RFI - Next Generation Payload For MSC Moored Buoy and AVOS
Networks

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: 
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING NEXT GENERATION PAYLOAD FOR
MSC MOORED BUOY AND AVOS NETWORKS

K3D33-120110/A
Juan, Peggy
Telephone No. - (905) 615-2467 (    )
Fax No. - (905) 615-2060


Bid Closing Date is extended to August 27, 2012.


REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING NEXT GENERATION PAYLOAD FOR
MSC MOORED BUOY AND AVOS NETWORKS

The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) of Environment Canada
(EC) is seeking to upgrade the data acquisition, systems
management, and communications systems (hereafter the term
payload will be used) installed on the moored weather buoy and
AVOS (Automated Volunteer Observing Ship) networks and is using
the Request for Information (RFI) process to solicit industry
opinions and feedback to help further define this requirement

Environment Canada (EC) is issuing this RFI as a means of
gathering information to assist in accomplishing the following
specific purposes: 
	To validate ECs functional and technical requirements against
currently available vendor marketplace offerings;
	To verify capability and interest from the marketplace to
provide a new marine payload solution to EC which will need to
be integrated into existing moored buoy hulls, and ship
installations, and make use of the existing suite of sensors,
satellite transmitters and periphery devices (antenna, solar
panels etc.) ; and

	To determine the extent to which there exists current capacity
within the marketplace to offer a turn-key or integrated
solution as well as the ability to acquire related support
services during and subsequent to the upgrade of the marine
payload (i.e. integration, warranty, maintenance, training,
etc.).  

The information provided in response to this Request for
Information (RFI) process should be reflective of what is
currently available within the marketplace.  The information
provided, while incorporating any lessons learned therein, will
partly contribute to the scope and range of service offerings
sought by EC in any subsequent solicitation process.

Through a future RFP process, Environment Canada will seek a
single Contractor to complete all or portions of the design,
supply, installation, and integration of a next generation
marine payload. In addition to the supply and integration,
Environment Canada, through this RFI, is also interested in
understanding industry capacity to support future in-field
service along with repair and maintenance requirements that will
likely be required for 8-10 years following selection and
implementation of a new Marine Payload technology.

To support this goal, EC is undertaking, through this RFI, an
industry consultation process, to seek feedback and advice from
industry about current capacity within the market to:
	Provide the equipment components for the planned upgrade that
are capable of working with existing buoy hulls and current
suite of sensors, while also meeting ECs requirements for a
proven and rugged design suitable for the harsh marine
environment.
	Provide and configure payloads for installation into existing
moored buoy and AVOS networks and provide related support
services subsequent to the upgrade (i.e. integration, warranty,
maintenance, training, etc.).  
	Limitations; power, sensors, space limitation,

	Limitation; power, operating conditions, space, connectors


This is not a bid solicitation. This RFI will not result in the
award of any contract. As a result, potential suppliers of any
goods or services described in this RFI should not reserve stock
or facilities, nor allocate resources, as a result of any
information contained in this RFI. Nor will this RFI result in
the creation of any source list. Therefore, whether or not any
potential supplier responds to this RFI will not preclude that
supplier from participating in any future procurement.

Also, the procurement of any of the goods and services described
in this RFI will not necessarily follow this RFI. This RFI is
simply intended to solicit feedback from industry with respect
to the matters described herein.

Because this is not a bid solicitation, Canada will not
necessarily respond to enquiries in writing or by circulating
answers to all potential suppliers. However, respondents with
questions regarding this RFI may direct their enquiries to:

Contracting Authority: Peggy Juan 
E-mail Address: peggy.juan@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca
Telephone: (905) 615-2467
Facsimile: (905) 615-2060

EC will undertake best efforts to provide answers to all
questions that are received.


Each respondent is solely responsible for ensuring its response
is delivered on time to the correct address. Response received
after RFI closing date may not be reviewed by Canada. 


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.