QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – RFP – MHCC-GR-2013-2014-01
Listed below are those submitted questions and corresponding answers that were deemed appropriate to assist with all vendor submissions.
Question:
The primary objective of the MHCC in issuing this RFP is seemingly to retain experts in Government & Public Affairs. However, there is seemingly a weighting allocated to the capacity of firms to provide counsel in preparation of: media announcements; key messages;
and media training for spokespeople; challenges and opportunities from a media relations perspective. Please clarify and confirm if Public Relations (Media) will be considered a part of this mandate.
Answer:
Public Relations activities are part of the RFP requirements.
Question:
Will the GR support highlighted in this RFP be primarily focused on federal issues, or will there also be a multi-jurisdictional component, involving the provinces and territories? If support in several jurisdictions is sought, how do they rank in terms of priority?
Answer:
Our near term need for GR support is related to federal issues however, we anticipate that this will fluctuate/change over time.
Question:
Is your need for GR support a general requirement in support of the mental health strategy, or a result, of a specific change in legislation, regulations, or other external factors?
Answer:
GR supports the mandate of the Commission and how we work; see below excerpts from our website for further details:
About Us
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a catalyst for improving the mental health system and changing the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians around mental health issues. Through its unique mandate from Health Canada, the MHCC brings together leaders and organizations from across the country to accelerate these changes.
The MHCC is funded by Health Canada and has a 10-year mandate (2007-2017). Among its initiatives, the MHCC’s work includes the country’s first mental health strategy, working to reduce stigma, advancing knowledge exchange in mental health, and examining how best to help people who are homeless and living with mental health problems.
How We Work
In its role as a catalyst, the MHCC has created partnerships to focus on key projects and issues, and to make recommendations on how best to improve the systems that are directly related to mental health care. Examples include: the justice system, primary health care, workplace, housing and others that impact the lives of Canadians living with a mental health problem or illness and their families.
The MHCC provides its recommendations to governments, service providers, community leaders and many others, and works with these partners to implement them so improvements are made.
Question:
Do you have a government relations department?
Answer:
Yes
Question:
Has the MHCC proactively asked firms to submit to this RFP? If so, how many?
Answer:
The Commission has posted the RFP on its external website with our required schedule and seeks any and all qualified submissions.
Question:
Where will the in-person meeting with short-listed agencies be held?
Answer:
It is not anticipated that meetings will be held with short listed vendors. If required, those meetings would occur by way of teleconference or face to face; either in our corporate office in Calgary or Ottawa.
Question:
Schedule C asks for a detailed professional fee structure for monthly fees. Can you please provide a template or specifics on details requested?
Answer:
An example of some of the monthly details to be included would be:
Event – Economic Summit – Ottawa – Sept 19 2014
Sept 2nd 2014
P Watson – Speechwriting 1.5 hours @ $ hourly rate Sept 5 2014
F. Jones – Revisions to speech 7.5 hours @ $ hourly rate
Sept 14 2014
J. Smith – Event planning (logistics, invitation follow up, liaison with venue) – 5.0 hours @ $ hourly rate
Question:
This scope of work in “Schedule A” is quite broad and could fluctuate monthly. Can you please provide a budget range and hourly projections monthly and annually?
Answer:
Services required by the Commission can and will fluctuate over the course of the contract.
The scope of the project has been provided to ensure the submitting vendors are aware of the range of activities that may be requested.
Question:
What time is the RFP responsive submission due?
Answer:
Deadline for Submission is April 19th 2013 by 4:30 pm (MST).
Question:
Can the hard copy and electronic copy be submitted on the same day?
Answer:
Yes
Question:
The contract laws (Schedule E) are construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario;
however, the RFP is construed in accordance with the laws of Alberta and federal laws of Canada. Please clarify if this is intentional.
Answer:
The Commission has corporate offices in Alberta and Ontario. For the purposes of this RFP the laws of Ontario (Schedule E) will be in effect.
