RFI - Provision of a Flank Array System - Victoria-class Modernization (VCM)

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: 

Amendment no. 002:

This amendment is issued to provide responses to questions raised by Industry and to incorporate Annex C in the Request for Information (RFI) for the provision of a Flank Array System, dated 28 May 2019.

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Amendment no. 01:

This amendment is issued to provide responses to questions raised by Industry on the Request for Information (RFI) for the provision of a Flank Array System, dated 28 May 2019.

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Request for Information (RFI) - Provision of a Flank Array System - Victoria-class Modernization (VCM)

W8472-195763/A

GSIN: N1905C - Submarines

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND) in order to prepare industry for potential procurement opportunities related to the Victoria-class Modernization (VCM) Flank Array capability element and to solicit industry feedback and contributions on high level requirements described herein. The responses provided will contribute to further define the Statement of Operational Requirements (SOR) in a manner that is understandable by industry and meaningful to DND operational contexts, and thus contribute to better describing the strategic fit and operational needs for DND to achieve the required capability. 

As the project progresses towards a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), this RFI will provide a continuous single point of official communication with industry. The project will use this RFI process for multiple purposes such as but not limited to:

a) Collaborating with industry on the draft high level SOR provided herein, including price and availability information;
b) Ensuring all interested participants receive the same information;
c) Collaborating with industry in the form of Post Submission Review Meetings;
d) Presenting draft RFP documents to industry and soliciting comments and feedback on the project requirements and procurement strategies. 

This initial RFI (Release #1) is to request industry feedback on the draft high level SOR provided as Annex A, gain an understanding of available submarine Flank Array systems and to receive additional product information in response to Flank Array questions provided as Annex B.

Additional questions may be asked of industry through amending this RFI. Please see the following link to learn how to follow updates to this RFI:
https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tenders/follow-opportunities

It is Canada’s intention to keep the RFI open until such time as a final Request for Proposal is released, however responses to Release #1 of the RFI process are requested by the date below.

RFI Requested Response Date:  August 6th, 2019. 

Background Information:

The Victoria-class Modernization (VCM) Program will provide modernized and increased capability to maintain the Victoria-class Submarines’ (VCS’) operational relevance through the mid-2030s. The VCM Program will be a collection of discrete projects (referred to as capability elements) that will be managed both individually and within a larger VCM Program portfolio to generate the necessary capability for Canada’s submarines as detailed in Strong, Secure, Engaged - Canada’s Defence Policy. Overall, the modernization outcomes will make Canada and its allies stronger and safer by: 

a. positioning the VCS to contribute meaningfully to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Joint Operations ashore; 
b. ensuring the survivability of the VCS against an evolving threat in an increasingly complex and changing battlespace; and
c. improving the habitability and deployment conditions onboard the VCS in support of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submariners.

This RFI relates to the VCM Flank Array capability element. 
The current Flank Array is comprised of two 16-hydrophone arrays, one on each of the port and starboard sides. Analog signals from each port and starboard array element are fed, via copper cabling, to port and starboard amplifier groups. The amplifier groups transmit the amplified signals to the VCS AN/BQQ-10 Sonar System.

The VCM Program wants better detection and performance from the new Flank Array.

Nature of the RFI:

This is not a bid solicitation and this RFI will not result in the award of any contract. 

Procurement of the goods and services described in this RFI will not necessarily follow this request. Any procurements of this system/equipment/services will be in accordance with standard government procurement policies, i.e., formal RFPs. 

Respondents and potential suppliers of any goods or services described in this RFI should not earmark stock or facilities, nor allocate resources, as a result of any information contained in this RFI. This RFI will not result in the creation of any source list; therefore, whether or not any supplier responds to this RFI will not preclude that supplier from participating in any future procurement.

Security Requirements:

There is no security requirement associated with this RFI.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of 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.