Request For Information and Industry Engagement Activity on Roadside Oral-fluid Screening Devices

Notice to suppliers—Request For Information and Industry Engagement Activity on Roadside Oral-fluid Screening Devices

April 9, 2018 — Ottawa— Public Safety Canada is releasing a Request For Information (RFI) and Industry Engagement Activity soliciting industry perspectives on submitting drug screening equipment (oral-fluid screening devices) for testing and potential participation in future solicitation process(s) for the purchase of the devices by Provinces and Territories as well as the Government of Canada in support of new proposed legislation with respect to drug-impaired driving, which complements proposed legislation concerning the implementation of the legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Background

The Government of Canada has engaged diverse stakeholders on the legalization of cannabis in Canada. In addition, the law enforcement community has been engaged on the enforcement of potential new offences, including potential new drug-impaired driving offences.

In support of this activity, Public Safety Canada is releasing this RFI, soliciting industry perspectives on timing and availability of Roadside Oral-fluid Screening Devices.

Respondents are invited to answer in writing the RFI questions and provide their comments, suggestions, and concerns and, where applicable, alternative recommendations regarding how the objectives or the outcomes described in this RFI could be satisfied.

Participation in this RFI is encouraged, but is not mandatory. There will be no short-listing of potential suppliers for the purposes of undertaking any future work as a result of this RFI. Similarly, participation in this RFI is not a condition or prerequisite for the participation in any potential subsequent solicitation.

This process is entirely separate from the evaluation procedures established by the Drugs and Driving Committee (DDC) of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science. Public Safety Canada is not privy to any information provided to the DDC. The information being requested by Public Safety Canada may be shared with provincial and territorial officials to inform procurement strategies and approaches.

Industry Engagement Activity

As part of this RFI process Canada would like to offer a presentation on the expected role of drug screening equipment in the criminal impaired driving framework and provide potential suppliers the opportunity to explain and express their comment(s) on the attached document. Should the interest arise from Industry, Canada will be hosting One-on-One meetings to be arranged with each interested manufacturer who has submitted information for consideration by the Drugs and Driving Committee (DDC) of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science under section 3 of the Oral Fluid Standards and Evaluation Procedures posted on their website at https://www.csfs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Approval-Standards-for-Drug-Screening-Equipment.pdf.

One-on-One meetings will take place during the week of April 16, 2018, in-person or by teleconference..

Manufacturers interested in attending One-on-One meetings should do so by informing the Contracting Authority by April 16, 2018, 2:00PM (EST).

Respondents will not be reimbursed for any cost incurred by participating in this Industry Engagement Activity and RFI.

Closing date for the RFI

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Authority and will be accepted until 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on April 27, 2018. The information received after that date will be considered only to the extent reasonable, in the sole opinion of Canada.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The issuance of the RFI does not create an obligation for Canada to issue a subsequent bid solicitation.
• The RFI is not a bid solicitation and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Government of Canada will take procurement action in this matter.
• Canada reserves the right to amend, delete or add, in whole or in part, any terms or provisions of this RFI document. Any revision will be provided in writing.
• No payment will be made for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a response to the RFI and Industry Engagement Activities.
• Canada will have the right to accept or reject any or all recommendations

Enquiries

Any questions from respondents concerning this RFI must be made in writing to the Contracting Authority stated below, via e-mail on or before the closing date.

Denise Desserud

Senior Procurement Advisor

Public Safety Canada

269 Laurier

Email: denise.desserud@canada.ca

Phone: 613 990-2614