ADVISORY SERVICES ON POST-PANDEMIC CANADA-U.S. ECONOMIC RELATIONS

INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ISED) CANADA

ISED-199323

ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN)

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, during the fifteen-calendar day posting period, a statement of capabilities that meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the competitive requirements of the government's contracting policy have been met. Following notification to suppliers not successful in demonstrating that their statement of capabilities meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contract may then be awarded using the Treasury Board's electronic bidding authorities.

If other potential suppliers submit statements of capabilities during the fifteen-calendar day posting period, and meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the department or agency must proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract.

Contracting Officer Name: Leonard Irani

Telephone Number: 613-447-7050

E-mail: Leonard.irani@canada.ca

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE:

ADVISORY SERVICES ON POST-PANDEMIC CANADA-U.S. ECONOMIC RELATIONS

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought radical changes to the Canadian economy and to Canada’s relations with its largest trading partner, the United States. The theme of “building back better” has been actively discussed in both countries. What this process ultimately looks like and how it will play into Canada-U.S. relations is as yet unknown.

The arrival in Washington of a new administration signals a new approach to the Canada-U.S. relationship and related complexities therein. On the trade front, the Buy America policy and continued U.S. protectionism remain areas of active consideration for Canada. An even bigger potential transformation is on the horizon as the U.S. reviews critical supply chains. The identification of vulnerabilities to the U.S. in pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, semiconductors and other areas is likely to drive significant shifts in the role of government in these areas of the economy.

On the technology front, the United States is investing heavily in technologies such as quantum and AI. This raises questions for Canada about how to optimally work with the United States in the areas of transformative technologies. Having nurtured a great deal of basic research, Canada has substantial equities in these sectors with an eye to maximize the upside as the sectors mature. A key part of this will depend on finding the right approach to engagement with the United States.

While policy makers are looking to the medium term, the immediate reality of the pandemic remains omnipresent. Key parts of the economy and much of the Canada-U.S. border remain closed. One can reasonably discern that there will be many complexities on the path to exiting this crisis.

In an effort to bolster its capabilities in navigating this complex environment, the Minister and senior Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada officials require current intelligence and support on U.S. political, economic, technology and trade dynamics.

REQUIREMENTS/RESULTS:

Rideau Potomac Strategy Group (the Contractor) is to engage and inform policy work at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding Canada-U.S. relations, the navigation of the economic, political, technology and supply chain dimensions of the post-COVID-19 economy in North America, and the broader advancement of Canadian prosperity. The five key objectives are:

1. To provide real-time intelligence and context to ISED on developments in the United States related to the economic dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of a post-pandemic context.
2. To provide intelligence and context to ISED on trade and technology issues, particularly in priority sectors for Canada.
3. To support the development of a post-pandemic economic strategy for Canada through providing context on how issues in key sectors are evolving in the United States.
4. To inform the development and execution of a strategy for potential Ministerial and senior management (re)engagement with the United States post-pandemic.
5. To provide strategic intelligence and context on U.S. matters not available elsewhere to ISED’s decision-makers.

These objectives will be accomplished by providing analysis to senior management in the form of real-time and pre-scheduled briefings and reports. They also will be delivered through the provision of input on possible meetings, identifying key events/opportunities, and advising ISED on how to position itself vis-à-vis U.S. interlocutors.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Rideau Potomac Strategy Group( the Contractor) will deliver advice and support to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada senior management which will cover the following:

Provide ongoing analysis and real-time intelligence that informs ISED’s strategy and engagement with the United States.

Make regular presentations to senior management reviewing current U.S. economic policy actions and trends. This may include providing insights on how other countries are approaching their relations with the United States and how this impacts Canada.

Preparation of a monthly written report/analysis on key developments in the U.S. impacting ISED/Canadian interests.

Completion of an assessment report in the June/July 2021 (timing to be confirmed once contract is awarded) timeframe on what a post-pandemic economy looks like with an emphasis on trade or other policies that can affect Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. It will focus on a number of key sectors. These sectors will be identified by mutual agreement with ISED.

Assist in identifying and organizing potential Ministerial or senior management meetings in the U.S. on key issues, including identification of priorities for such meetings. 

Aid, as needed, in the development of the messaging and strategy for meetings with public and private interlocutors in the United States.

Other activities and avenues of engagement as they arise.

TASKS:

The Contractor will be required to conduct the following tasks for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:

Conduct regular discussions (teleconference or in-person) with ISED officials at the Assistant Deputy Minister, Director General and other levels on the ongoing project priorities.

Prepare and deliver a detailed presentation with advice and analysis for presentation at meetings of the ISED senior management. The frequency and precise meeting dates are to be confirmed by the Department.

Prepare a monthly written report (in the range of 1000-1200 words) identifying key trends and policy issues unfolding in the United States for distribution to ISED senior management.

Participate in priority meetings and events that advance ISED’s Canada-U.S. policy agenda.

Be available for ad-hoc consultations on current dynamics in Canada-US economic relations.

Plan detailed itinerary and attend Ministerial and senior official meetings, as needed.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES:

The Contractor will:

• Conduct regular discussions (virtual or in-person) with ISED officials at the Assistant Deputy Minister, Director General and other levels on matters related to the economy, trade and technologies of interest to Canada on the United States;
• Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management reviewing current United States economic policy actions and trends. This may include providing insights on how other countries are approaching their relations with the United States and how this impacts Canada;
• Prepare a monthly written report (in the range of 1000-2000 words) on trends and developments in the United States for priority sectors and trade areas impacting Canadian interests;
• Make presentations at meetings, as identified and agreed to with the Department;
• Prepare reports on the post-pandemic economy inclusive of both a cross-cutting overview and an analysis of specific sectors or technology areas with an emphasis on U.S. trade or related policies. Sectors to be identified by mutual agreement with ISED;
• Be available for ongoing engagement with ISED senior management on issues related to industrial policy or microeconomics;
• Provide assistance in identifying and organizing potential Ministerial or senior management meetings in the U.S. on key issues, including identification of priorities for such meetings;
• Provide aid, as needed, in the development of the messaging and strategy for meetings with public and private interlocutors in the United States; and
• Be available for other activities and avenues of engagement as they arise.

The above deliverables must be completed on or before March 31, 2022.

SECURITY: non common SRCL

1. The contractor/offeror must, at all times during the performance of the contract/standing offer, hold a valid Facility Security Clearance at the level of secret.
2. The contractor/offeror personnel requiring access to protected/classified information, assets or sensitive work site(s) must each hold a valid personnel security screening at the level of reliability status or secret as required.
3. The contractor/offeror must not remove any protected/classified information from the identified work site(s), and the contractor/offeror must ensure that its personnel are made aware of and comply with this restriction.
4. The contractor/offeror must comply with the provisions of the:
   1. Security Requirements Check List and security guide (if applicable), attached at Annex 
   2. Industrial Security Manual (Latest Edition)

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR:

Name of Contractor: Eric Miller, President.

Operating as: Rideau Potomac Strategy Group.

Address: 2103 Popkins Lane .

City: Alexandria

State: Virginia

ZIP CODE: 22307, United States of America

REASON FOR AWARDING CONTRACT TO THIS CONTRACTOR:

Manufacturing and Life Sciences Branch (MLSB) proposes to contract Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, to provide advisory services to ministers, ministerial staff, and senior management, on Canada-U.S. relations. Mr. Miller is uniquely positioned to provide the type of support required by ISED given his knowledge of Canada’s industrial and sectoral policy environment and U.S. policy and industrial orientation through his experience in Washington, and his extensive network of contacts in the U.S.

Mr. Miller previously served as Vice President of Policy, North America and Cybersecurity, at the Business Council of Canada, which represents the CEOs of 150 of Canada’s leading companies. He led the Council’s policy work with the U.S., Latin America, supply chain issues, cybersecurity, innovation economics, and anti-corruption rules. Eric Miller has extensive experience providing trade and economic policy advice to more than 40 governments. From 2009 to 2013, he represented ISED at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for advising senior Canadian officials on U.S. economic relations. He is knowledgeable regarding numerous Canadian industry sectors; of note he served as a member of the Canadian negotiating teams that designed the Canada’s 2009 investment to restructure Chrysler and General Motors, as well as the 2011 Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan. Furthermore, he has advised more than 40 governments in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean on trade, transportation and economic policies. Mr. Miller holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Carleton University, a Graduate Diploma from the Bologna Center of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) from Saint Mary’s University. He is a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington and a Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa/Calgary. Most recently, Mr. Miller has been providing trade and economic policy advice to Industry Sector of ISED since 2016, first for the Automotive directorate and second with the Manufacturing and Life Sciences Branch. 

ESTIMATED COST:

The estimated value of the contract is $71,000.00 US excluding applicable taxes, with the work to take place from date of contract award to March 31, 2022 with two (2) optional year.

APPLICABLE TRADE AGREEMENTS AND APPLICABLE LIMITED TENDERING

REASONS:

Section 6(d) of the Government Contracts Regulations is being invoked in this procurement as only one person or firm is believed capable of performing the contract.

There are no Trade Agreements applicable to this requirement.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR WRITTEN SUPPLIER RESPONSES CHALLENGING THIS REQUIREMENT IS 14 :00 , EASTERN STANDARDTIME,

You are hereby notified that the government intends to solicit a bid and negotiate with the firm identified above.

If you wish to submit a written response showing that you are capable of meeting this requirement, it must be done not later than the closing date and time. As it is intended to proceed in a timely manner, responses received after the closing date will not be considered. The Crown reserves the right not to open this procurement to competition.

Responses received on or before the closing date will be considered solely for the purpose of deciding whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Information provided will be used by the Crown for technical evaluation purposes only and is not to be construed as a competitive solicitation. Your written response must provide sufficient evidence (e.g. specifications, technical data, drawings, or any other proof) that clearly demonstrates that your product or service is capable of fulfilling this requirement.

Suppliers that have submitted a response will be notified in writing of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's decision to continue with the non-competitive procurement or to compete the requirement.

Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above. The Industry file number, the contracting officer's name and the closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the covering page.