Policy Services for Aboriginal Economic Development - RFSO - SET-ASIDE FOR ABORIGINAL BUSINESS - |STREAM 1

RFP NUMBER:		1000164151
PROJECT TITLE:	Request for Standing Offer Agreements (RFSO) for Policy Services for Aboriginal Economic Development. – Set-Aside for Aboriginal Business
CLOSING DATE:	October 16, 2014
The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) invites you to submit a proposal for the following work:
As
Stream 1: Research and Policy Development Services 	(up to 3)
Stream 2: Quantitative Analysis				(up to 3)
Stream 3: Meeting, Design, Organization, and Facilitation	(up to 3)	
Stream 4: Communications Services and Support		(up to 3)	

BACKGROUND

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) supports Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to: improve social well-being and economic prosperity; develop healthier, more sustainable communities; and participate more fully in Canada’s political, social, and economic development—to the benefit of all Canadians. The Policy and Coordination Branch, in the Lands and Economic Development Sector of AANDC, works to implement the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development (Framework) (2009), in which the Government committed to enhance opportunities and remove barriers to Aboriginal peoples’ full participation in the economy to facilitate the opportunities of long-term economic growth. The Policy and Coordination Branch also works to leverage the Framework’s purpose as a communications tool to advance Aboriginal economic development.

Federal programs and policies guided by the Framework are designed to focus the role of the federal government on strengthening Aboriginal entrepreneurship; developing Aboriginal human capital; enhancing the value of Aboriginal assets; and forging new and effective partnerships. As part of ongoing Framework implementation, the government has committed to review the legal and regulatory environment; support Aboriginal peoples’ access to lands and resources; focus on developing skilled labour; address deficits in infrastructure; enhance financing options; and remedy deficits in capacity. 

In both on- and off-reserve contexts, as well as in the modern treaty environment, it is clear that the federal government does not hold all the levers to improve the economic outcomes of Aboriginal people in Canada—the private sector, academic institutions, not-for-profit organizations, other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, Aboriginal leaders, and communities themselves play important roles. Key reports such as the 2011 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada, the Senate Standing Committee’s A Hand Up, Not a Handout, the federal report Creating the Conditions for Economic Development on Reserve Lands, and external research endeavours such as the Harvard Project, have set the stage for further work focused on addressing the barriers that impede Aboriginal communities’ economic development. And further engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rights holders, as well as the private sector—through the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB), the Public Policy Forum (PPF), and federal Aboriginal economic development program renovation consultation—have guided Framework implementation to date and identified a number of concrete steps to remove barriers to economic development.

As Framework implementation continues, more work needs to be done to address identified barriers in key policy areas and to effectively communicate ongoing progress under the Framework. Over the long term, by focusing on opportunities, responding to new and changing conditions, leveraging partnerships, and focusing on results, the Government of Canada, Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and other partners will work together to ensure that Aboriginal peoples in Canada enjoy the same opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation as other Canadians.

To support these priorities, the Policy and Coordination Branch of AANDC requires timely access to high-caliber resources able to provide research, analysis, policy recommendations, meeting facilitation, writing services, communication services, and related services corresponding to economic development issues that affect all Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Policy development and implementation will benefit from the support of external policy advice and research in areas concerning barriers to Aboriginal economic development and to inform the development of policy options in support of Aboriginal economic development. Likewise, the Branch’s ability to effectively communicate policy options and directions will benefit from the support of external communications specialists with the necessary subject-matter expertise.

Although other AANDC Branches and Directorates have existing Standing Offer Agreements in place for research, analysis, and policy advice concerning demographic and socio-economic policy and research, this particular Request for Proposals focuses on experience and expertise in economic development issues—including but not limited to Aboriginal demographic and socio-economic issues. Similarly, other Standing Offer Agreements exist for writing and communications services; however, this Request for Proposals focuses on communications practitioners with expertise and experience in economic development issues—experts who can then take very complex issues and translate them into a variety of communications products that help advance Aboriginal economic development.

