SmartWhales-Development of space based solutions for the monitoring and protection of the NARW

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: 

TITLE: SmartWhales - Development of Space-Based Solutions for the Monitoring and Protection of the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW).

NATURE OF REQUIREMENTS: 


1. PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE
To inform industry about an upcoming procurement process (#:9F040-190633/A). The requirement will be for the monitoring and protection of the NARW in Canadian coastal waters, using space-based solutions through the development of innovative methods, systems, products, models or services for projects related to the following streams: 
Stream 1 : The detection and monitoring of the NARW; and 
Stream 2 : The prediction and modelling of NARW behavior and movement in their habitat.

2. TRADE AGREEMENTS 
The upcoming requirement will not be subject to any trade agreements. 

3. DESCRIPTION
Following a recent increase of NARW mortalities, the Government of Canada is seeking government-wide innovative solutions to better protect the whales. The NARW is listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, with two important threats to the population identified: vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

The upcoming Request For Proposal (RFP) will be issued under the 'Integrator Track' of the Canadian Space Agency smartEarth initiative.  It is in line with several key priorities of the Government of Canada, including marine conservation, climate change, as well as fostering innovation and partnerships.  It also represents an important step in the implementation of the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) for the protection of species at risk. As well, it supports Canada’s Space Strategy to harness space-based solutions and generate successful conditions for the development of world-leading space firms and scientists. 
Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency, in conjunction with its federal partners, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada, is looking to put in place multiple contracts for the services in research and development related to the following streams 1 and 2: 

Stream 1: To improve the accuracy of detection and monitoring of NARW, as well as the real time or near real-time dissemination of NARW detections, over wider areas of Canadian coastal waters using space-based data and advanced analysis methods;
Stream 2: To increase the effectiveness of prediction and modelling methods for locating and tracking the movements and activities of NARW and their habitat characteristics. 

The upcoming RFP will be industry led and will seek to forge partnerships between the industry, academic and public sectors. Eligible projects will be led by for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada with mandatory participation of academic institutions and/or non-governmental organizations (NGO). 

4. SECURITY REQUIREMENT
There is no security requirement for the upcoming RFP.

5. MAXIMUM FUNDING
The overall estimated budget for this RFP will be $5,400,000. 

6. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 
This Letter of Interest (LOI) is neither a bid solicitation nor a preselection process. This LOI will not result in the award of any contract; therefore, potential suppliers of any services described in this LOI should not earmark stock or facilities, nor allocate resources, as a result of any information contained in this LOI. Also, the procurement of any of the services described in this LOI is subject to change with the final details to be described in the planned RFP.  This LOI is simply intended to inform industry about an upcoming important procurement process. 
The issuance of this LOI is not to be considered in any way as a commitment by Canada, or as authority to undertake any work which could be charged to Canada, nor is this LOI to be considered a commitment to issue eventual RFPs, enter into a private-public partnership or award eventual contracts in relation to this activity.

7. PROPOSED PERIOD OF THE CONTRACTS 
The duration of the contracts will be to a maximum of 36 months.
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.