Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) strategy for the modernization of its print-on-demand (POD) and distribution functions

The Canadian Hydrographic Service produces approximately 960 paper charts and 90 publications which it sells and distributes to authorized vendors in Canada and beyond. CHS has elected to modernize its print-on-demand and distribution functions by permitting its authorized dealers to print CHS charts and to sell and distribute the charts and publications to other dealers and end-users. This contract is to determine the best strategy to move forward and should address the following issues: What are the concerns of POD dealers, non-POD dealers, super-dealers and end-users regarding POD Modernization? What is an appropriate cost-recovery amount for publications shipped to dealers? What is an appropriate POD super-dealer discount? What strategy should be employed to encourage non POD dealers to purchase product from POD dealers. Are there any technical issues regarding the transfer of POD digital files that need to be considered? What is an appropriate time-frame to roll-out the POD Modernization Strategy whereby CHS no longer prints or ships charts or publications to its dealer network.