Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Feasibility Study for Research on GBV among First Nations

 Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN)

Title: Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Feasibility Study for Research on GBV among First Nations

Solicitation Number: (RB0001RBInsert here)

1. The Purpose and Explanation of an ACAN

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows Status of Women Canada (SWC) to post a notice for no less than fifteen (15) calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that a goods, services or construction contract will be awarded to a pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the minimum requirements identified in the ACAN, the Contracting Authority may then proceed to award a contract to the pre-identified contractor.

2. Rights of Suppliers

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services or goods described in this ACAN may submit a Statement of Capabilities demonstrating how they meet the advertised requirement. This Statement of Capabilities must be provided via e-mail only to the contact person identified in Section 12 of the Notice on or before the closing date and time of the Notice. If the Bidder can clearly demonstrate they possess the required capabilities, the requirement will be opened to electronic or traditional bidding processes.

3. Proposed Contractor

The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

Head Office:

341 Island Road, Unit D

Akwesasne, ON K6H 5R7

Ottawa Office:

180 Elgin Street, Suite 1200

Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3

4. Definition of Requirements or Expected Results

SWC is interested in a feasibility analysis to determine the key issues, relevance, and interest of First Nations to conduct, be involved with, or participate in GBV research and data collection in their communities.

The objectives of this project include the following:

1. Explore the feasibility of, and opportunities for, conducting First Nations-driven research and collecting data on GBV within First Nations communities;

2. Assess the relevance and priority of GBV research for First Nations communities;

3. Identify the challenges to the success of any proposed GBV research, and strategies to mitigate them;

4. Identify strengths and weaknesses, benefits and risks of engaging in GBV research;

5. Assess options for a research process;

6. Determine considerations for recruitment capability and sample characteristics, data collection methods, outcome measures, and available resources, in addition to other aspects related to the research process and community needs;

7. Examine the capacity of First Nations to manage and implement the research; and,

8. Provide insight into the development of a research plan that reflects Indigenous ways of knowing, the OCAP® principles, and a community-driven approach to GBV research in First Nations.

A two-phased approach will be used in the planning, design and implementation of the feasibility analysis. Phase I includes an environmental scan of existing literature on GBV, GBV research studies, and related issues impacting First Nations. The results of the scan will be circulated to all key participants and content experts involved in the project prior to national engagement sessions. In Phase II, FNIGC will facilitate a regionally-driven engagement process with First Nations leaders and community members (including youth and Elders), relevant partners, FNIGC Regional Member Organizations, and subject matter experts to explore options, key issues, and feasibility of conducting gender-based violence research in their communities. A Culturally-Safe Healing Space will be made available to all those who require mental, emotional, and spiritual support, who may be triggered or experience distress as a result of the discussion. The Healing Space will be appropriately staffed with recognized community Elders and culturally informed trauma counsellors.

5. Minimum Requirements

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a Statement of Capabilities that it meets the following Mandatory requirements:

1. Association or Company must have a clear mandate for First Nations research and data collection
2. Association or Company must be directly accountable to First Nations leadership and be guided directly by First Nations via regional representation in its governance structure
3. Significant experience (minimum of 8 years) in the development and management of research and data collection initiatives in First Nations communities
4. Significant experience (minimum of 8 years) in engaging nationally with a broad range of First Nation communities and other relevant stakeholders on the relevance, priorities and feasibility of research and data collection in First Nations communities

6. Reason for Non-Competitive Award

a) Section 6 (d) of the Government Contracts Regulations.

6. b) The FNIGC is an incorporated, non-profit organization committed to producing quality research and information that will contribute to improving the health and well-being of First Nations across the country. Mandated by the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs in Assembly (Resolution #48, December 2009), the mission of the FNIGC is to assert First Nations’ data sovereignty and support the development of information governance and management systems at the community level through regional and national partnerships. FNIGC adheres to free, prior and informed consent, respects nation-to-nation relationships, and recognizes the distinct customs of nations. FNIGC envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct worldview. FNIGC is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by each its ten (10) First Nations Regional Member Organizations (RMOs) across Canada. FNIGC, under the guidance of its RMOs, builds capacity and provides credible and relevant information on First Nations using the highest standards of data research practices, while respecting the rights of First Nations self-determination over research and information management and in true compliance with the First Nations Principles of OCAP®. Housed at the FNIGC, the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) is the foremost national First Nations-governed health survey, producing important innovations in data sharing, research ethics, computer-assisted interviewing, sampling, field methods and training, and culturally appropriate questionnaire content. FNIGC is Canada’s premier source of information about First Nations people living on reserve and in northern communities.

The FNIGC is ideally positioned to undertake a Regional Engagement Process that is endorsed by the FNIGC RMOs, and is the only information and research entity with a mandate from First Nations leadership (AFN). In addition, as the official custodian of the RHS, as well as other surveys that collect data in First Nations communities, the FNIGC has specialized knowledge of FNIGC’s data and survey policies and protocols. This knowledge is required to prepare background for the regional engagement sessions, to analyze findings, and to prepare a feasibility analysis report.

7. Applicable trade Agreements and Justification for Limited Tendering or the Procurement Strategy[BD1]  for Aboriginal Business

. “This procurement is subject to the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB).  Only suppliers who meet the definition of an Aboriginal business, as defined in the PSAB, may submit a statement of capabilities.”

8. Ownership of Intellectual Property

Status of Women Canada has determined that any intellectual property arising from the performance of the work under the contract will vest with the contractor.

9. Period of the Proposed Contract

The initial contract period shall be from date of contract award until 31 March 2020.

Option to Extend Contract

The Contractor grants to Canada the irrevocable option to extend the term of the Contract by one additional one (1) year period under the same terms and conditions.

10. Estimated Value of the Proposed Contract

The total estimated value of the proposed contract should not exceed $700,000, including travel and living expenses (if applicable), and all applicable taxes.

11. Closing Date and Time

The Closing Date and Time for accepting Statements of Capabilities is November 5, 2018. 2:00 PM EDT

12. Contact Person

All enquiries must be addressed by e-mail to:

Name: Randy Brown
E-Mail: randy.brown@cfc-swc.gc.ca