 OBJECTIVES

To acquire research services, policy development services, quantitative analysis services, meeting design, organization and facilitation services, and writing and communications services—related to addressing the barriers to economic development faced by Aboriginal people in Canada, including but not limited to:

•	A legislative and regulatory environment that facilitates Aboriginal economic development, including but not limited to:
o	Legislative solutions to Indian Act barriers
o	The modern treaty environment
o	Institutional development and jurisdictional relationships
o	Opt-in regimes
•	Capacity/opportunity readiness, including but not limited to:
o	Aboriginal participation in major resource projects
o	Financial participation
o	Access to capital
o	Aboriginal business development and readiness
o	Community opportunity readiness
o	Skills, training, and education
•	Specific lenses, including but not limited to:
o	Aboriginal youth
o	Aboriginal women
o	Métis-relevant policies and programs
o	First Nations-relevant policies and programs
o	Inuit-relevant policies and programs
o	The North

Work Stream 1: Research and Policy Development Services—Economic Development Issues Facing Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Conduct research, analysis, interviews, literature reviews, and document reviews; prepare policy and recommendation papers; provide strategic advice; and offer other forms of policy support as needed regarding issues related to Aboriginal economic development in Canada. 

Work Stream 2: Quantitative Analysis—Economic Development Issues Facing Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Develop and collect indicators and conduct quantitative analysis and data-driven research design services regarding issues related to Aboriginal economic development in Canada. Products may include analytical reports and quantitative and/or economic analytic support as needed.
Work Stream 3: Meeting Design, Organization, and Facilitation—Economic Development Issues Facing Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Design, prepare, organize, facilitate and report on meetings and events with senior-level federal officials and with stakeholders and communities regarding issues related to Aboriginal economic development.

Work Stream 4: Writing and Communication Services—Economic Development Issues Facing Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Provide communications advice to support the promotion of Framework implementation and progress; develop and implement communication strategies and plans; determine target audiences for increasing the effectiveness of messaging; conduct research, analysis, interviews, environmental scans, and other products as needed with the specific purpose of creating communications support materials. Products may include reports, discussion guides, success stories, web content, fact sheets, Power Point presentations, speaking points, social media-tailored content, and other forms of written material as needed. Other services may include developing creative communication and information products using a variety of tools, techniques, and media, and selecting an appropriate medium to convey information, ideas, and results.

Mandatory Criteria
WORK STREAM 1 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #1

M1 Qualifications of Resources

The Bidder must propose at least one (1) resource and no more than five (5). For each resource named, detailed cover letters and curriculum vitae (CV) must be provided. 

Cover letters may elaborate on details provided in CVs; proposed resources must demonstrate that they meet ALL of the following minimum requirements: 

•	Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in Economics, Social Sciences or Statistics, or a related field (resources must always have a degree, but the specialization does not necessarily have to be acquired as part of a degree program. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education/course, training and/or experience. A justification must be provided in order to show how the specialization enables resource to contribute to Aboriginal economic development research). Proof of education in the form of a photocopy of degree(s) must be included in the proposal.

•	Experience working with Aboriginal organizations and/or communities.

•	Experience undertaking at least three (3) projects specifically on Aboriginal economic development—research, analysis, policy development, evaluation, performance research, program development or review, legislative review, capital markets advice related to economic development policy and/or programs, and assessment services related to issues pertinent to Aboriginal peoples in Canada—in which the resource was responsible for undertaking at least one (1) of the following types of activities per project:

-	Research and analysis related to Aboriginal economic development, including on and off reserve contexts
-	Reviewing and assessing current models/best practices for supporting economic development efforts and providing recommendations on overall approaches to Aboriginal economic development
-	Identifying and recommending key policy tools for enhancing economic development opportunities on reserve
-	Assessing Aboriginal economic development policy options
-	Developing draft policy papers and/or strategies for enhancing economic development on and off reserve
-	Managing relationships with stakeholders and communities
-	Having a speaking role in colloquia, conferences, or symposia
-	Preparing policy and recommendation papers, strategies, and presentations on Aboriginal economic development
-	Preparing structured literature reviews, document reviews, interviews, structured interview protocols, reports, papers, case studies, or trend analyses to support decision-making relevant to policy or program delivery
-	Preparing legislative reviews, program reviews, evaluation reports related to policy or program delivery, or capital market advice reports related to policy or program delivery
-	Developing and/or delivering presentations to support decision-making relevant to policy or program delivery
•	
•	Development of at least two of the following six categories of products:

