Economic Profile and Analysis of Southwest/Brandon and Thompson/Northern Manitoba Research Scope

ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN) 4W003-21-5177

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: Michelle Owens

Telephone Number: (780) 495-4217

Facsimile: (780) 495-8570

E-mail: michelle.owens@prairiescan.gc.ca

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: 

BACKGROUND

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), formerly known as Western Economic Diversification Canada is a federal regional department agency that supports businesses, innovation, and community economic development in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

On August 5, 2021, PrairiesCan announced that it was expanding its footprint and plans to open new offices across the Prairies. In Manitoba, new offices will be located in Thompson and Brandon to better serve the northern and southwestern regions of Manitoba.

Given the expansion, there is a need for PrairiesCan to better understand the ecosystem, economic opportunities, and the socio-economic challenges and the implications for economic development in these regions

REQUIREMENTS/RESULTS

To support municipalities in their efforts to effectively develop and guide economic growth, it is critical that a detailed review of a region’s socio-economic asset base be undertaken. The elements of this review will provide a solid foundation of community data, content, and stakeholder networks fundamental in ensuring the new PrairiesCan offices in Brandon and Thompson deliver impactful community economic and business development support services.

The research objective will be to undertake a comprehensive socio-economic profile (economy, economic partners, social conditions, etc.) and analysis of the implications for regional community economic development acute to the Westman/Brandon and Thompson/Northern Manitoba regions.

PrairiesCan will use the findings of this report to inform newly appointed staff at the Thompson and Brandon service locations, about critical regional investments, policies, strategic plans, as well as provide a regional context for discussions with other government departments, community economic developments, business leaders, and regional stakeholders.

The period of the Contract is from date of Contract award to January 31, 2022.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

PrairiesCan requires the services of a contractor with expertise in community economic development, market and economic research, planning, and strategy development. The contractor should also have established contacts and have in-depth knowledge of the various organizations, social and economic development groups, assets and businesses in rural and northern Manitoba. This contract will involve desktop research and some community outreach.

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

Name of Contractor: Greg Dandewich / GDAN Solutions

Address: 141 Sunnyside Blvd

City: Winnipeg, MB

Postal Code: R3J 3M1

REASON FOR AWARDING CONTRACT TO THIS CONTRACTOR

The Consultant demonstrates significant work experience in economic development, having worked in the industry in both a rural and urban context for 30 years. His past and recent work with northern and rural economic development groups in Manitoba demonstrates an established network and strong knowledge of the issues and economic development opportunities for our regions of interest. The proposed methodology is sound and his work plan demonstrates that he can do the project within the confined timeframe. The Consultant has also contracted another researcher to help assist with the market research and stakeholder consultations.

ESTIMATED COST

The period of the contract will be from (date of contract award to January 31, 2022) and the total amount of the contract is estimated to be $73,500.00 including taxes.

APPLICABLE TRADE AGREEMENTS AND APPLICABLE LIMITED TENDERING REASONS:

This procurement is not subject to any trade agreements. The provisions of any resulting contract will be such that Canada’s total potential liability will be restricted to less than any applicable trade agreement threshold.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR WRITTEN SUPPLIER RESPONSES CHALLENGING THIS REQUIREMENT IS

2:00 P.M, CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME, December 23, 2021.

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 Industry 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.