Organic BC Agri-Tech Field Days
Solicitation number BC168811
Publication date
Closing date and time 2023/05/30 21:00 EDT
Description
Notice is hereby given that the Province of British Columbia, as represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (though the program administered by VGN Resources Group, Inc.) is contemplating making a direct award of a contract to Certified Organic Associations of BC (DBA Organic B) (the “Supplier”).
The high-level details of the contemplated contract are generally described below.
Background:
Extension and Knowledge and Technology Transfer is a key component in adapting to climate change and improving food security. AgriService BC is the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s (AF) client service brand and includes website, communications, and direct inquiry services for agricultural producers and food processors in the Province.
The Ministry is launching regional extension groups that will deliver projects aimed at sharing information with B.C. producers that advances the capacity of agriculture through knowledge and technology transfer and supports the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMP’s).
Weed management is challenge for organic growers across many commodities, as well as conventional growers who are dealing with herbicide resistance or who are looking for alternatives to chemical controls. Climate change has further exacerbated weed issues.
Objective:
Scope of Work:
Supplier’s Expertise:
The supplier has been a leading organization involved in strengthening the organic sector in B.C. for thirty years. The supplier possesses in-depth knowledge of British Columbia organic agriculture and have experience providing extension supports including provincial field days. The supplier has insight into new agri-tech tools available for organic weed management as well as the various interest among organic producers in the province.
The aggregate value of the contract is expected not to exceed, exclusive of applicable taxes $30,000.
Rationale for Contemplating a Direct Award
The Province is contemplating a direct award with the Supplier for the following reasons:
The high-level details of the contemplated contract are generally described below.
Background:
Extension and Knowledge and Technology Transfer is a key component in adapting to climate change and improving food security. AgriService BC is the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s (AF) client service brand and includes website, communications, and direct inquiry services for agricultural producers and food processors in the Province.
The Ministry is launching regional extension groups that will deliver projects aimed at sharing information with B.C. producers that advances the capacity of agriculture through knowledge and technology transfer and supports the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMP’s).
Weed management is challenge for organic growers across many commodities, as well as conventional growers who are dealing with herbicide resistance or who are looking for alternatives to chemical controls. Climate change has further exacerbated weed issues.
Objective:
- This contract aims to increase the uptake of weed management BMP’s and new agri-tech tools by B.C. organic and conventional producers.
Scope of Work:
- Work collaboratively with Ministry staff, B.C. producers, and Agri-tech companies to:
- Research new Agri-tech tools for weed management not yet in B.C. but that could be available for demonstrations this year, or within a few years;
- Coordinate and host 5 field days in the Lower Mainland and Okanagan region demonstrating new Agri-tech tools that support weed management following regenerative principles;
- Create 1 or 2 podcasts discussing new technology not yet available in B.C. (i.e. interviews with extension researchers and producers in the U.S. currently utilizing new technology).
- Manage all aspects of the field days including:
- Determine agri-tech and farm partners,
- Choose field sites/farm partners based on any specific requirements from Agri-tech companies and farm partners interests,
- Create program for each day, create posters and other promotional materials with enough advance time to be approved through internal AF communications and be shared widely,
- Promote events widely among the organic producers in the province,
- Coordinate with VGN to provide honorariums to host farms,
- Host and provide refreshments at each of the field days.
- Submit a final report including:
- A summary of field days including successes and challenges.
- A complete financial summary report.
Supplier’s Expertise:
The supplier has been a leading organization involved in strengthening the organic sector in B.C. for thirty years. The supplier possesses in-depth knowledge of British Columbia organic agriculture and have experience providing extension supports including provincial field days. The supplier has insight into new agri-tech tools available for organic weed management as well as the various interest among organic producers in the province.
Contract Term and Aggregate Contract Value
The term of the contract is expected to be June 15, 2023 – February 15, 2024. The aggregate value of the contract is expected not to exceed, exclusive of applicable taxes $30,000.
Rationale for Contemplating a Direct Award
The Province is contemplating a direct award with the Supplier for the following reasons:
- The supplier is the only association in B.C. that represents organic producers specifically;
- The supplier has a long history of successfully hosting organic extension events including field days, for organic producers in the province;
- The supplier has provided similar services on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and possesses specialized knowledge in organic crop management.
Contract duration
The estimated contract period will be 8 month(s).
Trade agreements
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Please refer to tender description or tender documents
Businesses interested in partnering for this tender opportunity:
Note: Information may not be available in both English and French. This is because the Official Languages Act does not apply.
Contact information
Contracting organization
- Organization
-
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
- Email
- nicolep@vgnresources.ca
Bidding details
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