On-going modifications to its FreeBalance Financial Accountability Application

The Department of Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has a requirement for on-going modifications to its FreeBalance Financial Accountability Application. The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the government's intention to award a contract for these services to FreeBalance Inc., 411 Legget Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 3C9. Before awarding a contract, however, the government would like to provide other suppliers with the opportunity

to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements set out in this Notice, by submitting a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period.

If other potential suppliers submit a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period that meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the government will proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract.

If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities meeting the requirements set out in the ACAN, a contract will be awarded to the pre-selected supplier.

Background

The Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has a requirement for as and when required support on the Departments FreeBalance Financial Accountability application software that is available exclusively through FreeBalance Inc. FreeBalance Custom Products, the Product Support and Maintenance (PSM) as well as professional services related to the system.

The work will involve the following:

1. Support with the resolution of problems;

2. Creation of scripts to manipulate data;

3. Data conversion and/or data migration;

4. Upgrade services;

5. Configuration and customization services;

6. Technical and functional training:

(a) The Contractor must provide training in the use of its Software on an “as-and-when- requested” basis during the Contract Period when a Task Authorization for training is issued in accordance with the Contract.

(b) Canada may issue a Task Authorization whenever it has at least THREE (3) people who require training. The training must be provided at 350 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario, as requested in the Task Authorization.

(c) The training must be available within 15 working days of the Task Authorization being issued.

(d) The training, including both the instruction and the course materials, must be provided in

English.