-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies, or presentations that have been developed for senior levels of Government and/or that have influenced Government policy
-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies or presentations that have been developed in a policy context for a public audience
-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies, or presentations that have been developed for Aboriginal communities or organizations
-	Peer-reviewed books or articles specifically on Aboriginal economic development policy and research
-	Research monographs published in books or journals that, while not necessarily peer-reviewed, have at minimum been edited by individuals with a recognized knowledge of Aboriginal issues.
-	Presentations accepted for delivery at conferences

Relevant work experience should be listed chronologically, with brief descriptions of the nature of the work that indicate the depth of the resource’s knowledge and experience. 

CVs and cover letters should also include information about training, professional attainments, research grants, awards, publications, and any other information deemed relevant by the Bidder. On CVs, all formal training should be listed chronologically; the title of the course or program and duration in days, months, or years should be included.

CVs and cover letters will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory M1 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.

 
WORK STREAM 1 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #2

M2 Resource Project Summaries, Project Sample & References

M2.1 For two (2) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide written project summaries. The project summaries must describe in detail the proposed resource’s experience in successfully providing Aboriginal economic development research and analysis as described in Appendix D, Statement of Work, during the past five (5) years (dates calculated based on the closing date of the RFP).

For one (1) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide a complete sample of the project results—this must include a sample of the Resource’s professional writing.

Within each project summary and project sample provided, the Bidder MUST indicate (a-g):

a)	Name/brief description of the client organization
b)	Dates/duration (in years/months) of the project
c)	Total resource level of effort (in days) for the duration of the project
d)	Description of the services provided by the resource during the project, including roles and responsibilities in relation to the project
e)	Brief description of the scope and complexity of the project, purpose, objectives, methodological approaches and/or theoretical frameworks utilized, needs, and issues which necessitated the contribution of the proposed resource
f)	Extent to which the project finished on time, on budget, and in accordance with the established project goals
g)	Name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the client project authority

The Bidder MUST use Table M2.1—Resource Project Summary Form—for each Project Summary submitted. The Bidder is encouraged to provide detailed responses for each of the requirements set out in the Table. The Bidder should copy Table M2.1 as required.

M2.2 The Bidder must include within its Proposal a signed reference letter for each of the project summaries (using template, Table M2.2). 

The reference must be able to confirm the Resource’s competencies in conducting research and policy analysis services on Aboriginal economic development issues. The reference letter/template must be from an individual or a firm outside of the Bidder’s organization and not from immediate relatives.

Project summaries and samples, and references, will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory Criteria M2 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.2-1.4 and R2.
WORK STREAM 2 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #1

M1 Qualifications of Resources

The Bidder must propose one (1) resource and no more than five (5). For each resource named, detailed cover letters and curriculum vitae (CV) must be provided.

Cover letters may elaborate on details provided in CVs; proposed resources must demonstrate that they meet ALL of the following minimum requirements:

•	Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in Economics, Social Sciences or Statistics, or a related field (resources must always have a degree, but the specialization does not necessarily have to be acquired as part of a degree program. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education/course, training and/or experience. A justification must be provided in order to show how the specialization enables resource to contribute to Aboriginal economic development research). Proof of education in the form of a photocopy of degree(s) must be included in the proposal.

•	Experience working with Aboriginal organizations and/or communities.

•	Experience conducting economic and/or statistical analysis.

