Canada | Battelle ARO Gateway

General Information

More than 40% of the Canadian landmass is located above the Arctic Circle. Supporting field research across this area is similar to the challenges across the Arctic with the added complexity of border crossings, customs, currency conversion and international permitting. The Battelle ARO team has broad experience supporting research, construction, and operational projects across this entire region. Our support services may include;

Coordinating with and paying for services provided by Canadian research support organizations
Provision of field equipment (tents, satellite telephones, etc.) from NSF inventories
Logistics support (transportation, air support, cargo movement)
Field camp management and staffing assistance ]
Interaction and communication with government agencies for customs, permitting and other requirements
Sample export/import support
Guidance on local outreach and engagement

The Battelle ARO team will assist researchers in Canada with tailored logistics support plans based on researcher needs and the researcher’s ability for self-sufficiency. For more information on support available for Canada based projects please reach out to our International Science PM or arctic.planning@battelle.org.

Alaskan field with mountains in background

Photo by: Faustine Bernadac

Canada Process Steps

Steps for executing your field season

STEP ONE:
PROPOSAL AND PRE-AWARD

During this process, pIease work with ARO to develop a proposed logistics plan and review the Suggested Reading by NSF. PI should also investigate all costs, including permitting and outreach, that need to be included in their proposal submission. Additional information can be found on our Proposal Estimate Support page.

STEP TWO:
NEW FUNDED AWARDS

Battelle ARO securely saves your project record in our system. Records outline your science objectives, along with logistics plans for your fieldwork. If your proposal is recommended for award, the PI reviews the record and the project summary is provided to NSF.

STEP THREE:
PRE-FIELDWORK PLANNING

There are several steps in planning for a successful field season. Teams members should sign up for all applicable Field safety training, acquire all needed permits, review interaction plans and work with your assigned Project Manager to finalize all planning to safely and efficiently execute your fieldwork.

STEP FOUR:
EXECUTE FIELDWORK

Following the plan developed at the pre-fieldwork planning stage, PIs conduct fieldwork according to the planned scope and budget. Communicate any changes or deviations to your Project Manager and they will determine next steps.

STEP FIVE:
INCIDENT REPORTING AND LESSONS LEARNED

Reporting incidents and near misses is integral to NSF's risk management program. Lessons learned are considered anonymously to make improvements in program safety. Report incidents to your Project Manager, via the Gateway, or by contacting NSF directly.