WEB BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING

Trade Agreement: WTO-AGP/NAFTA/AIT/Canada FTAs with Peru/Colombia/Panama Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid Attachment: None Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Government Objectives Representing Best Interests/Value to Govt Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Vendor Name and Address: Language Research Development Group 1407 Saint Alexandre St., Montreal Quebec Canada H3A2G3 Nature of Requirements: 1. Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN)

An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.

2. Definition of Requirement

2.1 Background

Privy Council Office (PCO) has developed a Directive on Second Language Training to coordinate the approach of language training in the Department. The Directive offers a flexible framework in which managers can make sound decisions regarding language training needs. A key objective of the directive is to ensure a flexible learning model wherein PCO and Prime Minister's Office (PMO) employees' needs are met based on specific learning needs, preferences and accessibility.

The Supplier must offer equitable access to French and English second language training through innovative and intelligent language instruction software with flexible options for one-on-one tutoring (by phone or in person) and group learning opportunities with qualified language teachers.

In contrast to the more traditional classroom-based instruction offered by other service providers, LRDG is a technology-based training approach using online software supplemented by one-on-one tutoring via teleconference provided by qualified LRDG tutors. The online training software also permits self-learning which is not possible in the traditional training setting employed by other service providers.

LRDG webportal requires no additional 3rd party software. The product has been tested on all environments of desktop, laptop, work station and server environments and are fully compatible from Windows 98 through Windows 7, including Vista.

2.2 Objective

The objective is to provide full-time and part-time second language training, in French and English to employees of PCO and PMO to:

ensure that clients can be served in the official language of their choice; ensure the quality of our services in both official languages; promote the use of both official languages in the workplace; and establish a bilingual workplace.

2.3 Scope of Work

The solution is to comprise of six components

a computer-based training delivered via a self-contained software product installed on individual computers (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM); a subscription-based training delivered via a web portal accessible for all PCO and PMO employees; a tutor-led training delivered by telephone, not excluding possible in-person or virtual classroom; a language proficiency level evaluation delivered by a web portal and an ongoing evaluation on student's progress. an on-site, virtual or tutor-led SLE preparation coaching; and a possible virtual lunch and learn sessions for oral maintenance

The proposed solution must also comply with the following principles:

The second language training must be provided at the levels A, B, and C in accordance with the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gui/squn03-eng.asp). The second language training must be flexible to accommodate different employee schedules, as follow:

Tutor-led training Estimated number of students per year* Estimated number of hours per year Telephone-led training 36 540 In-person training 24 360 SLE Preparation 20 100 Estimated number of perpetual licenses required *per year: 7

* Perpetual licenses: a perpetual license must allow PCO to use the licensed software indefinitely. It must allow PCO to download all updated to the software and to receive technical support. After the one year period ends, PCO can choose to remain with the last version downloaded or to purchase a one (1) year updates and support package, for 20% of the license price.There are no penalties for letting updates and support lapse for a while before purchasing an annual package.

2.4 Technical Environment

The self-contained software and the web-based software must run and function properly when implemented in the technical environment described below:

Windows 98 through Windows 7, including Vista Must be compatible with Internet Explorer version 8 and above running on Microsoft Windows 7

2.5 Contractor's Responsibilities

The Contractor must hold all intellectual property rights for the software, the web-based software and for all teaching materials; When tutoring services are provided online, by telephone or in-person, the Contractor must bear the costs for calls and any other costs associated with the delivery of online services (tutor calls the candidate); For the tutor-led online training delivered in a classroom, the Contractor must provide teaching aids such as pocket dictionaries and English and French verb conjugation books at no additional cost to PCO; The Contractor must provide technical assistance for the software and the web-based software at no additional cost to PCO. The technical assistance for the software and the web-based software must be available 5 days per week, from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm; The Contractor must deliver the software package (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and the software documentation) to the Technical Authority, 10 calendar days following the issuing of a Task Authorization; The Contractor must replace any defective CD-ROM or DVD-ROM within 5 calendar days at no additional cost to PCO; If an instructor is absent, the Contractor must replace him/her by an instructor with the minimum qualifications as stated in point g) and h), under Tutor Services Criteria; The Contractor must distribute and ask each student to fill out the satisfaction forms at the end of their training. The Contractor must then forward the completed satisfaction forms to the Technical Authority.

2.6 PCO's Responsibilities

PCO will provide the facilities and equipment required for the tutoring, whenever is required; PCO must ensure that each user is following its training plan as scheduled; PCO and PMO's users must provide a 24 hours notice to the Contractor to cancel a training session with an instructor.

2.7 Travel

No travel will be involved but if needed, the Contractor is responsible to cover the cost associated with it.

3. Criteria for assessment of the Statement of Capabilities

3.1 Software Criteria

The software must deliver, enable and support bilingual language training in French and English; The software must enable users to maintain and improve their language skills in accordance with the Government of Canada Qualifications Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The software must provide a fully interactive self-study modular, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM based French and English language training program; The software must provide language software with all run time licenses required for proper execution included in the DVD or CD package; The software must be able to run and function properly within the technical environment described above, including any laptop or desktop without the requirement to connect to any outside server for any reason whatsoever; The software must enable users to assess their language proficiency based on the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The software must provide language training content at the levels A, B, and C in accordance with the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The software must enable users to start their training at the appropriate proficiency level based on the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The software must enable users to prepare individually for Second Language Evaluation tests (English and French) prescribed by the Public Service Commission of Canada.

