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

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is seeking to establish a Task Authorization Contract with up to four qualified contractors to provide mediator consultant services under the Farm Debt Mediation Service in Ontario, with the contract term running from award until June 30, 2030. Contractors will deliver financial mediation services on an as-and-when-requested basis through individual task authorizations, each capped at $25,000, with services performed in the National Capital Region and across Ontario excluding the NCR. Mediators are responsible for facilitating confidential, voluntary mediation sessions between farmers and creditors to reach mutually acceptable financial arrangements, working in collaboration with financial consultants to understand the farmer’s recovery plan and prepare formal written agreements. All work must adhere to strict confidentiality protocols, with information shared solely among the parties involved in the mediation, and all deliverables—including preparatory work, mediation meeting summaries, attendance reports, and signed agreements—must be submitted electronically within specified timeframes following file opening. Personnel must each hold a valid RELIABILITY STATUS granted or approved by AAFC, and are prohibited from removing protected or classified information from AAFC premises or using personal IT systems to handle such data; all information must reside on AAFC-provided devices. Contractors must comply with the Code of Conduct for Procurement, applicable Ontario laws, and the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy, and must maintain complete records of costs for the duration of the contract and up to seven years after final payment. Evaluation of offers is based on a 70% technical merit and 30% price weighting, with technical merit assessed primarily on recent mediation experience through two case examples, requiring a minimum of 55 points out of a possible 80. The per diem rate is fixed and all-inclusive, with travel expenses separately accounted for under kilometric and hourly rates, and applicable taxes excluded from the fixed rate. Offers must be submitted via CPC Connect, include mandatory forms such as the Offer Submission and Offeror Declaration Forms, and meet stringent compliance requirements, including integrity declarations and conflict-of-interest certifications. Any false or misleading representations may result in contract termination and permanent ineligibility. Contractors must also ensure they have a valid Procurement Business Number and maintain accurate inspection records available for review during and for three years after contract performance.