•	Experience undertaking at least three (3) projects specifically on Aboriginal economic development—analysis of data corresponding to the economic development of Aboriginal peoples in Canada—in which the resource was responsible for undertaking at least one (1) of the following types of activities per project:

-	Identifying, collecting, assessing, interpreting, and analyzing data related to Aboriginal economic development (for example, economic data and financial analysis including but not limited to the comparative value of a dollar on and off reserve; the economic impact of urban additions to reserve on municipalities; and income inequality)
-	Formulating recommendations based on research/analysis findings, including but not limited to reports based on analysis of capital market data to support advice on policy or program delivery
-	Preparing written summary reports, evaluation reports, and quantitative analysis papers, including but not limited to papers on trend analysis, statistical models, and economic outcomes.
-	Designing quantitative analysis methodologies
-	Developing products arising from research/analysis findings in multiple media, including but not limited to graphs, charts, reports, PowerPoint presentations, interactive databases/systems, and data-enriched maps

•	Development of one each of at least three of the following eight categories of products:

-	Graphic representations of data, including but not limited to databases or maps depicting multiple social, demographic, and economic indicators of interest to Aboriginal peoples and communities
-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies, or presentations that have been developed for senior levels of Government and/or influenced Government policy
-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies, or presentations that have been developed in a policy context for a public audience
-	Reports, papers, studies, strategies, or presentations that have been developed for Aboriginal communities or organizations
-	Peer-reviewed books or articles specifically on Aboriginal economic development policy and research
-	Research monographs published in books or journals that, while not necessarily peer-reviewed, have at minimum been edited by individuals with a recognized knowledge of Aboriginal issues
-	Presentations accepted for delivery at conferences
-	Performance measurements or benchmarking reports, including the development of indicators

Relevant work experience should be listed chronologically, with a brief description of the nature of the work that indicates the depth of the resource’s knowledge and experience.

CVs and cover letters should also include information about training, professional attainments, research grants, awards, publications, and any other information deemed relevant by the Bidder. On CVs, all formal training should be listed chronologically; the title of the course or program and duration in days, months or years should be included.

CVs and cover letters will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory M1 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.

WORK STREAM 2 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #2

M2 Resource Project Summaries, Project Sample & References

M2.1 For two (2) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide written project summaries. The project summaries must describe in detail the proposed Resource’s experience in successfully providing Aboriginal economic development research and analysis as described in Appendix D, Statement of Work, during the past five (5) years (dates calculated on the closing date of the RFP).

For one (1) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide a complete sample of the project results—this must include a sample of the Resource’s professional analysis and writing. 

Within each project summary and project sample provided, the Bidder MUST indicate (a-g):

a)	Name/brief description of the client organization
b)	Dates/duration (in years/months) of the project
c)	Total resource level of effort (in days) for the duration of the project
d)	Description of the services provided by the resource during the project, including roles and responsibilities in relation to the project
e)	Brief description of the scope and complexity of the project, purpose, objectives, methodological approaches and/or theoretical frameworks utilized, needs, and issues which necessitated the contribution of the proposed resource
f)	Extent to which the project finished on time, on budget, and in accordance with the established project goals
g)	Name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the client project authority

The Bidder MUST use Table M2.1—Resource Project Summary Form—for each Project Summary submitted. The Bidder is encouraged to provide detailed responses for each of the requirements set out in the Table. The Bidder should copy Table M2.1 as required.

M2.2 The Bidder must include within its Proposal, a signed reference letters for each of the project summaries (using template, table M2.2). 

The reference must be able to confirm the Resource’s competencies in conducting quantitative analysis on Aboriginal economic development issues The reference letter/template must be from an individual or a firm outside of the Bidder’s organization and not from immediate relatives.

Summaries and references will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory Criteria M2 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.2-1.4 and R2.
WORK STREAM 3 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #1

M1 Qualifications of Resource

The Bidder must propose one (1) Resource and no more than five (5). For each resource named, detailed cover letters and curriculum vitae (CV) must be provided.

Cover letters may elaborate on details provided in CVs; proposed resources must demonstrate that they meet ALL of the following minimum requirements: 

•	Graduation with a degree or diploma from a recognized university or a recognized post-secondary educational institution with acceptable specialization in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Economics, Social Sciences or Statistics, or a related field (resources must always have a degree or a diploma, but the specialization does not necessarily have to be acquired as part of a degree or diploma program. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education/course, training and/or professional experience. A justification must be provided in order to show how the specialization enables resource to contribute to Aboriginal economic development research). Proof of education in the form of a photocopy of degree(s) or diploma(s) must be included in the proposal.

