Guidelines, On-Line Application Faqs and Letter of Intent Working Template

2015-2016

Product Differentiation

Call for Proposals

Guidelines, On-line Application FAQs and Letter of Intent Working Template

Alberta Livestock & Meat Agency Ltd.

Ellwood Office Park South

1003 Ellwood Road SW

Edmonton Alberta, T6X 0B3

Phone: (780) 638-1699

Fax: (780) 638-6495

Table of Contents

1.0 GUIDELINES

1.1 Purpose

1.2 ALMA’s Investment Priority

1.3 Background

1.4 Objectives

1.5 In Scope

1.6 Out of Scope

1.7 Requirements for Product Differentiation Proposals

1.8 Process and Timelines

2.0 GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION

2.1 Format and Forms

2.2 Eligibility

2.3 Funding Sources

2.4 Evaluation Criteria

2.5 Intellectual Property

2.6 Notice of Collection of Personal Information

Letter of Intent - Working Copy

Research Funding On-line Application System (RFOAS) - FAQ for Applicants

Setting up and Logging into Your Account

Creating Your Proposal / Editing Your Proposal

Saving Your Work

Completing the Proposal

Submitting the Proposal

Important Information

1.0 GUIDELINES

1.1 Purpose

The targeted Product Differentiation call for proposals is focused on creating and capturing opportunities to differentiate Alberta’s livestock and meat products. This will strengthen Alberta’s competitiveness by enhancing quality, safety, value based attributes and activities that create better products. The scope extends to projects that advance certification, verification, audit and traceability capacity.

The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) supports innovation towards the differentiation of Alberta’s livestock and meat products and enabling the supply chain to deliver product authenticity and integrity to its consumers. This may include differentiation within a product category or differentiation of attributes of Alberta’s products from other jurisdictions.

1.2 ALMA’s Investment Priority

ALMA is a catalyst for stimulating new thinking, new ideas and new approaches to enhance the reputation, competitiveness and profitability of Alberta’s livestock and meat industry, and to build relationships among the various stakeholders in the industry. Submissions to the Product Differentiation call for proposals should target creating new and innovative means for Alberta’s businesses to market products as superior to alternatives.

1.3 Background

Consumers within Canada and abroad are increasingly focused on understanding where their food comes from, as well as its nutritional value, quality, safety or uniqueness. It is difficult for Alberta’s livestock and meat industry to compete in a commodity-based industry because of cost structure and low-cost global competition. Alberta can promote unique qualities and product integrity to build confidence and demand in its products. It is important that Alberta’s industry has access to innovation that allows it to meet the specific needs of its customers and end-consumers, both domestically and internationally.

Several research reports were consulted to provide direction to the Product Differentiation targeted call for proposals and to ensure alignment with the needs of Alberta’s livestock and meat industry. These include:

Canadian Consumer Retail Meat Study; ALMA (2012)
Food and Health Innovation Roadmap; ALMA (2013)
National Beef Quality Audit; Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (2010/11)
Power of Meat; Food Marketing Institute (2015)
Five Game-Changing Consumer Trends; Business Development Bank of Canada (2013)
The Canadian Consumer: Behaviour, Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Food Products; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2010)

1.4 Objectives

The objective of the 2015-2016 Product Differentiation call for proposals is to support the development and application of differentiated livestock and meat products through the use of new technologies, tools, conceptual research (including proof-of-concept), applied research and pilot studies within an industry facility and/or a public institution.

This call for proposals is designed to:

Accelerate research that will lead to the introduction of new, innovative and competitive traits and attributes to differentiate Alberta’s meat and livestock products.
Support innovation that results in the delivery of a unique and targeted Alberta advantage.

Key long-term outcomes for this program are improved competitiveness, profitability and preference for Alberta’s livestock and meat industry. Examples may include:

enhanced tenderness and eating experience,
enhanced capacity to measure attributes in real-time,
reduction of sodium in processed meat products,
smart labels, and/or
enhanced health attributes.

For more information, please view the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency’s Business Plan at ALMA 2014-17 Business Plan or contact an ALMA Program Manager.

1.5 In Scope

The targeted call for proposals gives priority to projects that deliver:

Products or technologies that differentiate Alberta products based on:
Quality attributes,
Safety attributes,
Value-based attributes, and/or
Nutritional attributes.
Capacity for audit, verification and traceability: New technologies and capacity for information flow, management and data collection.
Innovative product development on form, function or targeting of end products:
Enhanced and novel packaging technologies,
Enhanced shelf-life and storage, and/or
Innovative product formulations.

1.6 Out of Scope

• Marketing activities

• Commercialization activities (ex. patenting, registration)

1.7 Requirements for Product Differentiation Proposals

Demonstrate how the project will create value or opportunity for Alberta’s meat and livestock industry as it responds to changing consumer preferences and expectations.
Demonstration of collaboration:
Preference will be given to projects demonstrating collaboration across departments and/or institutions at a provincial, national or international level (if appropriate).
Applicants should indicate that the project has secured industry support (cash and/or in-kind). Letters of support should be attached to the full proposal.
Description of the economic impact of the project, such as:
Alignment to consumer preferences,
Return on investment, or
Market potential.
A well-developed technology transfer plan through scientific communication and/or appropriate extension/industry activities.

