Arctic Logistics Requests
The deadline for submitting logistics requests for the 2013 field season has now passed. All researchers who would like to request logistical support must contact PCSP directly.
Email: pcsp@nrcan.gc.ca
Tel.: 613-947-1650
Fax.: 613-947-1611
Who can apply
Any researchers planning to conduct field work in the Canadian Arctic are invited to apply for PCSP logistical support by submitting a PCSP Logistics Request Form. PCSP supports researchers from Canadian government agencies, provincial and territorial governments, northern organizations, universities and independent groups conducting Northern research projects in the natural or social sciences.
PCSP field logistics services are available to non-Canadian research organizations and private research institutions subject to feasibility and overall demand for PCSP services.
Services available
Depending on when and where you are conducting your field work, PCSP logistics services may include charter aircraft (airplane and/or helicopter use including fuel), fuel for camps and vehicles, accommodation and working space at the PCSP Resolute facility, and/or loan of field equipment and vehicles. Please consult the PCSP Arctic Operations Manual for more details on PCSP services, terms and conditions of support and advice on arctic field work.
Although PCSP may be able to provide advice, share best practices, help, and facilitate contact, PCSP does not supply (arrange, procure, etc.) the following field program components (which may also be considered logistics):
- commercial flights, accommodations or vehicle/equipment rentals
- food and personnel for field camps
- training of field party members and personnel
- wildlife monitoring services
- community liaison
- necessary licences & permits or environmental assessments
- scientific fieldwork planning
- firearms
- site clean-up and environmental remediation including fuel drums removal
- endorsement of specific science projects
Related assistance to Canadian researchers
PCSP is able to offer related assistance to Canadian researchers by covering some of the costs of PCSP logistics services (referred to subsequently as direct, in-kind logistics support). Canadian researchers are invited to indicate in their Logistics Request Form if they are seeking PCSP direct, in-kind logistics support. Please note that foreign and private sector projects are not eligible for PCSP direct, in-kind support.
Projects requesting PCSP financial assistance are evaluated by the PCSP Project Review Committee which provides recommendations to PCSP as to the priority for allocation of direct, in-kind support among the eligible projects. This assessment is based on the following criteria:
- performance of previous field projects
- quality of science
- student involvement
- local people involvement
- quality of the logistics request
- partnership/collaborations
- logistics feasibility
To contribute to the preservation of the rich repository of Inuit traditional knowledge, PCSP encourages applicants with research projects focused on traditional knowledge to apply for the Traditional Knowledge Program through the PCSP Logistics Request Form. The Project Review Committee will evaluate the project based on community support and involvement, project deliverables that will be used to communicate results to the community or communities involved and, as applicable, deliverables that have been developed during the past five years (for ongoing projects).
PCSP’s Canadian Arctic-Antarctic Exchange Program encourages collaboration among Canadian Arctic and non-Canadian Antarctic scientists wishing to undertake joint studies in both Polar Regions. Canadian scientists wishing to “sponsor” Antarctic partners are invited to apply to this program through the PCSP Logistics Request Form. The Project Review Committee and the Canadian Committee on Antarctic Research will evaluate the project based on the nature of the collaborative work proposed, how this collaborative work will enhance the applicant’s ongoing Arctic scientific research, information on the Antarctic partner (their work, professional credentials) and demonstrable benefits to the applicant/Canadian researcher.
Timeline & Review process
The PCSP Logistics Request Form submission deadline is in late October/early November each year for requests pertaining to the following field season.
All requests for PCSP logistics support are screened for feasibility of the logistics requested. A preliminary cost estimate for the logistics support required by the project is determined.
The Project Review Committee assesses all eligible non-federal requests to determine priority for allocation of direct, in-kind support. Canadian federal government projects are prioritized by each home department. The PCSP reserves the right to make final decisions concerning the allocation of direct, in-kind support based on resource availability and logistics feasibility.
In December, PCSP informs all applicants of its decision regarding the logistics support PCSP is able to offer to their projects. For approved projects, the PCSP may cover a portion of the logistics costs (direct, in-kind support) and recover all or part of the expenditures made by the PCSP on behalf of the project for the logistics support requested. Confirmation to proceed with the project is required from the researcher.
Following receipt of confirmation to proceed, the PCSP team completes field season planning and the researcher receives a project agreement confirming project logistics and associated costs and terms and conditions.
Required Information
Before completing the PCSP Logistics Request Form, you should plan your field work and have a good understanding of your support requirements to ensure success of your project. When completing the PCSP Logistics Request Form, you will be asked to provide details about your charter aircraft, fuel, accommodations and equipment requirements including field camp location(s), planned use and load for each aircraft type, and the specific field equipment you will require.
PCSP also requests information on your field party to ensure your safety in the field as well as on environmental information to assist you in determining whether an environmental assessment, licenses and/or permits are required to conduct your field activities.
The details provided in the PCSP Logistics Request Form will support PCSP’s assessment of the feasibility and cost of supporting your project and will allow PCSP to provide you with appropriate advice to improve the cost-effectiveness of your project.
Additional information
To support the PCSP project review and decision process for the allocation of direct, in-kind support, PCSP invites you to provide additional information such as student and local involvement in the field project, collaboration with other organizations, and a list of peer-reviewed publications where applicable.
Applicants from the Canadian Federal Government should attach to the PCSP Logistics Request Form a document (e-mail or letter) indicating senior management approval of the proposed project.
Applicants who wish to apply to the Traditional Knowledge Program or the Canadian Arctic-Antarctic Exchange Program will be asked to make note of this in the PCSP Logistics Request Form. Applicants to these programs will be asked to provide supplementary information about their project.