•	Experience working with Aboriginal organizations or communities.

•	Experience undertaking at least three (3) projects specifically on Aboriginal economic development, in which the resource was responsible for undertaking at least one (1) of the following types of activities per project:

-	Designing, preparing, and organizing meetings (including but not limited to round tables, conferences, colloquia, or symposia) and events with senior-level federal officials, or with stakeholders and communities, including sending invitations, organizing RSVPs, and finding and coordinating meeting sites.
-	Designing, preparing, and organizing meetings (including but not limited to round tables, conferences, colloquia, or symposia) and events in a policy context for a public audience, including sending invitations, organizing RSVPs, and finding and coordinating meeting sites
-	Designing, preparing, and organizing meetings (including but not limited to round tables, conferences, colloquia, or symposia) and events for Aboriginal communities or organizations, including sending invitations, organizing RSVPs, and finding and coordinating meeting sites.
-	Preparing discussion papers and summary reports for such meetings and events as described above, including recommendations and next steps.
-	Managing relations with stakeholders and communities.

Relevant work experience should be listed chronologically, with a brief description of the services that indicate the depth of the resource’s knowledge and experience. 

CVs and cover letters should also include information about training, professional attainments, research grants, awards, publications, and any other information deemed relevant by the Bidder. On CVs, all formal training should be listed chronologically; the title of the course or program and duration in days, months, or years should be included.

CVs and cover letters will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory M1 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.
WORK STREAM 3 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #2
M2 Resource Project Summaries, Project Sample & References

M2.1 For two (2) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide written project summaries. The project summaries must describe in detail the proposed resource’s experience in successfully providing meeting design, organization, and facilitation on issues related to Aboriginal economic development, as described in Appendix D, Statement of Work, during the past five (5) years (dates calculated on the closing date of the RFP).

For one (1) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide a complete sample of project results—this must include a sample of the Resource’s professional writing. 

Within each project summary and project sample provided, the Bidder MUST indicate (a-g):

a)	Name/brief description of the client organization
b)	Dates/duration (in years/months) of the project
c)	Total resource level of effort (in days) for the duration of the project
d)	Description of the services provided by the resource during the project, including roles and responsibilities in relation to the project
e)	Brief description of the scope and complexity of the project, purpose, objectives, methodological approaches and/or theoretical frameworks utilized, needs, and issues which necessitated the contribution of the proposed resource
f)	Extent to which the project finished on time, on budget, and in accordance with the established project goals
g)	Name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the client project authority

The Bidder MUST use Table M2.1—Resource Project Summary Form—for each Project Summary submitted. The Bidder is encouraged to provide detailed responses for each of the requirements set out in the Table. The Bidder should copy Table M2.1 as required.

M2.2 The Bidder must include within its Proposal, a signed reference letters for each of the project summaries (using template, table M2.2). 

The reference must be able to confirm the Resource’s competencies in meeting design, organizations, and facilitation in the field of economic development issues facing Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The reference letter/template must be from an individual or a firm outside of the Bidder’s organization and not from immediate relatives.

Summaries and references will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory Criteria M2 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.2-1.4 and R2.
WORK STREAM 4 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #1

M1 Qualifications of Resources

The Bidder must propose at least one (1) resource and no more than five (5). For each resource named, detailed cover letters and curriculum vitae (CV) must be provided. 

Cover letters may elaborate on details provided in CVs; proposed resources must demonstrate that they meet ALL of the following minimum requirements: 

•	Graduation with a degree or diploma from a recognized university or a recognized post-secondary educational institution with acceptable specialization in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Economics, Social Sciences or Statistics, or a related field (resources must always have a degree or a diploma, but the specialization does not necessarily have to be acquired as part of a degree or diploma program. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education/course, training and/or professional experience. A justification must be provided in order to show how the specialization enables resource to contribute to Aboriginal economic development research). Proof of education in the form of a photocopy of degree(s) or diploma(s) must be included in the proposal.

