Supply Chain Initiative

2009-2010 Application Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About this Guide
  
  
• What's New
  
  
• 1.0 The Supply Chain Initiative 2009-2010
  • 1.1 Objective
  • 1.2 Background
  • 1.3 Support in 2009-2010
    
    
• 2.0 Support for Publishers
  • 2.1 Business Planning Projects
  • 2.2 Technology Internships
    
    
• 3.0 Support for Associations and Organizations
  • 3.1 Collective Technology Projects
  • 3.2 Professional Development Projects
    
    
• 4.0 How to apply to BPIDP
  • 4.1 Application Deadline
  • 4.2 Required Documents
  • 4.3 Submitting Your Application
  • 4.4 Important notes
    
    
• 5.0 The Contribution Agreement, Payments and Reporting
  • 5.1 Contribution Agreement
  • 5.2 Payments and Reporting
    
    
• 6.0 Government assistance: General conditions
  
  
• 7.0 Definitions
  
  
• 8.0 Frequently Asked Questions

About this Guide

The Supply Chain Initiative 2009-2010 Application Guide contains important information about the Book Publishing Industry Development Program's (BPIDP) criteria and procedures that will assist you in making a complete application and help to ensure that contributions to successful applicants are processed as quickly as possible.

Technology-related support for individual publishers is outlined in section 2.0, while support for book industry associations and organizations is outlined in section 3.0.

For information on BPIDP support to Canadian publishers for the production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books, please consult the 2009-2010 Aid to Publishers Application Guide.

For information on BPIDP support to the book industry for internships and business planning not related to innovative technologies, please consult the 2009-2010 Collective Initiatives Application Guide.

For information on support for industry-wide projects available to Canadian book industry associations and organizations not related to innovative technologies, please consult the 2009-2010 Collective Initiatives Application Guide.

We are pleased to answer any questions you may have as you prepare your application. New BPIDP applicants, in particular, are encouraged to contact us before applying.

What's New

The following updates have been made to Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) funding and the Application Guide:

• Section 2.0 - Support for Publishers: Clarifications are provided on ineligible expenses for Technology Internships and Business Planning Projects.
• Section 2.0 - Funding level: Support for Technology Internships and Business Planning Projects will generally be provided at a level of up to 70% in order to ensure funding to a wide range of Canadian publishers.
• Section 4.1 - Application Deadline: Applications for Technology Internships, Business Planning Projects and Professional Development Projects must be received by BPIDP no later than May 29, 2009. Applications for Collective Technology Projects must be received by BPIDP no later than July 31, 2009.
• Section 5.0 - Contribution Agreement, Payments and Reporting: Requirements for final reporting have been reduced across all BPIDP components as part of the Program's commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contributions.
• Section 8.0 - Frequently Asked Questions: Clarifications are provided on the format of the Evaluation Framework and the calculation of eligible administration costs.

1.0 The Supply Chain Initiative 2009-2010

1.1 Objective

The objective of SCI is to support the Canadian book industry's adoption of innovative technologies to ensure an efficient and effective infrastructure that builds competitiveness and improves consumers' access to Canadian-authored books.

This initiative will help the industry become more efficient, viable, and resilient to changing technological standards and practices. Supporting this area will help the Canadian book industry build a foundation for the effective application of technology innovation in the production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books.

1.2 Background

Created in 2002-2003 to respond to identified industry needs and the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, SCI has made a significant investment in publishers' efforts to upgrade their bibliographic data, as well as projects delivering a broad impact to the industry's technological infrastructure.

From 2002 to 2008, SCI supported over 200 publishers in establishing high-quality nationally-standardized bibliographic data. SCI has also supported the development of national sales data analysis infrastructure in both official languages, leading to greater knowledge of Canadian book industry trends and improved inventory management for publishers, distributors and retailers.

In 2008-2009, funding for publishers supported the enhancement of their technological capacities through internships and business planning.

1.3 Support in 2009-2010

In 2009-2010, SCI will build on its investments while continuing to respond to evolving industry needs and targeting key capacity-building activities. Publishers may apply for funding to hire a technology-oriented intern and/or to hire an independent third party to develop a technology-oriented business plan. Canadian book industry associations and organizations may apply for funding for the development and implementation of innovative technologies benefiting the industry as a whole and for the delivery of technology-oriented professional development.

SCI funding is limited and, as such, interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Applications will be assessed and funding allocated based on each individual project's alignment with SCI objectives and available funding. The Minister of Canadian Heritage retains full discretion regarding ultimate funding decisions.