3.2 Web Portal Criteria

The web portal must deliver, enable and support bilingual language training in French and English; The web portal must enable users to maintain and improve their language skills in accordance with Government of Canada Qualifications Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The web portal must be able to run and function properly within the technical environment described above, including any laptop, desktop or server; The web portal must enable users to assess their language proficiency based on the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The web portal must provide language training content at the levels A, B, and C in accordance with the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The web portal must enable users to start their training at the appropriate proficiency level based on the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; The web portal must enable users to prepare individually for Second Language Evaluation tests (English and French) prescribed by the Public Service Commission of Canada. The web portal must be available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week/ 365 days a year; The web portal must enable users to register and provide personal data in an automated and secure environment; The web portal must enable customization of access rights and grouping of users; The web portal must enable users to access their personal profile via a password, including their training schedule (number of hours of training per week and the course schedule with the tutor); The web portal must enable administrators to monitor activities and usage of all users; The web portal must enable administrators to download usage reports; The web portal must enable administrators to track the hours billed for any training session and enable administrators to download invoices; The web portal must ensure the security of personal data and information.

3.3 Tutor Services Criteria

Tutoring services must deliver, enable and support bilingual language training in French and English in accordance with the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages; Tutoring services must enable students to maintain and improve their language skills in accordance with Government of Canada Qualifications Standards in Relation to Official Languages; Tutoring services must be delivered on an as and when requested basis, in person, in virtual classroom and/or by telephone; Each online classroom must be able to accommodate a minimum of 3 people simultaneously and a maximum of 10 if required; Telephone tutoring must be provided on an individual basis; Tutoring services must be available 5 days per week, from Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 6 pm; Tutoring services must be delivered by instructors who are able to speak, read and write fluently in French and English; Tutoring services must be delivered by instructors who each hold a bachelor degree or a higher degree in education delivered by a recognized institution*.

* Recognized institution: recognized by the Department of Education of any Canadian province, or by either credential assessment organizations listed on the following website: http://www.cicic.ca/

3.4 Proficiency Level Evaluation Criteria

The Contractor must evaluate, online or by telephone, each user to determine their proficiency level for each of the three language skills (written comprehension in the second official language; written expression in the second official language; and oral proficiency in the second official language) according to the Government of Canada Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/gui/squn03-eng.asp); Once the evaluation is completed, the Contractor must submit the results to the administrator and provide a training plan tailored to the proficiency level of each user (levels A, B, or C and the estimated number of hours of training).

4. Applicability of the trade agreements to the procurement

This procurement is subject to the following trade agreements

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT); North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); World Trade Organization - Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO-AGP).

5. Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier

The pre-identified supplier was selected based on the following capabilities:

LRDG is the only known supplier capable of offering a fully interactive self-study computer-based language training delivered via a self-contained software product installed on individual computers (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) and a computer-based language training delivered via a web-based software, in French and English, which include audio and video segments, self assessment capabilities, exercises, reference materials, and a tutor-led language training delivered by qualified instructors, in classroom, in virtual classroom, and by telephone.

6. Government Contracts Regulations Exception

The following exception to the Government Contracts Regulations is invoked for this procurement under subsection 6 (d) only one person is capable of performing the work.

7. Exclusions and/or Limited Tendering Reasons

Exclusions and/or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the following agreements:

Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) - Articles 506.12 (a) and 506.12 (b) under Annex 4.4; North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - Article(s) 1016.2 (b) and 1016.2 (d); World Trade Organization - Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO-AGP) - Article XV (b).

8. Ownership of Intellectual Property

Ownership of any Foreground Intellectual Property arising out of the proposed contract will vest in the Contractor.

9. Period of the proposed contract or delivery date

The proposed contract is for a period of one (1) year inclusive from the date of award, with an irrevocable option to extend the period by up to three (3) additional period of one (1) year, under the same terms and conditions.

10. Cost estimate of the proposed contract

The total estimated value of the contract, included option years, is $374,650.00 (GST/HST included)

11. Name and address of the pre-identified supplier

Language Research Development Group 1407, rue Saint-Alexandre Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2G3

12. Suppliers' right to submit a statement of capabilities

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods and services described in the ACAN may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice before the closing date. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

13. Closing date for a submission of a statement of capabilities

The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is Novembre 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

14. Inquiries and submission of statements of capabilities

Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed by email to the following person:

Contracting Authority: Mohamed Souleiman, Supply Specialist Address: Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) Portage III, 10C1, unit XX, Laurier Street - Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0S5 Email: Mohamed.Souleiman@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

You are hereby notified that the government intends to negotiate with one firm only as identified above. Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above.

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15) calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority may then proceed with the award. However, should a Statement of Capabilities be found to meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, then the contracting authority will proceed to a full tendering process.

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this Notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The PWGSC file number, the contracting officer's name and the closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the covering page.

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.