23-58025 X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro CT)

PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Security Requirements

There is no security requirement associated with the requirement.

1.2 Statement of Requirement

To provide one (1) X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro CT) X-ray imaging system in accordance with the detailed Statement of Requirement attached as Annex "A".

1.3 Debriefings

Bidders may request a debriefing on the results of the bid solicitation process. Bidders should make the request to the Contracting Authority within 15 working days from receipt of the results of the bid solicitation process. The debriefing may be in writing, by telephone or in person.
PART 2 - BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 Standard Instructions, Clauses and Conditions

You are invited to submit one electronic Technical Proposal and one electronic Financial Proposal in two separate attachments to fulfil the following requirement forming part of this Request for Proposal. One attachment must be clearly marked ‘Technical Proposal’ and the other attachment must be marked ‘Financial Proposal’. All financial information must be fully contained in the Financial Proposal, and only in the Financial Proposal. Vendors who provide financial information in the technical proposal will be disqualified. All proposals should include the front page of this RFP duly completed.

2010A (2022-12-01), General Conditions - Goods (Medium Complexity), apply to and form part of the Contract.

Bidders who submit a bid agree to be bound by the instructions, clauses and conditions of the bid solicitation and accept the clauses and conditions of the resulting contract.

Proposals submitted must be valid for not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the closing date of the RFP.

2.1.1 It is the Bidder's responsibility to:

(a) return a signed copy of the bid solicitation, duly completed, IN THE FORMAT REQUESTED;

(b) direct its bid ONLY to the Bid Receiving address specified;

(c) ensure that the Bidder's name, the bid solicitation reference number, and bid solicitation closing date and time are clearly visible;

(d) provide a comprehensive and sufficiently detailed bid, including all requested pricing details, that will permit a complete evaluation in accordance with the criteria set out in the bid solicitation.

Timely and correct delivery of bids to the specified bid delivery address is the sole responsibility of the Bidder. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) will not assume or have transferred to it those responsibilities. All risks and consequences of incorrect delivery of bids are the responsibility of the Bidder.

2.1.2 Bids may be accepted in whole or in part. The lowest or any bid will not necessarily be accepted. In the case of error in the extension of prices, the unit price will govern. NRC may enter into contract without negotiation.

2.1.3 Bidders who submit a bid agree to be bound by the instructions, clauses and conditions of the bid solicitation and accept the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

2.1.4 Bids will remain open for acceptance for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from the closing date of the bid solicitation, unless otherwise indicated by NRC in such bid solicitation.

2.1.5 While NRC may enter into contract without negotiation, Canada reserves the right to negotiate with bidders on any procurement.

2.1.6 Notwithstanding the bid validity period stipulated in this solicitation, Canada reserves the right to seek an extension from all responsive bidders, within a minimum of three (3) days prior to the end of such period. Bidders shall have the option to either accept or reject the extension.

2.1.7 If the extension referred to above is accepted, in writing, by all those who submitted responsive bids, then Canada shall continue immediately with the evaluation of the bids and its approval processes.

2.1.8 If the extension referred to above is not accepted, in writing, by all those who submitted responsive bids then Canada shall, at its sole discretion: either continue to evaluate the responsive bids of those who have accepted the extension and seek the necessary approvals; or cancel the solicitation; or cancel and reissue the solicitation.
2.2 Late Bids

All risks and consequences of incorrect delivery of electronic bids are the responsibility of the Bidder. The National Research Council Canada will not be responsible for late bids received at destination after the closing date and time, even if it was submitted before. Electronic bids received after the indicated closing time based on NRC servers’ received time will be irrevocably rejected. Bidders are urged to send their proposal in sufficient time, in advance of the closing time to reduce any technical issues. The National Research Council Canada will not be held responsible for bids sent before closing time but received by the NRC servers after the closing time.

2.3 Submission of Bids

Technical and Financial Proposals must be received electronically no later than 14:00 EDT (NRC's Server Time), September 6, 2023 to the following NRC email address:

NRC.BidReceiving-ReceptiondesSoumissions.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

The NRC has restrictions on incoming e-mail messages. The maximum e-mail message size including all file attachments must not exceed 10MB. Zip files or links to bid documents will not be accepted. Incoming e-mail messages exceeding the maximum file size and/or containing zip file attachments will be blocked from entering the NRC e-mail system. A bid transmitted by e-mail that gets blocked by the NRC e-mail system will be considered not received.

Proposals must not be sent directly to the Contracting Authority or the Project Authority.

All submitted proposals become the property NRC.

