Request for Information Regarding the provision of Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Data and Services in Canada

Introduction The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) program uses existing sensors and systems upon commercial aircraft to collect and distribute key meteorological data (e.g. wind speed/direction, temperature) during flight for improved weather reporting and forecasting.  Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) current Canadian AMDAR program consists of a partnership with Jazz Aviation LP. The stabilization and potential expansion of the Canadian AMDAR program is currently being considered by ECCC as part of an initiative looking to transform its current Upper Air network; towards ensuring its long-term sustainability through optimal network design and the acquisition of new and complimentary data sets.  Request for Information (RFI) Purpose The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from Respondents regarding their potential ability to provide AMDAR data and services to ECCC over the Canadian territory. Responses will help: a) To identify various airline communication Data Service Providers (DSP) which could potentially provide AMDAR data and services over the Canadian territory b) To determine what AMDAR data services and business models the various airline DSPs could provide (e.g. potential AMDAR data volumes, coverage, general costing models, etc.). Objectives of this RFI A RFI is used when detailed information and feedback are required from respondents. This request outlines a potential requirement, and requests respondents to describe their ability to satisfy all or a portion of the requirements and to provide ideas and suggestions on how a solicitation might be structured. Responses will be used to assist ECCC to finalize its plan for the requirement and to develop achievable objectives and deliverables. The main objectives of the RFI are to: a) Inform the Department on potential options for external services that meet the needs of the requirement; b) Offer suggestions regarding potential alternative solutions that would meet requirements, such as solution with a lower environmental impact; c) Provide information to assist the Department to determine whether to proceed with requirements/strategy as planned, and if so, further developing internal planning, approval and solicitation documents that may potentially lead to a solicitation; d) Refine the procurement strategy, project structure, cost estimate, timelines, requirements definition, and other aspects of the requirement; e) Become a more "informed buyer" with an enhanced understanding of industry goods and service offerings in the areas of interest; and f) Assess potential alternative solution concepts that would meet its requirement, such as environmentally preferable solutions. Nature of RFI This RFI will not necessarily result in any procurement action. This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government of Canada. Responses to this RFI will not constitute a commitment from the industry provider. Potential suppliers of any goods or services described in this RFI should not allocate resources or incur undue costs as a result of any information contained in this RFI. Nor will this RFI result in the creation of any source list. Therefore, whether or not any potential supplier responds to this RFI will not preclude that supplier from participating in any future procurement. This RFI contains draft requirements that may be used in future procurement action. This document remains a work in progress and respondents should not assume that requirements will not be added, changed or removed from any bid solicitation that is ultimately published by ECCC. Comments regarding any aspect of the requirements are welcome.