All Bidders · Geochemistry Case Studies Project”. ... • Conduct dispersion studies of hydromorphic and mechanical inputs into lake sediments from ... Section 11 Environmental

All Bidders: Subject: Request for Proposal SURFICIAL GEOCHEMISTRY CASE STUDIES PROJECT The Ontario Prospector's Association invites proposals from qualified firms for the ”Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies Project”. The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to invite quotations and select one or more service providers to: • Conduct surficial Quaternary mapping and glacial dispersion studies in the vicinity of known PGE

mineralization or inferred sources in the drainage basins associated with known lake sediment anomalies;

• Conduct dispersion studies of hydromorphic and mechanical inputs into lake sediments from known PGE mineralization or sources in the overburden from undetermined bedrock sources,

• Prepare digital and hard copy geochemical products suitable for publication and distribution by Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

There will be no remuneration to any bidder for their cost of attending this pre-bid session, or for any other cost incurred by the bidder for the preparation of their bid. The closing date and time for this Request for Proposal is May 23, 2003, at 04:00 p.m. (1600 HRS.) LOCAL Thunder Bay time. Any submissions received after the closing date and time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened. Technical questions must be submitted in writing to Wally Rayner, 1000 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay Ontario, P7B 6A5, 866-259-3727 ext 12, [email protected], by May 8, 2003.

mailto:[email protected]

Surficial Geochemisty Case Studies Project 2

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

SURFICIAL GEOCHEMISTRY CASE STUDIES PROJECT

FOR

Ontario Prospectors Association Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative

ISSUE DATE: April 28, 2003 DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS: May 23, 2003

04:00 PM (16:00)


Proposal Check List

As part of your tender package you should find the following: Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction Section 2 Project Section 3 Deliverables Section 4 Proposal Selection Section 5 Project Requirements Section 6 RFP Administrative Schedule Section 7 General Information Section 8 Sales Tax Section 9 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Section 10 Working Language Section 11 Environmental Section 12 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Section 13 Compliance By-Laws, Rules, Regulations, Orders,

Statutes Section 14 Conflict of Interest Section 15 Indemnification and Insurance


Annex 1 Survey Particulars Annex 2 Technical Specifications Annex 3 Deliverables Annex 4 Evaluation Criteria Annex 5 Preparation of Proposal Annex 6 Notice of No Bid Annex 7 Proposal Return Mail Label


Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................7 1.1. Objective and Scope of RFP Bid....................................................................................................... 7 1.2. Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 7 1.4. Evaluation Criteria............................................................................................................................. 8 1.5. Geographic Areas for the Case Studies .............................................................................................. 8 1.6. Costs Related to Delivery of Services Sought by this RFP................................................................. 8

2.0 Project ...................................................................................................................................................9 2.1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 9 2.2. Budget ............................................................................................................................................... 9 2.3. Surficial Quaternary Mapping ........................................................................................................... 9 2.4. Surficial Geochemical Surveys........................................................................................................ 10 2.5. Quality Assurance – Quality Control............................................................................................... 10 2.6. Case History Survey Products ......................................................................................................... 10 2.7. Ultimate Geochemical Project Responsibility and Reporting.......................................................... 10 2.8. Project Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 10

3.0 Deliverables from this RFP.................................................................................................................11 4.0 Proposal Selection................................................................................................................................11

4.1. Right To Interview........................................................................................................................... 11 4.2. Right to Cancel: Contract To Be Executed...................................................................................... 11 4.3. Incomplete Proposals....................................................................................................................... 12 4.4. No Liability for Expenses or Damages............................................................................................ 12 4.5. RFP Bid ........................................................................................................................................... 12 4.6. Lowest Price .................................................................................................................................... 12 4.7. Evaluation and Selection Criteria .................................................................................................... 12

5.0 Project Requirements.........................................................................................................................14 5.1. Irrevocable Response....................................................................................................................... 14 5.2. Content ............................................................................................................................................ 14 5.3 Last date for Submitted Proposals ................................................................................................... 15 5.4 Late or Unsigned Proposals............................................................................................................. 15 5.5 Contact Person................................................................................................................................. 15 5.6 One Response .................................................................................................................................. 15

6.0 Schedule ..............................................................................................................................................16 7.0 General Information..........................................................................................................................17

7.1 Inquiries......................................................................................................................................... 17 7.2 Oral Information ............................................................................................................................ 17 7.3 Respondent to Ensure It Understands Project................................................................................. 17 7.4 Changes to Proposal ....................................................................................................................... 17 7.5 Changes to RFP .............................................................................................................................. 17 7.6 Confidential Responses .................................................................................................................. 17 7.7 Information..................................................................................................................................... 17 7.8 Payment .......................................................................................................................................... 18 7.9 Computer Requirements ................................................................................................................. 18 7.10 Verification..................................................................................................................................... 18 7.11 Misleading Information ................................................................................................................... 18 7.12 Award To Be in Writing.................................................................................................................. 18 7.13 Award to More than One Respondent ............................................................................................. 18 7.14 Ownership and Copyright................................................................................................................ 18 7.15 Notice of No Bid ............................................................................................................................. 19

8.0 Sales Tax .............................................................................................................................................19 9.0 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System ...................................................................19 10.0 Working Language............................................................................................................................19


11.0 Environmental ....................................................................................................................................20 12.0 Transportation of Dangerous Goods ................................................................................................20 13.0 Compliance By-laws, Rules, Regualtions, Orders, Statutes ............................................................20 14.0 Conflict of Interest..............................................................................................................................20 15.0 Indemnification and Insurance…………………………………………………………………….....20


1.0 Introduction The goal of this initiative is to stimulate the minerals industry by sponsoring geoscience studies in new technologies and methods that will increase Ontario’s attractiveness to mining and mineral exploration. The geochemical component of the program will:

1) Evaluate and develop PGE exploration sampling and analytical techniques in surficial media;

2) Determine the extent of both chemical and glacial (physical) dispersion from known mineralization and/or gabbro by sampling and analyzing drainage and overburden materials including water;

3) Develop methodologies to follow-up lake sediment anomalies. 1.1. Objective and Scope of RFP Bid The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to invite quotations and select one or more service providers to:

1) Map the distribution of surficial glacial deposits and determine their ice flow or melt water flow directions in the vicinity of known mineralization and/or lake sediment anomalies.

2) Geochemically characterize the hydromorphic and mechanical inputs of PGE elements and related pathfinder elements into lake sediments from known sources or from the products of mechanical dispersion in glacial sediments related to undetermined sources.

3) Prepare digital and hard copy geochemical products in the form of case histories suitable for publication and distribution by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Respondents must prepare a bid breaking out the technical program and costs for individual survey areas as well as a total representing all surveys in aggregate (see Annex-5). 1.2. Definitions The following definitions and abbreviations are used in this RFP: a) Respondent or Contract Manager:

• company or consortium assembled to bid and, if selected, provide the services sought by this RFP.

b) Ontario Prospector Association (OPA): • decision-making authority for OPA projects paid for by the OPA;

c) Ministry of Northern Development and Mines ( MNDM) • organization to publish the final report and release the digital data.

d) Steering Committee: • a project steering committee (one manager) will monitor the progress of deliverables,

specifically those products that will be archived by OPA or delivered to clients; 1.3. Scope and Responsibility of Functions Sought by this RFP The scope and responsibilities of the functions sought by this RFP are detailed in Annex 1 to 3.


• ‘Survey Particulars’ (Annex 1) describe the study objectives, survey areas under consideration, and the primary functions of constituting this project.

• ‘Technical Specifications’ (Annex 2) describes in detail the project design, required functions, responsibilities of the Contractor, and the requirements for a technical report and digital data release.

• ‘Deliverables’ (Annex 3) lists and describes the products to be provided by the Contractor.

1.4. Evaluation Criteria The Respondent must bear in mind the evaluation criteria for the case history studies as they prepare their bids. These are summarized below and described in detail in Annex 4:

1) understanding of the project objectives and deliverables; 2) geochemical survey experience; 3) qualified personnel (including a full or part-time experienced geochemist and

Quaternary geologist); 4) sampling plan; 5) water sampling protocols; 6) quality assurance-quality control program; 7) laboratory capabilities.

