DNA Analytical and Interpretative Services

Trade Agreement: NONE Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Nature of Requirements: Request for Information (RFI) DNA Analytical and Interpretative Services in support to the National DNA Missing Persons Program

1. Purpose and Nature of the Request for Information (RFI) Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is seeking Industry feedback regarding DNA analytical and interpretative services for the purpose of assisting the investigations of missing persons and unidentified human remains on behalf of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The objectives of this RFI are to: a) Determine the interest and capability of suppliers to provide services described in this RFI; b) Provide the industry with the opportunity to assess the RCMP's requirements and help to develop the the technical criteria of the project; c) Solicit feedback and recommendations on any issues that would impact a supplier's ability to fulfill the RCMP's requirements; and d) Solicit industry knowledge and scientific expertise with regard to existing processes and capabilities that would increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for this project. This RFI is neither a call for tender nor a Bid Solicitation. No agreement or contract will be entered into based on this RFI. The issuance of this RFI is not to be considered in any way a commitment by the Government of Canada, nor as authority to potential respondents to undertake any work that could be charged to Canada. This RFI is not to be considered as a commitment to issue a subsequent solicitation or award contract(s) for the work described herein. 2. Background Information: In December 2014, Parliament passed amendments to the DNA Identification Act that will create a new humanitarian application within the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB), which is maintained by the RCMP, by expanding the existing infrastructure to establish three new humanitarian indexes. The 2014 Federal Budget provided funds to establish a DNA based Missing Persons Index Program within the RCMP (heretofore referred to as the National Missing Persons DNA Program). The funds identified were to create and maintain program infrastructure for this new policing tool, including the verification, comparison and reporting of potential matches. No federal funds were allocated to support the collection of biological samples or the derivation of DNA profiles to populate the new index. It will remain the responsibility of the primary investigative agency, be it police, coroner or medical examiner, to conduct this work through approved laboratory facilities. It is the intent of the RCMP to establish a procurement vehicle for one or more prequalified supplier laboratories to provide DNA analysis services for the purpose of populating new national humanitarian indices, housed within the RCMP's NDDB to support the investigation of missing persons and unidentified remains. The information obtained from this request will support the development of the specifications and requirements for the National Missing Persons DNA Program and for future competitive procurement processes. 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.