Moreover, please note that an individual project cannot receive support from more than one BPIDP component. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Program (to determine to which component their application should be directed.

2.0 Support for Publishers

Support for Canadian-owned book publishers in 2009-2010 will focus on project funding for the acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by technological advancements. Several recent industry studies have identified the need for increased training and professional development in this area. In response, BPIDP will provide enhanced, targeted support in two relevant areas: business planning and technology internships.

2.1 Business Planning Projects

SCI provides funding to individual publishers to hire an independent third party to develop a technology-oriented business plan. The goal of the business plan must be to assist recipients in adopting strategic approaches to incorporating technologies into their publishing operations that will improve the competitiveness of the firm and ensure its efficiency in the production, marketing or distribution of Canadian-authored books.

2.1.1 Eligible candidates

Individual publishing firms eligible for Aid to Publishers support in either 2008-2009 or 2009-2010 are eligible to apply for funding.

2.1.2 Eligible projects

Funding for Business Planning Projects through SCI supports Canadian-owned book publishers with integrating innovative publishing technology strategies in production, marketing and information management into their business models.

Eligible projects must:

• place a significant emphasis on technologies (75% of the business plan's content must focus on analysis and recommendations related to technology)
• be strongly aligned with the objectives of SCI
• contribute to the development of a written business plan related to the strategic application of technologies to the production, marketing or distribution of Canadian-authored books
• foster the acquisition and application of skills relating to the adoption of innovative publishing technology strategies in production, marketing or information management

Priority will be given to projects that:

• focus exclusively on innovative technologies

2.1.3 Eligible expenses

The following expenses are eligible:

• fees from an independent third party associated with research and analysis of publishing technology strategies, and the preparation and presentation of a technology-oriented business plan
• general administration costs equivalent to up to 15% of other eligible project expenses, e.g. the third party's fees

2.1.4 Ineligible expenses

The following are examples of ineligible expenses:

• costs associated with the implementation of a business plan or the integration of innovative technology strategies
• costs incurred by employees of the publishing house associated with in-house research and analysis of publishing technology strategies, and in-house preparation and presentation of a technology-oriented business plan

2.1.5 Funding level

The level of support is based on the scope of the project, the anticipated benefits for the publishing firm and the overall funding designated to SCI.

In order to recognize the importance of planning related to innovative technologies and to encourage investment in this area, BPIDP will provide funding to successful applicants at a level up to 70% of the eligible project expenses.

Identified publishers from Aboriginal, visible minority or minority official language communities are eligible for funding of up to 90% of eligible project expenses.

The maximum annual contribution per project is generally $25,000.

2.1.6 Payment and reporting

Please see section 5.0.

2.2 Technology Internships

BPIDP provides funding for internships that help to develop the next generation of Canadian book industry professionals by providing valuable training for new industry professionals, who in turn accomplish useful tasks that the firm might not otherwise have the resources to carry out. SCI technology internships offer publishers an opportunity to access specialized expertise in an effort to research, implement and manage technology-based processes and practices in their publishing business.

2.2.1 Eligible candidates

Individual publishing firms eligible for Aid to Publishers in either 2008-2009 or 2009-2010 are eligible to apply for funding.

Proposed interns must not be existing employees of the applicant firm. Priority will be given to students registered in or recent graduates of post-secondary educational programs in the fields of innovative technologies, business, advertising or publishing or who have relevant work experience in one or more of these areas.

The proposed intern must demonstrate (through a resume or other documentation as needed) educational or work experience related to relevant innovative technologies (e.g. web programming or data management and analysis).

Where possible, applicants should identify candidates at the time of application. Should the intern not be selected at that time, approved recipients must identify the intern and submit the intern's resume or other relevant documentation within 60 days of signing the contribution agreement. In instances where this information has not been submitted, the Program may withdraw the approved funding.

The recruitment and hiring of interns is the sole responsibility of the applicant.

2.2.2 Eligible projects

Technology Internship funding through the SCI supports projects that offer new employees practical training and work experience in areas such as internet marketing, data management, design and production of digital content, digital rights management and the implementation of technology-oriented business planning.

