Guide for Applicants—Investment Framework (IF)—Introduction

This Guide is designed to provide an overview of the IF and help Applicants (i.e. IRB Contractors, IRB Obligors, IRB Donors) determine what investments are eligible. The Guide outlines the steps and documentation required to submit a proposed IF activity.

Please note that the IRB Authority reserves the right to update and publish new versions of this Guide and associated tools, as required.

About the IRB Policy

The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) Policy was created in 1986 as a way to leverage major federal procurements for industrial and regional development in Canada. It requires Contractors who win major federal defence projects to undertake business activities in Canada, over the life of the project, valued at 100 percent of the value of the contract they have won.

IRB business activities are private business activities between companies, based on what makes the best business sense to the IRB Obligor.

Most often, an IRB activity takes the form of a purchase of goods or services in Canada. This purchase can be directly related to the federal defence contract, or it can be indirect and related to the IRB Obligor's other product or business lines. IRB business activities can also involve the IRB Obligor making investments or transferring technology to a Canadian company.

In 2009, the Minister of Industry announced seven enhancements to the IRB Policy, aimed at helping encourage more innovative and strategic IRB activities. This Guide for Applicants describes the seventh and final enhancement, the IF. The objective of the IF is to encourage IRB Obligors to invest in long-term, innovation-focused activities directly with Canadian Small and Medium Businesses (SMB).

More information on the IRB Policy and how it works can be found at www.ic.gc.ca/irb