Packaging Material -Overwrap

1. GENERAL
1.1. The National Combat Ration Program (NCRP) would like to
obtain detailed information and feedback from manufacturers and
suppliers for the packaging material used for the new IMP
overwraps.
1.2. This information is required to assist in the
determination of the type of packaging material used for the new
IMP overwraps.
1.3. We are asking for packaging material manufacturers and
suppliers to provide us with their feedback and recommendations
on the packaging material technical requirements listed in para
3.2.
1.4. The information will be used for planning purposes only
and there is no guarantee that the project will be approved or
subsequent contracts awarded.
2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Each year, the National Combat Ration Program (NCRP)
produces IMPs that are used for training exercises, deployed
operations or in emergency situations when the circumstances do
not permit the use of fresh rations. The IMP consists of various
food and non-food items packaged in an overwrap bag. Each IMP
represents a meal (breakfast, lunch, or supper). For full-day
training, a soldier gets three (3) IMPs. Until issued to
individuals, the IMPs are contained in a case of ten (10).
2.2 The IMP components are procured from various component
suppliers who then ship the components to the Assembler. The
Assembler is responsible to insert all the individual components
inside the overwrap. The overwrap is considered secondary
packaging. Its purpose is to contain and protect the different
components. It also helps maintain a 3 year shelf-life of the
components within by limiting exposure to light, oxygen and
humidity.
3. REQUIREMENT
3.1. The requirement is to determine which type of packaging
material would be optimal to meet all the technical requirements
for the new IMP overwrap.
3.2 The technical requirements for the new IMP are the following:
3.2.1 Food grade;
3.2.2 The packaging material must be flexible so that it can be
folded once some of the content has been removed;
3.2.3 Hermetic closure. The closure must be user-friendly with
easy opening (i.e. easy to tear open) when a tear notch is used
and easy and secure resealability (such as zip-lock);
3.2.4 Waterproof;
3.2.5 The packaging material must be difficult to open at a
clean, unnicked edge, yet reveal relatively low tear strength
when a small cut is introduced to the edge to initiate the tear
(tear notch);
3.2.6 High barrier material (water-vapor, oxygen and other
gas);
3.2.7 Puncture resistance greater or equal to 10 pounds per
inch;
3.2.8 Seal strength not less than 4 pounds per inch width
3.2.9 Drop impact strength: must be able to sustain a drop from
an airplane without any damage;
3.2.10 Protects from pest damage ;
3.2.11 Dimensions of the overwrap not to exceed 197mm width x 79
mm deep x 245mm high;
3.2.12 Climate conditions under which packaging material will be
used range from freezing to high temperatures and humidity
(-40°C to +40°C);
3.2.13 Allows printing.

4. PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

4.1. The purpose of this Letter of Interest (LOI) is to
solicit, from packaging material manufacturers, information,
feedback and recommendations regarding:
4.1.1 Packaging material technical requirements listed in para
3.2.
4.1.2 Types of packaging material for the new IMP overwrap that
meets the technical requirements listed in para 3.2.
4.1.3 The basis of these recommendations.
4.1.4 Samples (optional).
4.2. This is not a bid solicitation and no contract will result
directly from this LOI. Potential suppliers of any goods or
services described in the LOI should neither reserve stock,
facilities, nor allocate resources as a result of any
information contained in this LOI.
4.3. Whether or not any potential supplier responds to this LOI
will not preclude them from participating in any future
procurement.
4.4. Partial responses will be accepted.
5. SECURITY
5.1. No security requirement requested for the LOI.
6. REQUESTED INFORMATION
6.1. Based on the requirements detailed in this document, the
LOI seeks potential suppliers to provide the following
information:
6.1.1. The respondent's interest to provide us with
recommendations and feedback on the technical requirements
listed in para 3.2, type(s) of packaging material that would
meet the technical requirements listed in para 3.2 and the basis
of their recommendations.
6.1.2. In responding to this LOI, respondents should clearly
identify all assumptions with clear explanations as to why those
assumptions were made.
6.1.3. Respondent point of contact for future communications.
7. RESPONSE FORMAT
7.1. Respondents to this LOI are requested to submit their
recommendations and feedback by mail to the PWGSC Contracting
Authority in order to facilitate review.
7.2. Respondents to this LOI are requested to submit any other
additional documentation by mail to the PWGSC Contracting
Authority in order to facilitate review.
8. NOTE TO RESPONDENTS
8.1. Potential respondents are advised that any information
submitted to Canada in response to this LOI may be used by
Canada in the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP).
8.2. The issuance of this LOI does not create an obligation for
Canada to issue a draft a RFP, and does not bind Canada legally
or otherwise, to enter into any agreement or to accept or reject
any suggestions.
8.3. Canada assumes no responsibility or obligation with
respect to the cost of preparing a response to this LOI.
8.4. Participation in this LOI is not a condition or
prerequisite for participation in any subsequent RFP. As a
result of this LOI there will be no short listing of firms for
the purposes of undertaking future work.
8.5. Respondents to this LOI should clearly identify all
submitted information as to whether or not it must be considered
as confidential and/or proprietary. Information provided in
response to this LOI will be divulged only to government
officials authorized to participate in this pre-procurement
activity. However, respondents must be aware that aspects of
their response may be used as a basis for modifying the draft
documents, as any future procurement for this requirement is
prepared.
8.6. PWGSC reserves the right to meet with industry concerning
the feedback, suggestions or alternative approaches related to
the project scope related to the procurement of new IMP
overwraps.

9. ENQUIRIES
9.1. All enquiries, clarification requests and other
communications related to this LOI shall be directed in writing
only to the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
Contracting Authority.

10. CLOSING DATE
10.1. Responses to this LOI are to be submitted to the PWGSC
Contracting Authority identified below, on or before the close
of business on May 29th, 2015..

11. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
11.1 The single point of contact for this LOI is:
Alain Papineau
Supply Specialist
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Place du Portage, Phase III, Floor 7B1
11 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0S5
Tel.: (number on the official notice)
E-mail: (email on the official notice)

Delivery Date: 10/04/2015

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.