Eligible projects must:

• be strongly aligned with the objectives of SCI
• be structured to ensure that a majority of the work undertaken by the intern involves innovative technologies
• provide a productive training environment for the intern
• assign the intern useful roles that the applicant organization could not otherwise undertake due to a lack of human or financial resources
• provide opportunities for the intern to contribute to the development of the publishing firm
• provide the intern with structured professional development and training
• include a strategy for knowledge transfer to ensure that the recipient continues to benefit from the work undertaken by the intern after the internship period is completed

To provide opportunities for more young professionals to intern, internships will be limited to one year, and to ensure that funding opportunities are available for a range of publishers, BPIDP will fund no more than one Technology Internship per publisher or affiliated group in 2009-2010.

2.2.3 Eligible expenses

The sole eligible expense is the full salary of the intern, including insurance and benefits, during the period covered by the project.

2.2.4 Ineligible expenses

The following are examples of ineligible expenses:

• costs associated with the supervision and development of the intern
• costs associated with the purchase of materials and software made available to the intern

2.2.5 Funding level

In order to recognize the importance of training and skill development related to innovative technologies and to encourage investment in this area, BPIDP will provide funding to successful applicants at a level up to 70% of the eligible expenses.

Interns from Aboriginal, visible minority or minority official language communities are eligible for funding of up to 90% of eligible project expenses.

The maximum annual contribution per project is generally $20,000.

2.2.6 Payment and Reporting

Please see section 5.0

3.0 Support for Associations and Organizations

Since 2002-2003, SCI has made an important investment in collective industry projects. BPIDP will continue to build on this investment in 2009-2010, supporting projects that contribute to establishing an efficient Canadian book industry communications and distribution network.

In 2009-2010, support for associations and organizations through SCI will be provided to eligible collective projects that support the development of industry services and infrastructure related to innovative technologies, and projects that support the collective professional development of the Canadian book industry relating to innovative technologies.

3.1 Collective Technology Projects

SCI offers funding for Collective Technology Projects that support the industry in developing its efficiency, viability, and resiliency to changing patterns in supply and demand. A strong emphasis is placed on projects that have an impact on the Canadian book industry as a whole or that involve more than one sector of the industry.

3.1.1 Eligible candidates

Canadian-owned and -controlled organizations representing the book publishing, distribution, wholesale or retail sector.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have the capacity to undertake the proposed project.

3.1.2 Eligible projects

Applicants must demonstrate that the project meets the objectives of SCI, and will be undertaken on a collective basis on behalf of more than one sector or will benefit the Canadian-owned book industry as a whole. Funding must be invested in one or more of the following:

• development and deployment of communication and distribution infrastructure
• improvement of data collection, use and dissemination
• training and development of resources required to adapt to infrastructure changes

Priority will be given to projects that:

• are national in scope
• facilitate the adoption of common communication and distribution network practices and standards across one or more sectors of the industry

3.1.3 Eligible expenses

The following expenses are eligible:

• research, including expenses related to information collection, analysis and dissemination
• hardware, software and consultant costs for the creation, population, and maintenance of information and communication networks
• hardware, software and consultant costs for the development and implementation of standards-driven Electronic Document Interchange (EDI)
• costs related to the development of resources, standards and utilities necessary for the implementation of supply chain enhancement strategies
• costs related to the provision of services necessary to implement supply chain enhancement strategies
• costs related to training
• the portion of employees' salaries for time directly devoted to the project (applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation of salary levels and of time allocated to the project)
• general administration costs equivalent to up to 15% of other eligible expenses, e.g. 15% of the above-mentioned expenses

3.1.4 Funding level

The level of support is based on the scope of the project, the anticipated benefits for the Canadian-owned book industry and the overall funding designated to SCI.

Funding is generally 50% of a project's eligible expenses. The maximum annual contribution per project is generally $325,000.

3.1.5 Payment and Reporting

Please see section 5.0

3.2 Professional Development Projects

SCI offers funding for collective Professional Development Projects that provide book industry professionals with up-to-date skills and knowledge related to the application of innovative technologies to all aspects of book publishing.

Professional Development Projects must focus primarily on the application and integration of innovative technologies. For professional development projects not related to the adoption of innovative publishing technologies, see the Collective Initiatives component of BPIDP or contact SCI to verify project eligibility.

3.2.1 Eligible candidates

Eligible candidates are Canadian-owned and -controlled organizations and professional associations involved in book publishing, distribution, wholesale and retail sectors or representing Canadian authors.

3.2.2 Eligible projects

Professional development funding through SCI supports the organization and delivery of workshops, conferences, mentoring and other training activities that assist book publishing professionals in developing their capacity to apply innovative technology strategies to the design, production, marketing or dissemination of Canadian-authored books.

