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Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre

Closes in 9 days 04 Sep 2026 00:00 UTC

Official notice

IT fit 70 Greenhouse controls upgrade involves automation/IT systems, small shop could handle.

Our call:

AI workability

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.

DeliverableModeAI shareHoursNotes
Project management and coordination
Scheduling, client communication, site visit coordination, progress reporting, and stakeholder management. 		human only 15% 100 AI can assist with schedules and report drafts, but relationship management and on-site coordination require humans.
Site assessment and electrical wiring upgrade
Inspect existing greenhouse electrical systems and upgrade wiring in Building 75E, approximately 600 m2. 		human only 0% 320 Physical, certified electrical work; cannot be performed by AI.
Hardware replacement and installation
Replace greenhouse control hardware components, sensors, controllers, and related devices. 		human only 0% 280 Requires on-site physical installation, cabling, and hardware deployment.
Software replacement and configuration
Replace and configure greenhouse control software, including control logic, HMI screens, and data logging. 		ai assisted 60% 200 AI can generate configuration scripts, code, and test cases, but a controls engineer must validate and approve.
Testing and commissioning
System-level testing, calibration, and commissioning of the upgraded greenhouse controls. 		human only 30% 150 AI can help generate test plans and analyze logs, but physical verification and commissioning require humans.
Documentation and training materials
Manuals, as-built documentation, and operator training materials in English or French. 		ai agent 75% 80 AI can draft documentation end-to-end with light human review for technical accuracy.
Compliance, security escort coordination, and site logistics
Arranging escorted access to AAFC premises, safety compliance, and site logistics. 		human only 0% 70 Requires human coordination with AAFC project authority and on-site presence.

Risks

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

Human roles needed

  • 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.

Suggested delivery stack

  • Use AI-assisted code/config generation for control logic scripts, HMI screens, and data logging, with human controls engineer review.
  • Use LLM tools for documentation, manuals, and English/French translation.
  • Use automated testing frameworks to validate software changes.
  • Use version control (Git) for all software and configuration changes.
  • Use project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Slack) for coordination.
Requirements & compliance (6)
RefRequirementKindCompliance
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).
No facility security clearance required for the contractor; escort requirement is manageable but requires on-site coordination.		 mandatory met
Construction Time The Contractor must perform and complete the Work by March 31, 2027.
Completion deadline is feasible but requires early scheduling and hardware procurement.		 mandatory 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.
Standard submission process; must monitor GETS for updates.		 mandatory 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.
Phase One qualification criteria are not detailed; small IT shop may lack relevant electrical/controls experience.		 other unclear
Language Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.
AI can assist with English/French translation and document preparation.		 other 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.
No integrity issues assumed; must confirm compliance before bidding.		 other met
Evaluation criteria & key dates
  • 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.
  • 2026-08-19 — Publication
  • 2026-09-04 — Closing Date
  • 2027-03-31 — Completion Date
Assumptions & gaps

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.

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.

Deep read covered 1 captured document.

Draft proposal

Generate a first-draft bid response from the AI-workability dossier — approach per workstream, compliance responses, team model, pricing structure, and an honest gap list. Human review required before submission.

Buyer
Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC)
Type
other
Location
Saskatchewan, CAN
Notice type
—
Published
19 Aug 2026
Closes
04 Sep 2026 00:00 UTC
GSIN
—
UNSPSC
—

Description

Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre

Extracted document text

notice-page.txt

WSC-2627-098 - Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre WSC-2627-098 - Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre This solicitation is OPEN Select a tab Notice Documents (2) Notice Documents 2 Mail Basic Information Reference Number cb-288-69798501 Issuing Organization Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC) Solicitation Type ITQ - Invitation to Quote (Informal) Solicitation Number WSC-2627-098 Title Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre Source ID PWGSC Agreement Type Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) Details Location Saskatchewan Dates Publication 2026/08/19 12:00:00 AM EDT Closing Date 2026/09/04 04:00:00 PM EDT Contact Information Natalie O'Neill (306) 807-8740 natalie.oneill@agr.gc.ca Description Title: Greenhouse-E Controls Upgrade – Swift Current Research and Development Centre Description: The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Swift Current Research and Development Centre located in Swift Current, SK and has a Greenhouse in need of a controls upgrade. Building 75E – Greenhouse is approximately 600 m2. Design plans have been prepared to upgrade the electrical wiring and existing greenhouse controls. The work involves replacement of both hardware and software components. Security Requirements: There are security requirements associated with this requirement. 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). 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. Initially, Bidders are invited to submit their qualifications in the first phase of the selection procedure. Only the Phase One information asked for in the ITT is to be included in Phase One submissions, and evaluation of Phase One submissions will be carried out only on the Phase One information requested. Construction Time: The Contractor must perform and complete the Work by March 31, 2027. SOLICITATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO AAFC AT: See Section 3 of the ITT. 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. Refer to the attached solicitation documents to obtain further information. Canada retains the right to negotiate with any supplier on any procurement. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada. PROCURING OFFICE: Natalie O’Neill, Contracting Specialist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Western Service Centre 300 – 2010 12th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0M3 Telephone: 306-807-8740 E-mail address: natalie.oneill@agr.gc.ca 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. Canada will make available Notices of Proposed Procurement (NPP), bid solicitations and related documents for download through the Government Electronic Tendering Service (GETS) at https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/solicitation-opportunities. Canada is not responsible and will not assume any liabilities whatsoever for the information found on websites of third parties. In the event an NPP, bi

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