The successful bidder will be selected on the basis of an above average rating on all Evaluation Criteria, a high cumulative point score, and low total price. 1.5. Geographic Areas for the Case Studies Annex-1 identifies the geographic areas to be included in the case history studies, as recommended by the OPA Board. The general location of the project areas is given in Figure 1. The survey limits for each area are shown in Figures 2-7. a) Proposals are sought for 6 study areas; b) All 6 areas must be completed as part of the proposal but OPA reserves the right to limit

the number of areas dependent upon the available budget; c) Survey boundaries are also subject to change prior to awarding of a contract, depending

on available budget. 1.6. Costs Related to Delivery of Services Sought by this RFP Bids for the services requested in this RFP must include requirements that are detailed in Annex-5. These include a technical proposal sufficient to demonstrate the Contractor’s capability and experience to carry out the project as well as a Survey Cost Summary.


2.0 Project 2.1. Overview The Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies Project is part of the Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative (LNRGI) administered by OPA. This project has a 1-year duration. The goal of the LNRGI is to stimulate the minerals industry by sponsoring geoscience studies in new technologies and methods that will increase assist exploration for PGE deposits within the Lake Nipigon plate geologic region. To achieve this objective, OPA will acquire and disseminate multi-media geochemical data and surficial Quaternary map products in the form of geochemical dispersion case histories around known PGE mineralization and/or lake sediment sites anomalous in PGE and pathfinder elements as part of the Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative (LNRGI). The major OPA program components are: 1) Surficial Quaternary mapping to determine the distribution of surficial glacial deposits

and their associated ice flow or melt water flow directions; 2) Collection and analysis of water and organic substrates within the drainage system to

identify hydromorphic inputs likely to affect lake sediment composition; 3) Collection and analysis of inorganic stream sediments to identify mechanical inputs

likely to affect lake sediment composition; 4) Collection and analysis of sub-glacial till deposits and glacio-fluvial sediments to

determine if these materials are sources for PGE lake sediment anomalies; 5) Collection and analysis of rock samples to determine and geochemically characterize

possible bedrock sources for PGE lake sediment anomalies; 6) Compilation of this information in the form of geochemical dispersion case histories; 7) Data management and product dissemination.

The functions described in this RFP pertain ONLY to the acquisition, QA/QC verification, and product preparation for the surficial geochemistry case histories. The functions requested by this RFP are described in Annex 1 to 3 and Section 1.1, this RFP. 2.2. Budget The total budget for all program components of LNRGI is $ 3.5 million. Only a portion of these funds is available for the Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies Project. 2.3. Surficial Quaternary Mapping Surficial Quaternary mapping is an important aspect of the project. Respondents to this RFP should identify a qualified individual to map the distribution of various types of glacial deposits in each study area at a scale of 1:50,000 and assemble both


published and field data on the relevant ice flow and melt water flow directions that could have influenced the mechanical dispersion of PGE elements from known or undetermined bedrock sources. The specific requirements of the function are listed in Annex-2. 2.4. Surficial Geochemical Surveys The collection and analysis of surficial materials is a key aspect of the project. Anticipated sample media include water, organic materials (sediment, A-horizon soil, peat) within drainage pathways, inorganic stream sediment, till, esker sand and gravel materials, glaciofluvial sediments, and rocks. Responses to the RFP should describe the methodology, equipment, and sample distribution necessary to relate the location of lake sediment anomalies to possible sources of PGE’s in the drainage basin. The specific requirements of the function are listed in Annex-2. 2.5. Quality Assurance – Quality Control Quality assurance – Quality control (QA/QC) is an important aspect of the project. Responses to this RFP should address the aspects of the QA/QC function that are listed in Annex-2 2.6. Case History Survey Products The deliverables for this project include poster and/or oral presentations of preliminary and final results at OPA sponsored geoscientific meetings as well as MNDM publication of reports and digital data as outlined in Annex-3. 2.7. Ultimate Geochemical Project Responsibility and Reporting The Contract Manager, or his delegate, is accountable for this project. The Manager or delegate shall set responsibilities and priorities for the Geochemist and Quarternary Geologist. 2.8. Project Schedule Approximately 3-6 survey areas will be included in the project as surficial geochemistry case studies. Timelines for data acquisition and deliverables are: a) May-June 2003: field logistics preparation, background geology office work, student field

crew hiring; b) July-September 2003: field work and collection of samples for 3-6 case study areas; c) September-October 2003: completion of sample preparation and analysis of samples; d) October 30th, 2003: preparation of OGS Summary of Fieldwork article; e) October-December 2003: office preparation of field data, figures, maps; f) December 2003: poster presentation at the OPA Ontario Exploration and Geoscience

meeting in Toronto; g) March 31st 2004: submission of a final report to be published by the OGS as an Open File

Report (OFR) and submission of all digital data on CD-ROM for an MRD digital data release;


h) April 2004: poster and/or oral presentation of case study conclusions at the Northwest Prospectors Symposium in Thunder Bay;

i) April 2004: release of the Open File Report and MRD digital data. 3.0. Deliverables from this RFP Deliverables required of the Contract Manager are described in Annex 3 but briefly summarized below:

• monthly progress reports • digital field and analytical data • summary of field work manuscript • poster presentation at OPA Ontario Exploration and Geoscience meeting • MNDM Open File Report and digital data release • poster/talk at Northwest Prospectors Symposium

4.0. Proposal Selection 4.1. Right To Interview The OPA reserves the right to interview the applicant firms at their work place and/or by telephone. The interview will establish the qualifications, experience and stated capability of the Respondent with respect to the services requested under this RFP. 4.2. Right to Cancel: Contract To Be Executed The OPA will have the right to select from among the proposals received one or more Respondents to whom the project will be awarded. The OPA reserves the right in its sole discretion and for any reason whatsoever: • to accept or to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part; • not to proceed with all or any part of the project. The acceptance of a proposal and the award of this project, or any part thereof, will be made in writing and only in writing. The successful Respondent(s) will be required to enter into, and duly execute, a written contract with the OPA, within seven (7) Business Days or such a longer defined period as is referred to in the written notice given by the OPA that the contract is ready for execution. An example contract is attached in Annex-8. Only those changes necessary to reflect the options or variables set out in this RFP will be made to the contract. In the event that a successful respondent fails or refuses to enter into and duly execute the written contract within the prescribed time, the OPA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award the contract to another respondent, not to accept any proposal, or to call for a new proposal, and the defaulting respondent shall be liable for all losses, damages, costs and expenses (including consequential losses and damages, and legal fees on a solicitor and client basis) suffered or incurred by the OPA as a direct or indirect result thereof, including but not limited to any increase in the price of performance over the price submitted by the defaulting respondent in its proposal.


4.3. Incomplete Proposals The OPA reserves the right to reject any proposal whether or not completed properly and whether or not it contains all required information. Without prejudice to this right, the OPA may request clarification where any respondent's intent is unclear and may waive or request amendment where, in the opinion of the OPA, there is a MINOR irregularity or omission in the information that is to be submitted in a required document. A request for written amendment must be submitted within in 5 business days of the request. 4.4. No Liability for Expenses or Damages In the event that any proposal is not accepted, the OPA will not be liable for any costs or damages incurred by any respondent including, without limitation, any expenses incurred in the preparation and submission of the proposal. 4.5. RFP Bid Respondents must prepare a bid breaking out the technical program and costs for individual survey areas as well as a total representing all surveys in aggregate (see Annex-5). The required functions are described in more detail in Annex 1-3 but are summarized below:

• Quaternary geological mapping and glacial flow analysis; • Acquisition of geochemical data over specified survey areas, indicating sample media,

sample coverage, sampling methodology, sample preparation and analysis procedures; statistical analysis procedures, and data display methods;

• A QA/QC program describing methods to monitor, maintain, and summarize data quality; and

• Preparation of all interim and final deliverables in digital and hard copy form. 4.6. Lowest Price The proposal with lowest quoted price will not necessarily be selected. While price is an important element in the selection process, it is to be clearly understood that there are many factors that the OPA will consider in examining proposals. 4.7. Evaluation and Selection Criteria The successful bidder will be selected on the basis of an above average rating on all Evaluation Criteria, a high cumulative point score, and low total price (Annex 4). Proposals will be ranked on the basis of the following evaluation criteria: a) understanding of the project objectives and deliverables; b) experience as a contractor to carry out geochemical studies; c) skill of the contractor and proposed personnel, measured by both practical experience and

references of former clients; d) proposed sampling plan to achieve objectives; e) experience in water geochemical sampling; f) implementation of a QA/QC program to ensure high-quality data and final products; g) capabilities of the selected laboratory(s) to deliver quality data.


