Flights for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST)

Announcement of Opportunity

Application deadline: May 13, 2011

1. Introduction

Building Canadian capacity in space science and technology is a priority for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Canada must generate and maintain a robust, experienced workforce in industry, academia, and government to play active roles in future space missions. Such capacity building can be encouraged by providing training opportunities to the current and next generation of scientists and engineers interested in space science and technology development. Individuals trained in space science and engineering are ideally positioned to capitalize upon new ideas and technologies developed in Canada and elsewhere in the world. Through their contribution to the advancement of knowledge and technology development, they contribute to Canada's competitiveness and productivity in the space industry and academia. The Canadian space community in industry, academia, and government will benefit from a cadre of university graduates with space-relevant training.

Conducting space research, including developing and using scientific instruments for satellites and the International Space Station (ISS), and other space-based platforms, is complex and risky, could have long timelines, and inherently involves a low tolerance for risk due to the level of investment. Training new students within these constraints is a challenge. In this context, there is a need to consider funding research projects that would address science and technical problems while giving opportunities to students to acquire relevant space knowledge and skills required for space research projects. This could be possible through ground based studies or through the use of low-cost space or sub-orbital platforms such as nanosatellites, cubesats, sounding rockets, stratospheric balloons, or aircraft platforms. Such projects offer unique education and practical experience in space-relevant projects by which university students can become involved in all aspects of space-based mission experiments. Nanosatellites, cubesats and sub-orbital platforms provide access to space and near-space on a shorter time scale than is possible for a larger satellite or a space mission. Ground-based studies allow students to conduct science and technology experiments on Earth in planetary, asteroid, and gravity analogue environments including field sites, simulators, low-pressure/microgravity (near free-fall) facilities, laboratories and observatories.

The life cycle of missions on these sub-orbital platforms or during ground-based studies is better matched to the length of a student's Master or PhD program or Postdoctoral Fellowship. Moreover, because of the low-cost and relatively short development time associated with such missions and studies, a student can have hands-on experience during his/her Master or PhD program or Postdoctoral Fellowship with all areas of the project from mission concept development and instrument construction to mission operations and post-mission data analysis. These projects inherently have a higher tolerance for risk than traditional long-duration space missions.

1.1 Announcement of Opportunity (AO) objectives

Through this AO, the CSA aims at providing grants for activities requiring access to space and sub-orbital flights or ground-based facilities or field sites on Earth in order to develop highly qualified personnel (HQP) while conducting science investigations or performing technology demonstrations, simulations, or validations (see Section 2.1.1 for more information on HQP).

More specifically, this AO aims at:

• Fostering the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP by providing a training ground for both the current and next generation of scientists and engineers;
• Supporting the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA through the use of research platforms including stratospheric balloons, aircraft, sounding rockets, nanosatellites, cubesats, ground-based facilities and field sites.

The key results expected from selected research projects are an increased supply of Canadian scientists and engineers with PhDs and/or Masters degrees as well as Postdoctoral Fellows (PDF), research associates and technicians with experience in addressing scientific, technical and/or operational questions in the context of space mission requirements faced by the Canadian space industry, academia and/or government institutions.

1.2 Contact information

To obtain further information, please contact:

Martin Lebeuf
Science and Academic Development
Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
450-926-6766

2. Criteria for eligibility

2.1 Eligible projects

In order to be eligible, projects must require access to space and sub-orbital flights, ground based facilities or field sites to train HQP.

While training activities involving end-to-end projects are strongly encouraged, training opportunities in the research disciplines (section 2.1.3) and on eligible research platforms (section 2.1.2) in Canada or abroad, may be related to any phases of a technical or scientific project whether they are related to either a space or sub-orbital flight or a ground-based study.

This may include, but is not limited to, activities associated with project planning, management and operation, feasibility assessment, requirements definition, designing, building, integrating and testing instruments or payloads, commissioning, calibrating, validating, operating, tracking and recovering equipments, instruments or systems, or activities related to experiments such as collecting and analyzing samples and data, both in-situ or in a laboratory.