Eligible projects must:

• place a significant emphasis on technologies (professional development activities related to technologies must account for at least 75% of training content)
• be strongly aligned with the objectives of SCI

Priority will be given to projects that:

• are national in scope
• focus exclusively on innovative technologies

3.2.3 Eligible expenses

The following expenses are eligible:

• organizational fees for a training program (e.g. hiring specialists, travel for specialists, renting rooms and training) conducted by professional associations and/or teaching institutions
• registration or tuition fees for courses on innovative technologies offered by teaching institutions
• expenses related to travel and accommodations for participants taking courses or seminars up to limits as discussed with the Program (applicants must demonstrate that travel is principally for attendance at the professional development event)
• expenses related to course materials
• the portion of employees' salaries for time directly devoted to the project (applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation of salary levels and of time allocated to the project)
• general administration costs equivalent to up to 15% of other eligible expenses, e.g. 15% of the above-mentioned expenses

When a project includes the subsidization of the expenses for participants, a maximum of two employees from a given firm or organization may receive a financial contribution to attend the same professional development event.

Expenses associated with receptions, banquets, catering services or other similar activities are not eligible.

3.2.4 Funding Level

The level of support is based on the scope of the project, the anticipated benefits to the industry and the overall funding designated to SCI.

In order to recognize the importance of training and skill development related to innovative technologies and to encourage investment in this area, BPIDP will provide funding to successful applicants at a level up to 75% of the eligible expenses of the project.

The maximum annual contribution per project is $100,000.

3.2.5 Payment and Reporting

Please see section 5.0.

4.0 How to apply to BPIDP

Applicants to SCI must submit a complete application, including the required supporting documentation listed on the application form, within the established deadlines. Deadlines differ according to sub-component.

4.1 Application Deadline

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that applications are received by BPIDP within the established deadlines. Upon receipt of an application, BPIDP will mail the applicant a written confirmation of application.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the established deadlines.

Support for Publishers
Publishers seeking to apply for 2009-2010 support for Business Planning Projects and Technology Internships must ensure applications are received by BPIDP no later than May 29, 2009.

Support for Associations and Organizations
Professional book associations and organizations seeking support for 2009-2010 technology-oriented Professional Development Projects must ensure applications are received by BPIDP no later than May 29, 2009.

Applications for Collective Technology Projects must be received by BPIDP no later than July 31, 2009.

IMPORTANT: All late applications will be denied.

4.2 Required Documents

In order to be considered complete, applications must include:

• a completed application form (each sub-component of SCI has its own application form: Business Planning Projects, Technology Internships, Collective Technology Projects and Professional Development Projects)
• if a representative of the applicant firm or organization other than its president or owner signs the application form, a letter from the president or owner authorizing that person to submit the application must be provided
• all supporting documentation listed on the checklist of the applicable form
• associations and organizations applying for Professional Development and Collective Technology Projects must include a copy of the applicant's most recent financial statements, covering a financial year ending within the last 18 months

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all of the supporting documentation, as listed on the application form, is complete. Please review this section carefully.

4.3 Submitting Your Application

Applications may be submitted electronically, by fax or by mail. The original signed application form must be mailed to the Program immediately following electronic and fax submissions.

Applications must be mailed to:

Supply Chain Initiative Book Publishing Industry Development Program Department of Canadian Heritage 15 Eddy Street, 15-4-D Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5 Tel: 1-866-811-0055 (toll free in Canada) or 819-997-6255 Fax: 819-997-4169 Email: bpidp.padie@pch.gc.ca

4.4 Important notes

• Expenses incurred by applicants before BPIDP receives the project application will not be reimbursed by the Program.
• Once an application has been received, applicants who incur expenses on their project prior to approval do so at their own risk.
• In order to ensure timely processing of their applications, applicants are asked to respond to requests for information within two weeks. Applicants who fail to provide either the information or a reasonable explanation for delays within that timeline will be advised that their file has been set aside and given a lower priority, and, if delays persist, the application may be denied.
• Applicants with questions about BPIDP procedures are encouraged to contact us as early as possible in the application process.

5.0 The Contribution Agreement, Payments and Reporting

The contribution agreement is the legally-binding contract between the recipient and the Government of Canada detailing the conditions of funding for the applicant project. The agreement highlights general conditions for receiving Government support and outlines the payment and reporting schedule specific to the project.

5.1 Contribution Agreement

Once a project has been approved for funding, applicants are mailed a contribution agreement for signature. Recipients are required to submit a signed contribution agreement within thirty (30) days of receiving the agreement.