The weighting of the evaluation criteria are listed in the following table. SUMMARY EVALUATION TABLE EVALUATION CATEGORY EVALUATION

WEIGHTING Understanding of project 10% Experience as a geochemical contractor and references 10% Skill and experience of the proposed personnel 25% Sampling plan 20% Experience in water geochemical sampling 15% Plan to monitor, maintain, and summarize QA/QC 10% Laboratory capabilities 10%

TOTAL 100% Regardless of the score derived from the above-mentioned evaluation criteria, the bidder must not obtain a substandard rating (<50%) in any of the Evaluation Criteria in order to receive further consideration for a contract award. The bid must demonstrate the ability and willingness to commit the required staff and material resources, with necessary technical skill and experience, throughout the duration of the project. The bidder must have no real, perceived or potential conflict of interest.


5.0 Project Requirements 5.1. Irrevocable Response The proposal submitted is irrevocable by the respondent and will remain in effect and open for acceptance by the OPA for a period of sixty (60) days after the last day for the submission of proposals. 5.2. Content The response to this RFP must include the following: a) proposing bidder’s full legal name, address and telephone number; b) name and telephone number of the bidder’s representative authorised to negotiate an

agreement; c) signature of an authorised official of the bidder’s organisation; d) date of submission; e) brief description and history of the bidder’s organisation, emphasising the experience

relevant to delivery of functions outlined in this RFP; f) narrative executive summary of the bidder’s understanding of the project tasks and

deliverables; g) identification of project leader and key project team personnel (geochemist and

Quaternary geologist); h) roles and responsibilities of each of the staff members assigned to the project; i) resumes of the key members of the proposed project team outlining previous relevant

experience, accompanied by a consent by the individual to the disclosure of the resume (note: the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prohibits indirect collection of personal information);

j) previous experience of the individuals on the project team with reference to the project described and deliverables;

k) references from previous clients pertaining to the proposed services; l) a minimum of three references must be provided, including client name, address and

telephone number, contact person, and a short outline of the service provided to that customer. The OPA reserves the right to contact references other than those offered and to verify the Vendor’s statements. References must be provided for any proposed sub-contractors to be involved.

m) detailed description of the proposed methodology and project approach for acquisition of geochemical data;

n) proposed hypothetical sampling plan for each sample type in each area; o) detailed description of the proposed methodology to monitor, maintain, and describe data

quality (QA/QC program); p) laboratories to be used and the sample preparation and analytical procedures to be

employed for each sample type; q) detailed description of the proposed methodology and approach to compile and display

results as case histories; r) project schedule identifying the proposed time frame for each task and dates for receipt of

each of the deliverables; s) discussion of any problems or omissions noted in this RFP; t) discussion of any innovations not addressed in this RFP;


u) proposed price on an area-by-area basis and total price basis; v) separate appendix describing optional deliverables and associated costs; w) completion of the "Statement of Canadian Content" form; x) level of professional and comprehensive general liability insurance carried by the bidder; y) indication of acceptance of the proposed form of contract and identification of any

unusual conditions required in the agreement with the OPA; z) declaration of absence of any actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest; and aa) declaration that the bidder is a wholly Canadian owned firm. 5.3 Last date for Submitted Proposals Respondents are requested to submit (4) four copies of the proposal signed by an authorised official. The proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope or package clearly indicating the company name and return address and shall be clearly marked as follows: *Note that a pre-addressed 8”x11” paper MAILING LABEL has been provided at the end of this package, and should be used by taping it to your submission (Annex 15).

Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies Project Ontario Prospectors Association Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative 1000 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6A5

Proposals must be received at the address indicated above not later than May 23, 2003 at 4:00 PM (160hrs)local Thunder Bay time. All bids must be in hard copy form. No facsimile transmission will be accepted. However, amendments to the original hard copy proposal will be accepted by facsimile if received before the proposal closing date. Originals must be forwarded to the OPA so that they may be attached to the original hard copy for validity, and must be received no later than three (3) business days after OPA receipt of the facsimile. The time of receipt of proposals and amendments is the OPA date/time stamp. Should a firm submit two amendments for the same purpose, the one bearing the later date/time stamp will be included in the evaluation. 5.4 Late or Unsigned Proposals Late proposals will not be considered and will be returned unopened. All proposals must be signed by an authorised official of the company or individual. 5.5 Contact Person Each Respondent is requested to designate, as early as possible, one individual to whom any additional information deemed relevant to the RFP may be communicated. 5.6 One Response Respondents may not submit more than one (1) proposal.


6.0 Schedule The following dates are tentative and are subject to change without penalty to the OPA provided that all Respondents are given written notice of the change.

Issue date of RFP: April 28, 2003 Dead Line for RFP Inquiries: May 8, 2003 Information Session: May 9, 2003 Deadline for Proposals: May 23, 2003, 4 PM (16:00 HRS) Thunder Bay time.

Selection and start of contract negotiations: May 26-27, 2003


7.0 General Information 7.1 Inquiries Any respondent who has questions as to the meaning of any part of this RFP or the project or who believes the RFP contains any error, inconsistency or omission should make an inquiry prior to noon, May 8, 2003, requesting clarification, interpretation or explanation in writing to W. Rayner at the following address:

Ontario Prospectors Association Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative 1000 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay ONT P7B 6A5 Telephone: 866-259-3727 Email: [email protected]

The OPA reserves the right to distribute any or all questions and answers to all other Respondents. 7.2 Oral Information No information given orally by the OPA or by means of wire or telephone, will be binding nor will it be construed as to change the requirements of this RFP in any way. 7.3 Respondent to Ensure It Understands Project It is the Respondent's responsibility to ensure it has all the necessary information concerning the intent and requirements of this RFP and project. 7.4 Changes to Proposal No alteration will be accepted after the specified closing time for submitting proposals. However, the respondent may alter or withdraw its proposal at any time before this closing time. 7.5 Changes to RFP Any changes or revisions to the RFP will be issued in writing as a format addendum to all respondents. 7.6 Confidential Responses The OPA will consider all proposals as confidential, subject to the provisions of and the disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O., 1990, c. F.31. The OPA will, however, have the right to make copies of all proposals received for its internal review process. 7.7 Information All requirements, designs, documentation, plans and information obtained by the Respondent in connection with this RFP are the property of the OPA and must be treated as confidential and not used for any other purpose other than replying to this RFP and the fulfilment of any


subsequent contract. Upon request of the OPA, all such designs, documents, plans and information shall be returned to the OPA. 7.8 Payment Payment will be made upon receipt of invoices for delivery and acceptance of specific deliverables. Invoices will not be paid on the basis of a fixed price or block fee. Only expenses incurred with prior approval of the OPA will be made pending acceptance of all the deliverables. 7.9 Computer Requirements All reports are to be submitted in Word97 format, created on an Intel platform. Interim and final products in digital form are to be submitted as outlined in Annex 3. Computer requirements for the all functions are the responsibility of the successful Respondent. 7.10 Verification The Respondent understands and agrees that the OPA may, if deemed necessary, verify any information provided in any proposal. 7.11 Misleading Information It must be clearly understood that if there is any evidence of misleading or false information having been given, the OPA may, in its sole discretion, reject the proposal. 7.12 Award To Be in Writing The acceptance of a proposal and the award of this project or any part thereof will be made in writing and only in writing. 7.13 Award to More than One Respondent The OPA reserves the right to award the project to one respondent alone or, if it deems appropriate, the project may be divided and awarded to more than one respondent. 7.14 Ownership and Copyright All information and material of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to:

• all project-related working papers and correspondence; • QA/QC graphs and report; • raw and processed data; • QA/QC-accepted data; • images of the geochemical data and Quaternary maps created prior to public release; • recorded media, reports, and documents;


• project progress reports; • technology expressly developed using OPA funds that result from this RFP; • computer programs written expressly for this project; and • inventions and all deliverables acquired, prepared, conceived of or produced in the

performance of the services shall be the sole property and copyright of the OPA. All patents, copyrights and other industrial and intellectual property rights, including trade secrets, in relation to the Project and its documentation to be developed or otherwise provided shall be assigned to the OPA for its exclusive use. The successful Bidder shall obtain from any subcontractor, or from any other source used, all required assignments and releases of interest, or acknowledgements, or waivers of moral rights, that is necessary to transfer title and publication rights to the MNDM and OPA. 7.15 Notice of No Bid Bidders who are unable to submit a bid are requested to complete the enclosed “Notice of No Bid” form and return it in a sealed envelope with the proposal label provided affixed to the front of the envelope prior to the tender closing date. 8.0 Sales Tax Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Ontario Retail Sales Tax or other Provincial Sales Taxes, where applicable, are to be shown as separate items. 9.0 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System The contractor shall comply with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements, as contained in the Occupational Heath and Safety Act of Ontario, or the relevant Health and Safety Acts applicable to the jurisdiction where the contractor resides. 10.0 Working Language The working language for the administration of this Request for Proposal, subsequent contract, and all submissions and briefings will be English.


