Request for Information for Alternate Guard services

Trade Agreement: CETA / CFTA
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Competitive Procurement Strategy: Best Overall  Proposal
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

Request for Information regarding Service Provider(s) for Alternate Guard services for the Government of Canada.

Guard Services for any government department, agency or Crown Corporation listed in Schedules I, I.1, II of the Financial Administration Act, R.S., 1985, c. F-11, must be provided by the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires under the Right of First Refusal (RFR) granted by Treasury Board (https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12025). This policy has been in place since World War II, with the 15 Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Divisions across Canada providing the guard services. In March 2020, the Treasury Board approved an extension of the RFR until 31 March 2023, and Canada values this social policy for providing employment opportunities for veterans. The primary method of supply currently in place is a National Master Standing Offer (NMSO - EN578-201700/001/ZL). 

While Canada maintains its commitment to the RFR policy with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, there are potential gaps in the provision of these services that need to be explored to ensure Canada maintains guard services availability.  Due to the nature of the RFR process, a request for guard services may be declined by the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. Furthermore, not all Schedules under the Financial Administration Act, R.S., 1985, c. F-11. , fall under the RFR, meaning not all federal organizations are required to use the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.  There are also requirements for specialized guard services that cannot be provided under the terms and conditions of the NMSO, so establishing an alternate method of supply will create an efficient and complementary tool for client departments or agencies for requirements that are declined or that cannot be provided by the Corps. 

As stated above, the Government of Canada is considering an alternate method of supply, that would be a Request for Bids comprised of a Request for Standing Offer (RFSO) and a Request for a Supply Arrangement (RFSA) to qualify multiple suppliers per location across Canada, that can be used if/when the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires exercises their “right of first refusal” and decline the request for guard service(s), or when services are not able to be delivered for other reasons. The resulting methods of supply will also replace the existing back-up Regional Master Standing Offers (RMSO- EN578-121185) which are set to expire 31 March 2021.  

The guard services that would form part of the alternate method of supply include, but are not limited to:

a) Access Control Reception Desk Guard;
b) Preventative Patrol Guard;
c) Fixed or Visual Guard;
d) Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control Guard;
e) Loading Dock Guard;
f) Escort Guard;
g) Screening Guard
h) Crowd Control Guard;
i) Waste Disposal Guard;
j) Issuing Identification Cards Guard; and
k) Processing Security Clearances Guard.

This Request for Information (RFI) is neither a call for tender nor a Bid Solicitation. No agreement or contract will be entered into based on this RFI. The issuance of this RFI is not to be considered in any way a commitment by the Government of Canada, nor as authority to potential respondents to undertake any work that could be charged to Canada. This RFI is not to be considered as a commitment to issue a subsequent solicitation or award contract(s) for the work described herein.

Respondents are requested to provide their comments, concerns and, where applicable, alternative recommendations regarding how the requirements or objectives described in this RFI could be satisfied. Respondents should explain any assumptions they make in their responses. Of particular interest, suppliers are encouraged to respond to the questions listed at annex B.

Interested Respondents must submit their responses to: 

Email : Sophie.Cayer@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

Canada may summarize the feedback received and inform suppliers on www.buyandsell.gc.ca regarding how industry’s questions, ideas, solutions, etc., have been considered.

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.