A project may be a Canadian led flight or ground-based study or a contribution to a foreign-led flight or ground-based study. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A Canadian-led experiment that includes training activities and that requires access to a nanosatellite, a cubesat, a sub-orbital platform, a ground based facility or a field site to obtain scientific or technical research data. The Canadian team may propose to develop any aspect of the experiment. It can include international contributions, such as expertise, instruments, launch facilities and/or operations;
• A foreign-led flight mission or field deployment which includes a valid Canadian scientific or technology contribution involving Canadian collaborators and their graduate students or PDF.

2.1.1 Targeted training activities and HQP

Selected projects will offer a defined training experience to HQP in space related fields, which include:

• Graduate students (master's and doctoral);
• PDF^{Footnote 1};
• Technicians (if it is to increase their employment capability);
• Research associates^{Footnote 2}.

Undergraduate students in final-year projects can be part of the proposed project as future graduate students. Proposals focusing on support of undergraduate students will not be considered.

Undergraduate student participation in final-year projects and summer projects is an important first phase in research training and plays a major role in encouraging excellent students to pursue research careers. For technicians and others who are employed in long-term positions, the acquisition of new skills and knowledge is an important contribution to training. The inclusion of these two elements in a project will be positively considered by CSA.

Research and training projects supported through this AO would range from undergraduate theses and summer projects to postdoctoral level research, and includes research and development performed by technical and other research personnel. The level and content of the training should be appropriate to the research domain, whether it is science or engineering related, with opportunities for interaction and collaboration with other researchers inside and outside the organization, where appropriate.

In collaborative research involving non-university partners, HQP training may be enhanced by exposure to an industrial or government work environment. Similarly, industry personnel can benefit from being involved in academic research. The CSA strongly encourages such collaborative research involving academia and industry.

The fact that an applicant has trained, is training, or plans to train students, technicians, or PDF, is not in itself a sufficient rationale for awarding a grant. A researcher's contribution to the proposed training activities will be assessed in terms of its quality and impact, and not solely in terms of the number of people supervised.

2.1.2 Eligible research platforms

The following platforms will be considered for conducting the projects, either in Canada or abroad:

• Stratospheric balloons;
• Aircraft;
• Sounding rockets;
• Nanosatellites or cubesats;
• Ground-based facilities.

Ground-based facilities include laboratories, observatories, field sites in planetary and asteroid analogue environments and, low-pressure/microgravity (near free-fall) facilities.

2.1.3 Research disciplines and skills to be acquired by HQP

Projects must provide hands-on training experiences for HQP that focus on one or several of the following disciplines:

• Satellite and spacecraft systems, components, environments, and operations, systems engineering techniques, mechanical design, communication system engineering;
• Space exploration science and technologies (see CSEW6 report);
• Earth systems science including remote sensing of atmospheric composition, atmospheric dynamics, clouds and precipitation, soil moisture, biomass fires, snow and ice cover;
• Solar-terrestrial science including measurement of energetic particles, magnetic fields, atmospheric geospace interaction.

It is expected that such hands-on experience will allow HQP to develop professional and social skills such as:

• Project management;
• Systems engineering;
• Communication;
• Team work;
• Leadership;
• Capacity to adapt to change (flexibility);
• Self-confidence;
• Ethical conduct of research and related issues.

2.1.4 Projects to be funded

All development phases necessary for the realization of a typical space mission are eligible. Any logical combination or breakdown of these phases can constitute a funded project. However, breaking down a project into numerous phases to obtain more than the maximum grant is not allowed for what is considered to be one project. 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.

As described in Section 5.3, Evaluation Criteria, a preference will be given to projects allowing HQP to be involved in end-to-end mission projects (section 2.1). Through this AO, collaboration between Canadian and foreign universities, space agencies and/or industry is strongly encouraged.

2.2 Eligible recipients

For this AO, eligible recipients include any Canadian university, post-secondary institution, and not-for-profit organization, established and operating in Canada that has demonstrated its capacity to support and conduct research as well as train and grant degrees to higher education students. It must have an established and recognized research and training mission. Note that an experiment being funded under this AO does not need to be conducted in Canada.

3. Funding

3.1 Available funding and duration

Total proposed funding per project should be under $475,000 to be spent over a maximum of three years. The maximum funding that the CSA will provide to a single project will vary according to the space and sub-orbital platforms to be used or ground-based studies to be conducted, as well as CSA budget availability. Before each installment, the eligibility of the recipient will be reassessed. Proposed project duration can not exceed three years, unless otherwise agreed to by the CSA. Grant agreements may be amended following a careful review of progress reports, proposal for project continuation and risks analysis to reflect the new requested termination date and additional funds required, if any. The number of projects funded under this AO will depend on funding availability. It is expected that at least one project per research platform described in Section 2.1.2 will be funded.

3.2 Non-CSA confirmed funding

Each applicant is required to identify in their application confirmed funds from all other sources of funding than CSA. For projects requiring from other funding organizations more than 25% of funds in relation to the total project cost, the CSA must have received from the applicant proof that such funds have been confirmed. In the absence of such confirmation from other source of funding, the CSA may not award a grant.

Considering the objectives of this AO and the limited available budget, a single principal investigator (PI) can only apply for one Grant in response to this AO (although an institution can apply more than once). Multiple applications from a single PI won't be therefore considered. To allow a greater pool of HQP, researchers are encouraged to work together as a team in an end-to-end project combining all or most of space mission phases within their training activities.

To be eligible for a grant, the grant funds awarded to the recipient cannot be re-distributed but subcontracts may be awarded by the recipient institution.

3.3 Eligible costs

Eligible costs are direct expenses 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 grant agreement with the CSA.

Eligible costs can include one or a combination of the following:

• Access fees;
• accommodation and meal allowances;
• acquisition, development and printing of materials;
• acquisition or rental of equipment;
• aircraft and watercraft charter services;
• bursaries
• consultant services;
• cost for carrying out environmental screening and/or impact studies;
• costs related to obtaining security clearance;
• data acquisition;
• data management;
• laboratory analyses services;
• launcher services;
• licenses and permits fees;
• marketing and printing services;
• material and supplies;
• overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 20% of eligible costs for universities and 15% for other eligible recipients);
• participation fees at conferences, committees and events;
• PST, HST and GST net of any rebate to which the recipient is entitled to and the reimbursement of any taxes for goods and services acquired in a foreign country net of any rebate or reimbursement received in the foreign country.
• publication and communication services;
• registration fees;
• salaries and benefits;
• training;
• translation services;
• travel; and
• tuition fees.

3.3.1 Use of stratospheric balloons in Canada

Through this AO, CSA is soliciting proposals for all types of eligible stratospheric balloon projects in Canada and abroad.

However, the CSA plans to support the development of a balloon launch capability at mid latitudes in Canada for flying on a regular basis starting in 2014, payloads from 70 to 1,000 kg. Since CSA will procure such flight capability, costs associated to this and related flight planning, operation, safety, licensing and balloon recovery would be supported by the CSA.

Applicants interested in using such balloon flight capability from 2014 and beyond should provide a cost estimate based on their experience for launching and operating their balloons. Such estimate should be detailed in the project budget but not included in the requested grant since the CSA will procure the launch capacity (balloons, flight planning, launch operations, flight operations, and balloon recovery) separately.

4. Application requirements

Please read this guide thoroughly before submitting your application. It has been prepared to assist Applicants through the application process and it outlines important elements including mandatory criteria for eligibility and the selection process. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and the individual funding agreements governing projects, the latter documents will take precedence.

The Application must include the following:

• A completed typed original application form signed by the Duly Authorized Representative;
• A copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the Applicant;
• A copy of the application (identical to the signed paper copy) on a standard electronic media (USB flash drive, CD or DVD);
• Curriculum vitae for the PI (4 pages maximum) and all Co-Investigators (Co-Is) and Collaborators (2 pages maximum each) listed in the proposal. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Form 100s should be submitted;
• Letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions (if applicable);
• Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information and Privacy Act form signed by the Duly Authorized Representative;
• Environment Assessment Checklist completed and signed by the Duly Authorized Representative; and
• For organizations in Quebec, M-30 Supporting documentation form completed and signed by the Duly Authorized Representative.

Any missing supporting document or any incoherence between the requested documents and the information provided within the documents may lead to the rejection of the proposal on that sole basis. Applications must be received before 17:00 EDT on May 13, 2011 and be post-mailed to the CSA at the address below:

FAST Announcement of Opportunity
c/o Nathalie Cassidy
Space Science and Technology
Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9

Note: Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

It is the Applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application complies with all relevant federal, provincial/territorial and municipal laws.

5. Selection process

5.1 Initial screening process

The CSA will perform an initial screening of the proposals received to ensure that they conform to the criteria of eligibility (Section 2), funding constraint (Section 3) and application requirements (Section 4). In addition, this screening process will include an evaluation of the non-CSA confirmed funding. The percentage of confirmed funding shall exceed 75% of the total project cost, including CSA requested funding that will be considered as confirmed for that particular evaluation. Written confirmation from other funding sources (e.g. governmental or not, in-kind contribution, recipient's contribution, etc.) must be provided with the application.

5.2 Evaluation process

Only applications that have passed the initial screening process described in Section 5.1 will be considered further. Once the initial screening completed, evaluation committees will assess screened-in applications according to criteria described in Section 5.3. All of these criteria with weighting are further described in Appendix A. Evaluators will be experts in the field relevant to the applications and may include representatives of Canada or abroad, other government and non-government agencies and organizations.

Before a final decision is made, the CSA's manager responsible for this AO may ask for clarification or additional information from Applicants or seek input and advice from others, including, but not limited to federal, provincial/territorial and municipal government agencies, etc. Applications with missing information may be at a disadvantage, in comparison with those that are complete and cover all subject items described in Appendix A.

5.3 Evaluation criteria

The following criteria will be assessed. They are further described with weightings in Appendix A.

1. Benefits to Canada
   • 1.1 Advancement of new knowledge and technology;
   • 1.2 Relevance of knowledge and professional skills acquired by Canadian HQP to future space missions and/or to the marketplace employment requirements.
2. Results
   • 2.1 Number of HQP in relation to project budget;
   • 2.2 HQP involvement over all phases of the project, from the beginning to the end.
3. Resources
   • 3.1 Quality and experience of the team;
   • 3.2 Interaction with colleagues from other disciplines and professions;
   • 3.3 Access to other funding sources and resources.
4. Feasibility
   • 4.1 Clarity and completeness of the research and training plans;
   • 4.2 Quality of the training and mentoring environment.
5. Risk and mitigation strategies
   • 5.1 Project risks (financial, managerial, environmental and technical) and mitigation strategies.

5.4 Notification and announcement

Applicants will be notified in writing regarding the decisions related to their application. Successful applications will be announced and posted on the CSA website.

6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The following list compiles all the questions and answers received and forwarded by the CSA since the opening of this AO. This list is given for information purposes only; always refer to the AO to obtain the information on which all the proposals received will be evaluated by the CSA. Please note that all enquiries about this AO must be addressed to the contact person identified in the AO.

7. Appendix

Appendix A - Evaluation grid form

Scoring and weights: Each evaluation criterion below will be rated on a letter scale from A to D, with A being the highest score. A numerical weight is associated with each letter as indicated hereafter.

1. Benefits to Canada

Benefits to Canada criterion score

Max. 20
Min. 8

1.1 Advancement of new knowledge and technology

This criterion evaluates the originality of the research and its likely impact and potential to advance our knowledge of the field of space science and technology, directly or indirectly.

• Does the proposed research have the potential to lead to long-term, groundbreaking advances in the field of space science and technology and in other fields of study?
• Does the project contribute to the development of new ideas that may be integrated into a future space mission?
• Have some or all of the objectives already been addressed by a previous, related project? If so, how novel are the current stated objectives of the proposed project and to what degree will they build on previous work and impact our knowledge of space science and technology?

1.2 The relevance of knowledge and professional skills acquired by Canadian HQP to future space missions and/or to the marketplace employment requirements

This criterion evaluates how the knowledge and professional skills to be acquired by all HQP involved in the project would contribute to a potential space mission.

• Will the proposed training activities generate appropriate knowledge and professional skills that a space mission would require.
• What type of space missions will benefit from the knowledge and professional skills to be acquired?
• Will the professional and technical skills acquired by HQP increase their mobility from the university to the marketplace?

2. Results (in terms of contribution to the training of HQP)

Results criterion score

Max. 30
Min. 12

2.1 Number of HQP in relation to project budget

This criterion evaluates the number of HQP to be involved in the project in relation to the proposed budget.

• Does the proposal include HQP contributing directly to the project? If so, how many?
• Are there enough HQP for the size and complexity of the project?

2.2 HQP involvement over all phases of the project, from the beginning to the end

This criterion evaluates the level of involvement of each HQP over all phases of the project defined in section 2.1.

• Is each HQP involved in all phases of the project or only a subset?
• What is the HQP's contribution to each of the phases of the project?
• How important is each HQP contribution to the success of the project?

3. Resources

Resources criterion score

Max. 25
Min. 10

3.1 Quality and experience of the team

This criterion evaluates the mix of expertise and the quality of the project team to perform the research project and deliver the proposed training activities. It evaluates the qualifications and past performance of the PI and the team members and particularly their track record in training HQP.

• Has the team demonstrated experience in the field of study and the proposed training activities?
• Does the team possess the mix of expertise required to undertake the proposed project and training activities?
• Have the team members demonstrated the ability to manage and complete similar projects?
• Do the roles and responsibilities of each member fit with their expertise and experience?
• Do the HQP's supervisors and/or mentors have a good training track record?
• How many HQP have they trained in the past and how many have graduated within a specific period of time?

3.2 Interaction with colleagues from other disciplines and professions

This criterion evaluates how well the project promotes collaborative team research and interaction of the HQP with researchers from different disciplines and professions from academia, industry and governments.

3.3 Access to other funding sources and resources

By definition, a space mission requires interdisciplinary activities performed from different organizations. This criterion evaluates the confirmed funding and in-kind contribution from the applicants and other organizations. Funding from other organizations than the CSA must be confirmed if it exceeds 25% of the total project budget. The application must include letters from funding sources confirming their level of funding.

• Does the project include financial and/or in-kind contribution? If so, by whom? At which level?
• Does the applicant provide in-kind contribution such as access to laboratories, field sites, or instruments? If so, what is the value of such contribution?
• Is this contribution vital for the project?
• What is the justification for such contribution?
• Do other organizations confirm their funding or in-kind contribution?

4. Feasibility of the project

Feasibility of the project criterion score

Max. 20
Min. 8

4.1 Clarity and completeness of the research and training plans

This criterion evaluates the clarity, completeness and feasibility of the research and training plans including a clear identification of the roles and responsibilities, contribution and level of involvement of each of the team members. It also evaluates the likelihood that the work will be completed on schedule and within budget.

• Is the project methodology clearly described and understandable?
• Does the methodology seem realistic, efficient and well-suited to the project objectives? Given the proposed workplan, which should include a methodology, budget, equipment, and timelines of the project, will the objectives likely be achieved?
• Is the training plan appropriate to prepare HQP to become well-rounded, high-quality HQP capable of productive careers in different space sectors with the industry, government, academia and non-profit organizations?
• Could HQP be trained and gain the same type of knowledge at lower costs?

4.2 Quality of training and mentoring environment

This criterion evaluates the quality of the training and mentoring environment as described in the training plan. It evaluates the quality of involvement of supervisors and mentors in training and mentoring HQP.

• How the supervisors, trainers or mentors will assist HQP with improving their technical, scientific, communication, social and employment skills as well as their self-confidence?
• How is the transfer of knowledge and skills from trainers to HQP structured?
• Is there a feedback mechanism by which HQP can share their thoughts or validate their results?
• Will HQP be prepared to present their findings in conferences, workshops or meetings? If so, how, where and when?

5. Risk and mitigation strategies

Risk and mitigation strategies criterion score

Max. 5
Min. 2

5.1 Project risks (financial, managerial, environmental and technical) and mitigation strategies

This criterion evaluates key risks associated with the project and the mitigation strategies for each risk. It includes a thorough analysis of the project's financial, technical, managerial and environmental risks.

• Has the applicant identified and described in details the risks including but not limited to environmental, technical, managerial (including access to resources including financial, human and material), and schedule risks associated with the project?
• Are the mitigation strategies for each risk correctly addressed and realistic?
• What is the probability that such risks would occur?

Evaluation score

Total Max. 100
Total Min. 65

Appendix B - Definitions

B.1 PDF Definition

A postdoctoral fellow is a person who meets all of the following criteria:

• He or she was recently (within five years) awarded a PhD or the equivalent (such as a post-health professional degree (e.g. medicine);
• The fellowship involves substantial full-time research or scholarship;
• The fellowship is for a limited duration;
• The fellowship is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career and not as a source of continuing employment; and
• The fellow works under the supervision of the PI or a mentor from a Canadian university.

B.2 Research associate definition

A research associate is a researcher who:

• Has completed formal training in research in a discipline relevant to space research, usually a Masters or PhD;
• Is employed by an academic institution;
• Works under the supervision of a PI,
• Is not an independent researcher;
• Will contribute to the intellectual content of the research; and
• May contribute to, but is not ultimately responsible for, the supervision of HQP, at the discretion of the PI.

B.3 Eligible costs definitions

Note that until a written funding agreement is signed by both parties, no commitment or legal obligation exists on the part of the CSA to provide funding in the form of a grant to any successful application.

Accommodation: For these types of expenses, reasonable costs will be reimbursed.

Acquisition or rental of equipment: Consists of equipment, including software rented, acquired or constructed exclusively for the project. In order to be eligible, such equipment must be identified in the project cost estimates, and approved by the CSA. All such equipment shall be charged to the project at the net price, including all costs incurred to get the equipment operational after deducting all trade discounts, rebates and similar charges. It includes also disposal costs. The PST, HST and GST should be excluded.

Consultant services: The nature of services to be acquired shall be set out in the proposal estimates. The amount eligible for a consultant shall be the actual contract amount. The CSA reserves the right to approve only a portion of the consultant fees submitted.

Data management: Can include, but is not limited to, data archiving.

Licenses and permits fees: Can include, but is not limited to, software licenses.

Marketing and printing services: This includes the development of a marketing plan, the hiring of marketing expertise to implement the plan and related marketing activities such as, but not limited to, labeling, packaging, promotional materials, advertising, product demonstrations and participation in trade shows.

Meal allowances: Unless stated otherwise in the funding agreement between the CSA and the recipient, Treasury Board rates shall be used in reimbursing expenses such as meeting with the CSA officials and any other project activities (e.g. project planning and review meetings between the recipient and its partners).

Overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 20% of eligible costs for universities and 15% for other eligible recipients: This represents expenses of doing business that are not readily identified with a particular project or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the conduct of activities it performs.

Publications and communication services: Includes publication fees, report preparations, web development and animations.

Salaries and benefits:

a) Salaries include wages for all personnel with direct involvement in the project such as, but not limited to, engineers, scientists, technologists, researchers, project managers, HQP and administrative assistants. All eligible personnel must be employees on the recipient's payroll. Payment in terms of shares, stock, stock options and the like are not eligible. The amount invoiced shall be actual gross pay for the work performed and shall include no markup for profit, selling, administration or financing.

The eligible payroll cost is the gross pay of the employee (normal periodic remuneration before deductions). Normal periodic remuneration rates are the regular pay rates for the period excluding premiums paid for overtime or shift work. The payroll rate does not include any reimbursement or benefit conferred in lieu of salaries or wages. When hourly rates are being charged for salaried personnel, the hourly rates shall be the periodic remuneration (annual, monthly, weekly, etc.) divided by the total paid hours in the period including holidays, vacation and paid sickness time.

Labour claims must be supported by suitable records such as time sheets and records, and be held for verification at time of audit. Management personnel are required to maintain appropriate records of time devoted to the project.

b) Benefits are defined as a reasonable prorated share of expenses associated with the direct labour cost such as the employer's portion of Canada Pension Plan, Quebec Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, employee benefits such as health plan and insurance, Worker's Compensation, sick leave and vacation plus any other employer paid payroll related expenses. Those items which have no relationship to the project or which have been charged on an indirect basis are not eligible. The determination of the fringe benefits amount shall be in accordance with generally accepted cost accounting principles. In general, fringe benefits rate provided in the project estimate shall be computed once during the life of the project and agreed on prior to the signing of the agreement. If retroactive adjustments are made, these must be indicated on claims for progress payments for the CSA's approval.

Training: Training expenses shall be in direct relation to the project. They include the development of a training plan, the hiring of training expertise to implement the plan and related activities (such as training materials, seminar fees, and wages during the time that employees received off-the-job training).

Travel: Travel expenses shall be in direct relation to the project. Unless stated otherwise in the funding agreement between the CSA and the recipient, Treasury Board rates shall be used in reimbursing expenses.