In-Service Support for the NRCAN Satellite Facilities

Amendment 001: 

- The Industry Consultation process is extended to 27 February 2015.
- Request for Information (RFI) Responses should be submitted on or before 16 February 2015.
- Please see the amended Request for Information (RFI) document for more information.

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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 NRCan Satellite Infrastructure facilities located in Prince Albert - SK, Gatineau - QC and Inuvik -NWT, as well as to support NRCan while achieving their plan to commercially develop the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility.

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) 
•	Gatineau Satellite Station (GSS) 
•	Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) 

In 2014, NRCan completed installation of an antenna (ICAN-1) at the ISSF. NRCan’s ground station facility at Inuvik will be referenced as ICAN throughout this and supporting documents. The PASS, GSS and ICAN satellite stations have been completely revitalized with all new X/S-band antenna systems, data handling and scheduling, reporting and control systems. PASS is equipped with two antennas, GSS and ICAN each with one antenna.  Each station has 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 ICAN serving as autonomous remotely managed stations by PASS.

2.1	Requirement

A contract is currently in place to provide In Service Support services at the PASS and GSS facilities. In order to achieve long term cost saving, NRCan would like to combine the In Service Support requirement of all its satellite facilities. These requirements will be the same for all stations – with some small exceptions. 

In addition, NRCan requires commercial development of the the ISSF to support its plan for an expanded, world class satellite antenna park.  This will require the Contractor to seek additional clients, establish them at the ISSF and provide a defined level of local service support for maintenance and operation at the ISSF.  Development of the ISSF will align with 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:

Adriana Crncan
Science Procurement Directorate
Public Works and Government Services Canada
11 Laurier Street, Place du Portage, Phase III, 11C1
Gatineau, QC, 
K1A 0S5
E-mail: adriana.crncan@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca