1.0 SCOPE The purpose of this request for information (RFI) is to assist the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to gather information and to seek a cost estimate/model for the procurement and setup of an omics federated learning network (FLN) solution (requirements described in section 3.0). A FLN is defined as a hub-node platform where users access data sets from nodes and perform analyses which are computed and stored on the hub. For this FLN, the term “analyses” is broadly defined and can pertain to a wide range of tools from genomic assembly to machine learning models. Thus, it is expected that analyses could be refined and augmented as tools are trained and experience learning. The goal of the FLN is to support industry in the use of omics (e.g. genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) as a tool; it is anticipated that the FLN would also provide access to datasets and models and facilitate the reuse of omic data investments. Canada may use the information gathered in the RFI process to determine changes that should be included that will meet its needs and be consistent with Industry standard practices.Following the RFI process, the next step will be for the NRC to assess the information and prepare for a potential request for proposal (RFP).Once responses are received and reviewed, Respondents may be invited to discuss their responses at a Post RFI Response Submission. Industry Engagement Questions are included with this RFI (see Annex A) to provide Industry the opportunity to review and prepare written comments which may serve to facilitate this consultation process.
