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Information Sheet
Call for Expressions of Interest for funding
from the Targeted Investment Program (TIP) for projects in the area
of Enhancing Local Capacity to Seize Economic Opportunities
Overview
The Targeted Investment Program (TIP) is a part
of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's (INAC’s) northern
economic development program funding suite. Investments made under
TIP are guided by a territory-specific multi-year investment plan.
One thrust of the Northwest Territories’ TIP Investment Plan
is to stimulate economic growth and diversification by enhancing
capacity so that participants in the economy are better able to
take advantage of economic opportunities as they unfold. Up to $4.58
million has been targeted for this area of investment between April
1, 2006 and March 31, 2009.
This Call for Expressions of Interest is aimed at organizations
that are active in the NWT, have economic development responsibilities
as part of their mandate and who wish to be considered for funding
under the Targeted Investment Program in the area of Enhancing Local
Capacity to Seize Economic Opportunities.
Objective
The overall objective of Enhancing Local Capacity to Seize Economic
Opportunities is to contribute to economic growth and diversification
by strengthening the ability of participants in the economy to seize
economic opportunities as they unfold. This will be accomplished
by funding projects that aim to:
(1) improve the ability of participants in the economy to use modern
tools of business effectively, including the capacity to take full
advantage of internet connectivity; or,
(2) strengthen institutions to enhance services that promote best
practices by participants in the economy or that coordinate the
efforts of participants in the economy.
Applicant Eligibility
This Call for Expressions of Interest is open to all NWT-based public
or Aboriginal governments; organizations and associations with economic
development responsibilities in their mandate who serve the NWT;
and, corporations operating in the NWT. Preference will be given
to projects presented by existing entities with demonstrated organizational
capacity to execute economic development projects.
Project Eligibility
Expressions of Interest must outline how the project will (1) improve
ability of participants in the economy to effectively use modern
business tools; or, (2) strengthen an organization or other incorporated
entity to provide services that promote best practices and/or coordinate
efforts of participants in the economy. Expressions of Interest
must demonstrate how the project will enhance the ability of people
to take advantage of economic opportunities as they unfold. Preference
will be given to projects that demonstrate sustainability beyond
the program funding period and to projects providing benefits to
multiple participants in the economy.
Duration of Funding
Current funding under the Targeted Investment Program (TIP) is available
until March 31, 2009. All projects funded through this program must
be completed by that date.
Projects may be approved for funding for up to three years. However
this funding is subject to yearly budget considerations and approvals.
In addition, funding is subject to an annual review of the project's
progress and its outcomes and benefits.
Ineligible Activities
Activities will not be funded by the Targeted Investment Program
if they are not linked to economic growth. Furthermore, TIP funding
cannot be used for the following:
- core funding and ongoing operations and maintenance of organizations;
- research or knowledge-based activities that are primarily a
resource management function not directly related to economic
development;
- direct skills training for individuals normally offered through
learning institutions or apprenticeship programs.
- major capital investments in infrastructure (e.g. new laboratories
for the purpose of expanding the knowledge base);
- construction activity (as opposed to planning activity) related
to large engineering works such as roads, highways, bridges, airports,
rail roads, ports, wharves, dams, commercial buildings and other
similar infrastructure; and,
- investments in new or existing infrastructure which is owned
or operated for the benefit of a single for-profit enterprise,
rather than benefiting multiple participants in the economy.
Eligible Expenditures
TIP funding under Enhancing Local Capacity to Seize Economic Opportunities
can cover all expenditures that are reasonably needed to carry out
the project except: core funding and ongoing operation and maintenance
costs; and wage subsidies for persons receiving training through
course work or on the job.
Project Funding Limits
Commencing April 01, 2006 and ending on March 31, 2009, amounts
available for project funding in support of Enhancing Local Capacity
to Seize Economic Opportunities will be approximately $1.5 million
annually with the level of TIP funding for projects being determined
through the selection process. As a general rule, the amount provided
will be the least amount required to allow a project to proceed.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada can provide assistance up to
100% of total eligible costs for non-commercial projects, and up
to 75% of total eligible costs for commercial private sector projects.
However, the project selection criteria strongly favour projects
that have budgeted for significant funding contribution from sources
outside INAC.
If another federal department is a funding partner, stacking rules
of that department's program will need to be respected by Indian
and Northern Affairs Canada.
Repayable Contributions
If a funding contribution made to a for-profit entity exceeds $100,000
and is intended to allow that entity to generate profits or increase
the value of its business, the contribution will be subject to repayment.
Contents of the Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest should be a type written document. It should
contain sections providing the following information:
Basic Information:
the project title;
name of applicant, including legal name if different; and,
contact information (name, title, address, telephone, fax, e-mail).
Applicant Information:
the background of the delivery organization;
its mandate, goals, objectives, activities, accomplishments;
its governance structure;
information on previous agreements with other organizations
and the results of such agreements; and,
its expertise to carry-out the proposed activities.
Project Background
Provide a summary of background research and activities that were
done in preparation for the project, such as environmental scans,
literature review etc. Include a description of how the project
fits the objectives of this proposal call.
Project Description
Describe the scope, objectives, action plan, and delivery system
for the project. Include comments about the organizational capacity
and the roll of each project partner. It should include the anticipated
outputs, outcomes and impacts. The planned strategies for project
sunset, evaluation, and information sharing can be included here
as well.
Project Work Plan
Describe the specific activities that will be undertaken and include
a description of the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts of each
activity. The activities will share the following characteristics:
action-based; of definite duration; have identifiable logical relationships
to other activities in the project; have identifiable use of resources
such as people, materials or facilities; and have a directly associated
cost. The main project activities should be linked to timelines
and costs over the project duration. The activities should be linked
to the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts.
Project Budget
The budget should include an expense section that links costs to
the work plan activities. The budget should also include a revenue
section detailing all expected sources of funding. The budget should
note which funding sources are confirmed and which are actively
being sought.
Governance / Management Structure
Describe how the project will be managed. Describe the key stakeholders
as well as their roles and responsibilities. Describe how the management
structure will contribute to the achieving the project's objectives.
Organizational Capacity and Partners
Present a description of human resource requirements and practices
(hiring, evaluation, etc.) and administrative procedures as related
to executing the project. Project partnerships should be identified,
including information about each partner's rationale for involvement
and each partner's contribution, whether financial or in-kind.
Evaluation Strategy
State what baseline information will be collected to measure project
outputs, outcomes, and benefits, who will be responsible for evaluation,
the timetable for reporting findings, and how success and risk factors
will be identified, including ongoing benchmarks throughout and
beyond the funding period.
Project Benefits
Highlight the benefits expected to be derived from the project.
Describe how the project contributes to economic development. Identify
the economic stakeholders that will benefit and how they will benefit.
Provide a rationale supporting the sustainability of project benefits
beyond the funding period.
Project Selection Criteria
Expressions of Interest submitted will be evaluated based on the
following criteria:
1. The strength with which the Expression of Interest demonstrates
that the project will contribute to the objectives of (1) enhancing
the ability of participants in the economy to effectively use modern
tools of business (e.g. like connectivity) and/or (2) strengthening
institutions to provide services that promote best practices and/or
coordinate the efforts of participants in the economy. The Expression
of Interest must demonstrate that the project will enhance the ability
of people to take advantage of economic opportunities as they unfold.
2. The strength with which the Expression of Interest demonstrates
that the project will provide benefits to multiple participants
of the NWT economy, including benefits sustainable beyond the project
funding period.
3. The strength with which the Expression of Interest demonstrates
that the project proponent has the management, administrative and
institutional capacity to successfully execute the project.
4. The level of support, including funding support, from stakeholders
other than Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
5. The reasonableness of the funding requested in relation to the
project activities and the expected benefits that will be derived
from the project.
6. That the project will not cause detrimental market disruption
to existing business enterprises in the NWT economy.
7. That the project will not overlap or duplicate existing programs,
and the extent to which the project complements existing programs
that provide incremental benefits.
8. The extent to which the project addresses regional challenges
and opportunities while maintaining consistency with federal government
priorities.
Funding may not be available for all Expressions of Interest submitted
that meet the eligibility criteria. Proposals that demonstrate that
they can best meet the stated selection criteria will be given priority.
Notification
All proponents that submit Expressions of Interest will be advised
of the outcome of the selection process regarding their project.
The proponents of projects deemed successful in the Expression
of Interest process will be contacted to complete the application
and approval process. They may be requested to provide further information
or to develop a complete detailed project proposal.
The selection of a project outlined in an Expression of Interest
does not constitute funding approval for the project. The initiative
may receive further evaluation, including consideration of the project's
alignment with federal government terms and conditions for contribution
funding. Final project funding decisions will be made by the Minister
of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada or his delegate.
For further information, please contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Northwest Territories Region
4920 – 52nd Street
P.O. Box 2760
Yellowknife NT X1A 2R1
Toll Free: 1 866 669 2620 or 867 669 2627
Fax: 867 669 2711
Deadline for submission is July 14,
2006
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