Indigenous Research and Related Subject Matter Expertise Services in Indigenous Economic Development, Lands, Environmental Management (Solicitation reserved under the PSIB)

1.0 General : This procurement is set aside under the federal government Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) .

1.1 Introduction: This Request for Standing Offers (RFSO) is being issued to satisfy the requirement of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) (the "Client") for Indigenous Research and Related Subject Matter Expertise Services in Indigenous Economic Development, Lands, Environmental Management.

1.2 Summary: The RFSO is to establish National Master Standing Offers for the delivery of the requirement detailed in the RFSO, to the Identified Users across Canada, including areas subject to Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements (CLCAs).

1.3 Description of the Requirement: Reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination require innovative, transformative, Indigenous-led and Indigenous-driven, evidence-based policy and program development.

In order to build this evidence base, on behalf of the Department of ISC, the Lands and Economic Development Sector (LED) seeks Firms with specialized expertise in delivering services, particularly in areas of Indigenous research and decolonizing methods and approaches and subject matter expertise in Indigenous economic development, lands and environmental management. While this document may use existing terminology for economic development, there is an understanding that language and definitions continue to change to reflect Indigenous perspectives and the decolonization of research methodologies. Essential to this role is the ability to translate research findings into policy, with a profound respect for and recognition of Indigenous rights and knowledge systems.

The objective is to establish Standing Offer Agreements (SOA) with specialized Offerors in two (2) streams of service as defined in Annex A- Statement of Work - Section SW6.0 and SW7.0, located throughout Canada. The Streams are as follows:

Stream 1- Indigenous and Decolonizing Research Methods and Approaches:
Knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of incorporating qualitative and where applicable, quantitative analysis through Indigenous and decolonizing research approaches and methodologies, to be applied to research, knowledge translation, policy development and knowledge mobilization activities.

Stream 2- Subject Matter Expertise in Indigenous Economic Development, Lands, and Environmental Management, with experience in knowledge translation, policy development and knowledge mobilization activities.

1.4 Work required: The above services are required in the service areas below. Firms shall be capable of providing services by proposing qualified resource(s) in the resource category(ies) identified in at least one (1) service steam:

Stream 1: Indigenous and Decolonizing Research Methods and Approaches (IDRMA)
a) Senior Researcher(s) – one (1) resource at minimum is mandatory;
b) Intermediate Researcher(s) - optional; and
c) Junior Researcher(s) - optional.

Stream 2: Subject Matter Expertise of Indigenous Economic Development, Lands, and Environmental Management.
a) Senior Researcher(s) – one (1) resource at minimum is mandatory.

1.5 Number of Standing Offers :The intent of this RFSO is to award up to ten (10) or Standing Offers Agreements (SOA) to qualified Firms. Awards will be offered as follows: Up to five (5) in Stream 1; and Up to five (5) in Stream 2. The services will be required on an as and required basis. For each work requirement, the services will be requested with a separate Call-up.

1.6 Proposed period of the Standing Offer: The period of the Standing Offer is for three (3) years from date of Award.

Option to Extend the Standing Offer: the Offeror grants to Canada the irrevocable option to extend the term of the Standing Offer by up to two (2) additional one (1) year periods under the same conditions.

1.7 Set-aside under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB): For more information on Indigenous business requirements of the Set-aside Program for Indigenous Business see Annex 9.4 of the Supply Manual.

This procurement is set aside from the international trade agreements under the provision each has for measures with respect to Aboriginal peoples or for set-asides for small and minority businesses. Further to Article 800 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), CFTA does not apply to this procurement.

1.8 Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements: Some of the locations in which the Contractor may be required to perform work or deliver Services are within areas covered by Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements (CLCAs).

1.9 Security Requirements : There are security requirements associated with the requirement of the Standing Offer. For additional information, see Part 6 - Security Requirements, and Part 7 - Standing Offer and Resulting Contract Clauses. For more information on personnel and organization security screening or security clauses, offerors should refer to the Contract Security Program of Public Works and Government Services Canada (http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/introduction-eng.html) website.

2.0 Supplier's interest in Government of Canada Work Opportunity: If you are interested and new in offering services, do not hesitate to contact me for more guidance, (i.e: Indigenous Business Registration, Security Clearance, How to prepare and submit a successful proposal or any other enquiry related to the RFSO).