Recipients should read the agreement thoroughly, particularly the payment and reporting schedule.

5.2 Payments and Reporting

BPIDP and recipients work together to develop a payment and reporting schedule, outlined in the contribution agreement.

Payment schedules are determined according to the recipient's cashflow requirements, the contribution amount and the project's duration. Annex B of the contribution agreement identifies the payment and reporting schedule for individual recipients.

A final payment of 10% is withheld until the successful completion of the project.

First payment

The first payment for an approved project will generally be issued once the following documents have been received and approved by the Program:

• a signed contribution agreement
• a cashflow forecast, where applicable

Please note: Prior to releasing the first payment of a new contribution agreement, recipients will be requested to submit any outstanding reports due to the Department and/or to make any outstanding repayments due to the Receiver General.

Subsequent payments

In instances where funding is dispersed in more than two payments, subsequent payments will generally be issued once the following are received and approved by the Program:

• an interim report on the progress of the project and activities undertaken to date, including any complications or issues that have arisen that may affect the recipient's capacity to attain the objectives of the project
• an updated Evaluation Framework indicating results and activities completed to date, where applicable
• a revised cashflow forecast indicating expenses to date and updating projected expenses

Final payment

The final contribution payment for a project will be issued once a final report has been received and approved by the Program. The report must be submitted no later than 90 days following the last day of the project, as stated in the contribution agreement.

A final payment will generally be issued once the following are received and approved by the Program:

• a completed Final Report Form
  
  
• a final narrative report evaluating the project results, based on the approved Evaluation Framework, including any complications or issues that arose in the course of the project that may have affected the attainment of the project objectives
  
  
• a final financial report on the use of funds, comparing the planned and actual revenues and expenses, broken down by fiscal year ending March 31 and in a format approved by BPIDP
  
  
• for approved financial support of less than $75,000, a financial report certified by a person duly authorized by the recipient
  
  
• for approved financial support of $75,000 to $199,999, a review engagement
  
  
• for approved financial support of $200,000 of more, either audited financial statements for the project or audited financial statements for the organization that carried it out that clearly indicate, e.g. in an appendix, the revenues and expenses of the project for which support was approved
  
  
• evidence that the recipient has complied with the requirement to acknowledge receipt of support by the Government of Canada

6.0 Government assistance: General conditions

Ministerial discretion

The eligibility criteria and guidelines of BPIDP will not restrict the discretionary power of the Minister of Canadian Heritage or a representative to refuse a request for financial assistance.

The Minister, or a duly authorized representative, at his or her own discretion, may decide to accept or refuse, in whole or in part, any application submitted. The decision made by the Minister or representative is conclusive.

Acknowledgement of government support

All funding recipients must recognize the financial support provided by the Government of Canada by ensuring the "Canada" wordmark appears in all websites and printed material related to the project (public announcements, news releases, advertising, etc.). The wordmark is available at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/logos.

Where possible, recipients should also print a statement acknowledging the Government's support on all products created in relation to the project.

The acknowledgement text for English-language projects is:

• We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for this project.

The acknowledgement text for French-language projects is:

• Nous reconnaissons l'aide financière du gouvernement du Canada par l'entremise du Programme d'aide au développement de l'industrie de l'édition (PADIÉ) pour ce projet.

Public Information

All recipients must be prepared to assist the Department of Canadian Heritage in preparing public announcements or promotional events about their project.

Contribution amounts awarded to successful applicants are public information and will be posted on the BPIDP website.

Limits on government assistance

For SCI recipients, total government assistance cannot exceed 75% of total eligible project expenses. However, the limit on total government assistance increases to 90% of total eligible project expenses for official-language minority, visible minority, or Aboriginal firms and organizations.

In the case of not-for-profit organizations, government assistance may be a maximum of 100% of total eligible project expenses.

Total government assistance means all federal, provincial, territorial and municipal funding provided for the same purposes and received by a publisher, an association or an organization during the financial year in which it received a BPIDP contribution.

Limits on total funding per applicant

Total SCI funding to any individual recipient cannot exceed $1.5 million per fiscal year.

Repayment of government assistance

Although contributions under SCI are considered repayable, the Treasury Board of Canada's policy with respect to the repayment of government assistance provides an exemption where the contribution is less than $100,000, where the project benefits the Canadian book industry generally, or where the recipient is a not-for-profit organization and will not generate enough revenue to repay the contribution.

7.0 Definitions

Book distributor

An enterprise that enters into a contractual agreement with publishers to perform specialized services on their behalf related to the distribution of books. These may include warehousing, shipping, marketing, processing of returns, invoicing and collection of accounts receivable.

