Independent ISS Food Production Subsystems - Phase 0 Study

PURPOSE & SCOPE:

• What is being procured/granted?
  The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seeking offers for the analysis and design of technologies related to food production subsystems in space.

• Project scope and objectives:
  The project aims to facilitate Phase 0 work to advance Canada’s technologies for the International Space Station (ISS) in the areas of Plant Health Monitoring, Water Disinfection, Food Safety Sanitation, and Nutrient Solution Analyzer. Objectives include identifying user needs, defining mission requirements, validating concept designs, developing operational concepts, identifying critical technologies, and creating development plans for subsequent phases.

• Contract type and estimated value:
  The CSA plans to award up to four contracts, one for each technology area, with offers allowed for a maximum of two independent subsystems per Offeror.

BUYER INFORMATION:

• Issuing organization:
  Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

• Contact details:
  Richard Soulliere
  Email: [email protected]

• Important dates:

  • Posted: November 13, 2025
  • Due: January 30, 2026
  • Performance period: Until February 15, 2027

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Required certifications/registrations:
  No specific certifications required; however, compliance with Canada’s Code of Conduct for Procurement is mandatory.

• Mandatory qualifications:
  Offerors must demonstrate legal capacity to contract and provide all necessary documentation upon request.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Key technical capabilities needed:
  Expertise in the specified technology areas: Plant Health Monitoring, Water Disinfection, Food Safety Sanitation, and Nutrient Solution Analyzer.

• Specific technologies, methodologies, or approaches required:
  Detailed methodologies to support analysis, design, and validation of the proposed technologies must be included in offers.

• Deliverables and performance standards:
  Deliverables include validated concept designs, operational concepts, and prioritized development plans.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Nice-to-have certifications or experience:
  Previous experience in space-related subsystem development or similar projects is preferred.

• Preferred qualifications:
  Offerors with demonstrated experience in technology development within the context of food safety and space applications will have an advantage.

KEY EVALUATION FACTORS:

• How proposals will be evaluated:
  Proposals will be evaluated based on technical feasibility, cost, and alignment with CSA objectives.

• Past performance requirements:
  Offerors may be expected to provide evidence of past performance in similar projects, contributing to the evaluation criteria.

This summary provides a structured view of the opportunity to assist potential vendors in determining alignment and capability relative to CSA's requirements.