Lunar Exploration Analogue Deployment (LEAD) – Capability Demonstration

Announcement of Opportunity

Publication date: September 20, 2018

Application deadline: October 26, 2018

1. Introduction

Key aspects of the Space Policy Framework of Canada are ensuring that Canada is a sought-after partner in international space exploration missions that serve Canada's national interests, and, continuing to invest in the development of Canadian contributions in the form of advanced systems and scientific instruments as part of major international endeavors.

To help determine the nature of Canada's potential contribution to future international space exploration and science missions, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) engages in three types of activities:

• Requirements & mission concept development;
• Prototyping, integration & testing and analogue deployment;
• Building and maintaining operational infrastructure required to support proto-typing, integration & testing and analogue deployment.

The CSA is preparing to conduct a Lunar Exploration Analogue Deployment (LEAD) Project to position Canada for potential future contributions to lunar rover missions by demonstrating capabilities for human and robotic exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit.

The LEAD project comprises two separate elements running concurrently but independently;

• LEAD-Capability Demonstration; and,
• LEAD-Core (HERACLES)

The CSA is soliciting proposals from Canadian industry sector for their participation in the LEAD-Capability Demonstration element of the LEAD project. The Capability Demonstration element should be considered as complementary to the LEAD-Core Human-Enhanced Robotic Architecture and Capabilities for Lunar Exploration and Science (HERACLES) element.

The purpose of this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to provide financial support for one project over two years for lunar science and/or technology projects commencing with preparatory activities in 2018 and culminating in a field deployment in 2019 at the CSA Headquarters (Analogue Terrain [AT]), with an optional second deployment to a remote analogue site in Lanzarote, Spain in 2020, subject to further CSA approval.

The overarching goals are to address the CSA's Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program Objectives related to research and training:

• To support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA; and,
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified personnel (HQP) in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

This AO is consistent with the terms and conditions of the CSA G&C Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology – Research Component.

Applicants are asked to read the following AO thoroughly before submitting their applications. This AO was prepared to help applicants complete the application process, and outlines key elements, including mandatory criteria for eligibility, details on eligible projects and the selection process. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and the individual funding agreements governing a project, the latter document(s) will take precedence.

2. AO objectives

The objectives for the Capability Demonstration element of the LEAD Project AO are:

• To advance complementary community lunar science and/or technology that can benefit from test and capability demonstration at the LEAD analogue site; The Capability Demonstration element should be considered as complementary to the Core (HERACLES) element; and
• To train HQP – project managers, engineers, scientists, post-doc fellows, and technicians; and
• To support the development of Canadian industrial capabilities in the area of space technologies for the purpose of increasing the commercial potential of Canadian space companies.

For reference, the objectives for the LEAD-Core (HERACLES) element of the LEAD project sets the theme (Lunar Sample Return) and will drive selection of the analogue deployment site (during the optional year). The LEAD-Core mission scenario is based on the Human-Enhanced Robotic Architecture and Capabilities for Lunar Exploration and Science (HERACLES) concept which is being developed as a collaboration between European Space Agency (ESA), CSA, JAXA and NASA. More details of the mission concept are provided in the following CSA document:

"Space Exploration Science Maturation Study: Precursor to Human and Scientific Rover Lunar Demonstrator Mission" SOW - Appendix A (sections A.3 and A.4.5).

The Capability Demonstration field site for a deployment in the October to November 2019 period will be at the CSA Headquarters (AT) (see Appendix B).

The latest decision point for the 2020 remote analogue site deployment option is expected in the September-October 2019 timeframe. The 2020 site is expected to feature a clear minimum stretch of 300 m for autonomous navigation. It is anticipated to be in Europe. A potential site being investigated is Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (see Appendix C).

Command and control of the Capability Demonstration equipment (e.g. rover, instruments, payloads) and operations may be from the CSA Headquarters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, pending availability of the Exploration Development & Operations Centre (ExDOC) or from the recipient's home location.

3. Eligibility criteria

3.1 Eligible recipients

Eligible recipients are limited to for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada.

3.2 Eligible projects

The CSA's Space Technologies Development Program (STDP) aims to support the strengthening of industrial capabilities (new concepts and/or know-how) related to basic R&D of the Capability Demonstration element of the LEAD Project.

The Capability Demonstration opportunity is to enable the recipients to prepare for, execute and close-out a demonstration of the capability of their Project (e.g. instrument, payload, rover or operational concept/methodology) during a field deployment. It does not include the design & development of an instrument, payload or mobility platform.

It is recognized that the CSA-AT site does not provide a rich opportunity for the conduct of science or for realistic lunar surface interactions, features and properties. Rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate proof of concept, interfaces and operational procedures that may ultimately be used to conduct more realistic demonstrations at the optional Lanzarote deployment site in 2020.

Eligible demonstrations would involve projects that address the specific objectives of the LEAD-Capability Demonstration element (section 2) by advancing community lunar science and/or technology that can benefit from test and demonstration at the CSA Headquarters analogue site and/or at the optional Lanzarote analogue site.

This opportunity allows industry to propose projects which include, but are not limited to the following science and technologies:

• All instrument projects relevant to lunar science, and Space Exploration Planetary Geology, Geophysics and Prospecting (PGGP), and Planetary Space Environment (PSE) Topical Teams priorities are eligible. Link to Topical Team reports: ftp://ftp.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/ExP/pub/Publications/CSEW2016
• Lunar micro-rover missions, aligned with objectives of the CSA PGGP or PSE Topical Teams
• Scientific approaches for lunar prospecting
• Lunar drilling and sample acquisition
• Lunar In Situ Resource Utilization demonstration
• Rover Guidance, Navigation, and Control
• Rover wheels
• Lunar rover power systems
• Lunar surface communications systems

LEAD-Capability Demonstration projects may be run concurrently (on a non-interference basis) or in a serial manner at the CSA-AT deployment in 2019 and the optional Lanzarote deployment site location in 2020.

CSA will determine which projects should be conducted concurrently or serially.

The only Capability Demonstration "phases" that are eligible are; Preparation (may include instrument/payload adaptation/packaging); Deployment (execution); Close-out (including return of any borrowed CSA equipment and Final Report which includes the summary of outcomes in comparison to the proposal, the performance measures listed in section 6.5, and feedback on CSA technical and human resources provided, if applicable). Note that design & development of the Project's instrument, payload, or mobility platform is not within the scope of this AO.

Any logical breakdown or combination of the eligible phases can constitute a funded project. However, breaking down a project into numerous phases to obtain more than the maximum grant or contribution is not allowed. Furthermore, even if the maximum funding for one project is not reached, the completion of a funded phase does not automatically guarantee funding of the remaining phases.

Important notes to applicants:

Canadian post-secondary institutions and industry are encouraged (not mandatory) to consider collaborations or partnerships with each other.

The CSA would provide access to, and technical support for the use of, CSA facilities (e.g. AT) and mobility platforms (e.g. rovers – 2 Junos and 1 LRPDP). This could include use of CSA associated Infrastructure (e.g. local WiFi & Satellite data network communications), by the Recipient for preparatory activities and deployments, as required. The location would be at the CSA, the Recipient's home location pending sufficient justification (e.g. integration of payload/instrument) and the selected optional Lanzarote analogue deployment site (2020) per Appendix B. The capability demonstration itself, is to be conducted at the CSA AT in 2019 and optionally at Lanzarote in 2020.

The CSA would provide coordination and oversight to ensure that all activities carried out by participating parties, occurring at the same location (CSA-AT in 2019 and/or the optional Lanzarote analogue deployment site in 2020), do not conflict with one another.

CSA will be developing its own Space Education (Outreach) Plan. Should the recipient want to conduct their own Public Outreach activity, it must first be coordinated with the CSA.

Contributions awarded under this AO are expected to cover travel (from the funded organization to the sites required for preparatory activities and the optional selected remote deployment site), logistics (equipment transport), instrument/payload-to-rover interface modification (as required) and associated labor costs.

Respondents are asked to provide the following information:

• Team description including Principal Investigator (PI), lead organization and all team member organizations;
• The field of research of the potential project;
• The science and/or technology test or demonstration objectives of the project;
• A description of the proposed instrument/payload/mobility platform to be used;
• Needs for CSA technical and infrastructure support
• Number of students and other HQP.
• Preliminary schedule and ROM cost estimates

3.3 Links to CSA priorities

This AO focuses on the CSA's priority of building industrial capabilities, meaning those projects that aim to develop new concepts and/or know-how. Industrial capability building therefore encompasses all projects aimed at strengthening the industry core capabilities with particular focus on developing its people and technologies.

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to at least one of the following CSA priorities:

• To support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA.
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

3.4 Links to the Class G&C program objectives

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to the achievement of at least one of the following objectives:

• To support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA;
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

3.5 Basic R&D definition

Eligible projects supported under this AO must comply with the following definition for basic R&D by providing the required justification within section 5 of the Application Form (Information with respect to basic R&D provided only in the proposal will not be used for screening the project):

"Any pre-commercial science and technology activities that are carried out to resolve unknowns regarding the feasibility of (i) space concepts or (ii) applications in the space sector."

The following due diligence process will be applied to determine whether projects are compliant with this definition. To that end, justification provided in section 5 of the application form must:

• Quantify the technical objectives being sought and must describe how the expected results will be measured;
• Clearly state which technological unknowns are proposed to be answered;
• Clearly state the working hypotheses behind solving the unknowns and describe how plausible it is anticipated to solve these unknowns;
• Demonstrate that the proposed project consists of more than ordinary engineering or current operations; and
• Substantiate the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and the proposed TRL expected to be reached (up to TRL 6).

The following TRL definitions must be used:

TRL 1

Basic principles observed and reported

TRL 2

Technology concept and/or application formulated

TRL 3

Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of-concept

TRL 4

Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment

TRL 5

Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment

TRL 6

System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space)

Basic R&D activities supported under this AO shall be undertaken in Canada unless it is essential to the success of the project.

3.6 Required documentation

The application must include the following:

• A completed original application form signed by the duly authorized representative;
• One copy of the proposal;
• A copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the applicant;
• A copy of the proposal and application form (identical to the signed paper copy) in a standard electronic media format (USB flash drive, CD or DVD). If there is any discrepancy between the hard and the soft copies, the hard copy takes precedence;
• Letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions, if applicable;
• Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the Applicant Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act section included in the application form); and

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application complies with all relevant federal, provincial and territorial legislation and municipal bylaws.

Applications must be mailed to the CSA at the following address:

• Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 12:00 noon (ET) October 26, 2018;
• The application can be mailed/couriered/delivered to the address indicated.
• There is no one to receive hand delivered proposals during the weekends. Hand delivered proposals will only be accepted during business hours.
• Applications sent by email will not be accepted:
• Incomplete applications shall not be considered.

Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the Frequently asked questions (section 8).

3.7 Service standards – Complete applications

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Selected applications will be announced on the CSA website. The CSA has set the following service standards for processing times, acknowledgement of receipt, funding decisions and payment procedures.

Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within 1 week of receiving the completed application package.

Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within 4 weeks of the AO's closing date and to send a contribution agreement for signature within 2 weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment:
The CSA's goal is to issue payment within 6 weeks of the successful fulfillment of the requirements outlined in the contribution agreement.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. Applicants must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion. Service standards may vary by AO.

4. Evaluation

4.1 Eligibility criteria

• Represents an eligible recipient as defined in section 3.1;
• Represents an eligible project as defined in sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4;
• Meets the basic R&D definition in section 3.5; and
• Meets program funding provisions in section 5.1.

4.2 Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the following point rated criteria:

1. Innovation (30%)
   • 1.1 Degree of innovation
   • 1.2 Degree of readiness
2. Project feasibility, resources and risk assessment (20%)
   • 2.1 Team technical expertise
   • 2.2 Project clarity, completeness, feasibility and risk assessment
3. Outcomes and benefits to Canada (50%)
   • 3.1 Development of industrial core capabilities
   • 3.2 Competitive advantage
   • 3.3 HQP and students
   • 3.4 Benefits of a capability demonstration

The word limit to support each of the previous criteria and the scoring grid is specified in Appendix A.

4.3 Evaluation process

Only applications that have passed the eligibility assessment listed in section 4.1 will be given further consideration.

Once the eligibility criteria are confirmed, evaluators will assess the screened applications according to the criteria listed in section 4.2. Evaluators shall be experts in the fields relevant to the applications and may include representatives of other government and non-government agencies and organizations as well as external consultants. If applicable, a multidisciplinary evaluation committee will be formed when applications from several different disciplines are competing in order to provide a uniform final score and ranking of proposals.

Before a final decision is made, the CSA's Program Manager responsible for this AO may seek input and advice from other organizations, including (but not limited to) federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government agencies and organizations.

The amount of support will be determined according to the total eligible cost of the project, as well as the other sources of funds invested by other stakeholders and the applicant.

5. Funding

5.1 Available funding and duration

The total maximum funding amount given in contribution for the project will be $250,000 over a maximum period of 24 months as well as an option with a possibility of a three month extension and an additional $100,000.

The eligible recipient can be funded for one project under this AO.

Company financial statements for the last two years and the most recent interim results will be requested, in a later phase of the evaluation process, as a condition to signing a contribution agreement. It is not required to submit financial statements with the application.

Approved proposals will be eligible for a total amount of government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) of up to 75% of total project costs.

To determine the amount of funding to be allocated, consideration will be given to the availability of CSA funds, the total cost of the project, and the other confirmed sources of funds provided by other stakeholders and the applicant.

Applicants must identify all sources of funding in their applications and confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. Upon completion of a project, the recipient must also disclose all sources of funding.

The CSA reserves the right not to accept any proposals or to reduce the amount of the contributions at its entire discretion.

5.2 Eligible costs

Eligible costs are direct expenses that are associated with the delivery of the approved project and that are required to achieve the expected results of the project. Expenses will be covered subject to the applicant signing a funding agreement, in the form of a contribution, with the CSA.

Eligible costs for contributions under this AO are the following:

• Access fees;
• Accommodation and meal allowances;
• Acquisition, development and printing of materials;
• Acquisition or rental of equipment (not to exceed 20% of total project cost)
  • could include but is not limited to shipping/transport costs of equipment;
• Aircraft and watercraft charter services;
• Consultant services;
• Costs for carrying out environmental screening and/or impact studies;
• Costs related to obtaining security clearance;
• Data acquisition;
• Data management;
• Laboratory analysis services;
• License and permit fees;
• Marketing and printing services;
• Materials and supplies;
• Overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 15%);
• Salaries and benefits;
• Translation services;
• Travel.

6. Funding agreements

6.1 Payments

The CSA and each successful applicant (the recipient) will sign a funding agreement. This is a condition for any payment made by the CSA with respect to the approved project.

Payments for contribution agreements will be made in accordance with the process and the reporting requirements described in the signed funding agreement. Upon notice of a successful application, the CSA will have no liability until a funding agreement is signed by both parties. Only eligible costs incurred after the funding agreement is signed and indicated in the agreement will be reimbursed.

6.2 Audit

The recipient of a funding agreement shall keep proper records of all documentation related to the funded project, for the duration of the project and for six (6) years after the completion date of the project, in the event of an audit. This documentation shall be available upon request.

6.3 Conflict of interest

In the funding agreement, the recipient will certify that any current or former public office holder or public servant it employs complies with the provisions of the relevant Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector respectively.

Note: Current employees of the CSA are not eligible to participate in any way in any application under this AO.

6.4 Intellectual property

All intellectual property developed by the recipient in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient.

6.5 Performance measurement

The CSA will ask the recipients to report on certain aspects of their projects such as:

• Knowledge creation
  • Knowledge production (including publications)
    • Initial and final TRL achieved under the project
    • Number of technology breakthroughs
    • Achievements resulting from research
  • Publications and presentations
  • Number and types of Foreground Intellectual Property (FIP) generated (e.g., trademark, patent, copyright, know-how, etc.)
• Capacity building
  • Project's research team (including HQP, by gender, supported)
  • Number of students or post-docs involved during the project
• Collaboration
  • Partners' contributions
  • Partnerships
  • Multidisciplinarity

As a courtesy, the CSA would like to receive a copy of publications arising from the work, and to be informed in advance of significant press releases or media interest resulting from the work.

