Northern Controlled Environment Agriculture Unit: Co-Design Study

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seeking proposals for a multidisciplinary team to co-design a deployable Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) unit. The project aims to create a conceptual design that includes technical drawings (CAD models) and a detailed report. The CEA unit must meet specific technical, environmental, and Inuit cultural requirements to support an Inuit-led initiative aimed at improving food security in Nunavut. The contractor is expected to innovate beyond existing solutions by integrating mature and near-ready technologies into the design, which will have applications both on Earth and in space for long-duration missions.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

The issuing organization is the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The primary contact for this RFP is Richard Soulliere, who can be reached via email at [email protected].

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Partnership Requirement: A multidisciplinary team that includes a Canadian CEA specialized organization and an Inuit firm based in Nunavut.
• Inuit Benefits Plan: Proposals must include a plan that outlines benefits to Inuit communities, which will be a factor in the selection process.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in controlled environment agriculture and the ability to integrate advanced technologies into the design.
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of Inuit cultural requirements and the ability to incorporate these into the design.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders should possess expertise in:

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies
• CAD modeling and technical drawing
• Integration of mature and near-ready technologies into innovative designs
• Addressing environmental challenges specific to Northern climates

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables include:

• A comprehensive conceptual design of the CEA unit
• Technical drawings (CAD models)
• A detailed report outlining the design process and considerations
• Regular progress updates and adherence to the Inuit Benefits Plan

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will be viewed favorably:

• Previous experience working on projects related to food security in Northern communities
• Familiarity with CSA's space mandate and its implications for terrestrial applications
• Additional certifications in agricultural science or related fields

This RFP presents a unique opportunity for bidders with the right blend of technical expertise, cultural understanding, and innovative design capabilities to contribute to a significant initiative aimed at enhancing food security in Nunavut while supporting CSA's broader objectives.