11.0 Environmental The OPA intends that appropriate environmental protection practices be supported. Bidders are encouraged to take an active role in implementing environmentally-sound business practices and providing goods and services that lessen the burden on the environment in their production, use and final disposition. 12.0 Transportation of Dangerous Goods The contractor and its employees shall ensure that all rules/regulations pertaining to the legislative requirements established for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) are adhered to. In addition, the contractor shall provide proof that its employees have been trained on the rules/regulations relative to the TDG that are in effect in said area of involvement, inclusive, but not limited to, receiving/labeling, storing, shipping and documentation. 13.0 Compliance By-laws, Rules, Regulation, Orders, Statutes The successful bidder shall: a) comply with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to the Proposal requirements and to the preservation of the public health; b) be responsible for the safety of all workers and equipment on each site in accordance with all applicable legislation; and c) provide and maintain all necessary safety precautions. The successful bidder shall undertake to conform to all applicable by-laws, rules, regulations, orders, and statutes of governmental authorities. 14.0 Conflict of Interest Each Respondent must include in its proposal confirmation of the following: a) Where applicable, a Respondent must declare in its proposal any situation that may be a

conflict of interest in submitting its proposal or, if selected, with the contractual obligations of the Respondent as Consultant under the Agreement; and

b) that the Respondent neither has nor has access to any confidential information as defined

below: "Confidential Information" refers to confidential information of the Crown (other than confidential information which is disclosed to proponents in the normal course of the Request for Proposal); the Confidential Information is relevant to the Services required by the Request for Proposals, their pricing or the Request for Proposal evaluation process; and the disclosure for which could result in prejudice to the Crown or an unfair advantage to the Consultant.


The proposal of any Respondent may be disqualified where the Respondent fails to provide confirmation of the foregoing or makes misrepresentations regarding any of the above. Further, the OPA shall have the right to rescind any contract with the selected Respondent in the event that the OPA in his/her sole discretion determines that the selected Respondent has made a misrepresentation regarding any of the above, in addition to or in lieu of any other remedies that the OPA has in law or in equity. 15.0 Indemnification and Insurance The successful bidder agrees that the OPA shall not be liable for any injury or damage (including death) to the person of any officer, employee or agent of the successful bidder for the loss of or damage to the property of the successful bidder or his officers, employees or agents in any manner based upon occasioned by or in any way attributable to the successful bidder’s services under this Agreement unless the injury, loss or damage is caused by the negligence of an officer or employee of the OPA while acting within the scope of his employment. The successful bidder agrees that he shall at all times indemnify and save harmless the OPA, its officers, employees and agents from and against all claims, demands, losses, costs, damages, actions, suits or other proceedings by whosoever make, sustained, brought or prosecuted in any manner based upon, occasioned by or attributable to anything done or omitted to be done by the successful bidder, its officers, employees, or agents in connection with services performed, purportedly performed or required to be performed by the successful bidder under this Agreement/Contract.

The Bidder shall provide and maintain during the term of this agreement, Comprehensive General Liability insurance acceptable to the OPA and subject to limits of not less than FIVE MILLION ($5,000,000) DOLLARS inclusive per occurrence for bodily injury, death and damage to property including loss of use thereof.

The Comprehensive General Liability insurance shall include insurance for:

(i) premises and operations liability

(ii) product or completed operations liability

(iii) blanket contractual liability

(iv) cross liability

(v) contingent employers liability

(vi) personal injury liability arising out of false arrest, detention or imprisonment or malicious prosecution libel, slander or defamation of character; invasion of privacy; wrongful eviction and wrongful entry


Automobile liability and property damage insurance covering all owned or non-owned vehicles used in performing the services, with a single combined limit of TWO MILLION ($2,000,000) DOLLARS for each occurrence involving bodily injury, death or property damage.

All Comprehensive General Liability insurance policies shall be in joint names of The Bidder and OPA.

The Bidder shall deliver a certificate evidencing such policy or policies to the OPA after the awarding of contract and before any work starts under the winning proposal. Such insurance policy or policies shall contain a covenant by the issuing company that they shall not be cancelled or amended unless sixty (60) days prior written notice of cancellation is given to OPA.

The bidder must submit proof that the firm is in good standing with the W.S.I.B.


ANNEX 1 SURVEY PARTICULARS The purpose of the Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies Project is to carry out a series of case studies examining mineral and chemical behaviour in several different terrain and glacial depositional environments in the Nipigon plate region. Each study area is centered on either known PGE mineralization or on lake sediment sites anomalous in Pt and Pd. The studies will assist exploration efforts by providing a better understanding of: (1) the regional glacial history; (2) the extent of both chemical and glacial (physical) dispersion from identified mineralization and/or gabbro and (3) the best methods to utilize in following up lake sediment and other surficial geochemical anomalies. The program will consist of: (1) Quaternary mapping to determine the distribution of sub-glacial and glacio-fluvial sediments and their related flow directions; and (2) geochemical sampling of surficial materials to determine the hydromorphic or mechanical dispersion pathways of target and pathfinder elements from sources in bedrock or overburden into lake sediments. This work is to be carried out in accordance with the technical specifications given in Annex 2. 1.1 CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM: The co-ordinate system to be employed will be UTM meters (NAD83 – zone 16). All sample sites are to be recorded digitally by GPS with an accuracy of +/- 2 meters. 1.2 SURVEY AREAS: The following UTM coordinates define the centroid of 6 proposed areas that may be selected for inclusion in this project: Rightangle-Muskrat-Circle area: 352000 E 5464000 N Cheeseman Lake area: 330000 E 5482000 N Tarrison Lake area: 305000 E 5477000 N Tib Lake area: 295000 E 5459000 N Lac des Iles area: 310000 E 5450000 N English Bay area: 355000 E 5535000 N The location map (Figure 1) shows the survey boundaries for the project areas. The extent of survey coverage is illustrated in Figures 2-7. Information on the lake sediment geochemistry associated with each of these areas should be obtained from the relevant publications (Section 1.7, References). Information on Quaternary deposits described in each project area is taken from small scale Quaternary maps, compiled primarily from aerial photographs with little field verification. 1.2.1 Rightangle-Muskrat-Circle area: This area includes a portion of the drainage basin adjacent to lake sediments within Pebble and Thread lakes that are anomalous in Pt, Pd, Cu +/- Au, Ag, and Ni. Lake sediments at sites 1718 and 1719 contain up to 27.7 ppb Pd, 14.2 ppb Pt, and 437 ppm Cu (Dyer and Russell, 2002). The area is underlain by Nipigon diabase but a mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex is believed to be present beneath it. The overburden consists of a preserved subglacial environment with only minor glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine components. 1.2.2 Cheeseman Lake area: This area includes a portion of the drainage basin adjacent to Cheeseman Lake and smaller lakes to the east of it that are anomalous in Pd, Au, and Cu +/- Pt. Lake sediments contain up to 33.8 ppb Pd, 14 ppb Au, and 1255 ppm Cu (Dyer and Russel, 2002; Jackson and Dyer, 2000; Ontario Geological Survey, 2000). The area is mapped as a bedrock dominated terrain with Nipigon diabase overlain locally by glaciofluvial sand and gravel deposits.


1.2.3 Tarrison Lake area: This area contains a northeast trending string of lake sediment anomalies in Pd +/- Pt, Au and other elements. Site 2044 contains 73.3 ppb Pd (Ontario Geological Survey, 2000). The bedrock geology consist of Nipigon diabase and Archean gneiss. The anomalous lakes occur along a glaciofluvial complex referred to as the Kaiashk Interlobate Moraine. 1.2.4 Tib Lake area: This area contains know occurrences of PGE mineralization but there are no known lake sediment anomalies associated with the occurrences. Known glacial sediments indicate that a subglacial environment is preserved. 1.2.5 Lac des Iles area: This area contains known occurrences of PGE mineralization with associated lake sediment anomalies. An anomaly immediately adjacent to the Baker Zone of the Lac des Iles Mine contains 13.6 ppb Pd, 3.6 ppb Pt, and 5 ppb Au (Dyer and Russell, 2000). Other anomalous lakes nearby contain 10-14 ppb Pd. Contamination related to mining activity is primarily located to the east of the Roby Zone. The overburden consists of a preserved subglacial environment. This study would expand on a previous case study centered around the Lac des Iles mineralization (Searcy 2001). 1.2.6 English Bay area: This area encloses the English Bay alkalic intrusive complex which lies close to the projected theorized failed arm of the mid-continental rift. The Ontario Treasure Hunt (OTH) lake sediment program did not cover most of this area. Because several different types of mineralization, including shear hosted Au-Ag vein systems, are associated with similar intrusions (ie. Timmins Camp), this area was selected to characterize the geochemical signature of this type of intrusion. 1.3 QUATERNARY MAPPING: The purpose of the Quaternary mapping is to:

(1) determine the distribution of different types of glacial sediments in the vicinity of the lake sediment anomalies or known mineralization, and (2) determine the ice flow or melt water flow directions that may have physically dispersed trace elements away from known mineralization.

The mapping is a prelude to sampling and characterizing the composition of these surficial materials as possible sources for anomalies in lake sediments down-ice of a bedrock source. Attention should also be given to locating possible bedrock occurrences of PGE mineralization by sampling and characterizing outcropping sulfide-bearing diabase or gabbro. 1.4 DISPERSION STUDIES: The dispersion studies to be carried out should include an assessment of possible hydromorphic and mechanical inputs of PGE and pathfinder elements into lakes adjacent to known mineralization or sources unknown. In areas where lake sediment anomalies are known to be present, these anomalies need to be confirmed by re-sampling the anomalous sites. Hydromorphic inputs into the anomalous lakes are to be established by sampling surface water and organic substrates in contact with the water from streams, bogs, and springs entering the lake.


Mechanical inputs are to be established by sampling inorganic stream sediment where present and characterizing the composition of till and glacio-fluvial sediments adjacent to the anomalous lakes or down-ice of known mineralization. 1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE – QUALITY CONTROL: A quality control system is to be implemented to monitor and maintain acceptable relative accuracy for data collected over time and in different geographic areas. This will consist of employing randomization of sample number sequences, the collection of field duplicate samples, and the insertion of certified reference standards into randomized number sequences. 1.6 FINAL PRODUCTS: The deliverables for this project will consist of the following: An article summarizing the work completed over the course of the 2003 field season to appear in the OGS Summary of Field Work. A poster presentation at the OPA Ontario Exploration and Geoscience meeting, December 2003, in Toronto. A poster and oral presentation at the Northwest Prospectors Symposium, April 2004, in Thunderbay. A final report to be published as an OGS Open File Report (OFR) in the spring of 2004 that is consistent with the quality and content of such reports. A complete record of digital data generated in the course of the project to be released to the public as an MRD on CD-ROM in the spring of 2004. 1.7 REFERENCES Dyer, R.D. and Russell, D.F., 2002. Lac des Iles-Black Sturgeon River area lake sediment survey: Operation Treasure Hunt; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6028, 76 p. Jackson, J.E. and Dyer, R.D. 2000. Garden-Obonga Lake area high density lake sediment and water geochemical survey, northwestern Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6009, 95 p. Ontario Geological Survey, 2002. Garden-Obonga Lake area lake sediment survey: gold and PGE data; Open

File Report 6028, 76


English Bay

Cheeseman Lake RIGHTANGLE-MUSKRAT-CIRCLE AREA Figure 3: Cheeseman Lake, English Bay, and Rightangle-Muskrat-Circle areas


Figure 2: Tarrison Lake, Tib Lake and Lac Des Iles areas


ANNEX 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


A copy of the Technical Specifications should be made readily available to each of the Contractor’s personnel who have a responsibility in the execution of the contract. The Contractor must obtain and have available in the field and office all relevant charts, maps, etc. necessary to complete the survey work. 2.1 QUATERNARY MAPPING: Quaternary mapping should be carried out at a level of detail consistent with a 1:50,000 plotting scale. The distribution of sub-glacial till facies and ice margin glaciofluvial facies must be established in the areas defined in Annex-1. Mapable units should include lodgement till, ablation till, glaciolacustrine clay, glaciofluvial outwash sand, and esker gravel complexes. The nature of these materials must be described with respect to grain size distribution, textural characteristics, and dominant pebble lithologies. Ice flow indicators should be observed and recorded including glacial striae, roche moutonees, and depositional fluting in till surfaces. Directional indicators of melt water direction should be noted such as the distribution of eskers coring glaciofluvial complexes or topographically controlled spillways. If possible, the relative timing of events and associated ice-directions should be determined particularly if evidence for multiple till sheets is present. The Quaternary maps are to be used as a basis for developing a sampling plan to characterize the composition of the glacial materials particularly with regard to their PGE content. Sampling should attempt to characterize the composition of the different materials while also determining lateral variations in composition at right angles to the dominant direction of ice flow and melt water flow. The focus should be to determine if these surficial deposits are a source of PGE and pathfinder elements present at anomalous levels in near-by lake sediments. In the case of known mineralization, the focus should be to determine if the mineralization has been dispersed mechanically down-flow of the PGE source and if target and pathfinder elements are subsequently flushed either physically or hydromorphically into nearby lakes resulting in lake sediment anomalies. 2.1 GEOCHEMICAL SAMPLING: 2.1.1 Lake Sediment: Lake sediments must be collected at sites determined to be anomalous in previous lake sediment surveys in order to confirm the original results. The precise location should be reproduced using GPS measurements. Sampling equipment must be capable of knowingly retrieving 2-3 kg of sediment from a depth of at least 20 cm below the sediment/water interface. This material should be placed in breathable fabric bags and air dried at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C prior to shipment to the laboratory. Relevant sample description information should include lake depth, depth range of sample in sediment column, colour, texture, and the presence of Fe-Mn precipitates or other distinctive features.

2.1.2 Water: Water samples should be collected from the drainage system entering the anomalous lakes to characterize hydromorphic inputs into the lakes. Sample sites should include the center of stream channels, the center of drainage pathways within bogs (typically defined by the distribution of alders), and any springs that occur along the margins of the anomalous lakes. Preference should be given to sites exhibiting visible surface water flow. However samples can also be obtained in bog areas with no exposed surface water by first digging a sump, allowing it to fill with water, allowing suspended material to settle, and then taking the sample. Stagnant water at the edge of bogs or drainage valleys should not be sampled. Water sampling should be suspended during heavy rainfall and for at least one day following the suspension of rainfall. At least 125 ml of water must be collected and stored in high density screwcap polyethylene bottles. The water should be filtered in the field or within 8 hrs of collection using 0.45um cellulose acetate filters in either a syringe or pump filtering apparatus. The samples should be stabilized by adding ultrapure nitric acid. Under no circumstances is reagent grade acid to be used for this purpose. Equipment used for filtering samples or preparing and adding acid to the samples should be free of rubber parts to avoid sources of contamination.


