Mediator Consultant - Alberta for the Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada seeks to establish four five-year Task Authorization Contracts with qualified contractors to provide mediator and financial counselling services under the Farm Debt Mediation Service in Alberta. The service supports farmers facing financial distress through a voluntary, confidential process that brings farmers and creditors together with a neutral mediator to reach mutually acceptable financial arrangements. Contractors must deliver these services with strict adherence to confidentiality protocols, ensuring all information exchanged is used solely for mediation purposes and shared only among involved parties. The mediator facilitates communication, guides participants through the resolution process, and prepares written agreements once a settlement is reached, working in close collaboration with a financial consultant to understand the farmer’s recovery plan. Contractors must maintain a primary or satellite office within 125 kilometers of the Alberta provincial boundary and perform services primarily at the farmer’s location across rural Alberta. All personnel must hold a valid RELIABILITY STATUS security clearance issued by AAFC and comply with stringent handling requirements for PROTECTED and CLASSIFIED information, including exclusive use of government-issued devices and networks. No information may be removed from AAFC locations, and any subcontracting requires prior written approval. Contractors must comply with the Industrial Security Manual and Security Requirements Check List, maintain daily time records, and ensure all work is free of forced labour. Proposals will be evaluated using a trade-off model where technical merit accounts for 70% of the score, based on demonstrated mediation experience with multiple parties, conflict resolution skills, and understanding of the Farm Debt Mediation Act and its processes, while price contributes 30%. Offers must meet a minimum technical threshold of 55 out of 80 points and be submitted electronically via CPC Connect by the deadline. Invoices must be sent electronically to the designated AAFC email with contract reference and tax details, and payment is administered by the AAFC Program Officer. The contract requires strict adherence to Canadian laws, prohibition of contingency fees, and immediate replacement procedures for key personnel, with Canada retaining full authority to inspect, test, and reject any non-conforming work at any location.