Phase 3: Due Diligence Review

The review comprises a series of meetings with company managers, a site visit, a review of additional supporting information and confidential discussions with external experts to ensure that financial assistance from SADI will result in the anticipated benefits to Canada.

The technical feasibility and capability of the applicant to accomplish the R&D project, as described in the application form, will be assessed by third-party technical reviewer(s). The applicant may provide the names and resumes of up to three technical reviewers for consideration by ITO. ITO reserves the right to select the technical experts who will perform the due diligence.

The purpose of the due diligence is to determine whether a project meets the following review criteria:

• Technological Feasibility
• Managerial Capability
• Collaboration with Academia
• Market Analysis
• Financial Information
• Benefits

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Technological Feasibility

The proposal must demonstrate that the project is technologically feasible, setting out a plan that shows a clear understanding of the activities, resources and management processes required to achieve each of the objectives in the SOW. The proposal must also outline technological risks and risk mitigation strategies.

Managerial Capability

The proposal must show that the applicant's management team has strengths in the core areas of project management, strategic planning, marketing and technology management, and financial planning and controls. In particular, ITO assesses the experience of key members of the management team and the company's plans to address any gaps in management capability.

Collaboration with Academia

One of the objectives of SADI is to increase collaboration with post-secondary institutions. As such, the applicant must have a plan to collaborate and agree to make this a contractual commitment.

Market Analysis

The proposal must demonstrate that the applicant has a marketing and distribution strategy in place to successfully exploit the technology in the marketplace.

Financial Information

The proposal must clearly demonstrate that the applicant has, or can reasonably be expected to obtain, the financial resources to complete the project and repay the Crown.

Benefits

The proposal must contain information that shows how the project will enhance the competitiveness of the firm and generate broader economic and social benefits for Canada.

ITO will inform an applicant about whether the project has satisfactorily completed due diligence and will proceed for project approval consideration, or provide feedback in the case of a project that is rejected. The applicant may choose to amend the proposal and resubmit it to ITO.

Please proceed to the final phase, Phase 4: Project Approval.