In-Service Support for the Revitalized NRCAN Satellite Facilities

History of change:
Amendment 001 - Extension of the registration period to June 27, 2014;
Amendment 002 - The RFI closing date is postponed to August 8, 2014;

1.0	Purpose

Canada is in the planning process for the procurement of long term In-Service Support Services which includes the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the Revitalized NRCan Satellite Infrastructure (RNSI) facilities located in Prince Albert - SK, Gatineau - QC and Inuvik -NWT, as well as to support NRCan while achieving their plan to develop and expand the Inuvik Satellite Station.

Canada is seeking to engage Industry in a consultation process for the refinement of the procurement strategy, along with the proposed delivery solution. One of the purposes of this Request for Information (RFI) is to register interested Respondent(s) wishing to participate in this Consultative Process and have a chance to ask questions during a One-on-One meeting.

The Engagement process for each Respondent may include, if desired, a one (1) One-on-One meeting which will occur at a GoC facility located within the National Capital Region. The exact location, date and time of meeting will be provided to Respondents after receipt of their registration form (refer to section 3 below).

2.0	Background

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has been managing satellite station facilities in collaboration with the private sector since 1972. NRCan’s satellite station facilities are strategically located across Canada to ensure coverage of Canada’s landmass and waters.  These facilities include:
•	Prince Albert Satellite Station (PASS)(established 1972)
•	Gatineau Satellite Station (GSS) (established 1986)
•	Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) (established 2010)

PASS, GSS and ISSF satellite stations are being completely revitalized with all new X/S-band antenna systems, data handling and scheduling, reporting and control systems. PASS will be equipped with two antennas, GSS and ISSF each with one antenna.  Each station will have S-band TT&C functionality implemented on one antenna system.

The entire system has been designed for a highly autonomous “lights-out” operation and will only require human intervention in the event of non-nominal situations (e.g. systems fault repair, satellite anomalies or other critical satellite control activities) and for systems preventive maintenance.  PASS will be the master station, with GSS and Inuvik (GoC antenna only) serving as autonomous remotely managed stations by PASS.

2.1	Requirement

A contract is currently in place to provide ISS service at the facility located in Prince Albert – SK and Gatineau - QC.  In 2014, NRCan will be installing a new antenna at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) located in the Northwest Territories.  In order to achieve long term cost saving, NRCan would like to combine the ISS requirement of all its satellite facility. The ISS requirement will be the same for all stations. 

In addition to the ISS requirement, the ISSF will include a special requirement which is to support NRCan’s expansion plan of the station. This special requirement will allow the Contractor to support expansion of the ISSF by seeking additional clients for antenna tracking services.  The development of the ISSF should align and contribute to Canada’s Northern Strategy.  

3.0	Registration Procedures 

In order to participate in the Industry consultation process, Respondent(s) must complete, sign and return the Engagement Participation Form, along with its Appendices, which is included at Annex “B” of the RFI main document.  

4.0	Important information

The information provided by Canada in this RFI is preliminary and may change.  This RFI is not a solicitation nor will it be used to pre-qualify or otherwise restrict participation in a future solicitation.  

The information provided by Respondent(s) may be used to refine the procurement strategy, the project cost envelope, and/or project timeline. The information gathered through the RFI may also be used to assist Canada in the refinement of the possible competitive RFP.

The issuance of this RFI does not create an obligation for Canada to issue a subsequent RFP, and does not bind Canada legally or otherwise, to enter into any agreement or to accept any suggestions from potential Respondents/Offerors.  However, Canada reserves the right to accept or reject any or all recommendations received.  

All Industry consultations will be documented and this information is subject to the Access to Information Act.  Canada will not reveal any designated proprietary information to third parties.  Respondent(s) responding to the RFI should identify any submitted information that is to be considered as either company confidential or proprietary. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.

All enquiries related to this notice or the RFI are to be forwarded to the PWGSC Procurement Authority identified below:

Ian Potvin
Science Procurement Directorate
Public Works and Government Services Canada
11 Laurier Street, Place du Portage, Phase III, 11C1-09
Gatineau, QC, 
K1A 0S5

E-mail: ian.potvin@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca