Community Economic Development (CED): Research and Regional Analysis

Western Economic Diversification CanadaADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN) 4W002-22-5169An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen 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, during the fifteen calendar day posting period, a statement of capabilities that meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the competitive requirements of the government's contracting policy have been met. Following notification to suppliers not successful in demonstrating that their statement of capabilities meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contract may then be awarded using the Treasury Board's electronic bidding authorities.If other potential suppliers submit statements of capabilities during the fifteen-calendar day posting period, and meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the department or agency must proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract.Contracting Officer Name: Michelle OwensTelephone Number: (780) 495-4217Facsimile: (780) 495-8570E-mail: michelle.owens@canada.caDESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Community Economic Development (CED): Research and Regional AnalysisBACKGROUNDLoral Management Group is an independent, Alberta based business, specializing in competitiveness & executive advisory services in areas such as executive leadership, collaborative facilitation, social innovation, and competiveness models.REQUIREMENTS/RESULTS:Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has a mandate to promote and support economic diversification in Western Canada, and to advance Western interests nationally. In the current context, that means working with partners to help ensure that communities across the west can participate fully in the region’s recovery, as well as the opportunities that are emerging as a result of Canada’s transition to a lower carbon economy. A renewed focus on community economic development (CED) is one important way that WD can achieve this goal.WD Alberta Region has established an internal working group to explore ways that the region can more effectively support CED. The intent is that WD will support local initiatives that foster healthy and inclusive communities.. This statement of work and the research requested within is part of our efforts to understand the CED landscape in Alberta and to adopt best practices that will help us move forward as an even more effective partner to Albertan communities.WD departmental staff need additional tools and more in-depth knowledge to better support community-driven economic development. WD intends to award one (1) contract for the services of a Contractor with expertise in CED, as well as conducting research and analysis. This contract is focused specifically on Alberta, and the Contractor must have a strong understanding of the region’s CED landscape and broader context. Activities undertaken by the Contractor may include but are not limited to: an environmental scan, regional network mapping, and gap analysis. The period of the Contract is from date of Contract award to October 31, 2021.DESCRIPTION OF WORKWD requires the services of a Contractor with expertise in Community Economic Development. The Contractor should have established contacts in communities and be familiar with organizations throughout Alberta that are already conducting localized CED work. This contract will involve desktop research and some community outreach. The Contractor will understand that CED work is often rural or Indigenous, but not exclusively either, and would be familiar with urban, rural, and Indigenous community contexts.At a minimum this research should identify and provide an analysis of:Network mapping of key regional CED actors (industry players and businesses, non-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, community leaders and influencers and public sector organizations, etc…)The development of in-depth CED profiles for several key municipal areas within the region (Lethbridge, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie).A regional environmental scan of CED initiatives throughout the region.An analysis of the impact CED programs and initiatives had on communities using formal indicators where possible.An analysis of gaps in the supports offered through existing CED programs and initiatives.Potential engagement strategies for recommendation.IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTORName of Contractor: Loral Management GroupAddress: 10716 42a Avenue NWCity: Edmonton, ABPostal Code: T6J 2P7REASON FOR AWARDING CONTRACT TO THIS CONTRACTORLoral Management Group (LMG) is an Alberta-based specialized advisory firm with a wide range of Community Economic Development (CED) expertise. They have already demonstrated potential in identifying opportunities within the CED space and have an established connection within the industry and with regional clients. LMG has extensive experience in the field, a strong understanding of economic development in communities within Alberta as well as a strong network of relevant actors throughout the region. Their unique position provides connections to key stakeholders throughout the regions that can be leveraged towards future goals of developing CED. As a result, the organization will bring an entirely new perspective to WD's work around CED, complementing the department's existing research which is more academic in nature.ESTIMATED COSTThe period of the contract will be from (date of contract award to October 31, 2021) and the total amount of the contract is estimated to be $34,492.50, including taxes.APPLICABLE TRADE AGREEMENTS AND APPLICABLE LIMITED TENDERING REASONS:This procurement is not subject to any trade agreements. The provisions of any resulting contract will be such that Canada’s total potential liability will be restricted to less than any applicable trade agreement threshold.CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR WRITTEN SUPPLIER RESPONSES CHALLENGING THIS REQUIREMENT IS:1:00 P.M, EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME, August 16, 2021.You are hereby notified that the government intends to solicit a bid and negotiate with the firm identified above.If you wish to submit a written response showing that you are capable of meeting this requirement, it must be done not later than the closing date and time. As it is intended to proceed in a timely manner, responses received after the closing date will not be considered. The Crown reserves the right not to open this procurement to competition.Responses received on or before the closing date will be considered solely for the purpose of deciding whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Information provided will be used by the Crown for technical evaluation purposes only and is not to be construed as a competitive solicitation. Your written response must provide sufficient evidence (e.g. specifications, technical data, drawings, or any other proof) that clearly demonstrates that your product or service is capable of fulfilling this requirement.Suppliers that have submitted a response will be notified in writing of Industry Canada's decision to continue with the non-competitive procurement or to compete the requirement.Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above. The Industry 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.