• Provide a work plan that describes how they will conduct all work required as stipulated in sections 4 and 5, including detailed timelines for all deliverables identified in section 10;
• Identify anticipated risks and/or challenges that may be encountered throughout the project;
• Discuss risks and mitigation strategies with the Project Authority at the initial meeting; and,
• Update their work plan based on any inputs received from ESDC.

• Task 2: Initial Meeting

The Contractor must meet with the Project Authority to:

• Ensure that there is clarity around the purpose regarding the scope of the project and the Contractor’s work;
• Present the updated workplan to the Project Authority and discuss timelines, risks/challenges and mitigation strategies; and,
• Ensure that the work that is performed by the Contractor is to the satisfaction of the Project Authority.

• Task 3: Updated Final work plan

The Contractor must submit an updated Final work plan to the Project authority that addresses all feedback provided by the Project Authority regarding the draft work plan.

MANDATORY CRITERIA

Item	Mandatory Criteria
M1	The Contractor must be a known authority in socio-economic and public policy issues, demonstrated by recent publication in relevant, peer-reviewed academic journals in the field, and recent presentation(s) at national or international academic conferences in the field. The Contractor must have published in peer-reviewed journals, specifically on the topic of socio-economic, employment or disability issues.
M2	Demonstrated experience in conducting cost‑benefit analysis in Government of Canada context
M3	Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative social science research methodologies
M4	Demonstrated experience collecting, analysing, and synthesizing large‑scale datasets
M5	Strong analytical and writing skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
M6	Demonstrated experience in researching accessibility‑related issues, including issues affecting persons with disabilities
M7	Understanding of digital accessibility requirements and CAN-ASC-6.2:2025 – Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems (AI Standard) would be an asset qualification