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 deliver professional mediation and financial counselling services under the Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS) across Ontario, excluding the National Capital Region, as well as within the National Capital Region itself. The contract will run for a four-year period ending June 30, 2030, and operates on an “as and when requested” basis through individual Task Authorizations, each capped at $25,000. Contractors must provide certified mediators who facilitate confidential, voluntary sessions between struggling farmers and their creditors to reach mutually acceptable financial arrangements. Mediators work alongside Financial Consultants to understand the context of each case, lead mediation meetings, and prepare legally binding written agreements when settlements are reached. All services must be performed in person or virtually, with strict adherence to confidentiality protocols; no information obtained during the process may be shared outside the mediation parties. Personnel must each hold a valid RELIABILITY STATUS clearance issued by AAFC, and the contractor must maintain organizational security clearance. Sensitive information must be handled exclusively on AAFC-provided devices, and no protected or classified data may be processed or stored using personal IT systems. The contract requires full compliance with Ontario law, the Department’s Code of Conduct for Procurement, and the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy. Proposals are evaluated on a combined score of technical merit (70%) and price (30%), with technical merit assessed primarily on recent, verifiable mediation experience—up to 50 points can be awarded for two case examples, with a maximum of 25 points per case. A minimum score of 55 points overall is mandatory to pass the technical evaluation. Pricing is structured as a fixed, all-inclusive per diem rate, with travel costs covered separately under specified rates. All invoices must be submitted electronically after work completion, include detailed expenditure breakdowns, and be supported by receipts and release documentation. The Government will pay undisputed invoices within 30 days. Contractors must maintain complete financial and inspection records for seven years after final payment or until all claims are settled. Proposals must be submitted through CPC Connect, accompanied by the Offer Submission Form, Offeror Declaration Form, and Integrity Declaration Form if necessary, and must remain valid for 60 days post-closing. Any false representation, conflict of interest, or failure to maintain security or compliance standards may lead to contract termination and future ineligibility.