PART 1 – ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN)
An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.
PART 2 – DEFINITION OF THE REQUIREMENT
The Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), CanmetENERGY-Ottawa (CE-O), has a requirement for specialized characterization and analysis services for nano-catalysts synthesized by Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) in support of CE-O’s carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to chemicals and fuels research projects.
The work will support CE-O’s bench-scale and pilot-scale testing activities by characterizing FSP-synthesized catalysts in both fresh/as-synthesized and spent/post-testing states, and by using the results to provide written recommendations to optimize FSP synthesis parameters.
The work will include, but is not limited to, the following services:
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, including full scan data from 10–90° 2?, raw data in CSV format, and qualitative and quantitative phase analysis to determine crystalline structure and composition;
• Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis, including pore size, pore volume and porosity type (micro, meso and macro), in accordance with ISO 9277:2022;
• Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) mapping, including high-resolution images to assess particle size and morphology and elemental mapping to determine elemental distribution and metal dispersion;
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging to determine the particle size distribution of metal or metal oxide catalysts;
• review and interpretation of characterization results for fresh and spent catalyst materials; and
• written recommendations to optimize FSP synthesis parameters based on the characterization results and CE-O catalyst performance data.
PART 3 – CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES (MINIMUM ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS)
Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a statement of capabilities that it meets all of the following minimum essential requirements:
1. Experience
1.1.1 The supplier must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in process design for gas phase synthesis of nanoparticles within the past 15 years.
1.1.2 Must have a minimum of 5 years experience within the past 8 years with:
• Flame Spray Pyrolysis (bench scale)
• Characterization of FSP synthesized nano catalysts
• Fresh and spent catalyst analysis
2. Technical Capabilities
2.1 Must have access to the following specific equipment:
• Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP);
• Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BRT) surface area analysis (preferably Anton Baar NOVA 800 surface area and pore analyzers using BET theory);
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM);
• Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS); and,
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
2.2 Must have process design and optimization capabilities specific to synthesis of a variety of powder spanning various techniques including gas phase, liquid phase and solid phase synthesis
3.Expertise / Knowledge
3.1 Must have expertise in interpreting FSP parameter effects on catalyst structure and performance, including specific experience in experimental and numerical process design to connect process parameter with powder properties. This experience must be substantiated by providing proof of a minimum of two (2) independent attestations from commercial entities.
3.2 At least 5 years of experience supporting catalyst deployment at bench and/or pilot scales.
4.Academic / Professional Qualifications
Required degrees, fields of study, or professional designations
4.1 Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
PART 4 – APPLICABILITY OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT(S) TO THE PROCUREMENT
This procurement is not subject to the trade agreements.
PART 5 – JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRE-IDENTIFIED SUPPLIER
The supplier mentioned in section 13 below is the only known supplier that meets the mandatory criteria set out in section 3 above.
Should Canada receive a statement of capabilities from a supplier that contains sufficient information to indicate that it meets the requirements set forth in this ACAN, a competitive process will be triggered with a technical and financial evaluation methodology of the bids proposed by the potential bidders
PART 6 – GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS REGULATIONS EXCEPTION(S)
The following exception(s) to the Government Contracts Regulations is (are) invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - only one person is capable of performing the work.
The identified supplier, Carleton University, is the only one able to meet all of the criteria identified in paragraph 3 above.
PART 7 – EXCLUSIONS AND/OR LIMITED TENDERING REASONS
Not applicable.
PART 8 – OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Canada intends to retain ownership of any Foreground Intellectual Property arising out of the proposed contract on the basis that the main purpose of the contract is
PART 9 – CONTRACT OR DELIVERY DATE
The proposed contract is for a period of approximately two (2) years, from September 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028, with an option to extend the Contract by up to one (1) additional year period.
PART 10 – COST ESTIMATE OF THE PROPOSED CONTRACT
The estimated value of the contract, including option(s), is $75,000.00 (GST/HST not applicable).
PART 11 – NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PRE-IDENTIFIED SUPPLIER
Supplier Name: Carleton University
Address: 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6
PART 12 – SUPPLIERS' RIGHT TO SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES
Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods, services or construction services described in the ACAN may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.
PART 13 – CLOSING DATE FOR A SUBMISSION OF A STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES
The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is June 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
PART 14 – INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSION OF STATEMENTS OF CAPABILITIES
Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to:
Name: Alexandre Rheault
Title: Procurement Specialist
Address: 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E4
Telephone: 613-298-6447
E-mail: Alexandre.Rheault@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
