Postal Small Packet and Package Inspection

May 29, 2019

Attachment 1 has been added. The document contains questions and answers related to the Challenge.

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This Challenge Notice is issued under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program Call for Proposals 002 (EN578-170003/C).

Please refer to the Solicitation Documents which contain the process for submitting a proposal.

Steps to apply:

Step 1: read this challenge

Step 2: read the Call for Proposals

Step 3: propose your solution

Challenge Title: Postal Small Packet and Package Inspection

Sponsoring Department: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Funding Mechanism: Contract

MAXIMUM CONTRACT VALUE:

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 Contract resulting from this Challenge is $150,000.00 CAD (plus tax) including shipping, travel and living expenses, as applicable, for up to 6 months.

The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 Contract resulting from this Challenge is $400,000.00 CAD (plus tax) including shipping, travel and living expenses, as applicable, for up to 12 months. Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.

This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding.

TRAVEL:  For Phase 1 it is anticipated that four meetings will require the successful bidder(s) to travel to the location identified below:

Kick-off meeting

Ottawa, ON

Site Visits

Two visits to the nearest mail processing facility to the successful bidder(s) (Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto)

Final Review Meeting

Ottawa, ON

Progress Review Meeting

Three design/progress review meetings by teleconference/videoconference

Problem Summary Statement

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is seeking a radiation shielding solution that will enable the continuous flow and processing of small packets and packages in/out of an x-ray systems without being impeded (i.e., stopped, slowed, or redirected) on a conveyor belt.

Problem Statement

The weight and bending movement of traditional leaded curtains imparts a reactionary force to the small packets and packages travelling on a conveyor belt through the x-ray impeding their throughput. Currently the problem of mail impedance at x-ray systems is addressed either by manual intervention (i.e., physical pushing of objects through) or waiting until sufficient mail builds up to pass many packages/packets at once (thereby leading to stoppages to examine very convoluted images).

Desired outcomes and Considerations

Essential (Mandatory) Outcomes

Proposed solutions must:

1. enable small packets and packages, ranging from 100 grams to 5 kilos with physical dimensions not exceeding 40 cm x 40 cm and bulk density of no less than 0.5 g/cm3, to be passed in/out of x-ray systems without being impeded (i.e., stopped, slowed, or redirected) on a conveyor belt
2. respect Health Canada code 29 and Radiation Emitting Devices Act and Regulations stated radiation limits
3. be certifiable in Canada to meet Canadian Standards Association requirements
4. ensure that exposure anywhere 0.5m outside of the x-ray system (including just beyond the entrance and exits) to be less than or equal to 0.5 µSv in any hour of operation (measured over at least 20 minutes under maximum operating conditions)

Additional Outcomes

Proposed solutions should:

1. easily replace existing x-ray system entrance and exit tunnel

Background and Context

Some measure of radiation shielding is necessary to reduce scattered x-rays from within the imaging enclosure. The volume of mail as well as the industrial environment necessitate a robust, mechanically simple solution. The volume of small packets and packages is prohibitive to the use of secondary aides (e.g., bins, baskets). The presentation of mail for inspection is continuous and every stoppage is costly, both to the stakeholder (Canada Post) and to the CBSA (limiting overall capacity to inspect mail). A technical improvement to the radiation shielding design could significantly increase contraband detection capabilities in postal mode and enable faster processing of international post destined for Canadians.

ENQUIRIES

All enquiries must be submitted in writing to TPSGC.SIC-ISC.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca no later than ten calendar days before the Challenge Notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered. For general ISC information, Bidders can visit the ISC website.