Phase II of the OCAP® Standards and Certification Exploration project

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking to support Phase II of the OCAP® Standards and Certification Exploration project, led by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). The project's objectives are to advance the development and piloting of sector-specific, standards-based documents and wise practices that promote ethical First Nations data governance and enable communities to assert sovereignty over their data. The focus will be on two priority areas: Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) data, and Lands and Waters/Environmental data. The project aims to produce two sector-specific Workshop Agreements, implementation materials, and a comprehensive report outlining future standards development pathways.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

Organization: Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Primary Contact: Martin Larocque
Email: [email protected]

KEY DATES

• Posted Date: May 27, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: June 12, 2026, at 14:00 EDT
• Performance Period: 12-18 months, beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Bidders must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations partners on data governance and sovereignty initiatives.
• Knowledge of the OCAP® principles and their application in data governance and standards development.
• Authority or recognized role in relation to the OCAP® framework.
• Experience in convening First Nations-led communities of practice or advisory groups.
• Proven ability to develop standards-based documents in collaboration with First Nations communities.
• Capability to provide recommendations on future standards development and certification pathways.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders should possess expertise in:

• First Nations data governance and sovereignty.
• Development of OCAP®-enabling standards and wise practices.
• Facilitation of collaborative processes with First Nations stakeholders.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables include:

• Scoping outcomes with First Nations partners.
• Convening sector-specific communities of practice.
• Developing OCAP®-enabling wise practices.
• Producing two sector-specific Workshop Agreements and supporting materials.
• Providing recommendations for implementation and certification.
• A comprehensive report on future standards development pathways.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in First Nations data governance.
• Quality and relevance of past performance.
• Ability to meet the project objectives and deliverables.
• Overall approach to collaboration and engagement with First Nations partners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, the following qualifications may provide a competitive advantage:

• Advanced certifications related to data governance or standards development.
• Experience in similar projects involving First Nations or Indigenous communities.
• Established relationships with First Nations organizations or leadership.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunity for potential bidders to assess their fit for the project.