The JELF is an institutional program which provides the University with access to a three-year allocation of JELF funding for acquisition of research infrastructure.  Learn how the University manages its JELF allocation[LINK HERE].

An eligible JELF project involves the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to increase research capacity and enable innovative research activities. This includes the acquisition of workhorses (high usage equipment that routinely and dependably perform over a long period of time), and the upgrade or replacement of aging infrastructure.

Because it is an institutional allocation program with a funding cap, the selection of applications is coordinated by colleges. Contact your Associate Dean (Research) to learn more.

Detailed Timeline and Requirements

There are three submission cycles each year – February 15, June 15, and October 15. The table below outlines the key milestones and their corresponding timelines for each deadline.

Milestone FEBURARY CFI Deadline JUNE CFI Deadline OCTOBER CFI Deadline
RSO introductory meeting Sep 15 Jan 15 May 15
Needs Assessment Form due for Physical Resources (PR) and Computing & Communications Services (CCS) review (PR requires 8 weeks to produce an estimate) Oct 15 Feb 15 June 15
PR quote provided to PI Dec 15 April 15 August 15
Meet with Research Financial Services (RFS) to review quotes and draft budget spreadsheet (as needed) Jan 1 By May 1 Sep 1
Budget spreadsheet and CFI-compliant quotes (including Physical Resources estimate) due to RFS  Jan 15 May 15 Sep 15
Proposal due to Research Services Office ( RSO) Jan 15 May 15 Sep 15
Draft research security form (MEGR) due to Safeguarding Research Jan 22 May 22 Sep 22
Budget spreadsheet approved by RFS and submitted by RFS to RSO  Jan 30 May 30 Sep 30
Draft 2 Proposal due to RSO As required As required As required
Final submission with signed OR-5 Feb 12 June 12 Oct 12
Final CFI application submitted     Feb 15  June 15 Oct 15
Draft ORF application (for provincial matching funds) Mar 15 Jul 15 Nov 15
Final draft ORF application May 1 Sep 1 Jan 1

 

Nov/Mar/July

CFI decisions are expected approximately 5 months after submission

Contact departmental purchasing officer and review procurement process and fair market value assessment

Connect with your CRM to discuss the Award Finalization Process

8 months after CFI decision ORF decisions are expected approximately 8 months after CFI decisions
9 months after CFI decision CFI Award Finalization deadline

Steps for Completing a JELF Application

This guide should be used in conjunction with the CFI-published Guidelines for completing a proposal.

  1. Create your JELF Application in the CFI Award Management System (CAMS)
    • Create an account in CAMS, the online application system. To learn how to navigate the online portal, see Getting Started with CAMS
    • Select "Create New Proposal" and from the list provided, select "John R. Evans Leaders Fund – Funding for Research Infrastructure – Unaffiliated" (or Partnered if submitted with a CRC nomination).
  2. Submit a Needs Assessment Form (NAF) for collaboration with Physical Resources and/or CCS. See: Needs Assessment Form
    • Obtain infrastructure datasheets/specifications from vendors or websites
    • Confirm the location (building and room) for the proposed infrastructure
  3. Obtain quotes for requested infrastructure
    • Use the CFI Quote Guideline when requesting quotes
    • Refer to the Procurement Restriction Policy  for purchases involving US suppliers
  4. Create a budget using the CFI JELF Application Spreadsheet
    • Research Financial Services will review this budget and use it to complete the Finance Module
    • Complete Research Security Requirements for both CFI and ORF. For University of Guelph guidance and resources, see Safeguarding Research | Office of Research
  5. Complete:
    • Project Module, including the proposal or “Assessment Criteria.”  Use the UG JELF Assessment Criteria Template and UG JELF Assessment Criteria Guide
    • CV Module
    • Suggested Reviewers
  6. Complete the Application for Provincial Matching Funds
    • Use UGuelph Guide for MCURES ORF Small Infrastructure Fund OR UGuelph Guide for CRC-partnered MCURES OFF Small Infrastructure Fund
    • Submit the completed application to RSO

 

Internal Resources

External Resources

Contacts

Kumudinie Kariyapperuma, Strategic Programs Specialist
Research Services Office, UC 437
stratprg@uoguelph.ca