Samples should be refrigerated until they can be shipped to the lab in coolers along with freezer packs to maintain low temperatures during shipping. In-situ water measurements of pH and conductivity should be obtained using a portable pH-conductivity meter calibrated each day according to operating instructions. Relevant sample description information should include the type of site (stream, bog, spring), width and depth of streams, relative flow rate, sample depth, and colour. 2.1.3 Organic Drainage Substrate: At each water sample site where organic materials are an available substrate, well decomposed organic materials in contact with the water should be collected to characterize hydromorphic inputs into the lake. Sample sites should include organic mud on the stream bottom or organic bank material from A-horizon soil in contact with stream water, the most well decomposed peat at a depth of at least 1 m in the bogs, and well decomposed peat or A-horizon soil in the seepage zone of springs. This material should be placed in breathable fabric bags and air dried at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C prior to shipment to the laboratory. Relevant sample description information should include the type of sample (organic sediment, organic bank, peat, A-horizon soil), sample depth, and colour. 2.1.4 Inorganic Stream Sediment: Approximately 2-3 kg of inorganic stream sediment should be collected from any streams that are bottomed by coarse clastic sediment. Preference should be given to low energy sites where silt sized material is available for sampling. This material should be placed in breathable fabric bags and air dried at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C prior to shipment to the laboratory. Relevant sample description information should include the type of material, grain size distribution (clay, silt, sand, gravel), composition (percent mafic grains), and colour. A water sample should also be collected at each of these sites along with pH and conductivity measurements. 2.1.5 Overburden: The composition of the glacial materials must be characterized as a possible source for the lake sediment anomalies. Samples should be collected along lines perpendicular to the dominant flow direction and located up-ice of and marginal to the anomalous lakes. The position of the lines and the samples along the lines should be selected to obtain representative samples from all the major mappable glacial sediment facies. The distribution of proposed sample sites should attempt to determine whether lateral variations in trace element content exist orthogonal to the dominant direction of ice flow and meltwater flow. Where possible, the sample should be obtained from the C-horizon of the soil (usually present at a depth > 0.75 m) rather than the B-horizon. At least 2 kg of material should be collected in plastic bags and air dried at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C prior to shipment to the laboratory. The bags should be tightly and securely sealed prior to shipping. Relevant sample description information should include the type of material, sample depth, soil horizon, texture, grain size distribution (percent clay, silt, sand, gravel), composition (percent mafic pebbles), colour, and degree of oxidation. 2.1.6 Rock: The composition of sulphide-bearing diorite and any other mineralized mafic rocks considered prospective for PGE mineralization should be sampled and characterized. Sample sites should include both outcrop and glacial boulders. Approximately 2 kg of representative chips should be collected from different parts of the outcrop or boulder, placed in plastic bags, and securely sealed prior to shipping to the laboratory. Relevant sample description information should include sample type (bedrock, boulder), rock type, texture, grain size distribution (percent fine, medium, coarse), sulphide content, and color . 2.2 SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS:


2.2.1 Lake Sediment: The lake sediment samples should be completely dried at the laboratory in drying ovens at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C. The samples should then be disaggregated using a ring and puck pulverizer composed of either ceramic or tungsten-carbide steel. Any preliminary crushing to break up the sample prior to pulverization should be done in a ceramic mortar and pestle. Any materials capable of potentially contaminating the samples in Fe, Ni, and Cr are to be avoided. A 5-10 g split of the resulting pulp should be analyzed for Au, Pt, and Pd by fire assay with an ICP-MS determination. 2.2.2 Water: The water samples should be stored in a cool place and analyzed as soon as possible upon receipt at the laboratory. The samples should be analyzed by ICP-MS for at least the trace elements listed in Table 1 with detection limits as low as or better than that indicated in the table. 2.2.3 Organic Drainage Substrate: The organic drainage substrate samples should be dried at the laboratory in drying ovens at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C. They should be disaggregated using a ceramic mortar and pestle and then ashed at a temperature of 500 degrees C with the loss on ignition recorded. The resulting ash should be digested in nitric-aqua regia and analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS and for major elements by ICP-ES. The list of elements required should include at least those listed in Table 1 with detection limits at least as low as that indicated in the table. 2.2.5 Inorganic Stream Sediment and Overburden: The inorganic stream sediment and overburden samples should be completely dried at the laboratory in drying ovens at temperatures not to exceed 40 degrees C. The samples should be sieved to obtain the < 0.063 mm fraction for analysis. A 5-10 g split of the resulting pulp should be analyzed for Au, Pt, and Pd by fire assay with an ICP-MS determination. A sub-sample of the pulp should also be digested in nitric-aqua regia and analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS and for major elements by ICP-ES. The list of elements required should include at least those listed in Table 1 with detection limits at least as low as that indicated in the table. 2.2.6 Rock: The rock samples should be crushed in a primary jaw crusher that has first been thoroughly cleaned using silica sand and brushes. A representative sub-sample should be pulverized using a ring and puck pulverizer composed of either ceramic or tungsten-carbide steel. A 5-10 g split of the resulting pulp should be analyzed for Au, Pt, and Pd by fire assay with an ICP-MS determination. A sub-sample of the pulp should also be digested in nitric-aqua regia and analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS and for major elements by ICP-ES. The list of elements required should include at least those listed in Table 2 with detection limits at least as low as that indicated in the table. 2.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE – QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM: The goals of the quality control program are to: (1) maintain similar levels of relative accuracy in the analysis of each sample type across all geographic areas sampled, (2) document the analytical precision of element determinations for target and pathfinder elements around their threshold value, and (3) document the sample site variability associated with the various sample types for target and pathfinder elements around their threshold value.

Table 1: Minimum list of elements and minimum detection limits for analysis of water and other media.


Water Other Media Element Detection Limit Units Detection Limit Units Ag 0.01 ppb 0.01 ppm As 0.1 ppb 0.1 ppm Au 0.001 ppm Ba 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm Bi 0.01 ppb 0.01 ppm Ca 50 ppb 0.01 % Cd 0.01 ppb 0.01 ppm Co 0.01 ppb 0.1 ppm Cr 0.1 ppb 1 ppm Cu 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm Fe 10 ppb 0.01 % Hg 0.2 ppb 0.01 ppm Mg 1 ppb 0.01 % Mn 0.1 ppb 5 ppm Mo 0.1 ppb 0.05 ppm Ni 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm P 10 ppm Pb 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm Pd 0.01 ppb 0.001 ppm Pt 0.01 ppb 0.0005 ppm Rb 0.01 ppb 0.1 ppm Sb 0.01 ppb 0.05 ppm Se 0.01 ppb 0.1 ppm Sn 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm Sr 0.01 ppb 0.2 ppm Te 0.01 ppb 0.01 ppm Ti 0.1 ppb 0.01 % U 0.01 ppb 0.05 ppm V 0.1 ppb 1 ppm Zn 0.1 ppb 2 ppm



2.3.1 Sample Labelling: The final sample numbers for samples of a particular type (see Section 3.2) from all survey areas must be randomized prior to submission to the Laboratory. Spaces at regular intervals should be preserved for the insertion of standard or blank samples. The Proposal should describe in detail the manner in which samples will be labelled in the field and then re-labelled in random order to fulfil this requirement. 2.3.2 Field Duplicates: Field duplicates are to be collected at a frequency of 1 per 20 sites for each sample type. A field duplicate is defined as a sample of similar material collected at a similar site but adjacent to the original site. Depending on available material, the distance separating the samples should be in the range of 0.5-3.0 m. 2.3.3 Standards: Certified geochemical reference standards should be inserted into the randomized numeric sequence at a frequency of 1 per 50 samples. Commercially available standards should be selected that most closely match the nature of the samples collected. If suitable material is not available, a bulk sample may be collected in the first field area and submitted to a laboratory for bulk sample preparation and representative splitting. At least 10 analyses should be performed to establish preliminary accepted values. The resulting pulps should then be inserted into the randomized numeric sequence prior to shipment to the Laboratory. 2.3.4 Blanks: In the case of water samples, blanks should be inserted into the randomized numeric sequence at a frequency of 1 per 50 samples. Commercially available distilled water may be used for this purpose. 2.4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR: For the data acquisition phase, the selected Contractor will be responsible for the following: 2.4.1 Field Support: The supply, maintenance and operation of field camps, suitably equipped to carry out these particular types of surveys. All technical equipment and instrumentation, with spares, necessary to execute the water sample collection in an expeditious manner. Provision of the necessary qualified personnel (full or part-time) and their office accommodation required to complete the project work including:

Project Manager (Office or Field) Geochemist (Office or Field) Quaternary Geologist (Office or Field) Field Assistants

Transportation, mobilization, demobilization, and subsistence, while in transit, as well as shipping between company headquarters and the respective points of arrival and departure of personnel, technical equipment, materials and supplies necessary for the effective performance of the work. Compliance with all provisions of the National Transportation Act and directives, orders, rules and or regulations pursuant to those Acts.


