Agriculture and Irrigation is requesting proposals from qualified consultants to develop specific program area capital infrastructure and equipment asset assessment reports. The work will produce a set of deliverables that allow the areas to:
- Forecast and prioritize capital maintenance, renewal and replacement
- Standardize asset data, condition, and maintenance requirements across business areas
This project covers three specific business areas within the department of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI). Theses areas include the Agri-Food Assurance laboratory, Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section and the Alberta Food Centre.
The Agri‑Food Assurance Section (AFAS) located in the O.S. Longman Building operates 5 specialized laboratories providing scientific testing and analysis to support food safety, animal health, and agricultural programs in Alberta. It analyzes food, livestock, feed, and environmental samples to identify contaminants, detect diseases, and confirm that products meet regulatory requirements. AFAS works closely with inspectors and program staff to provide reliable evidence that supports compliance, investigations, and informed decision‑making.
Its work also includes ongoing monitoring and surveillance to identify emerging risks and trends, helping government respond quickly to potential issues. By delivering accurate, timely results under strict quality standards, the laboratory helps protect public health, support farmers and industry, and maintain confidence in the safety and integrity of Alberta’s agri‑food system.
The Alberta Food Centre (AFC) is a federally licensed and inspected facility by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The facility is in place to provide an operating facility where food manufacturing companies can conduct research and development as well as commercialization activities. Having a facility that follows strict regulatory programs that are overseen by the CFIA enables companies to work in a facility that provides access to markets not only outside of the province and within Canada, but to international markets as well. Working in a CFIA recognized facility also allows food manufacturing companies the opportunity to work with larger retail stores increasing economic growth in the agricultural sector.
The Bio-Industrial Opportunities Section (BIOS) of Food and Bio Processing Branch works with industry stakeholders to develop products, identify opportunities, facilitate innovation, enable commercialization, and increase competitiveness for the value-added agriculture industry. BIOS works out of two locations: Bio Processing Innovation Centre which located at 5520-36 Street, Edmonton, Alberta. T6B 3P3. The Bio Industrial Development Lab (BDL) is located at O.S. Longman Building 4th Floor, 6909 – 116 Street, Edmonton, T6H 4P2.
The purpose of this RFP is to invite Proposals from suitable qualified Proponents who demonstrate sufficient experience and qualification to conduct a Program Area Infrastructure and capital equipment condition assessment for the existing program area infrastructure and capital equipment within each facility.
The project will produce practical, implementable outputs that allow each business area to:
- Prioritize maintenance and renewal based on risk and criticality to Government services
- Forecast capital needs over two planning horizons:
o 1–5 years (near-term)
o 5–10 years (mid-term)
- Provide information and supporting evidence that will be used for future asset planning.