1.8 Process and Timelines

Grants can be up to 3 years in duration, and should commence by March 1st, 2016.
Letters of Intent (LOI) are invited from applicants wishing to participate in the program. Information can be found on the ALMA website under Programs. Each LOI must be submitted through the on-line system, which can be found at www.fundingconsortium.gov.ab.ca/ALMA/Account . Applicants who submit LOIs that are approved will then be invited to submit a full proposal.
Applicants may request funding for one of two tiers or types of projects. Tier I will be for smaller, innovative proof-of-concept ideas. The funding request for Tier I proposals will be capped at $150,000 over a maximum of 2 years. Tier II funding requests for larger, multidisciplinary projects will be capped at $500,000 over a maximum of 3 years. Increases in the full proposal budget from the LOI budget will not be considered unless accompanied by adequate justification or requested by ALMA.
Timeframe:
May 7, 2015: Call for proposals announced.
June 25, 2015, 4:30 pm:LOIs due. Late submissions will not be accepted.
July 8, 2015:Applicants with successful LOIs will be notified.
September 10, 2015, 4:30 pm:Full proposals due. Late submissions will not be

accepted.

December 16, 2015: All applicants notified on or before of funding

decisions.

2.0 GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION

2.1 Format and Forms

The instructions for using the on-line application system can be found on page 16. An LOI template (Word 2010) is provided at the end of this document for convenience. Once the LOI portion of the process is complete, the full proposal form will be made available only to successful applicants invited to submit a full proposal. All LOIs must be submitted at www.fundingconsortium.gov.ab.ca/ALMA/Account. Letters of Support are not considered at this point. Please indicate any committee funding under the Budget Commentary section of the LOI. The "Help" link provides the detailed information under each section.

2.2 Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible under either ALMA’s Research and Development Terms and Conditions or ALMA's Industry and Market Development Program Terms and Conditions.

In addition to the Eligibility requirements above, there will be a cap on the funding requested for training of students. The maximum amount requested to ALMA for a M.Sc. student will be $21,000/year and for a Ph.D. student will be $25,000/year. Please note that indirect overhead costs, and taxes are not an eligible expense.

Applicants must be prepared to provide documentation outlining the organization’s governance structure if requested.

2.3 Funding Sources

Applicants are encouraged to obtain other sources of financial support for the project from stakeholders that are likely to benefit from the results of the proposed research and innovation. The application should include details of potential and confirmed partners.

ALMA may share the submitted LOIs with other funding agencies if permission is granted to do so by the applicant. Upon submission of the LOI, an email requesting this consent will be automatically generated back to the applicant.

ALMA will require written confirmation of contributors and their investment, whether cash or in-kind contributions, to the research outlined in the full proposal. This confirmation will be required with the submission of the full proposal.

2.4 Evaluation Criteria

Applications received through the Product Differentiation call for proposals will be evaluated based on the innovativeness of the ideas, the potential to impact the Alberta livestock and meat sector, degree of collaboration and excellence of the project.

The proposals will be confidentially reviewed by external scientific and/or industrial reviewers, and further reviewed through ALMA’s technical review committees for recommendation of funding. Depending on the amount of funding requested, ALMA’s Programs and Services Committee may also review the proposal for approval of funding.

All approved proposals will enter into an investment agreement with ALMA according to the terms and conditions governing the specific program area in which the proposal was approved. Please consult the ALMA website ( for the specific program terms and conditions.

2.5 Intellectual Property

Intellectual property developed and owned by the applicant must be managed by the applicant.

2.6 Notice of Collection of Personal Information

The personal information provided through this process will be used to process the applications through the 2015-2016 ALMA Product Differentiation Call. This may require sharing your information confidentially with external reviewers to assist with the evaluation process. This information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) and 34 (1)(a)(i) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, contact the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, Suite 101, 1003 Ellwood Road SW, Edmonton AB, T6X 0B3; by telephone 780-638-1699; by fax 780-638-6495.

For questions regarding the Research and Development Program, please contact:

Dr. Susan Novak, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.

Suite 101, 1003 Ellwood Office Park South

Edmonton, AB T6X 0B3

Phone: 780-638-1924

Fax: 780-638-6495

Mr. Clinton Dobson, Senior Manager, Research and Policy

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.

Suite 101, 1003 Ellwood Office Park South

Edmonton, AB T6X 0B3

Phone: 780-638-1690

Fax: 780-638-6495

For questions regarding the Industry and Market Development Program, please contact:

Mr. Jake Kotowich, Executive Director, Industry Investments

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.

Suite 101, 1003 Ellwood Office Park South

Edmonton, AB T6X 0B3

Phone: 780-638-1680

Fax: 780-638-6495

Mr. Cody Cunningham, Senior Manager, Industry Investments

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.

