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

The contract seeks to establish six four-year Task Authorization Contracts with qualified contractors to provide financial counselling and mediation services under the Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS) in Quebec, excluding the National Capital Region. Contractors will be engaged on an as-and-when-requested basis to support farmers facing financial distress by facilitating confidential, voluntary mediation sessions between farmers and their creditors, guided by trained Mediators who work in collaboration with Financial Consultants to develop mutually acceptable recovery arrangements. The service requires strict confidentiality, with all information shared exclusively among parties to the mediation, and mandates the use of AAFC-provided laptops and M365 software (Outlook and Teams) for all electronic work. Mediators must deliver specific deliverables including preparatory work, mediation meeting reports, attendance documentation, outcome summaries, and signed agreements, all submitted in electronic format. The contract emphasizes compliance with federal security protocols, requiring all personnel to hold a valid STATUT DE FIABILITÉ (reliability status) issued by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and prohibits the removal or unauthorized processing of protected information outside AAFC systems. Contractors must adhere to the Industrial Security Manual and PWGSC Contract Security Manual for safeguarding classified and protected material, and must not use their own IT infrastructure for handling government information. Submission requires detailed technical and financial proposals organized into three sections, with evaluation based on a weighted system where technical merit accounts for 70% and price 30%. Technical evaluation includes pass/fail gates requiring a minimum of 35 points out of 50 for recent mediation experience and an overall technical score of at least 55 out of 80. Contractors must also submit mandatory forms including the Offer Submission Form and Offeror Declaration Form, certify compliance with the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy, and confirm no disqualifying circumstances apply to the offeror or its affiliates. Offers must be submitted to the AAFC Bid Receiving Unit via CPC Connect or physical delivery, and must remain valid for 60 days after the closing date. The basis of payment is an all-inclusive per diem rate, with additional reimbursement for travel (hourly, kilometric, hotel, and meals), all exclusive of applicable taxes. Invoices must be submitted electronically with full financial details, and Canada will pay undisputed amounts within 30 days, with interest accruing on overdue payments at the Average Rate plus 3% annually. Contractors are required to maintain accurate financial and inspection records for the contract duration plus seven years after final payment, and are