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.
-
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).
-
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
-
Obtain quotes for requested infrastructure
- Use the CFI Quote Guideline when requesting quotes
- Refer to the Procurement Restriction Policy for purchases involving US suppliers
-
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
-
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
-
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
- Needs Assessment Form
- CFI Quote Guideline
- CFI JELF Application Spreadsheet
- UG JELF Assessment Criteria Template
- UG JELF Assessment Criteria Guide
- Common comments from reviewers
- UGuelph Guide for MCURES ORG Small Infrastructure Fund
- [Early Set Up of Research Account LINK]
- CFI Cost Requirements (University policies related to taxes, exchange rates, construction/renovation estimates, personnel costs)
External Resources
- CFI Awards Management System (CAMS) (Online application portal)
- JELF Program Guide (Full instructions from CFI for completing JELF application)
- CFI Policy and Program Guide (Details about eligible expenditures and partners, etc.)
- MCU ORF Small Infrastructure Fund (SIF) Application and Guidelines (Full instructions from MCU for completing SIF application)
- Getting started with the CFI Awards Management System: An Overview document for researchers
- Mitigating Economic and Geopolitical Risk Checklist
- MCU Application Attestation Form
- Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) Attestation
- National Security Guidelines for Research Partnership (NSGRP) Risk Assessment Form (RAF)
Contacts
Kumudinie Kariyapperuma, Strategic Programs Specialist
Research Services Office, UC 437
stratprg@uoguelph.ca