OTTAWA, Ontario – Defence Research and Development Canada announced today a call for proposals under the federal government's CBRNE Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI). The Program, administered through DRDC's new Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS), is designed to enhance national security against terrorism through chemical, biological, radiological-nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threats.

The CRTI program, which was launched in 2002, has recently received approval for funding for the next five years for science and technology investments to strengthen Canada's ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to CBRNE threats. The renewal of the program has expanded the scope to include explosive terrorist threats as well as the CBRN areas on which we were already focusing. Over the past five years, CRTI has approved $116.9 million in 79 projects and $29 million in 88 technology acquisitions. 

In this sixth round for proposals, there will be up to $28 million available for new projects. CRTI is interested in receiving proposals across all the investment priorities, but is particularly interested in projects that focus on explosives and on the medical and casualty management activities related to CBRNE hazards. Projects are also being sought that address three other identified priority areas: quantifiable approaches for S&T Dimensions of Risk Assessment; pre-event preparation in Public Confidence and Psycho-Social Issues: and the management of contamination of evidence and casualties in National Security and Criminal Investigation Capabilities.

Proposals are sought from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and government institutions for all investment priorities in the following project categories:

Technology Acceleration: Projects that hasten the delivery of technologies already in commercial development to first-responders.
Research and Technology Development: Projects that close the gap between the scientific research community and developers of technologies that will be used against CBRNE threats in the field.
Technology Demonstration: Projects that create opportunities and venues for demonstrating the impact and utility of emerging technologies to first-responders.
The CRTI selection process has two phases. In the first phase, applicants submit brief synopses of their proposals (due by January 18, 2007). The selection committee evaluates each synopsis to ensure that it is aligned to CRTI investment priorities and to identify opportunities for collaboration between proponents. Applicants whose synopses pass the first phase of selection will then be invited to submit a detailed proposal (due by April 16, 2007).  Projects selected for funding will announced in June 2007.

Participating departments and agencies have joined CRTI because their specific mandates and expertise are key to the overall safety and security of Canadians. The departments and agencies participating in CRTI are: Defence R&D Canada (DRDC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada, Health Canada, National Research Council of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office.

CRTI is led by the newly created DRDC Centre for Security Science; a joint endeavour with Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) to provide S&T services and support to address national public safety and security objectives. The centre's capabilities lie in leading and administering research, development, testing and evaluation of technologies, and identifying future trends and threats.  As well, a network of national and international S&T partners has been established within the public safety and security communities.  DRDC, an agency within the Department of National Defence, is comprised of a national network of seven defence research centres. The Agency works in collaboration with private industry, allied forces and academia to respond to the needs of the Canadian Forces.

For more information about DRDC CSS, CRTI or submitting a proposal, please visit: www.crti.drdc-rddc.gc.ca.

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