Purchase for Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) & Ontario Research Fund (ORF) Projects

• 'Fair market value' is the agreed upon price, negotiated at arm’s length, in an open and unrestricted market; it is calculated between knowledgeable and willing parties who are fully informed and not compelled to transact
• 'Useful life of infrastructure' is the period of time, of a minimum of five years, over which the infrastructure provides benefits and is usable for its intended purpose
• 'In-kind contributions' are are eligible non-monetary resources provided by external eligible partners

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) requires that the award recipient will use and manage funds according to the following expectations.

• Maintain a verifiable audit trail to track expenditures and in-kind contributions, including the maintenance of accurate financial records and the retention of supporting documentation.
• The sponsor recognizes eligible items involving in-kind contributions at fair market value. During the purchasing process, exercise careful judgment and ensure that in-kind contributions from vendors are real, properly valued and supported by documentation.
• Install infrastructure in a timely fashion, as described in the proposal, and keep it operational over its useful life.
• Use CFI funds to purchase infrastructure as identified in the proposal. Changes to infrastructure and cost variances exceeding $50,000 require approval from the sponsor.
• Construction and renovation, when funded by the sponsor, are supported for essential housing and effective use of the infrastructure. Start construction or renovation within 18 months of the funding decision.

• CFI Policy and Program Guide: Provides guidance on eligible expense categories and management of award funds
• U of T Procurement Services: Outlines processes for the purchase of infrastructure
• Invitation to Quote -CFI Funded form: U of T Procurement Services form used to solicit quotes from suppliers for CFI-funded projects
• Research Administration Training: STAR program: Provides information about CFI workshops and U of T-specific resources on fair market valuation and best practices

• CFI Forms and Templates: Documents used to report salary costs of personnel involved in the installation of infrastructure

  CFI Forms to report salary cost of personnel involved in operation and maintenance (IOF supported): Financial report certification, IOF Certification Salary of Technicians and Professionals

Please contact the Research Services Office or Innovations & Partnership Office staff member, indicated as the Research Officer in the header section of the UTRAC.

• Provide guidance and clarification on CFI/ORF expense eligibility
• Assist in determining whether an expense is eligible on a specific research award
• Support department and divisional staff in the application of expense eligibility rules and guidelines