Packaging Material -Overwrap

Trade Agreement: NONE Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid Attachment: None Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Nature of Requirements: LETTER OF INTEREST (LOI) NEW PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR INDIVIDUAL MEAL PACK (IMP) OVERWRAPS. 1. GENERAL 1.1. The National Combat Ration Program (NCRP) would like to obtain detailed information and feedback from manufacturers and suppliers for the packaging material used for the new IMP overwraps. 1.2. This information is required to assist in the determination of the type of packaging material used for the new IMP overwraps. 1.3. We are asking for packaging material manufacturers and suppliers to provide us with their feedback and recommendations on the packaging material technical requirements listed in para 3.2. 1.4. The information will be used for planning purposes only and there is no guarantee that the project will be approved or subsequent contracts awarded. 2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Each year, the National Combat Ration Program (NCRP) produces IMPs that are used for training exercises, deployed operations or in emergency situations when the circumstances do not permit the use of fresh rations. The IMP consists of various food and non-food items packaged in an overwrap bag. Each IMP represents a meal (breakfast, lunch, or supper). For full-day training, a soldier gets three (3) IMPs. Until issued to individuals, the IMPs are contained in a case of ten (10). 2.2 The IMP components are procured from various component suppliers who then ship the components to the Assembler. The Assembler is responsible to insert all the individual components inside the overwrap. The overwrap is considered secondary packaging. Its purpose is to contain and protect the different components. It also helps maintain a 3 year shelf-life of the components within by limiting exposure to light, oxygen and humidity. 3. REQUIREMENT 3.1. The requirement is to determine which type of packaging material would be optimal to meet all the technical requirements for the new IMP overwrap. 3.2 The technical requirements for the new IMP are the following: 3.2.1 Food grade; 3.2.2 The packaging material must be flexible so that it can be folded once some of the content has been removed; 3.2.3 Hermetic closure. The closure must be user-friendly with easy opening (i.e. easy to tear open) when a tear notch is used and easy and secure resealability (such as zip-lock); 3.2.4 Waterproof; 3.2.5 The packaging material must be difficult to open at a clean, unnicked edge, yet reveal relatively low tear strength when a small cut is introduced to the edge to initiate the tear (tear notch); 3.2.6 High barrier material (water-vapor, oxygen and other gas); 3.2.7 Puncture resistance greater or equal to 10 pounds per inch; 3.2.8 Seal strength not less than 4 pounds per inch width 3.2.9 Drop impact strength: must be able to sustain a drop from an airplane without any damage; 3.2.10 Protects from pest damage ; 3.2.11 Dimensions of the overwrap not to exceed 197mm width x 79 mm deep x 245mm high; 3.2.12 Climate conditions under which packaging material will be used range from freezing to high temperatures and humidity (-40°C to +40°C); 3.2.13 Allows printing.

4. PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

4.1. The purpose of this Letter of Interest (LOI) is to solicit, from packaging material manufacturers, information, feedback and recommendations regarding: 4.1.1 Packaging material technical requirements listed in para 3.2. 4.1.2 Types of packaging material for the new IMP overwrap that meets the technical requirements listed in para 3.2. 4.1.3 The basis of these recommendations. 4.1.4 Samples (optional). 4.2. This is not a bid solicitation and no contract will result directly from this LOI. Potential suppliers of any goods or services described in the LOI should neither reserve stock, facilities, nor allocate resources as a result of any information contained in this LOI. 4.3. Whether or not any potential supplier responds to this LOI will not preclude them from participating in any future procurement. 4.4. Partial responses will be accepted. 5. SECURITY 5.1. No security requirement requested for the LOI. 6. REQUESTED INFORMATION 6.1. Based on the requirements detailed in this document, the LOI seeks potential suppliers to provide the following information: 6.1.1. The respondent's interest to provide us with recommendations and feedback on the technical requirements listed in para 3.2, type(s) of packaging material that would meet the technical requirements listed in para 3.2 and the basis of their recommendations. 6.1.2. In responding to this LOI, respondents should clearly identify all assumptions with clear explanations as to why those assumptions were made. 6.1.3. Respondent point of contact for future communications. 7. RESPONSE FORMAT 7.1. Respondents to this LOI are requested to submit their recommendations and feedback by mail to the PWGSC Contracting Authority in order to facilitate review. 7.2. Respondents to this LOI are requested to submit any other additional documentation by mail to the PWGSC Contracting Authority in order to facilitate review. 8. NOTE TO RESPONDENTS 8.1. Potential respondents are advised that any information submitted to Canada in response to this LOI may be used by Canada in the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP). 8.2. The issuance of this LOI does not create an obligation for Canada to issue a draft a RFP, and does not bind Canada legally or otherwise, to enter into any agreement or to accept or reject any suggestions. 8.3. Canada assumes no responsibility or obligation with respect to the cost of preparing a response to this LOI. 8.4. Participation in this LOI is not a condition or prerequisite for participation in any subsequent RFP. As a result of this LOI there will be no short listing of firms for the purposes of undertaking future work. 8.5. Respondents to this LOI should clearly identify all submitted information as to whether or not it must be considered as confidential and/or proprietary. Information provided in response to this LOI will be divulged only to government officials authorized to participate in this pre-procurement activity. However, respondents must be aware that aspects of their response may be used as a basis for modifying the draft documents, as any future procurement for this requirement is prepared. 8.6. PWGSC reserves the right to meet with industry concerning the feedback, suggestions or alternative approaches related to the project scope related to the procurement of new IMP overwraps.

9. ENQUIRIES 9.1. All enquiries, clarification requests and other communications related to this LOI shall be directed in writing only to the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) Contracting Authority.

10. CLOSING DATE 10.1. Responses to this LOI are to be submitted to the PWGSC Contracting Authority identified below, on or before the close of business on May 29th, 2015..

11. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY 11.1 The single point of contact for this LOI is: Alain Papineau Supply Specialist Public Works and Government Services Canada Place du Portage, Phase III, Floor 7B1 11 Laurier Street Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0S5 Tel.: (819) 956-0389 E-mail: alain.papineau@pwgsc.gc.ca

Delivery Date: 10/04/2015

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

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.