapping of roles. Individuals from receptor communities must have meaningful engagement in all aspects of the proposed network

3) Other Contributions to the Proposed network

the nature and extent of the confirmed financial and in-kind commitments to the proposed network by stakeholders. The latter are all individuals/groups (including receptors) who have an interest in the outcomes of the NCE-KM network;
planning for future financial and in-kind commitments

4) Strategy for Knowledge Mobilization

A well-defined strategy for identifying and mobilizing knowledge across disciplines and sectors over four years should include
approaches to:

identifying the knowledge needs of the receptor community(ies);
synthesizing existing knowledge to address those needs;
developing processes to assist the receptor community(ies) to access, adapt and implement existing knowledge;
identifying gaps in knowledge requiring further research (including a plan for informing research funders and others of those knowledge gaps);
planning for the engagement and capacity-building of future receptor communities; and
provision for adaptation and innovation over the life of the network.

5) Management and Governance

Planning that includes workable management and governance structures.

The following are essential planning elements:

effective accountability mechanisms, whether through incorporation as a not-for-profit organization or some other means;
proven track record in leadership, management and/or governance of the individuals proposed for those roles;
effective budgeting mechanisms together with a detailed budget and timeline;
an appropriate communications plan; and
integration of receptors into management and governance.

Review and Decision Process

The NCE Standing Selection Committee will review the Full Applications according to the 2011 NCE-KM competition framework and provide recommendations to the NCE Steering Committee regarding the proposals to be funded as well as the level of funding to be allocated.

The Network Director or main applicant will be required to attend part of the NCE Standing Selection Committee deliberations in order to provide clarification or expansion of aspects of the proposed network. The face-to-face meeting with the Standing Selection Committee will be a half-day’s commitment in Ottawa between May 9 to May 11, 2011. Further details will provided be closer to the time of the meeting.

Please note that the decisions of the NCE Standing Selection Committee are final. There is no appeal process.

Budget

Approximately $1.2 million per year will be available to support NCE-KM networks. Successful networks will be awarded up to $400,000 per year for four years, with a possible three-year extension.

The second (and final) funding cycle of up to three years is only available where a NCE-KM has developed and built on its partnerships to progressively transform itself into a receptor-centered network.

Full Application Preparation Funding

Applicants whose Letters of Intent pass the initial screening process may request funding of up to $20,000 to assist them in preparing a Full Application. Full Application Preparation (FAP) funding is tenable until the completion of the Standing Selection Committee meeting, and should be used for application-related expenses such as travel (for application preparation and to attend the Standing Selection Committee meeting in Ottawa), communications and workshops, as well as for secretarial, clerical and co-ordination services.

To request FAP funding, applicants must submit a one-page letter outlining their required budget, including a brief rationale of proposed expenses. Applications for FAP will be accepted until Friday November 19, 2010.

Privacy Act Statement

The information you provide is collected under the authority of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act; and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act.

Environmental Review Policy

All Networks of Centres of Excellence must pay careful attention to environmental considerations in their decision to fund network projects proposals. Their Management Structure shall establish a process for environmental review that is comparable to the process established by NSERC in fulfillment of its obligations, pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). All project proposals within the network shall be reviewed for potential environmental effects. For additional information see the NCE Program Guide.

Top of Page

Guidelines for Completing a Full Application

The complete Full Application consists of four individually bound books:

Book 1: The Proposal
Book 2: Letters of Support
Book 3: CVs
Book 4: Signature Pages

Book 1 consists of both freeform text sections as well as pages of the 2011 NCE-KM Competition Full Application Forms.

Please note that in order to be considered complete, the application must contain all of the elements described below.

Deadlines

For Book 3, the CVs selected by the Network Director must be completed and entered into the online system of any one of the Granting Agencies by March 29, 2011.

The deadline for submission of the Full Application for the 2011 Knowledge Mobilization Initiative is April 5, 2011.

The Full Application must be postmarked by April 5, 2011. If sent close to the deadline, the application must be sent by overnight courier.

Mailing Address

Networks of Centres of Excellence
16th Floor, mailroom
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5

The NCE Secretariat will confirm receipt of the application with the applicant within three weeks of receipt.

General Presentation

Provide the application in black ink at letter quality (minimum standard), with no more than six lines per inch. Ensure that type size for fonts measured in points (pts) is no smaller than 12 pts. If measured in characters per inch (cpi), ensure that type size is 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. Enter the title of the network at the top of every page and number the pages consecutively.

Graphs and illustrations may be included, but will 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.

Number of Copies

Applicants must provide one unbound original copy, 25 paper copies, and one electronic copy (USB key) containing a single PDF file.

What to Include in a Full Application

BOOK 1: THE PROPOSAL

1. Covering Letter
(maximum of 2 pages)

A letter, signed by the applicant and the President or CEO (or delegate) of the institution that proposes to host the network administrative centre must be included.

The letter should outline the nature of anticipated support from the proposed Host Institution. Host Institutions play an important role in networks, through both direct support of the administrative centre and by participating in network governance.
Please refer to guidelines for the meaning of signatures (see On-line Resources).

