# AI workability — Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre

*Buyer: Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC) · Source: merx · Closes: 04 Sep 2026 00:00 UTC*

**AI workability: 20%** (majority needs humans) · notice-only read · bid call: **NO_GO**

- Effort: 1,200 h total · 240 h AI · 960 h human (low confidence)

## Verdict

Low AI workability; this is a physical/electrical controls upgrade requiring licensed trades, on-site work, and human accountability. AI can assist with software configuration, documentation, and testing support, but cannot perform the core installation work.

## Bid call

**NO_GO** — AI workability is only 20%; the majority of effort is physical electrical/hardware work requiring licensed trades, on-site presence, and bonding. The shop lacks relevant construction/controls reference history and bonding capacity, making Phase One qualification unlikely. Unless a qualified electrical/controls partner is secured, this project is not a good fit for an AI-agent-first IT shop.

## Deliverables

| Deliverable | Mode | AI share | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Project management and coordination | human_only | 15% | 100 |
| Site assessment and electrical wiring upgrade | human_only | 0% | 320 |
| Hardware replacement and installation | human_only | 0% | 280 |
| Software replacement and configuration | ai_assisted | 60% | 200 |
| Testing and commissioning | human_only | 30% | 150 |
| Documentation and training materials | ai_agent | 75% | 80 |
| Compliance, security escort coordination, and site logistics | human_only | 0% | 70 |

## Risks

- **[high]** Physical electrical work is outside the shop's core IT capability and may require licensed electricians and bonding. — *Partner with a qualified electrical/controls contractor or decline the bid.*
- **[high]** No bonding or large reference-contract history may fail Phase One qualification. — *Team with an experienced construction/controls firm; otherwise no-go.*
- **[low]** Security escort requirement adds coordination overhead and limits flexible site access. — *Schedule all site work in advance with the AAFC project authority.*
- **[medium]** Two-phase selection process adds uncertainty and effort. — *Prepare a strong Phase One submission using AI-assisted proposal drafting.*
- **[medium]** Tight timeline from award to March 31, 2027 completion. — *Develop a detailed project plan and procure long-lead hardware immediately after award.*
- **[medium]** Unknown existing control system and integration requirements. — *Conduct a thorough site assessment and discovery phase before design.*

## Human roles

- **Licensed electrician / electrical contractor** (35%): Electrical wiring upgrade is physical, certified work that AI cannot perform.
- **Controls engineer / automation specialist** (25%): Design, validate, and approve greenhouse control system changes; professional accountability.
- **Project manager / on-site coordinator** (15%): Client workshops, escort coordination, schedule management, and stakeholder communication.
- **Contract signatory / financial officer** (10%): Legal/financial accountability, insurance, bonding, and contract execution.
- **QA/commissioning technician** (10%): Physical testing, calibration, and commissioning of installed systems.
- **Documentation reviewer** (5%): Approve AI-generated manuals and training materials for technical accuracy.

## Why not more AI

- Cannot perform electrical wiring, hardware installation, or any physical site work.
- Cannot provide licensed professional sign-off or certified audits.
- Cannot manage in-person stakeholder relationships or act as an escort on AAFC premises.
- Cannot guarantee safety or compliance on live greenhouse electrical systems.
- Cannot design proprietary control system integrations without detailed specifications and human domain expertise.

## Requirements & compliance

| Ref | Requirement | Status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Security Requirements | The contractor(s) MUST, AT ALL TIMES, be escorted on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada premises by the project authority or by a suitable replacement appointed by the project authority, this person must be an AAFC employee with a valid security of required level or an approved cleared individual (ie. Commissionaire). | met |
| Construction Time | The Contractor must perform and complete the Work by March 31, 2027. | met |
| Submission | Qualifications must be submitted only to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Bid Receiving Unit by the date and time indicated on page 1 of the ITT. | met |
| Basis of selection | This is a two phase selection process. Bidders responding to this ITT are to submit in two phases. Phase One qualification covers only the qualifications and experience of the Bidders. Following the evaluation of Phase One submissions, Bidders will be advised of the result of the assessment of their submission and the status of the Phase Two tender. Phase Two Bidders will be provided an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the financial evaluation in relation to the specifications and drawings. A combination of the Phase One and Phase Two submissions constitutes the final bid. | unclear |
| Language | Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada. | met |
| Integrity Regime | AAFC has adopted the Integrity Regime administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada. As a result, the integrity provisions are being applied in AAFC procurement activities as outlined in this solicitation. | met |

## Evaluation criteria

- **Phase One – Qualifications and Experience** (): Likely screens for relevant greenhouse controls and electrical experience; small IT shop may be at a disadvantage.
- **Phase Two – Financial Evaluation** (): Financial evaluation occurs after Phase One; no pricing details or evaluation weightings provided.

## Key dates

- 2026-08-19 — Publication
- 2026-09-04 — Closing Date
- 2027-03-31 — Completion Date

## Gaps in source documents

- Source documents are thin; no statement of work, drawings, or specifications were provided.
- No estimated contract value is available.
- No details on the existing greenhouse control system or software.
- No evaluation weightings or Phase One qualification criteria are provided.
- No certification requirements are listed (e.g., electrical license, bonding).
- No site access or logistics details are provided.

## Assumptions

- No detailed specifications or drawings were available; estimates are based on the notice and typical greenhouse controls upgrades.
- AI workability refers to project delivery effort, not bid preparation.
- The contractor does not require facility security clearance but must be escorted on site.
- Electrical work likely requires a licensed electrician and appropriate bonding/insurance.
- Existing control system details are unknown and require discovery.

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*Generated by GovContract from public tender documents. Human review required before acting on bid decisions.*