RFI - Next Generation Payload For MSC Moored Buoy and AVOS Networks

Trade Agreement: NONE Tendering Procedures: Attachment: None Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Nature of Requirements: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING NEXT GENERATION PAYLOAD FOR MSC MOORED BUOY AND AVOS NETWORKS

K3D33-120110/A Juan, Peggy Telephone No. - (905) 615-2467 ( ) Fax No. - (905) 615-2060

Bid Closing Date is extended to August 27, 2012.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING NEXT GENERATION PAYLOAD FOR MSC MOORED BUOY AND AVOS NETWORKS

The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) of Environment Canada (EC) is seeking to upgrade the data acquisition, systems management, and communications systems (hereafter the term payload will be used) installed on the moored weather buoy and AVOS (Automated Volunteer Observing Ship) networks and is using the Request for Information (RFI) process to solicit industry opinions and feedback to help further define this requirement

Environment Canada (EC) is issuing this RFI as a means of gathering information to assist in accomplishing the following specific purposes: To validate ECs functional and technical requirements against currently available vendor marketplace offerings; To verify capability and interest from the marketplace to provide a new marine payload solution to EC which will need to be integrated into existing moored buoy hulls, and ship installations, and make use of the existing suite of sensors, satellite transmitters and periphery devices (antenna, solar panels etc.) ; and

To determine the extent to which there exists current capacity within the marketplace to offer a turn-key or integrated solution as well as the ability to acquire related support services during and subsequent to the upgrade of the marine payload (i.e. integration, warranty, maintenance, training, etc.).

The information provided in response to this Request for Information (RFI) process should be reflective of what is currently available within the marketplace. The information provided, while incorporating any lessons learned therein, will partly contribute to the scope and range of service offerings sought by EC in any subsequent solicitation process.

Through a future RFP process, Environment Canada will seek a single Contractor to complete all or portions of the design, supply, installation, and integration of a next generation marine payload. In addition to the supply and integration, Environment Canada, through this RFI, is also interested in understanding industry capacity to support future in-field service along with repair and maintenance requirements that will likely be required for 8-10 years following selection and implementation of a new Marine Payload technology.

To support this goal, EC is undertaking, through this RFI, an industry consultation process, to seek feedback and advice from industry about current capacity within the market to: Provide the equipment components for the planned upgrade that are capable of working with existing buoy hulls and current suite of sensors, while also meeting ECs requirements for a proven and rugged design suitable for the harsh marine environment. Provide and configure payloads for installation into existing moored buoy and AVOS networks and provide related support services subsequent to the upgrade (i.e. integration, warranty, maintenance, training, etc.). Limitations; power, sensors, space limitation,

Limitation; power, operating conditions, space, connectors

This is not a bid solicitation. This RFI will not result in the award of any contract. As a result, potential suppliers of any goods or services described in this RFI should not reserve stock or facilities, nor allocate resources, 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.

Also, the procurement of any of the goods and services described in this RFI will not necessarily follow this RFI. This RFI is simply intended to solicit feedback from industry with respect to the matters described herein.

Because this is not a bid solicitation, Canada will not necessarily respond to enquiries in writing or by circulating answers to all potential suppliers. However, respondents with questions regarding this RFI may direct their enquiries to:

Contracting Authority: Peggy Juan E-mail Address: peggy.juan@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca Telephone: (905) 615-2467 Facsimile: (905) 615-2060

EC will undertake best efforts to provide answers to all questions that are received.

Each respondent is solely responsible for ensuring its response is delivered on time to the correct address. Response received after RFI closing date may not be reviewed by Canada.

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

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

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.