Centre for Autonomous Flight Systems (CAFS)

The National Research Council Canada is seeking qualified teams to deliver the Centre for Autonomous Flight Systems (CAFS) at its Uplands Campus in Ottawa through a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model, as part of solicitation 26-58001. This Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) aims to identify proponents with proven experience in PDB or Design-Build projects of similar scale and complexity, with a minimum construction value of $20 million, and the capacity to collaborate effectively during the preconstruction and construction phases. The facility will serve as a flagship research center for autonomous and optionally-piloted aircraft systems, accommodating 45 NRC staff and visiting collaborators, and will include an Innovation Center with 450 square meters of office space, mission and simulator rooms, operator preparation areas, a rooftop platform, and storage, along with a High Bay & Operations Centre. The project will be housed either through expansion of the existing CATR (U72) building, construction of a new structure east or west of U65 (RCMP building), or by leasing space at the Ottawa Airport (YOW), with security managed through NRC’s card access system and restricted access to flight line areas. Proposers must demonstrate relevant project experience, team composition with key personnel—Project Manager, Lead Designer, and Site Superintendent—each possessing at least ten years of experience, and strong corporate stability, financial capacity, and ability to provide bonding and insurance, though formal documentation is not required at this stage. A Reliability Status security clearance is mandatory for participation in the next procurement phase but not for this RFEOI submission. Evaluation is based on a weighted scoring matrix totaling 85 points across five areas: relevant experience (45 points), team composition and key personnel (30 points), corporate capacity and financial standing (10 points), health, safety, quality, and sustainability practices (10 points), and approach to PDB, which includes open-book costing, collaboration, risk management, and innovation. Submissions are limited to 15 pages excluding cover pages and appendices, formatted in 11-point Times New Roman with 12mm margins, and must be sent electronically by June 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET to the designated NRC email. Shortlisted proponents will proceed to a subsequent procurement stage where design development is expected to conclude by March 2027, construction by February 2028