Book publisher

An enterprise that selects and develops manuscripts or draft manuscripts; enters into contractual agreements with authors or copyright holders; publishes books under its own imprint, in printed or other form; and assumes the risks associated with their production and marketing.

Book wholesaler

An enterprise that performs specialized services for warehousing, distributing, and marketing books. Wholesalers purchase books from a variety of sources, and resell them to their clients in the retail, library, and institutional sectors.

Canadian

1. a citizen within the meaning of the Citizenship Act who is ordinarily resident in Canada;
2. a permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
3. a Canadian corporation; or
4. a not-for-profit organization in which 75% of its members are persons referred to in paragraphs a) or b); or
5. a partnership, trust or joint venture in which a person or any combination of persons referred to in paragraphs a), b), c), or d) beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, interests representing in value at least 75% of the total value of the assets of the partnership, trust or joint venture, as the case may be.

Canadian-owned and -controlled firm

A firm:

1. that is a sole proprietorship, partnership, cooperative or a corporation (for profit or not-for-profit) established under the laws of Canada or a province;
2. whose activities are based primarily in Canada;
3. whose chairperson or presiding officer and at least 75% of whose directors and other similar officers are Canadian citizens or permanent residents within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
4. that is a corporation with share capital, of which Canadians beneficially own or control, other than by way of shares held only as security, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate at least 75% of all the issued and outstanding voting shares representing at least 75% of the paid-up capital;
5. that is a corporation without share capital, of which Canadians beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, interests representing in value at least 75% of the total value of the assets.

If at any time one or more persons that are not described in any of paragraphs a) to e) of the definition "Canadian" have any direct or indirect influence through a trust, an agreement, an arrangement or otherwise that, if exercised, would result in control in fact of the publishing firm, the firm is deemed not to be Canadian owned.

Employee

Full- and part-time paid staff working directly for the applicant entity. Owners are considered employees unless they have no active role at the firm. Independent contractors are not considered employees.

Total government assistance

All federal, provincial, territorial and municipal funding provided towards the same eligible expenses.

8.0 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Evaluation Framework?

Answer: The Evaluation Framework is a reporting tool that measures the success of a project by identifying how specific project activities enable the attainment of the project's objectives.

Recipients are required to establish project objectives as they relate to the success and advancement of the organization, then identify those activities of the project that will lead to the attainment of the objectives.

The following are examples of objectives that could appear in an Evaluation Framework:

Examples of objectives in an Evaluation Framework

Type of Project	Objective	Expected Results and Indicators
Business Plan	To increase the operational efficiency of the firm.	The third party will evaluate the firm's existing inventory management technologies and recommend technology-based initiatives that will improve the management of inventory. Indicator: The third party will recommend technology-based systems or workflows that will improve the firm's internal management of inventory.
Technology Internship	To increase the firm's web presence.	The intern will enhance the firm's website, including adding author blogs and developing web-based advertisements. Indicators: - The addition of author blogs to the firm's website. - The posting of five new web-based advertisements of the publisher's titles.

Applicants are encouraged to contact BPIDP staff to discuss possible Evaluation Framework measures for their project before applying.

SCI recipients are responsible for tracking identified indicators. As part of the final report, the recipient will add a column to the Evaluation Framework identifying if and how results were attained.

2. How are general administration costs calculated?

Answer: Eligible administration costs are the lesser of:

a) administration costs; or,
b) fifteen percent of other eligible expenses.

The following table provides an example of how general administration costs are calculated for a project for which BPIDP has provided funding equal to 70% of eligible expenses:

Example of how general administration costs are calculated

	Total Proposed Budget	Eligible Expenses	SCI Support at 70%
Third party's fee or intern's salary	$20,000	$20,000	$14,000
Software	$5,000	$0	$0
Administration	$5,000	$3,000*	$2,100
Total	$30,000	$23,000	$16,100

*Although the project administration costs are $5,000, BPIDP only funds administration up to a maximum of 15% of other eligible expenses ($20,000).

3. What if I need to spend more money in one category of my budget than planned? Can I just reduce spending in another category? Do I need approval?

Answer: Successful applicants can move up to 20% of funds from one budget category to another eligible category without seeking approval. For changes of greater than 20%, please contact BPIDP to submit a revised budget with a justification for the proposed change. Changes of greater than 20% made without program approval may not be accepted, necessitating a repayment of the difference.

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