# AI workability — Software Development Services - #2026-DB-01-RFQ

*Buyer: Prince Rupert Port Authority · Source: merx · Closes: 08 Oct 2026 00:00 UTC*

**AI workability: 69%** (majority AI-deliverable) · notice-only read · bid call: **GO**

- Effort: 1,000 h total · 690 h AI · 310 h human (low confidence)

## Verdict

Majority AI-workable; human needed for workshops, legal, and production oversight.

## Bid call

**GO** — Core capability match and high AI workability; proceed to obtain full RFQ and validate security/bonding requirements.

## Deliverables

| Deliverable | Mode | AI share | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RFQ/qualification response | ai_assisted | 90% | 40 |
| Requirements discovery & workshops | human_only | 0% | 100 |
| Architecture & solution design | ai_assisted | 75% | 100 |
| Software development | ai_agent | 90% | 400 |
| Testing & QA | ai_assisted | 85% | 120 |
| Documentation & training material | ai_agent | 95% | 60 |
| Deployment & DevOps | ai_assisted | 60% | 100 |
| Project management & client communication | human_only | 0% | 80 |

## Risks

- **[high]** Notice is thin; actual scope is unknown — *Obtain full RFQ documents from BC Bid before committing resources.*
- **[medium]** Port authority may require security clearance or bonding — *Assess requirements early; partner with a cleared/bonded firm if needed.*
- **[medium]** Small shop lacks large reference-contract history — *Emphasize AI-agent delivery model, relevant portfolio, and agility.*
- **[medium]** AI workability estimate may change with actual scope — *Include a discovery phase and adjust staffing based on confirmed requirements.*
- **[low]** On-site presence in British Columbia may be required — *Budget for travel and use remote-first collaboration where possible.*

## Human roles

- **Client workshops & stakeholder facilitation** (30%): Relationship building and in-person facilitation cannot be done by AI agents.
- **Legal/contract/financial sign-off** (15%): Contracts, insurance, and financial accountability require a human legal entity.
- **Project management & client communication** (25%): Client trust and day-to-day communication need a human account manager.
- **Deployment/ops & security oversight** (15%): Production access, security controls, and any physical deployment require human authority.
- **Human review/acceptance** (15%): Final acceptance and quality sign-off on AI-generated work must be done by a human.

## Why not more AI

- Cannot sign contracts or take legal/financial accountability.
- Cannot facilitate in-person workshops or build client relationships.
- Cannot perform physical deployment, cabling, or hardware installation.
- Cannot obtain security clearances or professional certifications.
- Requires human oversight for production access and final acceptance.

## Requirements & compliance

| Ref | Requirement | Status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notice disclaimer | All amendments to the associated notice, including amended documents, plans and specifications (where applicable), are issued on bcbid.gov.bc.ca. | met |
| Notice disclaimer | Potential bidders may also be required to register with the buying authority as a bidder/plan taker. | unclear |

## Evaluation criteria

- **Not published** (Unknown): No evaluation criteria were included in the notice; full RFQ documents are required.

## Key dates

- 2026-08-21 — Publication
- 2026-10-08 — Closing Date

## Gaps in source documents

- No detailed scope, deliverables, or technical requirements in notice.
- No evaluation criteria, contract duration, value, security clearance, onsite presence, or languages.
- No attached documents in provided facts; full RFQ must be obtained from BC Bid.

## Assumptions

- Actual software scope is unspecified; assumed typical custom software project for port operations.
- RFQ is a qualification stage; full RFP will define deliverables.
- AI agents can operate on code and documents; humans handle client-facing and legal work.
- No security clearance required for initial RFQ; may be required later.
- Effort estimate is illustrative, based on a 1000-hour project.

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