7. Privacy notice statement

The CSA will comply with the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act with respect to applications received. By submitting personal information, an applicant is consenting to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the following Privacy Notice Statement, which explains how the applicant's information will be managed.

Necessary measures have been taken to protect the confidentiality of the information provided by the applicant. This information is collected under the authority of the CSA Class G&C Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology – Research Component, and will be used for the evaluation and selection of proposals. Personal information (such as contact information and biographical information) included in the rejected proposals will be stored in a CSA Personal Information Bank for five (5) years and then destroyed (Personal Information File no. ASC PPU045). Personal information included in the successful proposals will be kept along with the proposal results for historical purposes. These data are protected under the Privacy Act. According to the Privacy Act, the data linked to an individual and included in the proposal being evaluated can be accessed by the specific concerned individual who has rights with respect to this information. This individual may, upon request,

1. be given access to his/her data and
2. have incorrect information corrected or have a notation attached.

Applicants shall note that for all agreements, information related to the funding agreement (amount, grant or contribution, name of the recipient and project location) will be made available to the public on the CSA website.

For additional information on privacy matters prior to submitting a proposal, please contact:

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

It is the responsibility of the applicants to obtain clarification of the requirements contained herein, if necessary, before submitting an application.

For any questions related to the AO, applicants shall use the following generic email address lecedessetc-thegandccoe@asc-csa.gc.ca. Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the FAQ section of this AO. The CSA will respond to questions received before 12:00 noon (ET), October 19, 2018.

At any point, applicants are welcome to share with the CSA their comments or suggestions regarding the AO, the program or the process. Applicants may either use the generic email address or the generic web-based comments and suggestions box.

Appendix A: Point-rated evaluation criteria

Application must receive an overall minimum score of 65% as well as minimum specified thresholds to be considered for funding. Obtaining the highest score possible maximizes your chance of being selected to obtain financial support (see section 5). The following point-rated criteria will be evaluated using 4 benchmark statements. Each benchmark statement will receive the following percentage of maximum points according to the following scale:

1. Poor: 25%
2. Average: 50%
3. Good: 75%
4. Excellent: 100%

1. Innovation (30% of overall score)

Maximum: 30 points
Minimum: 15 points (50%)

1.1 Degree of innovation

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1000 words)

Maximum: 15 points

This criterion evaluates the novelty associated with the new concepts and/or know-how to be demonstrated. Innovation can range from sustaining innovations that improve the performance of existing processes to disruptive innovations that offer an entirely different value proposition leading to the creation of new processes and markets. The design & development of the project's instrument, payload, or mobility platform is not within the scope of this AO This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• What is the degree of innovation being proposed?

1.2 Degree of readiness

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1000 words)

Maximum: 15 points
Minimum: 11.25 points (75%)

This criterion evaluates the degree to which the science and/or technology is ready for Capability Demonstration. The only Capability Demonstration "phases" that are eligible are; Preparation (includes instrument/payload adaptation/packaging); Deployment (execution); Close-out (including return of any borrowed CSA equipment and Final Report). The design & development of the project's instrument, payload, or mobility platform is not within the scope of this AO. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• What is the degree of maturity level of the science and/or technology in order to demonstrate capability?

2. Project feasibility, resources and risk assessment (20% of overall score)

Maximum: 20 points
Minimum: 10 points (50%)

2.1 Team technical expertise

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1000 words)

Maximum: 10 points

This criterion evaluates the combined technical qualifications and experience of the team assembled to carry out the proposed work (i.e. the Capability Demonstration opportunity to prepare for, execute and close-out a demonstration of the capability of their instrument, payload, rover or operational concept/methodology during a field deployment). Résumés appended to the proposal will be assessed for this criterion.

2.2 Project clarity, completeness, feasibility and risk assessment

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 2000 words)

Maximum: 10 points

This criterion evaluates the completeness and effectiveness of the proposed implementation plan in directing the project to successful completion. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Does the proposal include a clear and complete implementation plan consisting of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), detailed Work Package Descriptions (WPD), schedule, milestones, resource availability and allocation (e.g. personnel, facilities, laboratories, field sites, specialized equipment, including access to CSA facilities, equipment, and expertise as applicable, etc.) as well as risk identification and mitigation?
• Does the proposed implementation plan seem credible and well suited to the project objectives, and does it embody sound methodology and management?

3. Outcomes and benefits to Canada (50% of overall score)

Maximum: 50 points
Minimum: 32.5 points (65%)

3.1 Development of industrial core capabilities

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1000 words)

Maximum: 10 points

This criterion evaluates the potential of increasing industrial capabilities through this capability demonstration. It also assesses how the proposed project will contribute to enhancing Canadian industry's ability to meet national space needs. This readiness is reflected by the breadth and depth of the technological domains in which the Canadian industry is active. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Will the proposed work lead to the creation of new or enhanced Canadian industrial capabilities?
• Does the new or improved product or services have the potential to lead to more efficient operations, increased production capability and/or cost reduction?
• How will these new or improved capabilities enable the applicant to respond to national space needs (industry's readiness)?

3.2 Competitive advantage

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1500 words)

Maximum: 10 points

This criterion assesses the merit and potential of the proposed capability demonstration to positively affect the company's competitive advantage and/or overall market share. It is recognized that an improvement in the company's overall market share (or competitive advantage) can be achieved through creating a new market, penetrating for the first time an existing one and/or increasing one's position in an already accessed market.

3.3 HQP and students developing STEM skills

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1000 words)

Maximum: 15 points

This criterion evaluates the degree to which this capability demonstration will help retain and enhance the number of HQP as well as their knowledge and expertise through their involvement in this project. The criterion also evaluates the degree to which the capability demonstration encourages Canadians to develop STEM skills in order to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Will this capability demonstration help retain or enhance the number of skilled workers (project managers, engineers, scientists, post-doc fellows, and technicians) in the space sector, through their involvement in this activity?
• Does this capability demonstration have the potential to stimulate the creation of highly skilled jobs in Canada?
• Does this capability demonstration involve students and post-doc fellows to help develop their STEM skills?

3.4 Benefits of a capability demonstration

(Please limit the proposal pertaining to this criterion to 1500 words)

Maximum: 15 points

This criteria evaluates the suitability of, and benefits (value) to a future mission, in performing a capability demonstration of the proposed science operations and/or technology at the CSA AT and the optional Lanzarote deployment site in 2020.

This criteria seeks to answer the following questions:

• What is the value of performing a capability demonstration of the proposed science operations and/or technology for the path to a future mission?
• Do the benefits of capability demonstration outweigh the costs?

Appendix B

Access to CSA rovers, infrastructure & facilities in Saint-Hubert (Quebec) for field investigations

In order to facilitate the ground testing and demonstration of planetary exploration technologies, and to support field investigations to prepare Canada for future planetary exploration missions, the CSA has developed an infrastructure and facilities for testing, integration and operations of planetary exploration systems and equipment such as rovers and scientific instruments, in a "mission-like" planetary environment. The facilities include integration labs, test facilities, a planetary analogue site (located at the CSA), a control center and the communications infrastructure necessary to connect various on-site facilities.

The CSA is offering to recipients, subject to availability, some rovers (i.e. 2 Junos and 1 LRPDP) from its fleet of prototype Planetary Mobility Systems (Rovers) and associated indoor & outdoor Facilities and Infrastructure to support the Testing, Integration and Operations of Planetary Exploration systems and equipment (e.g. Rovers, instruments, payloads).

Applicants interested in utilizing CSA assets must clearly state so in their application and provide information on their rover, instrument or payload as well as their schedule. However, the CSA cannot guarantee a specific asset will be available at the location, period of the year or time of day stated in a recipient's proposal. The Proposal should also address the risk & mitigation plan if any requested CSA assets & resources cannot be made available for use.

Use of CSA rovers, infrastructure or facilities on-site in Saint-Hubert (Quebec)

The CSA will provide, subject to availability, expert engineering and technical staff resources to operate the CSA-provided elements and infrastructure, and support the recipients while on-site at the CSA.

The CSA will also provide the appropriate information to the recipient to ensure that interfaces (e.g. such as those of the rovers) are well understood in order to accommodate recipient instruments or payloads. Instrument or payload interface adaptation/modifications may be necessary.

Process

Once a project has been selected, the applicant will have to fill out a questionnaire providing additional information on its rover, instrument or payload and the field investigation requirements. The applicant will subsequently be responsible for ensuring its equipment will be ready on time and meets CSA safety and interface requirements, which will be provided by the CSA upon request.

The preliminary schedule provided in the proposal should include a target deployment date and a "Deployment Readiness Review" 4 weeks prior to the scheduled deployment date. The deployment date will be confirmed shortly after the Readiness Review. The CSA will do its utmost to accommodate all selected applicant requests that meet the CSA Health & Safety (H&S), Security, interface requirements, and that are compatible with the ongoing CSA plans and schedule for use of its rovers, facilities and infrastructure and technical support resources.

Users of CSA facilities (e.g. AT) will be sent Facility-specific H&S Plan. s) prior to their arrival. Each participant will be asked to respond with an email stating that they have read, understood and will comply with the H&S requirements.

CSA badging will be arranged prior to arrival. Depending on the length of visit and frequency of trips to the CSA, either a Visitor's Badge (Escort required) or a CSA Access Badge (no Escort required) will be issued on-arrival. For CSA Visitor Badges - Canadians need to show ID (e.g. Driver's License) and non-Canadians need to show ID + student/work Visa + Passport). For CSA Access Badges - a Government Security Check will be done including Fingerprinting & Form to be filled and submitted approximately 2 weeks prior to visit.

Agreements

An agreement will have to be signed between CSA and a recipient in order to have access to CSA rovers, infrastructure and facilities. This agreement will include, among other things, clauses relating to the following elements:

• Location (infrastructure and facilities to be used) and supervision of recipient participants;
• Access to CSA Facilities (H&S, security);
• Confidential Information (information handling);
• Intellectual Property (background & foreground); and
• Indemnification & Liability.

Expenses

All expenses associated with the Recipients rover, instrument or payload testing, integration and shipping, as well as travel and accommodation before, during and after the field investigation activity, are the Contribution recipient's responsibility.

Use of CSA rovers at a remote location (e.g. optional Lanzarote analogue site)

Applicants requesting access to a CSA rover at a remote location must plan a visit to CSA Head Quarter located in Saint-Hubert (Quebec), as CSA will provide, subject to availability, expert engineering and technical staff resources to train recipients on how to operate the CSA rovers, but only at the CSA Saint-Hubert location.

During that visit, the CSA will work with the recipient to ensure that interfaces are well understood in order to accommodate recipient instruments or payloads. Instrument or payload interface adaptation/modifications may be necessary.

Note that the CSA Rovers may also be available for use by the Recipient at their home location, if sufficient justification is provided (e.g. for integration of payload/instruments). However, the capability demonstration is to be conducted at the CSA AT in 2019 and optionally at Lanzarote in 2020.

Loan agreement

Should the project involve the use of CSA rovers at a remote location, a loan agreement must be signed between CSA and the recipient. The agreement will include, among other things, clauses relating to the following elements:

• Responsibility of the borrower regarding all shipping, handling and storage associated with transporting the rovers to the places where it is to be used by the borrower;
• Responsibility of the borrower regarding the loss of, or damage to, the rovers and the obligation to insure the rovers to the full replacement value;
• Responsibility of the borrower to not modify any parts of the rovers or its software; and
• No transfer by the CSA to the borrower of any associated right or license related to the use of software that is part of the rovers.

Expenses related to the use of CSA rovers

All expenses associated with the recipient instrument or payload interface adaptation, testing, shipping and integration with a rover, as well as travel and accommodation before, during and after the field investigation activity, are the contribution recipient's responsibility. This also includes shipment of the CSA-rover to/from the recipient's home location and/or the optional Lanzarote site.

CSA rovers & facilities documents

In order to provide as much information as possible for the AO release date, the following CSA Documents are also being made available on a per-request basis and in an "as-is" state. In some cases, the information contained does not reflect with 100% accuracy the current configuration of the facilities, as some upgrades may have occurred since the documents were prepared. However, the information supplied should be sufficient to provide the applicant with an understanding of the available functionality, capability and general interfaces. Available documentation is listed below:

• CSA Facility Overview Sheets
  • AT
  • High Bay - Rover Indoor Workspace (RIW)
  • Rover Integration Facility (RIF)
  • ExDOC
  • Portable Command & Control Shelter (PCCS)
  • Exploration Storage Facility (ESF);
• CSA AT User Guide/Manual;
• CSA Rover(s)-to-Payload Interface Requirements Document; and
• CSA Facility H&S Plans
  • AT
  • High Bay-RIW
  • High Bay
  • RIF
  • PCCS
  • ESF

To obtain a copy of those documents, please send a request to pdts-stdp@asc-csa.gc.ca.

