The Department of National Defence has released a summary of feedback and outcomes update as part of the industry engagement process for the Surveillance of Space 2 Ground Based Optical (GBO) Segment request for information and letter of interest.
The solicitation for the Surveillance of Space 2 GBO RFI closes on September 3, 2020.
Surveillance of Space 2 GBO RFI Introduction
The Surveillance of Space 2 GBO RFI was issued on September 4, 2019. A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected in the spring of 2021.
The RFI has the following aims;
- Inform industry of DND’s SofS 2 GBO requirements;
- Obtain industry input for the development and refinement of the technical requirement;
- Obtain industry input for the development of the procurement strategy; and
- Obtain industry input on the methods of leveraging economic benefit for Canada.
An industry day was held followed by one-on-one meetings. Those interested in the RFI that attended the industry day included;
- Analytical Graphics Inc.
- ABB Inc.
- ADGA Consulting Ltd.
- Airbus Defence and Space
- ExoAnalytic Solutions Inc.
- J.T. McGraw and Associates
- L3 Harris Technologies Inc.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- MDA Corporation
- NorthStar Earth and Space Inc.
- Space Strategies Consulting Ltd.
- Thoth Technology Inc.
Here are a couple of summaries and outcomes. The full document is available to download or read below.
RFI Section 6.2 (Vendor Capabilities and Experience) – Vendors were requested to provide details on their capabilities relevant to delivering a SofS2 GBO solution, and past experience providing clients with GBO sensor solution for space situational awareness (SSA).
Outcome – Canada is satisfied that there are sufficient vendors who are capable of performing the work. No further action is required by Canada following the assessment of these responses.
RFI Section 6.13 (GBO System Economic Benefits) – Feedback was requested on potential for economic leveraging opportunities for ITB objectives related to Direct Canadian Content Value (CCV), Supplier Development, Research & Development, Export and Skills Development and Training.
Outcome – DND has determined that there is no justification to apply a National Security Exception to the GBO requirement. As international trade agreements apply to this requirement, the procurement is not eligible for application of the ITB policy.
With respect to the GBO Sensor Solution, Facilities, Tasking and Reporting System, DND is satisfied there are enough vendors capable of meeting these needs.
According to PSCP future engagement activities may include:
- Notifying vendors of the security requirements that must be addressed in order to access documents associated with the GBO requirements;
- Seeking additional information from industry for GBO solutions;
- Seeking industry feedback on procurement strategies;
- seeking industry feedback on draft RFP documents, such as draft statements of work, draft evaluation criteria and draft contract terms and conditions.