2.4 Enquiries - Bid Solicitation

All enquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Authority no later than 5 calendar days before the bid closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.

Contracting Authority, Procurement Services
National Research Council Canada
Katie.Homuth@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

To ensure the equality of information among Bidders, responses to general enquiries will be made available to all bidders unless such publications would reveal proprietary information. The bidder who initiates the question will not be identified. Technical questions that are considered proprietary by the bidder must be clearly identified. NRC will respond individually to the bidder if it considers the questions proprietary. If NRC does not consider the question proprietary, the bidder submitting it will be allowed to withdraw the question, or have the question and answer made available through the Open Bidding System (OBS) to all bidders.

Bidders who attempt to obtain information regarding any aspect of this RFP during the solicitation period through any NRC contacts other than the Contracting Authority identified herein, may be disqualified (for that reason alone).

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to obtain clarification of the requirement contained herein, if necessary, prior to submitting its proposal. The Bidder must have written confirmation from the Contracting Authority for any changes, alterations, etc., concerning this RFP.

Bidders should reference as accurately as possible the numbered item of the bid solicitation to which the enquiry relates. Care should be taken by Bidders to explain each question in sufficient detail in order to enable Canada to provide an accurate answer. Technical enquiries that are of a proprietary nature must be clearly marked "proprietary" at each relevant item. Items identified as "proprietary" will be treated as such except where Canada determines that the enquiry is not of a proprietary nature. Canada may edit the question(s) or may request that the Bidder do so, so that the proprietary nature of the question(s) is eliminated, and the enquiry can be answered to all Bidders. Enquiries not submitted in a form that can be distributed to all Bidders may not be answered by Canada.
2.5 Applicable Laws

Any resulting contract must be interpreted and governed, and the relations between the parties determined, by the laws in force in Ontario.

Bidders may, at their discretion, substitute the applicable laws of a Canadian province or territory of their choice without affecting the validity of their bid, by deleting the name of the Canadian province or territory specified and inserting the name of the Canadian province or territory of their choice. If no change is made, it acknowledges that the applicable laws specified are acceptable to the Bidders.

2.6 Bid Challenge and Recourse Mechanisms

If you have any concerns relating to the procurement process, please refer to the Recourse Mechanisms page on the Buyandsell.gc.ca website. Please note that there are strict deadlines for filing complaints with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) or the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO). Suppliers should therefore act quickly when they want to challenge any aspect of the procurement process.

https://buyandsell.gc.ca/for-businesses/selling-to-the-government-of-ca…

https://opo-boa.gc.ca/plaintesurvol-complaintoverview-eng.html
PART 3 - BID PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Bid Preparation Instructions

Canada requests that the Bidder submits its bid in separate attachment sections (when applicable) as follows:
Section I: Technical Bid
Section II: Financial Bid
Section III: Certifications

There shall be no payment by the National Research Council for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals in response to this request. No payment shall be made for costs incurred for clarification(s) and/or demonstration(s) that may be required by NRC. The National Research Council reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted, or to accept any proposal in whole or in part without negotiation. A contract will not necessarily be issued as a result of this competition. NRC reserves the right to amend, cancel or reissue this requirement at any time.

In April 2006, Canada issued a policy directing federal departments and agencies to take the necessary steps to incorporate environmental considerations into the procurement process Policy on Green Procurement (https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32573). To assist Canada in reaching its objectives, bidders should:

1) Include all environmental certification(s) relevant to your organization (e.g., ISO 14001, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Carbon Disclosure Project, etc.)
2) Include all environmental certification(s) or Environmental Product Declaration(s) (EPD) specific to your product/service (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ENERGYSTAR, etc.)

Canada is committed to greening its supply chain. Environmentally preferable goods and services are those that have a lesser or reduced impact on the environment over the life cycle of the good or service, when compared with competing goods or services serving the same purpose. Environmental performance considerations include, among other things: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants; improved energy and water efficiency; reduced waste and support reuse and recycling; the use of renewable resources; reduced hazardous waste; and reduced toxic and hazardous substances. In accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement, for this solicitation:

• Bidders are encouraged to offer or suggest green solutions whenever possible.
• Bidders are requested to provide all correspondence including (but not limited to) documents, reports and invoices in electronic format unless otherwise specified by the Contracting Authority or Project Authority, thereby reducing printed material.
• Bidders should recycle (shred) unneeded copies of non-classified/secure documents (taking into consideration the Security Requirements).
• Product components used in performing the services should be recyclable and/or reusable, whenever possible.
• Bidders are encouraged to offer goods and/or services certified to a reputable eco-label.
• Bidders should use equipment that has high energy efficiency or produces low air emissions.
• Bidders are encouraged to offer environmentally preferred products which supports a sustainable environment for nature and wildlife.
• Bidders are encouraged to offer environmentally preferred products which ensure the comfort and air quality of building occupants.