Arranging and paying for personnel accommodation, meals and incidental expenses. Ensuring that all compilation, drafting and reproduction is carried out in Canada. 2.4.2 Laboratory Selection and Quality Control: The Contract Manager is responsible for the selection of one or more commercial laboratories to carry out the required analytical methods and determinations. He/she must verify that all samples have been received by the lab in good condition. The quality control data for each analytical certificate must be reviewed in a timely manner to determine the pass/fail status of the certificate. 2.4.3 Data Management, Statistical Analysis, Data Interpretation: The Contract Manager is responsible for assembling a geochemical database complete with field descriptions for all samples collected in the course of the program. The quality of the data must be summarized for inclusion in the final report. Statistical analysis should be performed to determine relevant thresholds for the PGE and pathfinder elements in the various sample media. Proportional symbol plots should be generated to illustrate dispersion patterns within and amongst the various sample media. Interpretation of this data must take into account the distribution of the glacial deposits in each area and the relevant flow directions affecting any mechanical dispersion from known or unknown bedrock sources of PGE’s. 2.5 TECHNICAL REPORT AND DIGITAL DATA: 2.5.1 Technical Report and Documentation The technical report must incorporate all relevant information regarding the survey, including:

a) project objectives; b) location of project areas; c) bedrock and quaternary geology; d) surficial environment (climate, physiography, drainage, overburden, soil types, vegetation); e) geochemical dispersion pathways (drainage, basal glacial flow, glaciofluvial flow); f) mapping and sampling procedures; g) analytical procedures; h) quality control procedures; i) data quality assessment; j) data management, statistical analysis, and map presentation procedures; k) description of results; l) conclusions and recommendations.

Complete documentation of all digital data and products is required, forming an appendix to the survey report. The document must describe the content, units and co-ordinate systems for all digital maps and analytical data. The Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Project Leader reserves the right to request modifications to the final report consistent with the required content and quality of government publications. Final Technical report (2 copies) accompanied by digital ASCII file in WordPerfect or MS Word report. Copies of Final Products MNDM will distribute copies of all final products. This is accomplished by copying the master CD’s containing the digital data and survey reports, and plotting maps from the master map files. Final format of the data should be in Mapinfo format as well as in ESRI Arcview and Arcinfo.


ANNEX 3 DELIVERABLES The Contractor’s Project Manager shall be responsible for signing off all reports and all products being delivered/submitted for inspection prior to invoicing, thereby certifying that the work was carried out in accordance with the Technical Specifications in Annex 2. 3.1 Monthly Progress Report (Compilation): The Contractor’s Project Manager shall submit a report each Monday morning following the previous month describing the state of progress of the various aspects of the work as well as projections as to the completion of the work. These reports will be faxed or e-mailed to the Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative Program Director at the following address: Wally Rayner Fax: (807) 622-4156 E-mail:[email protected] Included in the reports will be: - Base of operations utilized; - Description of work completed

The type and number of samples collected … total to report date. Progress in terrain mapping. Field crew list and any changes in personnel.

- A sketch map (letter size) showing the area of data acquisition. NOTE: Supporting documents, such as analytical certificates, must be supplied with any documented test results. 3.2 Digital Data Digital data include analytical data, QA/QC data, GPS sample locations, sample descriptions and digital map and report products. The digital data must be accompanied by proof paper plots of sample location plans, surficial terrain map, and geochemical maps for the final products, as required. 3.3 Other Deliverables 2.3.1 Summary of Field Work: A technical report summarizing the work completed and any preliminary results or observations must be prepared by the Project Manager of the Contractor for publication in the OGS Summary of Field Work volume released in the fall of 2003. The due date for the manuscript is October 31st, 2003. 3.3.2 Poster Presentation (December 2003): A progress report in the form of a poster presentation must be presented by the Contractor at the OPA Ontario Exploration and Geoscience meeting to be held in December, 2003. The


poster should focus on the objectives of the project, the field work completed, and preliminary results and conclusions. 3.3.3 Open File Report and Digital Data Release: A technical report must be prepared by the Project Manager of the Contractor which presents (1) a reasonably comprehensive account of the field operations, analytical methods employed, and data quality assessment, (2) a description of compilation of the data and (3) illustrations that will be useful to users of the data. The specifics to be included in the project report are described in further detail in section 3.5.1 of Annex 2. The report will be published as an OGS Open File Report (OFR) and must therefore meet the content and editorial requirements of such documents. In addition, digital geochemical data and maps must be prepared for digital data release (MRD) by the MNDM. 3.3.4 Poster Presentation/Talk (April 2004): The final results and conclusions of the project must be presented by the Contractor at the Northwest Prospectors Symposium in April 2004 as a poster presentation and lecture. 3.3.5 Handling and Storage of Digital Data Copies of all digital data must be stored by the Contractor for 1 year after the safe delivery of the same data to the Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Project Leader. During this time the data may not be erased except by explicit written authorization of the Project Leader. After delivery of all final maps, any related materials used to produce the final products will be delivered to the Lake Nipigon Geoscience Project Leader in acceptable containers (1 cubic foot) which have labels identifying their contents. The Contractor must prepare a catalogue for all of these data and will submit it to the Lake Nipigon Geoscience Project Leader. 3.4 Payment Schedule of Products Required The Contractor’s Project Manager shall be responsible for signing off all reports and all products being delivered/submitted for inspection prior to invoicing, thereby certifying that the work was carried out in accordance with the Technical Specifications in Annex 2. The Contractor must make available to the Technical Inspector any digital data requested for checking purposes, to facilitate timely approval of project products.


ANNEX 4 EVALUATION CRITERIA Responders must provide the necessary documentation to support compliance with the following evaluation criteria at bid closing time. Any proposal which fails to meet the following evaluation criteria will be deemed non-compliant and will not be given further consideration. Responders should address each criterion separately. A. EVALUATION CRITERIA 1. Understanding the Project Objectives and Deliverables:

The Responder must demonstrate a clear understanding of the project objectives through the design of a mapping and sampling program to achieve those objectives. The Responder must also demonstrate its capability to provide the required Deliverables on schedule by listing its resources.

2. Geochemical Survey Experience: The Responder and its subcontractors combined must have experience and demonstrated

capability to carry out the required work and to compile, describe, and illustrate the resultant data as geochemical dispersion case histories. This will require that the bidder has suitable sampling equipment, computer hardware/software and compilation facilities. The bidder will be deemed to have demonstrated its capability and experience if it has carried out at least one geochemical survey involving the collection of water samples for trace element analysis and has written or published a report of a case history nature.

3. Qualified Personnel: Personnel qualifications will be evaluated only on the basis of information shown on

resumés provided. Personnel will be evaluated on educational qualifications, experience and track record.

The level of education and experience below must be met: (a) Project Manager:

Geochemist, with a degree in earth sciences from a recognised university; and 3 years experience in geochemical survey projects that demonstrate familiarity with the sample media required for the proposed contract.

(b) Quaternary Geologist:

Geologist with a degree in earth sciences from a recognised university; and 3 years of related experience in Quaternary mapping.


4. Sampling Plan: An understanding of the overall objectives of the project will be judged by the design of a sampling program to achieve the goals of the project. Consideration will be given to coverage and sample distribution.

5. Water Sampling Protocols:

The bidder or its subcontractors must have the ability to properly collect water samples. This will be judged by:

(a) the equipment identified to collect, treat, stabilize, and store water samples. (b) the precise protocols for filtering and acidifying water samples in the field, maintaining their stability while at base camp, and safely transporting them to the laboratory.

6. Quality Assurance-Quality Control Program:

The bidder must demonstrate an understanding and ability to monitor, maintain, and describe data quality. This will be judged from a description of: (1) a numbering system that will provide a randomized order in which samples are analyzed, and (2) how the QA/QC data will be processed to achieve its objectives. Any changes, whether to expand or simplify the QA/QC function, will also be taken into consideration.

7. Laboratory Capabilities:

The ability of the Contracter to provide quality data will be judged by the certification status of the laboratories selected, the analytical methods employed, and the detection limits achieved by these methods. The laboratories providing analytical services must be at least ISO9000 accredited.

SELECTION OF CONTRACTOR The successful bidder will be selected on the basis of:

1) Above average rating in all mandatory criteria (50% or higher) 2) High point score (see section 4.7, RFP) 3) Low total price

It is understood by all parties submitting proposals that, to be considered compliant, a proposal must must not obtain a substandard rating (<50%) in any of the criteria.


The successful Bidder will be selected on the basis of the assessed BEST VALUE to PDA taking into account technical merit and cost factors. Best value to OPA will be determined on the basis of the LOWEST PROJECT COST-PER-POINT COMPLIANT PROPOSAL, calculated by dividing the total cost to OPA (excluding GST/HST) by the total points achieved. Where two or more compliant proposals achieve the identical lowest cost-per-point as a result of the above, the successful bidder will be the one offering the lowest priced proposal. OPA reserves the right to reduce the number of areas to be sampled to bring the total price in line with the available budget.