2. Application Forms
(Tables 1.1 to 1.5)

Complete all sections of Tables 1.1 to 1.5 and Table 4 of the NCE-KM Competition Full Application forms.

3. Executive Summary
(maximum of ½ page)

Provide a summary of up to half a page describing the network and its goals and objectives in relation to the goals and objectives of the NCE-KM Initiative. Please write for a general audience using plain language as the summary may be used for communication purposes, such as press releases.

4. Statement of Strategic Importance (maximum of 1 page)

Define the problem areas and the anticipated incremental economic and social benefits to Canada. Describe the potential impact and added value over a four-year time frame to Canada’s productivity, health and social systems and/or public policies.

5. Explanation of Overlap
( Maximum 1/2 page, if applicable)

Where there is significant overlap or reasonable potential for perceived overlap between a proposed network and currently or previously funded initiatives, provide a short explanation describing the differences between the proposed network and the currently or previously funded initiatives. Describe how the proposed network will complement or build on the activities of the other initiative(s).

6. Knowledge Mobilization Strategy (maximum of 1 page)

Present a vision of what the network proposes to achieve, including specific goals and objectives. Include in your discussion the network's plans and strategy with respect to engaging the receptor communities and encouraging collaboration between knowledge producers and users.

7. Project Plan
(maximum of 5 pages)

The proposed NCE-KM network must be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and must integrate receptor partners, academia and government priorities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the proposed network possesses world-class capacity to address any problems, challenges or opportunities being addressed.

The applicant must describe the network’s proposed activities, addressing each of the review criteria listed. Include a description of the expected results and outcomes, linking these with the proposed activities and demonstrating when and how progress will be measured.

An organizational chart must accompany the information pertaining to the review criterion of management and governance.

8. References Cited
(no page limit)

Provide a bibliography of all references cited in previous sections.

9. Acronyms
(no page limit)

Provide an alphabetized list of all acronyms used in the application.

BOOK 2: LETTERS OF SUPPORT
(No more than 20 letters, maximum of two pages each)

The letters should confirm participation and/or expected new incremental in-kind or cash contributions by contributing stakeholders.

Provide a summary table for the letters of support indicating the name of the organization, page number, incremental cash and/or new in-kind contribution to the network, by sector (academic, industry, provincial, federal, other).

Letters of support should:

come from a senior executive with signing authority for the contributions being committed;
indicate the level, duration, and nature (cash and/or in-kind) of anticipated support for the proposed network;
describe potential involvement and added-value of the network to the stakeholder’s current and future activities;
indicate current and past associations with individuals participating in the network’s activities;
not be template formatted by the applicant; and
be original documents, dated and signed no earlier than six months prior to the application deadline.

If the applicant is also a principal of a collaborating or supporting organization, another senior official must sign on behalf of that organization.

BOOK 3: CVs

Up to 20 CVs should be included with the application by March 29, 2011.

An administrator account will be created for the applicant, who will be responsible for selecting the CVs and building Book 3 for submission to the NCE Secretariat. The NCE Secretariat will provide the applicant with the username and password for access to the administrator page. Further instructions for the use of the Common CV tool are available at www.commoncv.net.

Access to the CVs of each proposed Network will be provided by the NCE Secretariat to the NCE Selection Committee.

BOOK 4: SIGNATURE PAGES

Please use table 4 of the application forms to produce signature pages. Use one page per organization, unless the number of individuals from an organization is large enough to require additional pages.

Only the original signature pages forming Book 4 are required. Please do not provide copies.

The signature of each individual is required to confirm their willingness to participate in the network and to acknowledge their agreement that the applicant will administer any NCE-KM award in accordance with the NCE-approved management, governance and accountability structures.

Top of Page

On-line Resources

NCE Web site

http://www.nce-rce.gc.ca

Information Regarding the Meaning of Signatures

www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/Approvals-Approbation_eng.asp

www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/22630.html

Information Regarding In-kind Eligibility

www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/Policies-Politiques/orgpartners-orgpartenaires_eng.asp

www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/3758.html

Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide

www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/FinancialAdminGuide-GuideAdminFinancier/FundsUse-UtilisationSubventions_eng.asp

Privacy Act

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-21/

Top of Page

Contact

For more information, please contact Kim Douglas at the NCE Secretariat:

Telephone: (613) 996-2335
Fax: (613) 992-7356
E-mail: Kim.Douglas@nce-rce.gc.ca

Top of Page

Checklist

Each section must be submitted in the following order. The page limit for each section is indicated in brackets.

Book 1: The Proposal (one unbound original, 25 copies, and one electronic copy)
1. Covering Letter (2 pages)
2. Application forms – tables 1.1 to 1.5 (no page limit)
3. Executive Summary (1/2 page)
4. Statement of Strategic Importance (1 page)
5. Explanation of Overlap (1/2 page, if relevant)
6. Knowledge Mobilization Strategy (1 page)
7. Project Plan (5 pages)
8. References Cited (no page limit)
9. Acronyms (no page limit)
Book 2: Up to 20 Letters of Support (Originals + 25 copies; and one electronic copy of each letter; maximum of two pages per letter)
Book 3: CVs (Online, no copies)
Book 4: Signature Pages (Use Table 4 as a template, originals, no copies)