Request For Information (RFI) - Fixed Site, Large-Scale
Non-Intrusive Imaging Systems

Trade Agreement: WTO-AGP/NAFTA/AIT/Canada-Peru
FTA/Canada-Colombia FTA
Tendering Procedures: 
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Fixed Site, Large-Scale Non-Intrusive Imaging Systems 

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek
industry comments on the proposed procurement of Fixed Site
Large-Scale Non-Intrusive Inspection (FS-LS-NII) systems.

PREFACE

CBSA is planning for the procurement of multiple Fixed Site
Large-Scale Non-Intrusive Inspection (FS-LS-NII) systems, to be
installed within CBSA controlled areas at select Canadian
Ports-of-Entry (PoE). These FS-LS-NII systems are to be used for
imaging large target objects (marine containers, transport
trucks, vehicles etc.) with high-energy X-rays. 

Each FS-LS-NII system is to include a purpose-built facility to
protect equipment from the environment and to limit radiation
exposure to the surrounding area. The radiation dose rates
measured on the imaging facility's exterior are to be below
regulatory limits. 

Each FS-LS-NII system is also to include a purpose built control
room to house operator work stations and associated equipment.
The control building is to be outside of the imaging facility's
shielding walls. 

For each site, CBSA is planning to prepare a single drop point
to enable connection of the FS-LS-NII system to existing power
and communication services. 

PROPOSED PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

CBSA intends to procure each FS-LS-NII system separately. Each
system procured is to be delivered as a turn-key solution, in
which the supplier is responsible for all equipment, facility,
construction, installation and associated costs. 

Selection of a successful bidder is to be based on a combination
of Highest Combined Rating of Technical Merit (system) and Price
(total procurement).

Each site is to remain open (24h/day, 7 days/wk) during
construction, installation and setup. The successful bidder is
to be responsible for coordinating all site access and
activities with CBSA representatives to mitigate any operational
disruptions.
 
The overall site plan, indicating location of the FS-LS-NII
footprint will be defined for each site in the Request For
Proposals (RFP). CBSA also intends to provide the following
site-specific information:

-	Bidders' conference to discuss technical, operational and
performance specifications, security and other contractual
obligations related to the solicitation.
-	Building constraints
-	Traffic flow plans
-	Site services and connections points
-	Geotechnical survey
-	Environmental assessment
-	Specific requirements, such as security and IT requirements

Figure 1- Concept integration of FS-LS-NII footprint within CBSA
compound
REQUESTED INFORMATION

This Request for Information (RFI) is to assess the feasibility
of procuring FS-LS-NII systems as turn-key solutions under
single contracts, as outlined in the strategy above. To enable
this assessment, interested suppliers of FS-LS-NII systems are
asked to respond to the following questions: 

1)	Are you (the  supplier) capable of delivering a complete
FS-LS-NII system according to the proposed procurement strategy?

a)	Are you (the  supplier) able to meet the specific
construction laws within various Canadian provinces
(specifically B.C. and Quebec)?

b)	What is the smallest footprint [length x width] in which your
system could be installed according to the schematic in  and
ensuring the radiation dose rates on the exterior of the
FS-LS-NII facility are < 0.5 µSv/h? What is the nominal
footprint you would suggest to satisfy this dose rate? 

2)	Have you (the  supplier) completed similar projects involving
large-scale imaging systems elsewhere? If so, please provide
details on location, equipment type, and impact of construction
on local operations.

3)	Could you (the  supplier) provide an approximate timeline for
completion; specifically, time from contract award to the start
of construction and then to end of site-acceptance testing?

4)	How many systems could you (the supplier) provide
concurrently and  how many systems could you provide within 12
months of contract award?

5)	Do you (the supplier) recommend having a site visit?

6)	What type of external facility best suits your systems
(please give a brief description)?

7)	Do you (the supplier) have any concerns, comments or
suggestions regarding the proposed strategy?

NOTE TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS: 

This is not a bid solicitation and a contract will not result.

Potential respondents are advised that any information submitted
to the government in response tothis Request for Information may
be used by the government in the development of a subsequent
Request for Proposal.

The issuance of this Request for Information does not create an
obligation for the Crown to issue a subsequent RFP. It should
also be noted that no agreement to do business with any
respondent will result from this specific enquiry.

CLOSING DATE:

Responses to this Request for Information will be accepted at
any time until 2 pm November 16, 2012.

CONTRACT OFFICER:

Suppliers interested in providing a response should submit their
response directly to the Contracting Officer by the RFI closing
date. The preferred method of response is by e-mail at: 

Name of Contract Officer: Anne Caron
E-mail address: anne.caron@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.