Spectrum Auction Services for the 3800 MHz Auction

Description of Requirement:

Contract Duration: Period commencing from date of Contract award to December 31, 2024.

Number of Contracts: 1

The work is currently not being performed by a contractor.

Background:

Radio frequency spectrum is a finite public resource. Both private users and wireless communications service providers require spectrum for a diverse range of uses. ISED, through the Department of Industry Act, the Radiocommunication Act and the Radiocommunication Regulations, with due regard to the objectives of the Telecommunications Act is responsible for spectrum management in Canada. The Spectrum Management Program operates under the guidance of the Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada, which provides a single policy objective and a set of guidelines to guide ISED’s management of this resource.

Where the demand for spectrum is not expected to exceed the supply, ISED generally uses a first-come, first-served licensing process to award spectrum licences. In instances where the demand for spectrum is expected to exceed supply, a competitive licensing process, such as an auction, is generally used.

The Framework for Spectrum Auctions in Canada describes the general approaches that ISED will use to auction spectrum licences. As indicated in the Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada, the Department has adopted a policy objective to maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of the radio frequency spectrum resource.

The Department has assigned spectrum licences in the following auction processes, details of which can be found at the following link: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/h_sf01714.html.

1. Auction of the 24 and 38 GHz Frequency Bands
2. Auction of Additional PCS Spectrum in the 2 GHz Frequency Range
3. Auction of the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Frequency Bands
4. Two Phase Residual Licence Auction in the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Frequency Bands
5. Auction for Advanced Wireless Services and other spectrum in the 2 GHz range
6. Auction of the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz Frequency Bands for Air-Ground Services
7. Auction of Residual Spectrum Licences in the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands
8. Auction of Spectrum Licences for Mobile Broadband Services in the 700 MHz Band
9. Auction of Spectrum Licences for Advanced Wireless Services in the Bands 1755- 1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz (AWS-3)
10. Auction of Spectrum Licences for Broadband Radio Service in the Band 2500-2690 MHz
11. Auction of Residual Spectrum Licences in the 700 MHz and AWS-3 Bands
12. Auction of Residual Spectrum Licences in the 700 MHz, 2500 MHz, 2300 MHz and PCS-G Bands
13. Auction of Spectrum Licences in the 600 MHz Band

Five of these auctions were simultaneous multiple round ascending (SMRA) auctions run over the Internet using the Auction Management System (AMS) software developed in the 1990's. Bidders were able to participate remotely from their premises using a secure Internet connection.Auction numbers 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 were conducted using a second-price sealed-bid format. Auction numbers 8, 10 and 13 were conducted over the Internet using a combinatorial clock auction (CCA) format.

During some of these auction processes, ISED enlisted the help of external auction consultants to assist and provide advice to ISED staff with respect to policies, rules and procedures of the auction, to assist in monitoring the auction event as it took place, and to complete a post-auction evaluation. For auction numbers 8, 10 and 13, auction consultants hosted the auctions in Canada.

ISED recognizes the potential for new flexible use spectrum (including mobile use) in the 3700-4200 MHz band (3800 MHz). Internationally this band already includes an allocation for the mobile, fixed and FSS. 

In June 2019, ISED published preliminary decisions on changes to the 3800 MHz band. In support of a future spectrum release currently planned to take place in 2022, ISED will launch a future consultation on changes to the band plan, the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations and spectrum utilization policy.

Consistent with the approach taken for the 700 MHz, 2500 MHz, 600 MHz, 3500 MHz and mmWave auction processes that are of similar levels of complexity and importance, the services of a Consulting firm would then be required to provide auction expertise and advice which will be taken into consideration when ISED develops the consultation and decision on the policy, technical and licensing rules for 3800 MHz band. The Contractor will also be responsible for the development, implementation and operation of the auction.

Objective:

ISED requires the services of a Contractor for the provision of spectrum auction services for a successful 3800 MHz auction.In order to achieve a successful auction in the 3800 MHz band, the following elements are required: the provision of world-class spectrum auction advice; flawless auction execution; and participants that are generally satisfied that they were able to participate in the auction to the full extent set out in the auction policy and rules.

Inquiries:

All enquiries regarding this bid solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Authority named below as early as possible within the solicitation period to allow sufficient time to provide a response. All enquiries must be submitted in writing no later than seven (7) working days before the bid closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.

The Contracting Authority is:

Name: Chantal Lafleur

Title: Senior Contracts and Procurement Advisor

Email address: chantal.lafleur2@canada.ca