Request for Information (RFI) on Accessible Digital Technologies including Artificial Intelligence Systems

Scope Summary

To support the development of the next phase of regulations, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is launching this RFI to gather information from digital technology vendors and suppliers on their current accessibility-related capabilities, practices, implementation challenges, and readiness with respect to artificial intelligence (AI) systems, software, and hardware. The RFI seeks information on: • Current accessibility capabilities, policies, and practices relating to software, hardware, and AI systems; • Conformance with relevant accessibility standards and specifications for software, hardware, and AI systems; • Approaches to incorporating accessibility throughout the product lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, and procurement; • Barriers, implementation challenges, and considerations associated with achieving accessibility; and, • Organizational readiness to meet potential future accessibility requirements. The information collected through this process will help inform the development of the next phase of Digital Technologies Accessibility Regulations under the ACA.

Bid Readiness Checklist

• 1. Portal Registration & Eligibility Mandatory
  Confirm active supplier account on the issuing portal to submit bids to buyer "Department of Employment and Social Development (ESDC)" (Canada).
  Suggested Evidence: SAP Ariba Supplier ID / Procurement Business Number (PBN)
• 2. Submission Deadline & Format Mandatory
  Finalize pricing and compliance attachments at least 24 hours ahead of Closes 2027-01-29.
  Suggested Evidence: Signed Cover Form, Mandatory Returnables & Complete File Upload
• 3. Technical Architecture & Security Mandatory
  Document system architecture, data residency/privacy controls, implementation milestones, and post-launch SLA support.
  Suggested Evidence: Architecture Overview, Security Controls & SLA Matrix
• 4. Commercial Pricing Schedule Mandatory
  Structure transparent itemized fixed or T&M rate pricing aligned with notice deliverables (ceiling not disclosed in notice).
  Suggested Evidence: Itemized Pricing Table, Rate Card & Scope Assumptions
• 5. Security, Privacy & Accessibility Mandatory
  Address referenced security, data privacy, or accessibility obligations in the notice.
  Suggested Evidence: Security Attestation, Privacy Statement & Accessibility Statement