Transport Canada is pleased to announce the winning projects under the Transportation Planning and Modal Integration Initiatives Second Call for Proposals issued in November 2005, to advance modal integration and transportation planning in urban areas and along transportation corridors. Transport Canada received a total of 38 proposals by February 1, 2006 consisting of various initiatives that could take the form of academic research studies or applied transportation projects. Each application was assessed separately early in March 2006.

The Guide for Applicants available for this second call for proposals provides greater detail on the Transportation Planning and Modal Integration Initiatives’ objectives, eligibility and assessment process. Applications were received by Transport Canada no later than 15:00 (3:00 p.m.), local Ottawa time, on February 1, 2006. No further calls for proposals are planned under the TPMI initiatives at this time.

• Guide for Applicants
• Schedule A
• Schedule B
• Appendix 1
• Application Form

Background

Canada's Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program

In Budget 2000, the Government of Canada committed to improving the economy and Canadians' quality of life by investing up to $600 million over five years in highway infrastructure across the country. In April 2001, the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP) was announced. The program has two components: a $500 million highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration component. The second component includes $65 million for improvements at border crossings, $30 million for deployment and integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and $5 million for transportation planning and modal integration (TPMI) initiatives. A first call for proposals for TPMI initiatives was issued by Transport Canada in February 2004. 17 winning projects, totaling approximately $2.2 million, were selected from a total of 58 submitted. Under the Second Call for Proposals, 13 winning projects, totaling approximately $1.1 million, were selected from a total of 38 submitted.

Transportation Planning and Modal Integration Initiatives

One of the goals of the Government of Canada's vision for transportation is to move to a more integrated transportation system.

The national transportation system is more than the sum of its parts; it involves connections and integration of various modes and jurisdictions. Amidst growing concern about the full costs of transportation, Canadians are becoming increasingly aware that a sustainable and efficient transportation system plays an important role in ensuring Canada's competitive success in global trade. Increasingly, integrated logistics chains with global reach compete with one another. Inter-modal transportation requires that the physical and electronic connections between modal systems be fully integrated in order to increase system efficiency and reduce total logistics time and costs. New technologies, improvements in traditional infrastructure, and the harmonization of regulations will be important in designing systems and managing the demands that will be placed on transportation infrastructure in the future.

Countries also compete on the basis of the quality of their choices with respect to strategic investments. An integrated transportation system requires that transportation needs be considered from a system-wide and strategic perspective.

It also requires planning and feasibility studies to assess transportation needs from a multi-modal perspective. In turn, transportation planning requires long lead times and collaborative approaches among many different players. The Government of Canada encourages the development of innovative approaches to transportation issues to boost the efficiency and integrity of the transportation system as a whole and ensure its sustainability. By supporting the development of transportation-related expertise and research in the public, private and academic sectors, Transport Canada can foster the innovation that will be required to help our transportation system adapt to the challenges of the future.

The following information is intended to guide all applicants as they prepare applications for funding under this call for proposals.

Objectives

Initiatives must meet one or more of the following objectives:

· support trade, tourism and traffic flows through integrated surface transportation corridors;

· enhance integration and improve connections between modes, through infrastructure and technology initiatives;

· increase transportation mobility, safety and security, and efficiency for private, public and commercial system users;

· promote integration of sustainable transportation principles in transportation decisions; or

· improve data collection to support more effective policy planning and operational management.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Provinces, territories, municipalities, First Nations, registered not-for-profit organizations, private enterprises, public or private transportation authorities/agencies are eligible to apply.

Canada-based academics, including undergraduate and/or graduate students, engaged in transportation research at a Canadian university or college, or affiliated academic research centres.

Partnerships between two or more of these entities are encouraged.

To be considered for funding, Transport Canada must receive your completed application no later than 15:00 (3:00 p.m.), local Ottawa time, February 1, 2006.

Eligible Initiatives

Examples of eligible initiatives under this call for proposals include:

· planning and feasibility studies/projects (except for urban transit);

· infrastructure and technology projects that improve connections between modes or modal integration;

· initiatives that facilitate modal partnerships or cross-modal/shipper partnerships;

· research studies that provide greater understanding of urban and multi-modal transportation;

· development and dissemination of information management tools, including traffic demand management;

· innovative approaches to transportation at cross-modal hubs/transfer points along trade corridors for the dispersal of persons or goods at ports, airports, rail stations, etc.;

· development, diffusion, and implementation of asset, freight and travel demand management systems;

· innovative approaches to the movement of freight and goods in rural and
northern areas that make more effective use of available transportation options.

· freight patterns and relationships to land use patterns along trade corridors and strategies for improving environmental performance;

· paperless transactions/electronic commerce technology and systems in the transportation environment.

Ineligible Initiatives

· Urban transit feasibility studies (e.g., dedicated bus lanes versus light rail).

· Research and development of Intelligent Transportation Systems.

Eligible Costs, Fees and Expenditures

Only costs, fees and expenditures directly related to carrying out an approved initiative are eligible for Transport Canada funding.

Ineligible Costs, Fees and Expenditures

Certain expenditures are not eligible for funding and therefore will not be considered in calculating the total eligible costs of the initiative. These include:

· expenses incurred before an application is approved and after the termination date;

· the cost of developing a proposal;

· costs of purchasing land, associated real estate and other fees, financing charges and interest payments on loans;

· leasing land, buildings, equipment and other facilities;

· provincial sales tax and the Goods and Services Tax for which the applicant or a third party is eligible for a tax rebate;

· all other costs eligible for rebates;

· costs that have been shared under other federal statutes or programs; and

· legal fees.

Funding

The Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program is designed to promote partnerships and is therefore structured on a contribution agreement basis. Funding from all federal government sources for any given initiative is limited to a maximum of 50% of the total eligible costs. The maximum Transport Canada contribution under this call for proposals is $150,000, with the exception of contributions to private enterprises, which are limited to $100,000.

The matching contribution can be provided by the applicant acting alone or by the applicant in collaboration with other partners. A letter of intent from each collaborator providing financial or in-kind support must accompany an application. As part of the assessment process, collaborators may be contacted to seek clarification, as required.

All initiatives must be completed by October 31, 2008.

In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions of goods and services - provided they qualify as eligible costs and are essential to the initiative's success (and would otherwise have to be purchased and paid for by the applicant) - are permissible as a component of an applicant's matching contribution.

In-kind contributions cannot exceed 40% of the applicant's matching contribution from all collaborating sources.

Please see Schedule B, Financial Information, for additional details about in-kind contributions.

Contribution Agreement

A contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient will be sent to successful applicants. The agreement will detail the financial and activity reporting requirements; other specific terms and conditions of the contribution; and the respective obligations and responsibilities of the recipient and the federal government.

The agreement also includes a Communications Protocol, outlining requirements for joint communications activities, such as public information products, news releases, public announcements, other joint events and official languages. Costs associated with these activities are eligible costs and should be included in the proposed budget.

Costs that meet the definition of eligibility will not be eligible unless incurred after the Minister of Transport has announced the successful applicants. No payment will be made to the applicant before a contribution agreement is signed.

Advance Payments

Payments are typically made after expenses have been incurred. However, based on demonstrated need, advance payments within the time period of the initiative may be authorized in accordance with the terms set out in the contribution agreement signed with each successful applicant.

Assessment Process

A review committee will assess the applications against the criteria set out in Appendix 1.

Members of the private sector and/or other public sector organizations may be invited, as required, to participate in the review process. Transport Canada will handle the information provided in the applications in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. (Visit http://www.canada.justice.gc.ca for more information.)

Applications received on or before the deadline will compete for funds allocated for this call for proposals. The assessment process will be started only after the deadline. Transport Canada reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received.

During the assessment process, applicants and their collaborators may be contacted and asked to clarify information, submit supporting documentation, or otherwise to adjust the proposal.

Approval Process

The review committee will make recommendations to the Minister of Transport. The Minister will make the final determination of qualified applicants, subject to the availability of funding and the quality of the proposals.

What Your Application Must Include

Applications must include the following items and structure:

Application Form: An application form is attached. The form is also available through Transport Canada's website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/acg/acgd/tmpi2005/schedule.htm#APPLICATION.

Detailed Information: Please present detailed information in relation to the Assessment Criteria set out in the appendices. Excluding the Application Form, the application should not exceed 30 pages in length, including all attachments. Applications should use a standard font (minimum, 10-point type size).

1. Cover Page

2. Summary of Initiative (2 pages maximum)

· Provide a brief synopsis of the current situation in the area of transportation targeted by the initiative and a clear, concise overview of how the proposed work creatively addresses deficiencies or opportunities for improvement or innovation in this area.

3. Full Proposal (25 pages maximum)

· Needs and Objectives. Include a clear statement of project need, the objectives of the proposed work, the expected outcomes, and the benefits to be derived from the work.

· Operational Plan and Activities. Describe how the initiative will meet the objectives. Show that the proposed steps and procedures are appropriate. Include a timeline for completion and delivery and describe a set of specific tasks and deliverables. Demonstrate how activities will be measured for success and evaluated (see Schedule A).

· Outline of Future Applications for the Initiative. Describe how the results of the initiative could be further developed or exploited commercially.

· Composition of the Project Team. Provide the name of the manager who will be assigned to the project, demonstrate his/her experience, education, and qualifications. Include his/her curriculum vitae. For academic applicants, specify the roles of graduate and/or undergraduate students who will be involved in the research.

4. Schedules

Additional information should be provided in separate schedules.

· Schedule A - Performance Information. The Operational Plan referred to above must contain performance information in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative and the overall call for proposals. Schedule A provides a suggested format for performance indicators.

· Schedule B - Financial Information. See Schedule B for detailed requirements.

How to Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the Application Form and three copies of the Detailed Information (original unbound) in either English or French.

Send the package by mail or by courier service to Transport Canada:

Raymond Sabourin
Highway and Border Policy Branch (ACGD)
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Place de Ville, Tower C, 27th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5

Transport Canada must receive your completed application no later than 15:00 (3:00 p.m.), local Ottawa time, on February 1, 2006.

An acknowledgement of receipt will be sent to your mailing or e-mail address.

What You Will Need to Report On

Applicants whose initiatives are approved will be required to submit three types of reports.

1. Activity reports: Recipients will be required to submit activity reports outlining progress at specific intervals, based on the type of initiative and as specified in the contribution agreement.

2. Financial reports: Recipients will be required to submit claims for reimbursement of eligible expenditures at specific intervals, based on the type of initiative and as specified in the contribution agreement.

3. Evaluation report: Upon completion of the initiative, a report will be required, consisting of a clear, concise evaluation of the objectives met, the outcomes achieved, and the lessons learned. A 10% holdback of the federal contribution will be released upon receipt of a satisfactory evaluation report. As evaluations become available, they may be summarized and publicized by Transport Canada, to serve as guidance for future activities and to assist in evaluating the overall effectiveness of these initiatives.

Intellectual Property

Any intellectual property resulting from the work will remain with the recipient. Notwithstanding the foregoing, by submitting a proposal, the recipient agrees that information about findings that are not commercially sensitive will be summarized and published by Transport Canada, on the Transport Canada website and/or in hard-copy form, to serve as information for the transportation sector and as guidance for future activities in the transportation sector.

Recipients must agree that Transport Canada can use all information and material developed under the terms of the contribution agreement, during and following the term of the agreement.

For More Information

For more information about this call for proposals, please call 613-998-3958, or e-mail TPMI-PTIM@tc.gc.ca.