Unsupervised Internet Test(s) – Stream 1 for Assessing Cognitive Abilities

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) intends to enter into one (1) contract with a contractor for the Unsupervised Internet Test(s) – Stream 1 for Assessing Cognitive Abilities.

This requirement also includes options to extend the contract up to three (3) additional one-year periods under the same conditions.

The period of the Contract is from the contract award date for two (2) years after the delivery and acceptance of the solution by the CRA on the UIT platform and assessment-related products or services.

A bid must comply with the requirements of the bid solicitation and meet all mandatory evaluation criteria to be declared responsive. The responsive bid with the highest combined rating of technical merit and price will be recommended for award of a contract.

Proposal documents and supporting information must be submitted in either English or French.

Questions must be directed in writing to the contracting authority via email: huyquan.do@cra-arc.gc.ca

Bids must be submitted by using the Connect service provided by the Canada Post Corporation. When responding, the proposal MUST be delivered to:
Canada Revenue Agency
Bid Receiving Unit
BRUg@cra-arc.gc.ca
Bids will not be accepted if emailed directly to this email address. This email address must be used to request that CRA open a Connect conversation, as detailed in Standard Instructions 2003. Bidders must not use their own licensing agreement for Connect to initiate a Connect conversation with CRA.

The CRA reserves the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Delivery points will be virtual.

There are security requirements associated with this requirement. For additional information, consult the bid solicitation document.
The Federal Contractors Program (FCP) for employment equity applies to this procurement.

This bid solicitation cancels and supersedes previous bid solicitation number 1000405195A – Unsupervised Internet Test(s) - Stream 1: Assessing Cognitive Abilities dated June 11, 2025 with a closing of July 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM EDT. The main changes in the revised solicitation 1000405195B are found at:

1) Operational context clarified (Entry level + High volume + Repeat test takers)
The re tender more clearly specifies that Stream 1 tests will be used primarily for entry level staffing in a high volume testing environment, including repeat test takers, and bidders must demonstrate suitability for that environment.
2) Estimated annual volume increased
The estimated annual usage for Stream 1 has increased from approximately 3,500 tests per year (original solicitation) to approximately 9,000 tests per year
3) Testing approach broadened (CAT-only → multiple secure models)
Original Stream 1 required at least one cognitive test using Computerized Adaptive Testing
The re tender broadens acceptable approaches by emphasizing a testing model that prevents test compromise, allowing different secure delivery models (e.g., adaptive/item bank approaches or multiple equivalent fixed forms), as long as cognitive abilities are measured and scored appropriately.
4) Bidder experience threshold increased (per client)
Original Stream 1 required demonstrated experience administering a minimum of 500 tests annually for each of two client organizations
The re tender increases this requirement to a minimum of 1,500 tests annually for each of two client organizations.
5) More structured mandatory evidence requirements
The re tender requires more structured demonstration of compliance, including clearer documentation expectations for:
-testing environment fit (high volume, repeat test takers, compromise prevention approach)
-psychometric evidence (validity, reliability, fairness summaries)
-and platform/security compliance evidence using prescribed tables and supporting documentation.
6) Evaluation approach updated for Stream 1
Stream 1 evaluation has been updated to place greater emphasis on solution quality and operational alignment, including structured point rated criteria related to test offering characteristics, accessibility/accommodation features, workplace relevance, and anti cheating design.