Aquatic Vegetation Cutting Machine

Trade Agreement: Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)
Tendering Procedures: Generally only one firm has been invited to bid
Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Exclusive Rights
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Vendor Name and Address: 
D & D PRODUCTS INCORPORATED
P O Box 215
North Prairie Wisconsin
United States
53153-0215
Nature of Requirements: 

1. Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) 

An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier. 

2. Definition of the requirement 

Parks Canada Point Pelee National Park (PPNP) has a requirement for the supply of an aquatic vegetation cutting machine.  PNPP is in the midst of a multi-year marsh restoration project.  In order for the marsh to remain healthy, the project aims to increase open water interspersion, edge habitat and aquatic connectivity in the marsh.  These actions will be completed by the targeted removal of invasive floating mats of cattail and phragmites in the marsh.  

The increase in open water and edge habitat, as well as aquatic connectivity are expected to result in an increase in submerged vegetation, aquatic invertebrate productivity, and available basking and nesting sites for many marsh species. These expected outcomes will benefit many species that depend on the marsh, and the recovery of many wetland Species at Risk (SAR). The project also aims to connect park visitors to the marsh ecosystem via new canoe routes, educational opportunities, and immersive viewscapes.

In order to complete the targeted removal of cattails and phragmites effectively, an aquatic vegetation cutting machine is required.  The required machine must be capable of cutting through floating vegetation mats up to 1 m in thickness at a rate of 0.1 ha/hour.

3. Criteria for assessment of the Statement of Capabilities (Minimum Essential Requirements) 
 
Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that its product/equipment/system (as appropriate) meets the following requirements: 

3.1 Standard Design - Aquatic Vegetation cutting machine must:

3.1.1 Be buoyant
3.1.2 Be self-propelled
3.1.3 Be capable of cutting floating vegetation mats up to 1 m in thickness at a rate of 0.1 ha/hour
3.1.4 Be compliant with Small Vessel Regulations SOR/2010-91 - Part 5 - Workboats of not more than 15 Gross Tonnage.
3.1.5 Have a fully enclosed operator’s cab to protect from airborne debris

3.2 Technical Specifications - Aquatic Vegetation cutting machine must:

3.2.1 Be a minimum of 8.0 meters and a maximum of 8.5 meters in length, for launching and maneuvering through wetland
3.2.2 Be a minimum of 2.0 meters and a maximum of 2.5 meters in width, for launching and maneuvering through wetland
3.2.3 Have a maximum draft of 0.5 meters, so as not to hit bottom or unnecessarily disturb wildlife. (Note: cutting depth may be lower)
3.2.4 Use diesel fuel
3.2.5 Have an engine rating of at least 250 horsepower
3.2.6 Have low oil and high temperature engine shutdown for protection
3.2.7 Have a minimum fuel capacity of 300L, to prevent the need to refuel often during operation
3.2.8 Use marine-grade, environmentally safe oil for hydraulic systems
3.2.9 Have enclosed shielded hydraulic lines and valves for operator protection
3.2.10 Have a cutting width of at least 2 meters

3.3 Features and Accessories - Aquatic Vegetation cutting machine must include the following:

3.3.1 Air conditioning for operator’s cab
3.3.2 Safety Equipment kit including First Aid Kit, 24 inch Orange Ring Buoy with holder, Between 50 and 100 feet of anchor line, ½ inch dock line between 30 and 50 feet in length, Inflatable Life Vest, Orange Distress Flag, Whistle and Blaster Horn.
3.3.3 Wash down system
3.3.4 Extra set of cutting blades for eventual replacement

3.4 Trailer - Aquatic Vegetation cutting machine must include a standard-style trailer to transport, launch and retrieve the vessel via boat ramp:

3.4.1 Standard ball hitch
3.4.2 Wide enough to support the Aquatic Vegetation cutting Machine, but not wider than 3m
3.4.3 Long enough to support the Aquatic Vegetation cutting Machine, but not longer than 11m
3.4.4 Compliant with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act as it pertains to towing trailers

3.5 Training and Documentation - Aquatic Vegetation cutting machine must come with the following:

3.5.1 Electronic and paper copies of the Operators Manual and Parts List in English for maintenance and training purposes
3.5.2 Warranty letter - designated warranty provider located nearest to delivery address
3.5.3 Training Course in English for operations, maintenance and safety feature use of the machine, to be held at Point Pelee National Park shortly after product delivery.

4. Applicability of the trade agreement(s) to the procurement 

This procurement is subject to the following trade agreement(s) 

o Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)

5. Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier 

Parks Canada has attempted to identify alternative methods and equipment, however have been unsuccessful in finding a solution that meets the minimum specifications listed above.

The Swamp Devil from Aquarius Systems is the only machine that Parks Canada has been able to identify that meets these specifications.

Aquarius Systems is the Original Equipment Manufacturer of the Swamp Devil.  Aquarius does not authorize value-added resellers or distributors of their equipment.

Parks Canada is unaware of an equivalent piece of equipment to the Swamp Devil.  

6. Government Contracts Regulations Exception(s) 

The following exception(s) to the Government Contracts Regulations is (are) invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - "only one person is capable of performing the work". 

7. Exclusions and/or Limited Tendering Reasons 

The following exclusion(s) and/or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the (section of the trade agreement(s) specified): 

o Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) - Article(s) 513 (b):
(iii) due to an absence of competition for technical reasons.

8. Period of the proposed contract or delivery date 
 
All goods must be delivered on or before September 30, 2020.

9. Name and address of the pre-identified supplier 
Aquarius Systems
200 North Harrison St.
North Prairie, Wisconsin
53153, U.S.A.

10. Suppliers' right to submit a statement of capabilities 
 
Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods, services or construction services described in the ACAN may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

11. Closing date for a submission of a statement of capabilities 

The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is August 17, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. ET). 

12. Inquiries and submission of statements of capabilities 

Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to: 

Dave Barltrop
Telephone: 613 328 1650
E-mail: david.barltrop@pwgsc.gc.ca

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

You are hereby notified that the government intends to negotiate with one firm only as identified above. Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above.

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15) 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, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority may then proceed with the award.  However, should a Statement of Capabilities be found to meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, then the contracting authority will proceed to a full tendering process.

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this Notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The PWGSC 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.

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

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.