3rd Floor, 4920-51 Street

Provincial Building

Red Deer AB T4N 6K8

Phone: 403-340-7089

2015-2016

Production Differentiation Call for Proposal

Letter of Intent - Working Copy

DO NOT submit this document as an application.

This document can be used as a working copy for your LOI. The information can then be cut and pasted into the online application form. Applications will be accepted only through the electronic application system at www.fundingconsortium.gov.ab.ca under the 2015-2016 Production Differentiation Call for Proposals. The submission deadline is June 25, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

Notice of Collection of Personal Information

The personal information you provide through this application process will be used to process your application through the 2015-2016 Production Differentiation Call. This may require sharing your information confidentiality with external reviewers to assist with the evaluation process. This information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) and 34 (1)(a)(i) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of this Act. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, contact the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, Suite 101, 1003 Ellwood Road SW, Edmonton AB, T6X 0B3; by telephone 780-638-1699; by fax 780-638-6495.

Contact information regarding

Program Information: Clinton Dobson, Senior Manager, Research and Policy at 780-638-1690 or

On-Line Application: Tracy Bowers at 780-614-1486, or

Letter of Intent - Working Copy

SECTION 1 - OVERVIEW

For the purpose of co-funding, your LOI may be disclosed to the Funding Consortium members www.fundingconsortium.gov.ab.ca and/or other Alberta based funding agencies. If you do not want your LOI disclosed to other funding agencies, email . Consent is implied if there is no response.

LOIs and full proposals are reviewed on an on-going basis. The review process typically takes between 3-4 months from submission of LOI to reach a funding decision by ALMA. Only a pdf copy of the signature(s) is required. They can be emailed to or by fax 780-638-6495. All applicants will be notified of the status of their full proposal by email.

The Terms and Conditions for the Research and Development Program can be found here; and all submissions to the Research and Development Program directly or through targeted calls adhere to these Terms and Conditions. Guidelines for the individual targeted calls can be found with the calls themselves.

SECTION 2 – PROJECT TEAM

[Help] Ensure your address information is correct and complete as it will be used for your mailing address.

Project Team Leader:
Position:
Lead Organization: / Address:
City: / Province/Country:
Postal Code: / Phone Number:
Fax Number: / E-mail Address:
Degrees Certificates/Diplomas and Institution Received from, including year received
Publications and Patents
[Help] Number of refereed papers, relevant patents obtained, conference proceedings, and relevant publications from the last five years.
Other Productivity
[Help] Administrative roles, grants held, awards received, etc.

Co-Investigator(s)

[Help] It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure each Co-Investigator is aware that his or her personal information is a part of this application submission. All co-investigators must consent to working on the team prior to submission. Use the grid below to add the first/last/institution name of the team member. Personnel who will be paid out of the grant (e.g., students, post-doctoral fellows, research associates and technicians) should not be listed in this section.

Co-Investigator(s) Names(s): / Institution / Company

SECTION 3 - PROJECT DETAILS

Project Title:

[Help] Provide a clear, descriptive title for the proposed project. The project title MUST remain the same on the Letter of Intent and the Full Proposal Application (unless a change is requested by the lead funder), otherwise the funding application will be automatically rejected. (150 characters including spaces)

Overall Objectives and Key Results

[Help] Clearly describe the project objective and key results of the project. Outline the reasons the proposed project is needed and how the project will move industry priorities forward. (Do not exceed 1000 characters including spaces)

Project Description and Scope

[Help] Describe the context and the need for the proposed research, as well as, providing a brief overview of the proposed activities, scope and approaches that will be taken. (Do not exceed 3200 characters including spaces)

Benefit to the Industry – Capacity Development and Knowledge Enhancement

[Help] Describe how the proposed project supports the differentiation of Alberta’s livestock and meat products and has the potential to create value for Alberta’s livestock industry or the differentiation of Alberta’s livestock and meat industry. Quantify the opportunity and potential market value and relevance of the research, e.g., “Sodium use is a concern of consumers and research has the potential to reduce sodium use by 25%, which would be an important advantage for Alberta’s processed meats manufacturing industry.” (Do not exceed 3200 characters including spaces)

Project Start Date:

[Help] Indicate the start date on which the project is anticipated to begin or when expenses are to be incurred. MM/DD/YYYY. This date must not be later than 03/01/2016.

Project Completion Date:

[Help] Indicate the end date on which the project expenses are anticipated to be completed. MM/DD/YYYY. This date must not be later than 02/28/2019.

Funding Request: (Indicate any confirmed funding)

[Help] Government sources include any federal or provincial government funding as well as university contributions. If an LOI is successful, the applicant will need to identify partners that have been secured or that will be pursued.

ALMA:

Industry Cash:

Industry In-kind:

Other Government Cash:

Other Government In-kind:

Total Project Cost:

Budget Commentary

[Help] Provide a detailed description of the project budget and be sure to provide specifics regarding supplies, personnel, travel, equipment, etc. Indicate confirmed funding. Overhead and Taxes (GST, PST and HST) are not eligible expenses. (Do not exceed 3200 characters including spaces) (Do not exceed 3200 characters including spaces)