1. Introduction
This Request for Information (“RFI”) is issued by the University of Ottawa (the “University”) for the purposes of gathering information about the marketplace to assist in exploring available technologies that could be used to outfit an existing laboratory flume to create a Multi-Hazards Simulator (MHS). Specifically, the MHS will be created by adding the following to the flume: (1) a wavemaker, (2) an underwater seismic shake table, and (3) a sediment recirculation system. The research team is seeking market information for each of these components. Participation in this RFI is completely optional and is not a requirement to participate in a potential future RFP.
2. Background
The University recently completed construction of a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) building, which includes a new Water Resources Engineering Laboratory (WREL) for the Department of Civil Engineering. The MHS is to be created in the WREL and will be the world’s only experimental multi-hazards wave-current-sedimentearthquake flume. The WREL already houses a 31 m long by 1.5 m wide by 1.4 m high tsunami flume. The flume is constructed as follows: one side is waterproofed block wall, the other side is reinforced concrete with a steel-andglass central viewing section, and the floor is 0.3 m thick reinforced concrete. This flume is serviced by two high capacity (0.5m3 /s) pumps. Water is drawn from a large (>300 m3 ) reservoir situated below the laboratory floor. The flume is already outfitted with a pneumatically driven swing gate for generation of tsunami-like hydraulic bores. To create the MHS, this flume will be augmented with: (1) a custom-designed wave generator to create random waves and tsunami-like soliton waves; (2) a custom-designed and unique submersible two-dimensional seismic shake table to simulate earthquakes; (3) a custom-designed sediment recirculation system to simulate river, coastal, and estuarine morphodynamic processes.
3. Format
The format of the University’s discussions with Respondents will be informally via conference or video calls, on a “1-on-1” basis, between each Respondent and the University. The University anticipates spending about one hour on each call. While not required, the University will also receive written documents from a Respondent, such as technical brochures, catalogues, specification sheets, etc.
Furthermore, a site visit to the WREL will be scheduled. A Respondent will be able to attend the site visit either virtually or in-person.
4. Submission Instructions
Respondents are asked to submit, by email, 1 electronic copy, in PDF, of a completed and signed Respondent Submission Form (Appendix A) by the Submission Deadline to the following RFI Contact:
Lisa Pougnet
Senior Procurement Officer | Procurement Services University of Ottawa
Email: lpougnet@uottawa.ca
All questions, inquires, or communications regarding this RFI or the EMR Project must be directed to the RFI Contact listed above. Respondents must not contact any other University employee.
Refer to RFI document for full information.
