Dev of Characterization Methodology EO

Trade Agreement: Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)
Tendering Procedures: The bidder must supply Canadian goods and/or services
Competitive Procurement Strategy: Best Overall  Proposal
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

2. Summary

2.1  Background / History

The Canadian Forces (CF) must regularly select equipment to support operations. Sensors are an integral part of the electro-optical systems used to detect and locate threats. One of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)’s mandates is to support the CF in its electro-optical system acquisition process by technically translating their operational needs, evaluating the performance of sensors currently in use, evaluating the potential of sensors from emerging technologies, analyzing options and issuing recommendations.

Sensor performance is evaluated in the following four ways, depending on time and objectives:

1. Laboratory characterization of basic sensor parameters via quantitative measurements;
2. Exterior testing to emulate sensor performance in conditions similar to those encountered in operation (e.g. low light, natural spectral content, difficult environment, etc.);
3. Sensor performance modelling; and
4. Laboratory application of comparative evaluation methods to measure performances similar to those encountered in operation.
 The last method is included in activities that aim to develop new methodologies for performance characterization representative of those encountered in an operational environment.

Another DRDC mandate is to find methods for improving vision system performance. This field includes the development of image processing algorithms that modify the local dynamic or contrast mapping, or that compress images to make them easier to transmit on a network. The performance of the algorithms developed is then evaluated using processing and image analysis software.

2.2  Objective

The objective of this Statement of Work is the provision of scientific and engineering services to:
1. Develop new characterization methods to more accurately evaluate performance in operating environments of electro-optical systems covering spectral bands from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared and including image intensifier systems (I2); and
2. Develop image processing algorithms to improve the performance of vision systems and measure their impact on image quality.
The work must be carried out on-site at DRDC Valcartier Research Centre.

2.3 Scope of Work (Tasks)

Tasks 3.1 through 3.4 focus on test method development and improvement. Tasks 3.5 through 3.9 support the design of computer tools and assemblies for the measurement, analysis and improvement of images

3.1 Development of test methods for image intensifier tubes in order to more accurately evaluate performance in an operational environment
3.2  Development of test methods for infrared sensors (0.9 µm to 15 µm) or their components in order to more accurately evaluate performance in an operational environment
3.3  Development of test methods for digital vision systems or their components in order to more accurately evaluate performance in an operational environment
3.4. Development of test methods for characterizing the performance of optical components
3.5  Optical design services
3.6 Opto-mechanical design and manufacturing services
3.7  Software development for data analysis
3.8  Development of image-processing algorithms
3.9  Electronics support services


2.4 Additional Information 

The organization for which the services are to be rendered is Defence Research and Development Canada - Valcartier (DRDC - Valcartier).

The Contract Period is five (5) years from the date of award of the Contract.

The work will be carried out entirely on an "as and when requested basis" using a Task Authorization (TA).

A contract with Task Authorizations (TAs) is a method of supply for services under which all of the work or a portion of the work will be performed on an "as and when requested basis". Under contracts with TAs, the work to be carried out can be defined but the exact nature and timeframes of the required services, activities and deliverables will only be known as and when the service(s) will be required during the period of the contract. A TA is a structured administrative tool enabling the Crown to authorize work by a contractor on an "as and when requested" basis in accordance with the conditions of the contract. TAs are not individual contracts.

The work must be carried out on-site at DRDC Valcartier Research Centre, located at 2459 de la Bravoure Road, Québec, Qc, G3J 1X5. 

The estimated amount of available funding for this Contract is $3,000,000.00, Applicable Taxes extra. 

In accordance with clause “Minimum Work Guarantee - All the Work - Task Authorizations” of the Contract, Canada's obligation under the Contract is limited to 10% of the estimated amount of available funding specified above

Defence Research and Development Canada - Valcartier has determined that any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of the Work under the resulting contract will belong to Canada.

There are security requirements associated with this requirement. For additional information, consult Part 6 - Security, Financial and Other Requirements, and Part 7 - Resulting Contract Clauses. For more information on personnel and organization security screening or security clauses, Bidders should refer to the Industrial Security Program (ISP) of Public Works and Government Services Canada (http://ssi-iss.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/index-eng.html) website
Bidders must provide a list of names, or other related information as needed, pursuant to section 01 of Standard Instructions 2003 

For services requirements, Bidders in receipt of a pension or a lump sum payment must provide the required information as detailed in article 3 of Part 2 of the bid solicitation.

The requirement is limited to Canadian goods and/or services.

This procurement is subject to the Controlled Goods Program.

There is a Federal Contractors Program (FCP) for employment equity requirement associated with this procurement; see Part 5 - Certifications, Part 7 - Resulting Contract Clauses and the attachment named Federal Contractors Program for Employment Equity - Certification. 

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.