Media Relations Training Services

Natural Resources Canada is seeking qualified firms or individuals to provide on-demand media relations training services under a Standing Offer arrangement, with the goal of preparing spokespersons, scientists, program personnel, and senior officials to effectively communicate departmental information, initiatives, and policies to the public through broadcast, print, and digital media. Training must be delivered in both official languages—English and French—either in person across Canada or virtually via Government of Canada-approved platforms, in sessions of up to eight participants or on a one-on-one basis. The Standing Offer is effective from the award date through March 31, 2027, with the possibility of four additional 12-month extensions under the same pricing and conditions. Offerors must submit firm, all-inclusive unit prices in Canadian dollars, excluding taxes and travel expenses, with pricing structured per participant or per group. The procurement follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) model, meaning offers must first pass all mandatory technical criteria—identified by terms like “must” or “mandatory”—to be considered responsive, after which the lowest-priced compliant offer will be selected. Key deliverables include session agendas, recorded simulations, message development exercises, Q&A drills, bilingual and WCAG 2.1 AA accessible digital materials, participant evaluations with at least an 80% response rate, and post-session summaries, all submitted within strict timelines. Training must comply with Government of Canada communications policy and accessibility standards, and locations must meet physical accessibility requirements such as barrier-free access and proper lighting. All contractors are bound by stringent compliance obligations, including continuous adherence to certifications provided during the offer process, full compliance with the Code of Conduct for Procurement, and adherence to the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy. Contractors must maintain complete accounting records, including source documents and spreadsheets, and establish an accounting system that allows for seamless government audit access during normal business hours. Invoices must be submitted as PDFs to a designated email address, contain all prescribed elements such as contract and financial codes, itemized costs, taxes, and call-up numbers, and are subject to payment within 30 days of receipt if found acceptable, with a 15-day period for notification of deficiencies. Canada retains the right to inspect and reject deliverables at any time, requiring correction at no additional cost, and may withhold payment until deficiencies are addressed. Contractors must also avoid conflicts of interest, disclose any potential conflicts immediately, and certify that no contingency fees were paid in connection with the solicitation. Legal capacity to contract is