Plastic Buoy Disposal

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

Amendment 001

This amendment is raised to:
1. Extend bid closing date to March 05,2021

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Amendment 002

This amendment is raised to:
1. Extend bid closing date to March 12,2021
2. Answer questions that were received from Industry


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AToN: Plastic Buoy Disposal - Request for Information (RFI)

Purpose:  

The CCG is seeking to better understand the options available which may offer an innovative solution for the recycling of the plastic buoys. The CCG is currently seeking alternative solutions for plastic buoy disposal in mechanical recycling and waste-to-energy technology. This would direct materials away from non-sustainable disposal methods. 
The objective is to develop an environmentally friendly strategy for recycling of plastic buoys. The intent is to address plastic waste buoy stockpiles at CCG bases with a focus on:
• Availability of appropriate facilities
• Target of 100% diversion of materials from landfill
• Ensure traceability of material for disposal (i.e. certificate issued by recycler)

Background Information:

Part of the mandate of the Canadian Coast Guard is a responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. In support of this mandate, the CCG utilizes plastic navigational buoys as part of its fleet of aids to navigation. 
When these plastic buoys reach the end of their lifecycle, disposal in an environmentally sustainable way can be a challenge. With no direct solution, buoys that are no longer in service are being stockpiled at CCG bases across Canada. In addition, there are approximately 8,750 plastic buoys of varying sizes in service in Canada. Buoys are typically taken out of service after 8-10 years, therefore stockpiles of waste buoys will increase as operations continue, and recycling remains difficult. 
Traditional recycling of plastic buoys is challenging for the following reasons:
• The current design of plastic buoys is such that material separation is labour intensive.
• Traditional global markets for recycled plastics are limited.
• The plastic buoys are contaminated with organic growth (i.e. zebra mussels), and thus may be too dirty to be accepted for certain plastic recycling processes.
• Polystyrene (buoy buoyancy material) is challenging to recycle domestically.



Note to respondents:

This RFI is neither a call for tender nor a Request for Proposal (RFP). No agreement or contract will be entered into based on this RFI. The issuance of this RFI is not to be considered in any way a commitment by the Government of Canada, nor as authority to potential respondents to undertake any work that could be charged to Canada. This RFI is not to be considered as a commitment to issue a subsequent solicitation or award contract(s) for the work described herein.

Participation in this RFI is encouraged, but is not mandatory.  There will be no short-listing of potential suppliers for the purposes of undertaking any future work as a result of this RFI. Similarly, participation in this RFI is not a condition or prerequisite for the participation in any potential subsequent solicitation.

Respondents will not be reimbursed for any cost incurred by participating in this RFI.

Interested Respondents may submit their responses to: 

Marc Béland
Supply Specialist
Marine Navigation and Remediation Division | Marine Services & Small Vessels Sector
marc.beland@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca


Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.