Bidders are encouraged to consult the following websites:
https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/ae-gp/index-eng.html
https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/ae-gp/rle-glr-eng.html

Section I: Technical Bid
In their technical bid, Bidders should explain and demonstrate how they propose to meet the requirements and how they will carry out the Work.

Section II: Financial Bid
Bidders must submit their financial bid in accordance with the Basis of Payment.

3.1.1 Electronic Payment of Invoices – Bid

Payments from the National Research Council Canada (NRC) are made by electronic payment. Direct deposit payments will be made in Canadian dollars and can only be deposited into Canadian bank accounts.

Only bank accounts outside of Canada are eligible to enroll as a Wire transfer payment method.

3.1.2 Exchange Rate Fluctuation

Bids will be evaluated in Canadian currency, therefore, for evaluation purposes, the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of Canada as being in effect on date of bid closing, shall be applied as the conversion factor for foreign currency. Prices quoted shall not be subject to, or conditional upon, fluctuations in commercial or other interest rates during either the evaluation or contract period.

Section III: Certifications
Bidders must submit the certifications and additional information required under Part 5.
PART 4 - EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND BASIS OF SELECTION
4.1 Evaluation Procedures

(a) Bids will be assessed in accordance with the entire requirement of the bid solicitation including Technical and Financial evaluation criteria.

(b) An evaluation team composed of representatives of Canada will evaluate the bids.

4.1.1 Technical Evaluation

Proposals will be assessed in accordance with the Mandatory Technical Criteria attached as Annex C Bidders shall provide a detailed response to each criterion. NRC reserves the right to verify any and all information provided by the bidder in their proposal.

4.1.2 Financial Evaluation

The Contractor must complete the pricing schedule provided in Annex B and include it as a separate attachment in the electronic bid submission.
The cost proposal must have sufficient structure to show how the total proposed cost was calculated. It should contain the following elements:

a) The number, classification and per diem and/or hourly rate for all assigned personnel. For each classification, the number of workdays should be defined.

b) The amount and explanation for other miscellaneous expenses that could be incurred.

c) Canada will not accept travel and living expenses that may need to be incurred by the Contractor for any relocation of resources required to satisfy its contractual obligations

Applicable Sales Tax: The GST, PST, QST or HST, whichever is applicable, shall be considered an applicable tax for the purposes of this RFP and extra to the price herein. The amount of applicable sales tax shall be disclosed and shown as a separate item.

4.2 Basis of Selection

Lowest evaluated price

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

PART 5 – CERTIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bidders must provide the required certifications and additional information to be awarded a contract.

The certifications provided by Bidders to Canada are subject to verification by Canada at all times. Unless specified otherwise, Canada will declare a bid non-responsive, or will declare a contractor in default if any certification made by the Bidder is found to be untrue whether made knowingly or unknowingly, during the bid evaluation period or during the contract period.

The Contracting Authority will have the right to ask for additional information to verify the Bidder’s certifications. Failure to comply and to cooperate with any request or requirement imposed by the Contracting Authority will render the bid non-responsive or constitute a default under the Contract.
5.1 Certifications Required with the Bid

Bidders must submit the following duly completed certifications as part of their bid.

5.1.1 Integrity Provisions - Declaration of Convicted Offences

In accordance with the Integrity Provisions of the Standard Instructions, all bidders must provide with their bid, if applicable, the declaration form available on the Forms for the Integrity Regime website (http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ci-if/declaration-eng.html), to be given further consideration in the procurement process.
5.2 Certifications Precedent to Contract Award and Additional Information

The certifications and additional information listed below should be submitted with the bid but may be submitted afterwards. If any of these required certifications or additional information is not completed and submitted as requested, the Contracting Authority will inform the Bidder of a time frame within which to provide the information. Failure to provide the certifications or the additional information listed below within the time frame provided will render the bid non-responsive.

5.2.1 Integrity Provisions – Required Documentation

In accordance with the section titled Information to be provided when bidding, contracting or entering into a real property agreement of the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy (http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ci-if/politique-policy-eng.html), the Bidder must provide the required documentation, as applicable, to be given further consideration in the procurement process.

In addition to all other information required in the procurement process, the Bidder must provide the following:

• Bidders who are incorporated, including those bidding as a joint venture, must provide a complete list of names of all individuals who are currently directors of the Bidder or, in the case of a private company, the owners of the company.

• Bidders bidding as sole proprietorship, as well as those bidding as a joint venture, must provide the name of the owner(s).

SURNAME GIVEN NAME(S) TITLE

PART 6 - RESULTING CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following clauses and conditions apply to and form part of any contract resulting from the bid solicitation.

6.1 Security Requirements

There is no security requirement applicable to the Contract.

6.2 Statement of Requirement

The Contractor must provide the items detailed under the "Statement of Requirement" at Annex A.
6.3 General Conditions

2010A (2022-12-01) General Conditions - Goods (Medium Complexity), apply to and form part of the Contract.

6.3.2 Supplemental General Conditions

4001 (2015-04-01) Hardware Purchase, Lease and Maintenance apply to and form part of the Contract.
4003 (2010-08-16) Licensed Software apply to and form part of the Contract.

6.3.3 Intellectual property infringement and royalties

1. The Contractor represents and warrants that, to the best of its knowledge, neither it nor Canada will infringe any third party's intellectual property rights in performing or using the Work, and that Canada will have no obligation to pay royalties of any kind to anyone in connection with the Work.
2. If anyone makes a claim against Canada or the Contractor concerning intellectual property infringement or royalties related to the Work, that Party agrees to notify the other Party in writing immediately. If anyone brings a claim against Canada, according to Department of Justice Act, R.S. 1985, c. J-2, the Attorney General of Canada must have the regulation and conduct of all litigation for or against Canada, but the Attorney General may request that the Contractor defend Canada against the claim. In either case, the Contractor agrees to participate fully in the defence and any settlement negotiations and to pay all costs, damages and legal costs incurred or payable as a result of the claim, including the amount of any settlement. Both Parties agree not to settle any claim unless the other Party first approves the settlement in writing.
3. The Contractor has no obligation regarding claims that were only made because:
a. Canada modified the Work or part of the Work without the Contractor's consent or used the Work or part of the Work without following a requirement of the Contract; or
b. Canada used the Work or part of the Work with a product that the Contractor did not supply under the Contract (unless that use is described in the Contract or the manufacturer's specifications or other documentation); or
c. the Contractor used equipment, drawings, specifications or other information supplied to the Contractor by Canada (or by someone authorized by Canada); or
d. the Contractor used a specific item of equipment or software that it obtained because of specific instructions from the Contracting Authority; however, this exception only applies if the Contractor has included the following language in its own contract with the supplier of that equipment or software: "[Supplier name] acknowledges that the purchased items will be used by the Government of Canada. If a third party claims that equipment or software supplied under this contract infringes any intellectual property right, [supplier name], if requested to do so by either [Contractor name] or Canada, will defend both [Contractor name] and Canada against that claim at its own expense and will pay all costs, damages and legal fees payable as a result of that infringement." Obtaining this protection from the supplier is the Contractor's responsibility and, if the Contractor does not do so, it will be responsible to Canada for the claim.
4. If anyone claims that, as a result of the Work, the Contractor or Canada is infringing its intellectual property rights, the Contractor must immediately do one of the following:
a. take whatever steps are necessary to allow Canada to continue to use the allegedly infringing part of the Work; or
b. modify or replace the Work to avoid intellectual property infringement, while ensuring that the Work continues to meet all the requirements of the Contract; or
c. take back the Work and refund any part of the Contract Price that Canada has already paid.
If the Contractor determines that none of these alternatives can reasonably be achieved, or if the Contractor fails to take any of these steps within a reasonable amount of time, Canada may choose either to require the Contractor to do (c), or to take whatever steps are necessary to acquire the rights to use the allegedly infringing part(s) of the Work itself, in which case the Contractor must reimburse Canada for all the costs it incurs to do so.
6.4 Term of Contract

6.4.1 Period of the Contract

The period of the Contract begins on the date the Contract is awarded and ends one (1) year after delivery and acceptance of the work.

6.4.2 Delivery Date

All the deliverables must be received on or before November 30, 2023.

6.4.3 Delivery Points

Delivery of the requirement will be made to the following delivery point.
National Research Council Canada
100 Sussex Drive
Ottawa K1N 5A2
Canada
6.4.4 Delivery and Unloading

D0018C (2007-11-30), Delivery and Unloading

6.4.5 Shipping Terms and Instructions - Delivered At Place

Goods must be consigned and delivered to the destination specified in the Contract:

Incoterms® 2020 “DAP Delivered At Place” 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa ON K1N 5A2

NRC Customs contacts for any Customs and Transportation Logistics enquiries:

- Daniel Frampton: (613) 993-9113 / daniel.frampton@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
- Christian Latreille: (613) 993-2259 / christian.latreille@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

As part of NRC’s commitment to Greening Government Operations, the Contractor is encouraged to minimize, include recycled content, re-use, or reduce/eliminate toxics in packaging, when possible.

6.4.6 Packaging

The methods used for preservation and packaging must be in conformity with the Contractor’s normal standard for domestic shipment or, if necessary, with standards for overseas shipment as below deck cargo.

6.5 Authorities

6.5.1 Contracting Authority

The Contracting Authority for the Contract is:

Name: Katie Homuth
Title: Senior Contracting Officer
National Research Council Canada
Directorate: Finance and Procurement Services Branch
Address: 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg. M-58
Ottawa ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: 343-549-4539
E-mail address: Katie.Homuth@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

The Contracting Authority is responsible for the management of the Contract and any changes to the Contract must be authorized in writing by the Contracting Authority. The Contractor must not perform work in excess of or outside the scope of the Contract based on verbal or written requests or instructions from anybody other than the Contracting Authority.

6.5.2 Technical Authority

The Technical Authority for the Contract is: [to be inserted at contract award]

Name: _________
Title: _________
Organization: __________
Address: __________

Telephone: ___ ___ _______
E-mail address: ___________

The Technical Authority is the representative of the department or agency for whom the Work is being carried out under the Contract and is responsible for all matters concerning the technical content of the Work under the Contract. Technical matters may be discussed with the Technical Authority; however, the Technical Authority has no authority to authorize changes to the scope of the Work. Changes to the scope of the Work can only be made through a contract amendment issued by the Contracting Authority.

6.5.3 Contractor's Representative [to be completed by the bidder]

Name: _________
Title: _________
Address: __________
Telephone: ___ ___ _______
E-mail address: ___________
6.6 Payment

6.6.1 Basis of Payment

The Contractor will be paid for costs reasonably and properly incurred in the performance of the work under this Contract in accordance with the following:

In consideration of the Contractor satisfactorily completing all of its obligations under the Contract, the Contractor will be paid a Fixed Price as specified in Annex B for a cost of $ _________ insert the amount at contract award). Customs duties are excluded and Applicable Taxes are extra.

Canada will not pay the Contractor for any design changes, modifications or interpretations of the Work, unless they have been approved, in writing, by the Contracting Authority before their incorporation into the Work.

6.6.2 Method of Payment

SACC Manual clause H1000C (2008-05-12), Single Payment

Canada will pay the Contractor upon completion and delivery of the Work in accordance with the payment provisions of the Contract if:

a. an accurate and complete invoice and any other documents required by the Contract have been submitted in accordance with the invoicing instructions provided in the Contract;
b. all such documents have been verified by Canada;
c. the Work delivered has been accepted by Canada.

6.6.3 SACC Manual Clauses

SACC Manual clause C2000C (2007-11-30), Taxes - Foreign-based Contractor

SACC Manual clause C2605C (2008-05-12), Canadian Customs Duties and Sales Tax - Foreign-based Contractor

6.6.4 Electronic Payment of Invoices – Contract

The Contractor accepts to be paid using any of the following Electronic Payment Instrument(s):

a. Direct Deposit (Domestic Only);
b. Wire Transfer (International Only);
6.7 Inspection and Acceptance

The Technical Authority is the Inspection Authority. All reports, deliverable items, documents, good and all services rendered under the Contract are subject to inspection by the Inspection Authority or representative. Should any report, document, good or service not be in accordance with the Statement of Requirement and to the satisfaction of the Inspection Authority, as submitted, the Inspection Authority will have the right to reject it or require its correction at the sole expense of the Contractor before recommending payment.

6.8 Invoicing Instructions

The Contractor must submit invoices in accordance with the section entitled "Invoice Submission" of the general conditions. Invoices cannot be submitted until all work identified in the invoice is completed.

Invoices must be sent to: nrc.invoice-facture.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

PLEASE QUOTE CONTRACT NO. [to be inserted at contract award] ON ALL DOCUMENTATION AND INVOICES.

6.9 Certifications and Additional Information

6.9.1 Compliance

Unless specified otherwise, the continuous compliance with the certifications provided by the Contractor in its bid or precedent to contract award, and the ongoing cooperation in providing additional information are conditions of the Contract and failure to comply will constitute the Contractor in default. Certifications are subject to verification by Canada during the entire period of the Contract.

6.10 Applicable Laws

The Contract must be interpreted and governed, and the relations between the parties determined, by the laws in force in Ontario.

6.11 Priority of Documents

If there is a discrepancy between the wording of any documents that appear on the list, the wording of the document that first appears on the list has priority over the wording of any document that subsequently appears on the list.

(a) the Articles of Agreement;
(b) the supplemental general conditions 4001 (2015-04-01);
(c) the supplemental general conditions 4003 (2010-08-16);
(d) the general conditions 2010A (2022-12-01);
(e) ANNEX A, Statement of Requirement;
(f) ANNEX B, Basis of Payment
(g) the Contractor's bid dated _______ (insert date of bid)

6.12 SACC Manual Clauses

B1501C (2018-06-21) Electrical equipment
B7500C (2006-06-16) Excess Goods
G1005C (2016-01-28) Insurance – No Specific Requirements
6.13 Dispute Resolution

The Parties agree to make every reasonable effort, in good faith, to settle amicably all disputes or claims relating to the Contract, through negotiations between the Parties’ representatives authorized to settle. If the Parties do not reach a settlement within 25 working days after the dispute was initially raised to the other party in writing, either Party may contact the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) to request dispute resolution/mediation services. OPO may be contacted by e-mail at boa.opo@boa- opo.gc.ca, by telephone at 1-866-734-5169, or by web at www.opo-boa.gc.ca. For more information on OPO’s services, please see the Procurement Ombudsman Regulations or visit the OPO website.

6.14 Non-Permanent Resident (Foreign Company)

The Contractor shall ensure that non-permanent residents intending to work in Canada on a temporary basis in fulfilment of the Contract, who are neither Canadian citizens nor United States nationals, receive all appropriate documents and instructions relating to Canadian immigration requirements and secure all required employment authorizations prior to their arrival at the Canadian port of entry. The Contractor shall ensure that United States nationals having such intentions receive all appropriate documents and instructions in that regard prior to their arrival at the Canadian port of entry. Such documents may be obtained at the appropriate Canadian Embassy/Consulate in the Contractor’s country. The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs incurred as a result of non-compliance with immigration requirements.

OR

6.14 Non-Permanent Resident (Canadian Company)

The Contractor is responsible for compliance with the immigration requirements applicable to non-permanent residents entering Canada to work on a temporary basis in fulfilment of the Contract. In some instances, the employment authorization necessary to enter Canada cannot be issued without prior approval of Human Resources Centre Canada (HRCC). HRCC should always be contacted as soon as the decision to bring in a non-permanent resident is made. The Contractor will be responsible for all costs incurred as a result of non-compliance with immigration requirements.
6.15 Government Smoking Policy

Where the performance of the work requires the presence of the Contractor’s personnel on government premises, the Contractor shall ensure that its personnel shall comply with the policy of the Government of Canada which prohibits smoking on any government premises.
6.16 Access to Government Facilities/Equipment

Access to the facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the work shall be provided through arrangements to be made by the Technical Authority named herein. There will be however, no day-to-day supervision of the Contractor’s activities, nor control of the Contractor’s hours of work by the Technical Authority.

The Contractor undertakes and agrees to comply with all Standing Orders and Regulations in force on the site where the work is to be performed, relating to the safety of persons on the site or the protection of property against loss or damage from any and all causes including fires.

ANNEX A
STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has a requirement for the supply and delivery of one (1) Benchtop x-ray imaging system that will be referred to as “The Micro CT” to support the Materials Facility at the NRC’s Security and Disruptive Technology Research Center’s research towards additive manufacturing and nanocomposites. The Micro CT must include all parts.

1. REQUIREMENTS
The Micro CT must work and operate at all times in accordance with the following technical requirements:

1.1. System:
1.1.1. System must be a benchtop-type with dimensions smaller than Width 1.2 m x Depth 0.7 m x Height 0.5 m and weight not higher than 190 kg, excluding sample changer
1.1.2. The system must have the capability to accommodate accessories, such as optional stages or sample holders
1.1.3. System must be equipped with an internal optical camera for sample inspection during the scan
1.1.4. System must be delivered with the control unit such as a workstation and software for data acquisition, reconstruction, and quantitative analysis
1.1.5. System must have a push button operation for automated scanning
1.1.6. System must have Health Canada Radiation Emitting Devices Act approval
1.1.7. System must be compatible for operation with standard Canadian voltages (100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, max 20 A).
1.1.8. The system must undergo Canadian Standard Association (CSA) inspection conducted during installation on site or the Contractor must show that the system meets all applicable CSA or Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards and must provide a proof of CSA or ULC certification.

1.2. X-ray generator and source:
1.2.1. Maximum power of X-ray source not less than 10 W to provide sufficient power to obtain best results.
1.2.2. Minimum energy of X-ray source at least 20 kV to provide more contrast of low-density materials
1.2.3. Maximum energy of X-ray source not less than 100 kV to obtain enough transmission through large or dense samples
1.2.4. Spot size of X-ray source equal or less than 5µm (at 4 W)
1.2.5. System should have at least 3 different energy filters.
1.2.6. System must be air cooled

1.3. Detector and scan specs:
1.3.1. X-ray detector should be a flat panel with a resolution not less than 3-megapixel (1944 x 1536 pixels)
1.3.2. Detector should be able to scan at 26 frames/second or better in full resolution
1.3.3. Nominal pixel size obtained directly from optical magnification (with no additional digital processing, pixel cutting) ≤ 6 µm
1.3.4. Nominal voxel size of < 4 µm
1.3.5. 3D Spatial resolution with 10% MTF based on measurements with independent resolution phantom ≤ 8 µm
1.3.6. Reconstruction matrix with a resolution not worse than 1800x1800
1.3.7. Diameter of scanning FOV not less than 90 mm
1.3.8. Length of scanning FOV not less than 110 mm
1.3.9. Maximum sample diameter not less than 90 mm
1.3.10. Maximum sample length not less than 110 mm

1.4. Live View Monitor and object positioning
1.4.1. 5-megapixel or better shielded camera for live monitoring of sample position in sample chamber
1.4.2. 4-axis object positioning with micro stepping stepper motors

1.5. Control computer:
The system should have a computer for instrument control, data acquisition, and data processing. The computer should be equivalent or better than the specifications listed:
1.5.1. Operating system: Windows 10, 64-bit English version
1.5.2. Memory: 128 GB DDR4 RAM
1.5.3. CPU: Xeon processor 3.6 GHz 4-core or better
1.5.4. GPU: at least 16 GB NVIDIA Quadro and GeForce series
1.5.5. HDD: 512 GB SSD for operating system and software + at least 4 TB SSD for data storage
1.5.6. Display: 24-inch, 1280 x 1024 resolution
1.5.7. Peripheries: QWERTY keyboard and mouse

1.6. Software
The system must come with a software suite that must allow for a complete workflow, including system control, data acquisition, volumetric reconstruction, 2D/ 3D quantitative analysis, and 3D visualization. Details of the software include:

1.6.1. Activating/deactivating the X-ray source, accessing the specimen chamber via live camera, controlling the sample stage rotation and position, and adjusting the acquisition parameters.
1.6.2. Performing helical/spiral scanning algorithm for a long object, including exact reconstruction
1.6.3. Providing corrections for misalignment, ring artifacts, beam hardening, detector’s dead pixels, drift compensation, adjustable smoothing
1.6.4. Volume reconstruction based on CPU and GPU acceleration
1.6.5. 3D and 2D morphometric analysis including volume, surface, cross-sectional area and porosity calculation
1.6.6. Exporting reconstructed model as STL files for 3D printing
1.6.7. Allowing scripting language for batch analysis of individual object
1.6.8. Volume-rendered 3D visualization and animation including the creation of "fly around" and "fly through" animations based on the selection
1.6.9. All provided software must have a perpetual network license for concurrent use on at least sixteen PCs

1.7. Accessories:
The system must have the capability to accommodate other accessories:
1.7.1. Heating/cooling stage must be able to control the temperature varies from -20°C to +80°C with <1°C accuracy
1.7.2. Material testing stages must allow compressive testing up to 4000N and compression and tensile tests on samples with a maximum cell loading of up to 400N on samples with a max sample diameter of no less than 20 mm. Software must work in handshake with the main control software in order to perform multiple scans at selected forces or at specific deformations.
1.7.3. Sample exchange stage must allow at least 16 positions for samples with a max diameter no less than 40mm and max length no less than 70 mm. Exchange must be able to handle different sizes and shapes. Samples must be able to be removed or replaced without interrupting ongoing scans. Must be external to shielded scanning area.

2. Installation:
2.1. The Contractor must deliver, install, integrate, and configure all deliverables at the location specified in the Contract. The Contractor must install, and provide on-site training within 30 days after the instrument has been delivered and accepted
2.2. The Contractor must unpack, assemble, and install the deliverables at the site. If applicable, this includes but is not limited to the provision of required moving and installation resources, packing material, vehicles, cranes, personnel, and floor protection panels.
2.3. The Contractor must supply all associated materials required to effect complete installation, integration and configuration of the deliverables at the site. This must include but not be limited to such things as all the required power connectors, cables, and any other accessories required to install, integrate and configure the deliverables.
2.4. Upon successful completion of the installation, integration and configuration of the deliverables, the Contractor must provide the Technical Authority with written notification that the deliverables are ready for testing. The Contractor must test the benchtop Micro CT to ensure they are fully operational and verify the communication and control between the instrument and the data systems.
2.5. The Contractor must maintain all work areas at the installation site in a clean and tidy condition on completion of each day’s work and on completion of acceptance, including the removal and disposal of all related packing material.

3. Manuals:
The Contractor must deliver one (1) complete set of documentation, in English (and French) with the deliverables. A printed or electronic format (eg. PDF) is acceptable. This documentation must include at a minimum all published technical specifications, installation requirements, and operating instructions.

4. Training:
The Contractor must provide at a minimum one (1) day of on-site training to the Client in English (and French if required by the client) for the End User (up to 4 in total): Training must include operation and manipulation of the equipment. The training should include but not be limited to product functionality, product features and limitations. Supplier must provide a 1-800 free technical support hotline (M-F, 9-5) for immediate support throughout the lifetime ownership of the instrument.

ANNEX B
BASIS OF PAYMENT

Table 1: Initial Requirement: Goods
1 Xray Micro Computed Tomography (The Micro CT) as described in Annex “A” Part 1 including one-year warranty 1 Each $______________
Total
(applicable taxes are extra, if applicable) $ Sum of Items

Table 2: Initial Requirement: Services
1 Installation, integration, and configuration of deliverables 1
Each $_________
2 1 day on site start-up, Safety and Operations Training 1 Each $_________
Total
(applicable taxes are extra, if applicable) $ Sum of Items _______________

Table 3: Total of the Requirement
Item Description Total
1 Table 1: Initial Requirement for Goods $
2 Table 2: Initial Requirement for Services $
Total Table 1 & Table 2
(applicable taxes are extra, if applicable) $

ANNEX C
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following Mandatory Technical Criteria (MTCs) will be evaluated during the Bid Evaluation. In addition, the Contractor will be required to meet all of the Mandatory Technical Requirements for the duration of the Contract.

MTCs Bidders are requested to cross reference the MTC in a concise format by using page, paragraph(s) & sub-paragraphs as applicable to their supporting technical documentation.
1 A Benchtop X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (The Micro CT) that:
a. must be able to accommodate a heating/cooling stage that must be able to control the temperature varies from -20°C to +80°C with <1°C accuracy.

2 The Micro CT that must have a minimum energy of X-ray source of at least 20 kV to provide more contrast of low-density materials, with an energy of X-ray source of not less than 100 kV to obtain enough transmission through large or dense samples and a spot size of X-ray source equal or less than 5µm (at 4 W)

3 The Micro CT must come with a software suite that allows for system control and data acquisition:
a. activating/deactivating the X-ray source, accessing the specimen chamber via live camera, controlling the sample stage rotation and position, and adjusting the acquisition parameters.
b. performing helical/spiral scanning algorithm for a long object, including exact reconstruction
c. providing corrections for misalignment, ring artifacts, beam hardening, detector’s dead pixels, drift compensation, adjustable smoothing

4 Software:
The Micro CT must come with a software suite that must allow for volumetric reconstruction and 2D/ 3D quantitative analysis
a. volume reconstruction based on CPU and GPU acceleration
b. 3D and 2D morphometric analysis including volume, surface, cross-sectional area and porosity calculations
c. exporting reconstructed model as STL files for 3D printing
d. allowing scripting language for batch analysis of individual object

5 Software:
The Micro CT must come with a software suite that must allow for volume-rendered 3D visualization and animation including the creation of "fly around" and "fly through" animations based on the selection
All provided software must have a perpetual network license for concurrent use on a minimum of sixteen PCs

6 Accessories:
The Micro CT must be able to accommodate a sample exchange stage that
a. must allow at least 16 positions for samples with a diameter of 40 mm and lengths of 70 mm
b. samples must be able to be of different sizes and shapes
c. samples must be able to be removed or replaced without interrupting ongoing scans

7 Accessories:
The Micro CT must be able to accommodate material testing stages that:
a. compress in a range up to 4000N
b. the max sample diameter of at least 20 mm
c. software must work in handshake with the main control software in order to perform multiple scans at selected forces or at specific deformations