•	A minimum of five (5) years experience delivering writing services and communications advice in the public policy field.

•	Experience working with Aboriginal organizations and/or communities.

•	Experience undertaking at least three (3) projects specifically on Aboriginal economic development—writing and communications services related to issues pertinent to Aboriginal peoples in Canada—in which the resource was responsible for undertaking at least one (1) of the following types of activities per project:

-Conducting research and interviews with subject-matter experts to write articles or success stories on issues pertinent to Aboriginal economic development.
-Developing and writing reports (i.e. progress reports, annual reports, corporate business plans, environmental scans, discussion guides, web content, fact sheets, social-media-tailored content) on issues pertinent to Aboriginal economic development.
-Preparing presentations and speaking notes for delivery by senior executives at senior-level federal meetings and meetings with stakeholders and/or Aboriginal communities.
-Providing communications advice on stakeholder and community outreach and relations.
-Developing and implementing communications strategies/plans to support the promotion of complex policy approaches and issues pertinent to Aboriginal economic development.
•	
Relevant work experience should be listed chronologically, with brief descriptions of the nature of the work that indicate the depth of the resource’s knowledge and experience. 

CVs and cover letters should also include information about training, professional attainments, research grants, awards, publications, and any other information deemed relevant by the Bidder. On CVs, all formal training should be listed chronologically; the title of the course or program and duration in days, months or years should be included.

CVs and cover letters will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory M1 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.
WORK STREAM 4 - MANDATORY CRITERIA #2

M2 Resource Project Summaries, Project Sample & References

M2.1 For two (2) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide written project summaries. The project summaries must describe in detail the proposed resource’s experience in successfully providing writing and communications services related to Aboriginal economic development, as described in Appendix D, Statement of Work, during the past five (5) years (dates calculated based on the closing date of the RFP).

For one (1) of the three (3) projects listed in the proposed resource’s CV, the Bidder must provide a complete sample of the project results—this must include a sample of the Resource’s professional writing.

Within each project summary and project sample provided, the Bidder MUST indicate (a-g):

a)	Name/brief description of the client organization
b)	Dates/duration (in years/months) of the project
c)	Total resource level of effort (in days) for the duration of the project
d)	Description of the services provided by the resource during the project, including roles and responsibilities in relation to the project
e)	Brief description of the scope and complexity of the project, purpose, objectives, methodological approaches and/or theoretical frameworks utilized, needs, and issues which necessitated the contribution of the proposed resource
f)	Extent to which the project finished on time, on budget, and in accordance with the established project goals
g)	Name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the client project authority

The Bidder MUST use Table M2.1—Resource Project Summary Form—for each Project Summary submitted. The Bidder is encouraged to provide detailed responses for each of the requirements set out in the Table. The Bidder should copy Table M2.1 as required.

M2.2 The Bidder must include within its Proposal a signed reference letter for each of the project summaries (using template, Table M2.2). 

The reference must be able to confirm the Resource’s competencies in writing and communications services on issues related to Aboriginal economic development. The reference letter/template must be from an individual or a firm outside of the Bidder’s organization and not from immediate relatives.

Summaries and references will be used to evaluate resources against Mandatory Criteria M2 AND Point-Rated Criteria R1.2-1.4 and R2.
Basis of Selection
Only compliant Proposals will be considered.
Only Proposals that have met all Mandatory Requirements, and have achieved or exceeded the required minimum score in each of the Point-Rated Criteria will be considered.  All Proposals will be rated on technical acceptability before price is considered.
The SOAs will be awarded based on a determination of Best Value taking into account both the technical merit of the Proposals and the Financial Evaluation. 
The Bidder(s) will be selected on the basis of the highest combined rating of technical merit and price:

Security:  Pursuant to the Government of Canada Security Policy, the nature of the services to be provided under the Standing Offer Agreement requires a Government of Canada Security Clearance.

This procurement is subject to the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses (PSAB).