Research Security | Funding & Contract Requirements

Does your proposed research aim to advance a sensitive technology research area? If you answered “No”, there are no additional steps needed. If you answered “Yes”, researchers with named roles on the project must attest that they are not affiliated with or receive funding/in-kind support from a named research organization. 

If your proposed research aims to advance a sensitive research area, or if you are unsure, please reach out to Research Security at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca or call (403) 561-3206 for guidance and support.

The NSGRP provides a framework for consistent, risk-targeted due diligence to identify and mitigate potential national security risks related to private sector partnerships. 

If you are applying to a grant with a private sector partner, industry association, or producer group, your project is likely in scope of the NSGRP and will require a Risk Assessment Form.

Are you applying to an applicable grant with one or more private sector partners and/or industry associations? 

If you answered “Yes” to the above, the NSGRP will likely apply to your research. Reach out to research security at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca or call (403) 561-3206 for assistance completing a Risk Assessment Form.

The current Alberta research security requirements are as follows: 

• Sensitive Research: New or renewed sensitive research partnerships with the People’s Republic of China is paused for Alberta’s four comprehensive research universities (CARU’s)
• Non-Sensitive Research: Research outside sensitive research areas may continue.
• Undergraduate Research: Low-risk undergraduate agreements with China may proceed. 

The Government of Alberta also has research security requirements for its Research Capacity Program. 

The 2024-25 competition for College-Industry Innovation (CII) and Small Equipment Grants (SEG) must include a cover letter as part of the proposal package. The cover letter should include a guarantee that all research activities and partnerships outlined in the applications will uphold safeguarding research practices. The cover letter should also include a confirmation expressing the institution’s endorsement of the proposed project. 

The 2025-26 competition for Exceptional Opportunity (EO) grants should include an institutional cover letter with the components outlined above as part of the submission package. EO proposals should also incorporate appropriate measures outlined by federal policies and guidelines, including: 

• Sensitive Technology Research Areas of Concern (STRAC) attestation form: 
  • Applicants must review ISED’s list of Sensitive Technology Research Areas to determine if the proposal aims to advance a listed area of research. If the proposal involves research in a sensitive technology area, the proposal must contain the completed STRAC Attestation Form which declares that there are no affiliations with a Named Research Organization. All researchers in a named role must complete the attestation for proposals aiming to advance a listed area of research. 
• National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) risk assessment form: 
  • If the proposal involves a private sector partner with an active role in the research and/or financial contributions, the proposal must contain a completed Risk Assessment Form and an associated risk mitigation plan. 
  • For each private sector partner requiring a Risk Assessment Form, applicants must also complete the CFI Private Sector Partner Identification Form.

Are you proposing a partnered research project with a Chinese entity or applying for a grant associated with the Government of Alberta’s Research Capacity Program?

If you answered “Yes” to the above, Government of Alberta research security requirements will likely apply to your research. Reach out to research security at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca or call (403) 561-3206 to determine next steps. 

All named researchers on a grant applying to one of Ontario’s Research Funding Programs – including researchers from outside of Ontario – must complete and submit an Application Attestation Form. 

The Attestation Form discloses collaborations with organizations that could potentially pose a risk to Ontario’s economic interests. Collaborations may include, but are not limited to: co-authoring, co-publishing, joint funding, graduate student supervision, or participation in a foreign talent recruitment program.

Ontario Research Security Resources: 

• Ontario Research Security Requirements – A Guidebook for UCalgary Researchers

National Institute of Health

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has introduced requirements to secure research and protect against foreign interference. All applicants named on a grant application must disclose past and current forms of research funding, in-kind support, and research collaborations. 

See the following resource for more information: National Institute of Health: What You Need to Know  

National Science Foundation 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced measures to safeguard funded research. All senior personnel identified on a funding application are required to submit disclosure documentation to the NSF. The NSF will assess active appointments, positions, and research support and identify instances of nondisclosure.

See the following resource for more information: National Science Foundation: What You Need to Know 

Department of Defense 

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) introduced new research security requirements in 2023. To remain eligible for DoD funding, individual named on the grant must disclose all positions and affiliations; financial supports; non-financial resources; consulting relationships; work or travel for other academic institutions, foreign governments, non-profits, industry and trade groups, and companies.

See the following resource for more information: Department of Defense: What You Need to Know 

Are you applying for U.S. grant funding from the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, or the Department of Defense?

If you answered “Yes” to the above, U.S. research security requirements will likely apply to your research. Reach out to research security at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca or call (403) 561-3206 to determine next steps. 

The Contract Security Program (CSP) provides security screening of organizations and their personnel when applying for or successfully being awarded a GoC or foreign contract with security requirements. 

Security requirements safeguard sensitive information, assets and worksites and protect national security, as well as the personal information of Canadians. This can include sensitive government information such as military technology or personal information such as financial records or health information. 

There are two types of security screenings that the CSP provides:

• Organization Screening: This determines of if the organization bidding on or participating in a GoC contract meets the security requirements of the contract. If it does not, steps need to be taken to acquire proper designation.
• Personnel Security Screening: An employee must submit a clearance application which is used to determine if an employee can be trusted with protected or classified information, assets or work sites. All employees involved in a contract or project must obtain the required clearance level. 

If you are considering bidding or participating in a contract with the Government of Canada, please reach out early in the process to the Research Security team at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca or call (403) 561-3206. 

The University of Calgary is registered with the CSP and can assist researchers with the security requirements of a specific bid or contract, including personnel clearances, physical space, and IT requirements.