For any questions on those documents, please refer to section 8 (FAQ's) of the AO.

CSA fleet of rovers

For a description of CSAs fleet of rovers. (Note: Only 2 Junos and 1 LRPDP are available for this AO)

CSA facilities descriptions

ExDOC

The ExDOC provides centralized command and control for various technology and science resources deployed at local or remote analogue sites.

It also provides re-distribution of voice, video, and data & control functions to other participating centers e.g. universities, contractors, international partners.

AT (Planetary AT)

The CSA-located AT is a 60 X 120 metre outdoor facility offering various surface features and topographies to simulate the planetary surface, such as rock bed, crater, summit, and flag stone patch. This facility is also equipped with situation awareness cameras and WIFI network for the needs of rover and instrument or payload testing and deployment.

PCCS

This infrastructure provides a controlled & secure environment for conducting remote analogue site deployments i.e. a portable "ExDOC" and can be rapidly deployed and setup. Note: For the LEAD Project the PCCS will be available for use at the CSA deployment site, but will not be available at the potential Canary Islands deployment site should the 3rd year (2020) option be approved.

It measures approximately 10 m (including Hitch) by 3 m by 3 m tall.

Equipped with multiple workstations and satellite & wireless communications equipment.

RIF

The RIF is both a development and integration & test facility for rovers, payloads and instruments, providing.

• Overall ground-floor space measures 18 m by 7 m
• 3 working bays of approximately 6 m by 7 m
• Mechanical tools and equipment
• Lift & overhead crane
• Electronic laboratory area
• Equipment storage racks
• Office area (mezzanine) with workstations for data, telemetry and commanding within the RIF local network.

ESF

Co-located with the AT, the ESF provides a sheltered and secure environment in which to store a variety of rovers and science & technology instruments.

ESF dimensions are 10.4 m by 7 m with 3.2 m ceiling height, providing over 70 square-meters of storage area. It is able to provide storage for up to 20 rovers.

RIW

The RIW is an indoor testing facility located in the CSA High Bay.

It is a somewhat smaller (13.4 m by 11.0 m) version of the AT that is generally used when weather conditions prohibit use of the AT, but provides similar functionality.

Appendix C: Optional Remote analogue site –Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote, Spain is being considered for the Capability Demonstration and LEAD-core (HERACLES) optional deployment in 2020.

Lanzarote provides analogue sites used by the ESA. Ortiz Cardrona, Tinguatan South and Valle de la Tranquilidad South are candidates for the deployment. Images and site specific details are provided in Figures 1-4 below and in the following scientific article "Assessing qualitative long-Term volcanic hazards at Lanzarote Island (Canary Islands), Becerril et al, 2017, Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences".

Requirements to be fulfilled under this Project funding include: shipping to the site of instruments and supporting equipment as needed to operate the instruments and for any planned field validation activities; travel to the site for field members who will operate the instrument(s), including daily transport of instruments, support equipment and team members from accommodation in nearby villages to the site; accommodation and meals for the field team, and any export permits needed for equipment. It is expected that a coordinated permit for site access will be procured by CSA. Communications and some power at the analogue site can be anticipated to be provided by CSA.

Access to the sites can be anticipated to require some portion of travel along rough tracks.

Figure 2 image A

Figure 2 image B

Figure 2 image C

Figure 2 image D

Figure 2: Ortiz Cardona: Man-made mounds and pits are found at the entrance of the field site. Terrain is hummocky with some relatively flat areas (Image A). High rock abundance. The boundaries of the field site is marked by rough lava flows. More outcrops and rock fragments are found approaching the lava flows. Some of the outcrops have a lot of lichen cover. Vegetation covers some of the regolith giving it a whitish-green appearance (Image A+B).