Request for Information - Independent Ballot Verification Solution for Electors with Visual Impairments

Letter of Interest (LOI) / Request for Information (RFI)

The information contained in this notice is a brief description of the requirement and is for information purposes only. Bidders must refer to the complete Request for Information (RFI) document for a full description of the requirement and the instructions for providing a response.

1. Elections Canada File No: ECSM-RFI-2022-1301
2. Applicability of Trade Agreements: Yes 
3. Tendering Procedure: Open Competitive (Buy & Sell.gc.ca)
4. Tendering Procedure: Attachment: Yes (Buy & Sell.gc.ca)
5. Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No

Background

The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (“CEOC”), an agent of Parliament, exercises general direction and supervision over the conduct of elections and referendums at the federal level. The CEOC heads the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, commonly known as Elections Canada.

Requirement

In order to assist Elections Canada (EC) in refining its requirements, EC is seeking feedback from suppliers regarding its requirement to develop or provide an existing mobile application that will allow electors with visual impairments to independently verify the mark on their ballot at polling locations and field offices.

Important Information

The information provided by Elections Canada in this RFI is preliminary and may change. This RFI is not a solicitation nor will it be used to pre-qualify or otherwise restrict participation in a future solicitation.

The information provided by respondent(s) may be used to refine the procurement strategy. The issuance of this RFI does not create an obligation for Elections Canada to issue a subsequent procurement, and does not bind Elections Canada legally or otherwise, to enter into any agreement or to accept any suggestions from respondent(s). However, Elections Canada reserves the right to accept or reject any or all recommendations received.

All supplier consultations will be documented and this information is subject to the Access to Information Act. Elections Canada will not reveal any designated proprietary information to third parties. Respondent(s) responding to the RFI should identify any submitted information that is to be considered as either company confidential or proprietary.

See attached document for more details.

Responding to the Request for Information

The RFI online questionnaire is structured to allow for respondents to complete the components and areas that they are specifically willing to share information with Elections Canada. The objective is to obtain sufficient information from respondents to ensure the required analysis may be performed to allow for recommendations to best align its IRPM.

See attached document for more details.

Request for Information Online Questionnaire and Submission of Additional or Supporting Documents

1. ANNEX A – QUESTIONS TO INDUSTRY must be used by respondents to share information with Elections Canada by the deadline identified in this notice.
2. Additional or supporting documents may be sent by email directly to the Contracting Authority at supplier@elections.ca.
3. Documents must be sent electronically. Documents sent via mail or facsimile will not be accepted.
4. Elections Canada reserves the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.
5. Further information about Elections Canada may be obtained at http://www.elections.ca

See attached document for more details.

Elections Canada Contracting Authority

All enquiries and other communications related to this RFI shall be directed exclusively to the Elections Canada Contracting Authority:

Stefania Menasce

Senior Advisor, Procurement and Contracting Services

supplier@elections.ca