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 Forestry Innovation Investment, the Government of Canada and the forest industry are partners in the funding and evaluation of proposals.
Timing
Forestry Innovation Investment funding decisions for the Market Development programs are based on a structured call for proposals process which takes place one time annually, usually in December. Additional calls for proposals may be issued from time to time, as deemed appropriate by FII staff.
Eligibility
FII does not provide business loans, small business grants or assist with the product development or
promotion needs of individual businesses. Funding will be directed only to groups or associations
representing multi-company partnerships, and serving the objectives of a large geographic area, or the
majority of producers of a specific species, or product category. FII funding is to result in benefits
that can be accrued to or accessible by multiple companies / interested parties, and not be limited to
the proprietary interests of any one organization / company.
- FII will accept proposals only from existing or special purpose industry groups / trade associations (primary or secondary), academic and forest research institutions, First Nations regional tribal councils or forestry associations, and B.C. Government ministries.
- In all cases, eligibility is limited to not-for-profit organizations that represent multiple parties.
- Individual businesses are not eligible to receive FII Market Development Program funds.
- Focus on B.C. Forest Products: Project activities must be focused on B.C. forest products.
Where a national organization wishes to apply for FII funding, its proposal should clearly
identify the activities that relate to B.C. and their associated value to the B.C. industry. The
application should also clearly show that the industry cost-sharing contributions will be
provided by B.C.-based companies supporting the project.
Process
Forestry Innovation Investment uses a competitive request-for-proposal process to evaluate submissions and award funding. An evaluation panel is struck with representatives from the Government of Canada, the forest industry and Forestry Innovation Investment to review and score the funding applications.
Calls for Proposals are advertised, complete with eligibility, financial and other terms and conditions, on the FII website in early December each year. Eligible organizations have until mid January to submit proposals for funding in the ensuing fiscal year (April through March). Notification will be provided to program proponents, industry associations, and to a mailing list of individuals and organizations that have identified interest in the FII call for proposals.
To be considered for FII funding, projects must provide tangible and specific benefits for the BC forest industry. Proponents will be required to submit a detailed business case for proposed projects, clearly outlining the rationale for project activities. Included must be a detailed description of the need or opportunity the project will address, supported by indicators of market importance to British Columbia. Detailed requirements will be included as a part of each program’s call for proposals documents.
FII staff evaluate funding proposals received against the required, mandatory criteria outlined in the call for proposals, to ensure they meet the program eligibility and proposal requirements. Those that do are then evaluated against desirable evaluation criteria by a special panel of independent experts, along with FII staff and a representative of National Resources Canada. The evaluation process is monitored by staff of Purchasing Services Branch, Ministry of Labour and Citizen Services, to confirm that the evaluation is fair, equitable and objective. The evaluation panel compares proposals to program funding criteria, and FII strategic priorities to rank projects according to the evaluation criteria posted in the Call for Proposals.
Funding recommendations for the programs are provided to FII’s CEO for review and decision. Following final approval, project proponents are advised of the results of the evaluation and selection process. FII staff work with successful proponents to draw up recipient contracts and initiate projects. |
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