ANNEX 5 PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL The proposal must be structured in two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) TO BE BOUND SEPARATELY, as follows: PART 1: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (with no reference to price): 4 copies PART 2: SURVEY COST - 1 copy Responders shall prepare a proposal addressing all the requirements of this RFP. • The proposal should be concise, • Do not use filler pages and unnecessary attachments. • Each proposal will be evaluated solely on its own content. • When preparing a proposal, you should do so in conjunction with the stated Evaluation Criteria and Selection

Method (ANNEX 4) against which your proposal will be evaluated. • The restatement of the technical requirements with a statement to the effect of - "Intent to perform", does

not reveal the Responder’s understanding of the task nor an ability to carry it out. General Information: It is understood that any visits to the survey area to assess the requirements for the geochemical sampling and Quaternary mapping will be at the Responder's sole expense. If a company proposes to sub-contract with others for the purpose of presenting a proposal, the division of work and delineation of responsibilities between the companies must be described in detail. Only one of the companies shall be the prime Contractor and shall negotiate, sign all contracts and take full responsibility for the project. For all sub-contracts, an acknowledgement letter from the sub-contractor, with details of the proposed arrangement, must accompany the proposal. PART 1: Technical Proposal The Technical and Management Proposal should address, but not necessarily be limited to, the following. Substantiating documentation should be appended with the page location indicated in the main text. 1. Information on the Company: - Address, registration and ownership - Management, with organization chart - Company facilities, including: - computer facilities - hardware & software (or subcontracting arrangements)

- drafting facilities (or subcontracting arrangements)


2. Understanding the Project Objectives and Deliverables

The Responder should summarize the project objectives and briefly explain the design of a mapping and sampling program to achieve those objectives. The Responder should also describe its capability to provide the required Deliverables on schedule.

3. Qualified Personnel: - An organization chart for this project (with names and functions), showing the

actual reporting responsibilities of personnel. - Personnel list and resumes for each of proposed personnel. Resumes should

contain full name, citizenship, education and/or professional qualifications - degrees or licenses, years and granting institution, languages spoken, employment record including employers, years and places of employment with type of work performed and the extent of experience in the function delegated on this project. If the Responder is offering personnel to be obtained under contract, evidence must be provided in the proposal (i.e. written acknowledgement from these people) to the effect that they have been approached by the Responder and are willing and available to work for the firm, should it be awarded a contract as a result of this Request for Proposal. Resumes are not required for field assistants who may be provided under a sub-contract should the firm be awarded a contract.

4. Sampling Plan: The Responder, in conjunction with its subcontractors, must provide proposed sample

location plans for each survey area to include: (a) lake sediment sites (b) drainage sites (water, organic substrate and/or inorganic stream sediment) (c) overburden sites

Based on these location plans, the Responder should provide an estimate of the number of samples to be collected of each type, as described in the RFP, in each area and as a total. Some allowance should be given for additional sites to be selected based on actual site opportunities.

5. Water Sampling Protocols:

The Responder should provide a list, together with specifications, of all equipment necessary to collect, treat, stabilize, and store water samples. This list should include at a minimum:

(a) bottles (b) filtering equipment (c) acidification equipment (d) certified standards and blanks


(e) storage equipment (f) shipping equipment (g) pH-conductivity meter

In addition, the Responder should describe the precise protocols for filtering and acidifying the water samples in the field, maintaining their stability while at base camp, and safely transporting them to the laboratory.

6. Quality Assurance-Quality Control Program:

The Responder should confirm that the QA/QC procedures described in Annex 2 can be carried out and that suitable software is available to summarize data quality for reporting purposes. The Proposal should include a description of a sample labeling system that will ensure samples are analyzed in a random order. Any changes, whether to expand or simplify the QA/QC function, should be described.

7. Laboratory Capabilities:

The Responder should provide the names and addresses of the analytical laboratories that will be contracted to prepare and analyze the samples. The following information should be described:

(a) elements that may be subject to possible contamination during sample preparation.

(b) acid digestions and analytical instrumentation to be used for the various sample types.

(c) laboratory certification status. A list of elements to be determined by each analytical method, together with detection limits, should be attached to the proposal. PART II: Survey Cost Summary Responder’s survey cost must be based on the total cost to carry out field mapping and sampling, analyze the samples, compile the data, and produce the required deliverables. Consequently, the selected Contractor will be bound by its calculation. PDA will pay only for samples actually collected and analyzed to a maximum equivalent to the selected Contractor’s total submitted calculation. The selected Contractor will also be obligated to provide complete coverage of the entire survey area outlined by preliminary sample location plans included in the Proposal. Responder must bear in mind that no payments other than the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs stated herein shall be made to the Responder. It is therefore essential that the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs include all elements of cost and profit related to the execution of this project.


$ Total All Inclusive Survey Costs (excluding GST/HST) The Responder is requested to provide a break-down of the total all inclusive cost on a area by area basis: $ Rightangle-Muskrat-Circle area (excluding GST/HST) $ Cheeseman Lake area (excluding GST/HST) $ Tarrison Lake area (excluding GST/HST) $ Tib Lake area (excluding GST/HST) $ Lac des Iles area (excluding GST/HST) $ English Bay area (excluding GST/HST) Equipment and Materials: The Responder will be responsible for supplying and paying for all maps, sampling equipment, and materials. These costs are to be included in the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs above. Ground Transportation - Base of Operations: The Responder will be responsible for making provision for and paying for all ground transportation costs pertaining to the survey operation. These costs are to be included in the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs above. Accommodation and Living Expenses: The Responder will be responsible for arranging and paying for all accommodation, living and miscellaneous crew expenses. Costs are to be included in the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs specified above. Analytical Expenses: The Responder will be responsible for paying all laboratory fees for samples submitted for analysis. Costs are to be included in the Total All Inclusive Survey Costs specified above. Travel Expenses to OPA Sponsored Technical Meetings The OPA will pay for travel expenses to OPA sponsored technical meetings. It is expected that the winning bidder will provide technical presentations on the results of the work covered by this proposal.


LEGAL ENTITY AND CORPORATE NAME The Responder should provide a statement as to whether he is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporate entity, indicating the laws under which the partnership or corporate entity was registered or formed, together with the registered or corporate name. Also, the Responder should provide a statement identifying the country where the controlling interest/ownership (name if applicable) of its organization is located.


ANNEX 6 NOTICE OF NO BID

A proposal is not being submitted for the SURFICIAL GEOCHEMISTRY CASE STUDIES RFP

Please provide a brief list of reasons for not submitting a proposal:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________ Dated at __________________ this _________day of ____________, 20____

Company Name: _______________________________

Address: _______________________________

Contact Person: _______________________________ Signature of

Title: _______________________________ Tel: ________________________________ For OPA use only Tender/Proposal No.: _________________ Purchasing Officer: _________________ Date: _________________


ANNEX 7 PROPOSAL RETURN MAIL LABEL RETURN ADDRESS Postage Required

Lake Nipigon Region Geoscience Initiative C/O

ONTARIO PROSPECTORS ASSOCIATION 1000 ALLOY DRIVE

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 6A5 Attention: Wally Rayner, Program Director

______________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE CUT AND AFFIX THE ABOVE MAILING LABEL TO YOUR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ENVELOPE OR NOTICE OF NO BID


ONTARIO PROSPECTORS ASSOCIATION May 9, 2003 RFP SURFICIAL GEOCHEMISTRY CASE STUDIES ADDENDUM NUMBER 01 This addendum 01 lists four changes to the Surficial Geochemistry Case Studies –Request for Proposal.

1. In section 14.0 part B all references to “Crown” should be replaced with “ Ontario Prospectors Association”. Please note on the mapping RFP we noted that data would go to OPA, but MNDM would be used for publication.

2. In section 5.2 delete sub paragraph w) as there is no requirement for a

“Statement of Canadian Content” form to be completed in this RFP. 3. In section 5.2 delete sub paragraph aa) as there is no requirement to declare that

the bidder is a wholly own Canadian firm.

4. On page 39 in Annex 4, section A 7 the reference to ISO9000 should be replaced with ISO17025.

5. On page 31 of Annex 2, change Table 2 to Table 1.

All Bidders · Geochemistry Case Studies Project”. ... • Conduct dispersion studies of hydromorphic and mechanical inputs into lake sediments from ... Section 11 Environmental

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