1.0 Request for Proposal — Introduction

1.1. It is the intent of the Canadian Government, (referred to herein as "Canada") that this project provide Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) that will contribute to the continuing viability of Canadian companies' capabilities in high technology manufacturing and services and to improve their ability to compete in both domestic and international markets.

1.2. Canada's objectives recognize the importance of IRB in procurement and therefore they will be a factor to be evaluated in the awarding of the contract.

1.3. Any proposal that does not meet the Mandatory IRB Requirements found in Section 5 of this document will be declared non-compliant.

1.4. It is the responsibility of the Industry Canada IRB Authority, in cooperation with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Department of Western Economic Diversification (WD), and the Department of Canadian Economic Development - Quebec (CED-Q), to ensure that IRB Commitments are included in any procurement contract entered into as a result of this RFP.