Assistive Voting Technology Development (AVTD): Independent Ballot Verification Application for Electors with Visual Impairments

The information contained in this notice is a brief description of the requirement and is for information purposes only.

This solicitation is being issued against Supply Arrangement # EN537-05IT01; Electronic Services Delivery (SBIPS).

Background
The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (CEOC), an agent of Parliament, exercises general direction and supervision over the conduct of elections and referendums at the federal level. The CEOC heads the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, commonly known as Elections Canada.
Elections Canada has an obligation to comply with the Accessible Canada Act to remove barriers around voting.
Elections Canada requires a mobile standalone (native) application that will allow electors with visual impairments or who are blind to independently verify the mark on their ballot at the polls and in local offices.

Requirement
The objective of this project is to design, build, deliver, and maintain a mobile application that will allow visually impaired and blind electors to independently verify the mark on their ballot using their own device.

Security
Minimum corporate security required: DOS - Reliability
Minimum resource security required: Reliability status

Period of the Contract
The Contract period will be from the Effective Date of the Contract until December 31, 2024 (the “Initial Term”).
The Contractor will grant to Elections Canada irrevocable options to extend the period of the Contract by one additional period of 12 months under the same terms and conditions.

Submission of Proposals
This RFP allows bidders to use the epost Connect service provided by Canada Post Corporation to transmit their proposals electronically. For further information, bidders must refer to Part 2 – Bidder Instructions, and Part 3 – Proposal Preparation Instructions of the RFP document.
Proposals are to be addressed to the attention of the Contracting Authority and delivered, sealed, to the Proposal Receiving Unit on or before the bid closing date and time indicated on the front page of the RFP.
For sending packages by courier or for dropping off, please note that the Proposal Receiving Unit at the Business Centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00 (Gatineau, Quebec time).
Bids sent via email or facsimile will not be accepted.
Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.
Elections Canada retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Selection Methodology
Competitive Procurement Strategy: Highest combined rating of technical merity and price

Enquiries
All enquiries and other communication with Elections Canada personnel are to be directed ONLY to the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority will be the bidder’s primary contact. Bidders who contact anyone other than the Contracting Authority may be disqualified.
All enquiries must be submitted in writing to proposal@elections.ca no later than the deadline indicated in the RFP. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.
Further information about Elections Canada may be obtained at elections.ca.

Debriefings
Once the successful bidder has been announced, bidders may request a debriefing on the results of the RFP process. Bidders should make the request to the Contracting Authority as per the terms of the RFP. The debriefing may be in writing, by telephone or in person.