Analysis of forest canopy gaps (NRCan-133657)

ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN)

1. Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN)

An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.

2. Definition of Requirements

The department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a requirement to…

1. Undertake a technical review of the scientific literature to identify the most robust methodological approach for detecting and mapping canopy gaps in British Columbia coastal temperate forests using:
   1. a canopy height model;
   2. a 3D point cloud.
2. Apply the methods identified in #1 above to airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) data for a portion of Western Forest Products operating area on Northern Vancouver Island (see Figure 1). The same methods should be applied to both the ALS and the DAP data initially to enable quantification of the differences between the two data sources (in terms of number and size of gaps). Methods may then be modified as necessary in an effort to develop consistent estimates of gap characteristics from both data sources
3. Summarize the gap characteristics identified with the ALS and DAP data using tables, figures, and appropriate statistical testing (e.g., significant differences in the number and size of gaps detected from the two data sources).
4. Analyze the gap characteristics in the context of stand characteristics (for a sub-sample of stands) using ALS data. Determine relationships between presence/abundance of gaps and stand characteristics (e.g. stand age, height distribution from ALS, stand complexity) .

3. Criteria for Assessment of the Statement of Capabilities

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in using digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and an area-based approach for forest inventory in coastal forests of British Columbia.
2. A minimum of 3 years' experience processing large-area 3D datasets with software including LAStools, FUSION, and ArcGIS for spatial processing and analysis. Supplier must have access to these tools (i.e. licenses) for analysis and delivery of data products.
3. Computing capacity to process and store large datasets efficiently.
4. Experience generating canopy height models from ALS and DAP data over large areas
5. Experience in undertaking systematic research and reviewing existing literature, with attention to detail and documentation of processing steps and decisions (methods).
6. Knowledge of statistical analysis methods for comparing data sources (and access to appropriate software).
7. Knowledge of forest ecology for coastal BC forests (to enable interpretation of results)
8. Academic qualifications: must possess a PhD in forest science (forest ecology, forest management) or related field from a recognized university

4. Trade Agreements

This procurement is not subject to trade agreements

5. Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier

We intend to deal directly with the supplier mentioned in section 10 below as, it is the only known supplier that meets the mandatory criteria set out in section 3 above and can provide the services as described in Section 2.

The research activity identified requires detailed knowledge and experience in processing and analyzing both ALS and DAP point cloud data, as well as additional knowledge and familiarity with forestry and the forest ecosystems of northern Vancouver Island. Such knowledge will guide the analysis decisions that are made and inform the interpretation of the results. Professor Nicholas Coops is a global leader in the processing and analysis of 3D information derived from ALS and DAP data. He is a Full Professor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Forestry, and holds a Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing. He has broad and unique experience in using forestry information to inform 3D measures of forest structure derived from ALS and DAP data. He has led the development of unique algorithms for processing of ALS and DAP data that are scientifically robust and have created a large number of operational application opportunities.

The University of British Columbia and specifically, Professor Nicholas Coops, and the Faculty of Forestry, is uniquely qualified to:

- review the scientific literature and develop a processing approach for calibration and preparation of the ALS and DAP data

- develop a processing and analysis approach for mapping and analyzing canopy gaps from ALS and DAP data

-use remote sensing to meet forestry and science information needs to properly focus the research and to communicate the findings in a fashion that is informative to the Canadian Forest Service

- build upon his presence as part of an academic institution to ensure the scientific quality and integrity of the work undertaken

- apply advanced degrees (including a PhD) and technical experience to combine insights that are unique, allowing for reporting of an academic nature with reference to an in-depth technical understanding

These qualifications and experiences are critical given the research context of the work, where the ALS and DAP data and derived information products are an element of the outcomes aimed at supporting decision making and evaluating the relative efficacy of ALS and DAP data for characterizing forest canopy gaps.

Should Canada receive a statement of capabilities from a supplier that contains sufficient information to indicate that it meets the requirements set forth in this ACAN, a competitive process will be triggered with a technical and financial evaluation methodology of the bids proposed by the potential bidders

6. Exception to the Government Contracts Regulations

The following exception(s) to the Government Contracts Regulations is (are) invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) – “only one person is capable of performing the work”.

The identified provider, University of British Columbia, is the only one able to meet all of the criteria identified in paragraph 3 above.

7. Ownership of Intellectual Property

Ownership of any Foreground Intellectual Property arising out of the proposed contract will vest in the Contractor.

8. Contract Period

The contract period will be from date of contract award to March 31, 2017.

9. Estimated Cost

The estimated maximum value of the contract is $32,500.00 CAD inclusive.

10. Name and Address of the Proposed Contractor

Dr. Nicholas Coops

Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing

Department of Forest Resource Management

Forest Scieces Centre. 2424 Main Mall.

University of British Columbia

Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4

11. Suppliers’ right to submit a statement of capabilities

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a Statement of Capabilities in writing, preferably by e-mail, to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date and time of this Notice. The Statement of Capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

12. Closing Date

The closing date for a submission of a Statement of Capabilities is August 19, 2016 at 2pm Pacific Standard Time.

13. Contract Authority

Moira Farkas

Natural Resources Canada

506 West Burnside Road

Victoria, BC V8Z 1M5

Tel: 250-298-2346

Email: moira.farkas@canada.ca