Research and Development Requirements on Electro-Optics and Infrared Technology

Amendment History:
Amendment 1: Time change for the conduct of the NCR Industry Day.
Amendment 2: Publication of the PowerPoint Presentation used during the Industry Days.
Amendment 3: Extension to the closing date.
Amendment 4: Publication of the Q&As document and Findings and outcomes report.

Title: Research and Development Requirements on Electro-Optics and Infrared Technology for Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

1.0  Purpose
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), on behalf of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) as the first stage in informing industry members about changes in the procurement strategy for requirements regarding electro-optics and infrared technology (EO-IR) that was published and presented in the spring of 2014.

During the publication of the first RFI, industry members provided crucial comments and recommendations calling for the development of an innovative procurement strategy based on industry concerns. This information prompted Canada to revise the procurement strategy initially proposed, in order to better respond to the concerns expressed by industry and the operational needs of DRDC.  

The current engagement process thus offers industry members the opportunity to present their points of view in response to the requirements proposed by Canada regarding EO-IR technology needs, as well as to provide comments on the proposed procurement strategy. 

This Engagement Process will include; two (2) Industry Days; One-on-One meetings; and the publication of a findings report, including changes made to the proposed procurement strategy, if any.

2.0  Background
One of DRDC's mandates is to support the Canadian Forces (CF) in its electro-optical system acquisition process by technically translating their operational needs, evaluating sensor performance or evaluating the potential of emerging technologies. DRDC also studies EO systems for protecting military platforms (air, land or sea) and their occupants. 

These EO technologies require proximity electronics to be integrated into them in order to evaluate them or extend their capability, and EO systems to be integrated into the platforms. EO systems can also be improved by developing algorithms and technical solutions to facilitate the use of EO systems data and transmitting tactical data in real time or near-real time. 

To carry out these mandates, DRDC must be able to operate EO systems with various technology levels (TRL1 to TRL9).  The development of new concepts for instruments in support of research programs involves expertise in hyperspectrale spectrometry. Since 1998, DRDC has been working to develop new passive infrared sensors to improve detection, recognition and identification capacity.

3.0  Requirement
The different types of services sought involve multiple aspects of various fields associated with EO-IR, such as: characterization, design, simulation, manufacturing and operation of EO systems or their components, development and manufacturing of EO software and electronics, and integration, testing and analysis services. 

These EO systems consist of, but are not limited to, wide-band, hyperspectrale or multispectral imaging or non-imaging systems, laser systems, of one or several spectral bands covering the ultra violet, visible, near, shortwave, midwave and long-wave infrared. Please consult the RFI document for more information on this requirement.  

4.0  Registration Procedures and Location of the Industry Days
In order to participate in the Engagement Process, respondents must complete, sign and return the Participation form, including its appendices, included at Annex "A" of the RFI document. 

The Industry Days will be held at following locations:

Quebec City Area: The Québec City Industry Day will take place on August 4, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. at the following address: 601-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue, Québec, (Québec), room 205. All participants must bring an official piece of ID with photo to register at the commissioner office. We recommend that participant arrives 15 minutes in advance in order to complete all required security forms.

National Capital Region: The NCR Industry Day will be held on August 6, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Place du Portage, PDP3, 11C1, 11 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC K1A 0S5. More details on the venue will be provided to registered participants.

5.0  Questions and Answers asked during the Engagement process
All questions and answers will be published in a Q&A document, which will be subsequently made available for download under this notice.

6.0  Important dates
Closing date for registration in this Engagement process and Industry Days: August 4, 2015.

Closing date for submission of responses to this RFI: August 14, 2015.

Closing date of the Engagement Process: September 11, 2015, with the possibility to be extended.

Quebec City Area Industry Day and one-on-one meetings: August 4, 2015 to August 5, 2015.

Gatineau Area Industry Day and one-on-one meetings: August 6, 2015 to August 7, 2015.

One-on-One Meetings in person or by teleconference may be held on the following week, if required.

7.0  Important information
The information provided by Canada during the Engagement Process is preliminary and may change.  The RFI is not a solicitation nor will it be used to pre-qualify or otherwise restrict participation in a future solicitation process.  
The information provided by Respondent(s) may be used to refine the Procurement Strategy, the project cost envelope, the work description and/or project timeline. 

The issuance of this RFI does not create an obligation for Canada to issue any subsequent Request for Proposal, 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
Telephone: 819-956-9489
Fax: 819-997-2229

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