Comparison of regulatory environmental management regimes for net pen aquaculture in Canada and the United States

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Solicitation # : F5211-150489A

Closing Date : December 21, 2015

Closing Time : 2:00 PM (Atlantic Standard Time)

This requirement is for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Title: Comparison of regulatory environmental management regimes for net pen aquaculture in Canada and the United States under the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) initiative

This bid solicitation cancels and supersedes previous bid solicitation numberF5211-150489 datedNovember 4, 2015with a closing of November 19, 2015 at 14:00 AST. A debriefing or feedback session will be provided upon request to bidders/suppliers who bid on the previous solicitation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE REQUIREMENT

To help identify areas of regulatory similarities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States Department of Commerce to assess the environmental regulatory regime for aquaculture at all levels of governments in both Canada and the United States.

BACKGROUND

In February 2011, Prime Minister Harper and President Obama launched the RCC to better align regulatory systems between Canada and the United States, where appropriate, to enhance economic growth, competitiveness and job creation, while maintaining national sovereignty and high levels of protection for health, safety and environment.

The initial Joint Action Plan was launched in December 2011, and it provided an opportunity to enhance Canada-United States regulatory cooperation through the identification of specific regulatory issues and challenges that departments and agencies on both sides of the border would work together to resolve or improve.

The new Joint Forward Plan (http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/08/29/canada-united-states-regulatory-cooperation-council-joint-forward-plan) launched in August 2014 includes a commitment by DFO and NOAA to undertake greater cooperation in environmental management of the aquaculture sector and identify potential areas for regulatory cooperation.

Under the Canada-United States RCC, DFO and NOAA have established a partnership to implement a deeper collaborative relationship and to advance regulatory cooperation for the aquaculture sector, with the aim of reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers and enhancing trade in aquaculture products between the two countries.

Aquaculture Regulatory Partnership Statement:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/management-gestion/statement-declaration-eng.htm

Aquaculture Technical Work Plan:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/aquaculture/management-gestion/reg-coop-eng.htm

PERIOD OF CONTRACT

The period of the Contract is from date of Contract to March 31, 2016 inclusive.

SECURITY

The Contractor/Offeror must, at all times during the performance of the Contract/Standing Offer/Supply Arrangement, hold a valid Facility Security Clearance at the level of RELIABILITY, with approved Document safeguarding at the level of PROTECTED B, issued by the Canadian Industrial Security Directorate (CISD), Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has determined that any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of the Work under the resulting contract will belong to Canada, on the following grounds: where material developed or produced consists of material subject to copyright, with the exception of computer software and all documentation pertaining to that software.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the mandatory evaluation criteria as detailed herein. Bidders’ Proposals must clearly demonstrate that they meet all Mandatory Requirements for the proposal to be considered for further evaluation. Proposals not meeting the mandatory criteria will be excluded from further consideration.

Mandatory Criteria

M1 By the close of the bid, the Bidder and its proposed resource(s) must have at least, Confidential level of security clearance as required by Public Works and Government Services Canada.

M2 The Bidder must provide proof that the proposed resource(s) provide possess a degree from a recognized university in a field related to law, economics, policy or regulatory analysis.

Background in fisheries/natural resources policy or law would be advantageous. *proof is to demonstrated by providing a copy of the degree

M3 The Bidder’s proposed resource must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in conducting legal review or policy/regulatory research and analysis

M4 The Bidder’s proposed resource must certify his/her ability to travel to/from Canada and the United States by having a valid Canadian or United States passport that has no restrictions on travel between the two countries.

SELECTION METHOD

The basis of selection is Highest Rated Within Budget.

Enquiries regarding this RFP requirement are to be submitted in writing to the following:

Jennifer Beamish

Senior Contracting Office

Materiel and Procurement Services

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

301 Bishop Drive

Fredericton (NB) E3C 2M6

Email : DFOtenders-soumissionsMPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca