Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre
Backgrounder
The Moncton Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) is a multi-disciplinary science facility being redeveloped on the site of the Gulf Fisheries Centre, integrating key heritage elements of the existing structure.
ASEC will house the science and some administration operations of the departments of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the National Research Council (NRC), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as a virtual partner.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is seeking architectural & engineering and construction management services to redevelop the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre into a leading-edge collaborative research facility in Moncton, New Brunswick, as part of the Laboratories Canada strategy.
The current open tender is seeking a firm or group to oversee the construction of the new facility for the duration of the project.
In addition to the request for proposal (RFP) seeking services of a Construction Manager, PSPC will issue a separate RFP later this month for the services of an architectural & engineering firm or group to work closely with the Construction Manager and to prepare detailed design and construction documents necessary for the construction of the facility.
Once the bids are fully evaluated, we expect to award contracts in late summer or early fall of 2021.
Indigenous Benefits
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Indigenous communities are provided opportunities to benefit from major projects and developments such as ASEC. Indigenous Benefits Plans (IBP) will be an integral part of both of the contracts being solicited through the Requests for Proposals as well as other opportunities throughout the project. Discussions have already begun with New Brunswick’s Indigenous communities to ensure that we identify and respond to their needs.
PSPC will be continuing with Indigenous engagement over the course of the project to ensure the Indigenous Benefits Plan (IBP) runs smoothly and the planned benefits are realized. An engagement strategy will guide how the project teams prioritize, support and engage on ASEC project activities pertaining to the site and infrastructure elements of the ASEC project. The ASEC engagement strategy cascades from a broader PSPC Atlantic Indigenous Reconciliation Strategic Plan.
Background on ASEC
The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) science hub will become a transformational player in understanding, protecting and sustaining Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
The redevelopment of the Gulf Fisheries Centre will provide modernized, leading-edge facilities for Government of Canada scientists engaged in research in Atlantic coastal aquatic ecosystems. The project will first see the construction of a new building adjacent to the existing structure, followed by a full redevelopment of the existing facility and site. In the end, the new expanded, integrated facility will provide double the space of the existing Gulf Fisheries Centre.
The ASEC will drive collaborative scientific research; foster partnerships; promote community engagement and ocean literacy; build a culture of sustainability, excellence and continuous innovation; and actively focus on traditional ecological knowledge.
Potential plans for the facility include:
- State-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and networks;
- Collaborative and innovative scientific research areas;
- Publicly accessible interactive and interpretive spaces;
- Opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous groups;
- Science activities and events for the community, including opportunities for citizen science; and
- History of the Gulf Fisheries Centre.
The Gulf Fisheries Centre is located in the former College Notre-Dame d’Acadie, which was administered by the Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur Congregation. Built in 1948, it was the first Francophone post-secondary educational institution for women in the Maritimes. It closed in 1965 following the opening of the Université de Moncton.
In 1982, Fisheries and Oceans Canada acquired the facility. The building was completely renovated to house the Gulf Fisheries Centre as of 1986. The heritage embodied by the Gulf Fisheries Centre will be an important element of the new ASEC , and it will continue to commemorate the Acadian community in New Brunswick.
Since 2001, the building has belonged to Public Services and Procurement Canada (formerly Public Works and Government Services Canada).
Laboratories Canada
Science plays a key role in supporting a vibrant society and a thriving economy in Canada. Scientific advances, from medical breakthroughs to insights that keep our environment clean, improve the health and well-being of all Canadians. From fundamental research to the development of real-world applications, science creates jobs, stimulates economic growth and spurs innovation.
Laboratories Canada is a 25-year strategy that will deliver on its vision to strengthen federal science in Canada. Budget 2018 launched the first phase of this strategy with an investment of $2.8 billion to support federal scientists with the important work they do for Canada.
The strategy signals a forward-looking approach to science planning by fostering innovation and collaboration in world-class facilities. The renewed facilities will house modern laboratories and collaborative spaces enabled with information technology tailored to meet the needs of federal scientists, as well as being environmentally sustainable and accessible.
The strategy will increase the Government’s ability to attract a diverse range of talented scientists to work alongside federal leaders, while ensuring the government remains at the cutting edge of research and regulatory enforcement. It will also spark innovative ways of doing research, drive economic growth and deliver real results for Canadians.
To find out more about Laboratories Canada: