Automated Weight Recording and Playback System (AWRAPS 2 - Next Generation)

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION DOCUMENT

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FROM INDUSTRY

The intent of the Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback on

• Possible solutions
• Practicality
• Cost Estimate for implementation and maintenance over a five year period
• Obtain responses to specific questions to assist in the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP)

Overview

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is a federal government agency that administers the provisions of the Canada Grain Act (CGA). The CGC’s mandate as set out in the CGA is, “in the interest of the grain producers, establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada, to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.” The CGC’s vision is to be “a leader in delivering excellence and innovation in grain quality and quantity assurance, research, and producer protection.” The CGC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

To achieve its mandate, the CGC:

• has implemented a number of producer protection programs and safeguards to ensure the fair treatment of Canadian grain producers when they deliver their grain to licensed grain elevators and grain dealers
• carries out scientific research to understand all aspects of grain quality and grain safety and to support the grain grading system and
• regulates grain handling in Canada through the grain quality and quantity assurance programs.

The quantity assurance program includes official weight certification through vessel validation and certification, process verification auditing, cargo compliant investigation and grain weighing system inspections. These tasks are performed by CGC Weighing Services personnel. 

Note to Suppliers

Responses

The material in the RFI package is for the solicitation of feedback only. Responding to this RFI is not a prerequisite to receiving any Request for Proposal for the CGC requirement. However, all suppliers are encouraged to indicate their level of interest by responding to this RFI with their comments, in order to facilitate a better understanding of requirements and capabilities from both PWGSC and Industry perspectives.

The publication of this RFI must not be construed as a commitment on Canada’s part to issue a subsequent Request for Proposal for CGC’s requirement and no contract or other form of commitment will be entered into with any supplier based on responses to this RFI. This RFI must in no way be considered as authorization by Canada for Suppliers to undertake any work, which would result in costs to Canada. Canada will not be liable for, nor will it reimburse any suppliers for any costs, fees or expenses which any Supplier incurs in the preparation or submission of its response to this RFI. Canada will not be bound by anything stated herein. Canada reserves the right to change, at any time, any or all parts of the requirement as it renders necessary.

Information provided will not be attributed to its source, but may be publicized in a manner that does not disclose the provider. Suppliers will not be bound by any aspect of their responses to this RFI. All responses to this RFI will be held by Canada on a confidential basis (subject to applicable legislation), and remain the property of Canada once they have been received and may be used to support further development of internal planning documents and decisions, and possibly an RFP. Note that responses to the RFI will not be returned.

Please not that any analyses contained within the Annex A – Statement of Work are intended to assist potential respondents to understand the context for the proposed systems in order to provide meaningful responses to the questions in the RFI. When considering a bid resulting from a future RFP, respondents are encouraged to undertake their own analyses as they see appropriate, rather than rely solely on those provided by the CGC.

Clarification

The CGC may require clarification of written responses received and/or comments received as a result of the responses to this RFI. If required, any clarification will be requested by the Contracting Authority after the closing date of the RFI. Requests for clarification will be submitted in writing (by mail or email) and a response will be requested within two (2) working days of the transmission of the clarification questions.

Closing Date

Responses to this RFI will be accepted until 2:00 PM (CST) May 26, 2017.

Responses may be submitted in writing by mail or email to: 

Sheila Kvern

Team Leader, Procurement & Contracting

700-303 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3C 3G8

Sheila.Kvern@grainscanada.gc.ca