Northern Controlled Environment Agriculture Unit: Co-Design Study

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seeking proposals for a co-design study to develop a conceptual design for a Northern Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) unit. This project aims to create a deployable CEA unit that meets specific technical, environmental, and Inuit cultural requirements, supporting an Inuit-led initiative to enhance food security in Nunavut. The contractor will integrate advanced technologies into the design, ensuring it is tailored for both terrestrial and space applications, thereby addressing food accessibility in Northern communities and enhancing food production capabilities for long-duration space missions.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

• Organization: Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
• Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Primary Contact: Richard Soulliere
• Email: [email protected]

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Partnership Requirement: Bidders must form a multidisciplinary team that includes a Canadian CEA specialized organization and an Inuit firm based in Nunavut.
• Inuit Benefits Plan: Proposals must include an Inuit Benefits Plan, which is a key component in the selection criteria.
• Geographic Restrictions: The project must be executed in Nunavut and Montreal.
• Experience Requirement: Bidders should demonstrate experience in controlled environment agriculture and relevant technologies.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

• Required Expertise: Bidders must possess expertise in controlled environment agriculture, including the ability to integrate mature and near-ready technologies into the design of the CEA unit.
• Tools and Standards: Proficiency in CAD modeling for technical drawings is required.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical approach and innovation in design.
• Compliance with Inuit cultural requirements and environmental standards.
• Inclusion and effectiveness of the Inuit Benefits Plan.
• Past performance and experience in relevant projects.
• Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Inuit Communities: Familiarity with Inuit cultural practices and community engagement strategies will be viewed favorably.
• Advanced Certifications: Additional certifications in agricultural science or related fields may provide a competitive advantage.

This RFP presents a unique opportunity for bidders with the right expertise and commitment to cultural integration, particularly those with experience in controlled environment agriculture and partnerships with Inuit firms.