AB-2025-06640 - Aquatic Invasive Species Alternative "Hot Wash" Device/Method

The Request for Information (RFI) number 26TDRRSD868 issued by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas seeks input from vendors on alternative devices or methods for performing “hot wash” decontamination of watercraft potentially exposed to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). This RFI is exploratory in nature and does not constitute a competitive bid or guarantee a future procurement. Its purpose is to gather market intelligence to inform the development of a potential procurement process. The Province is interested in identifying innovative solutions that can effectively and efficiently deliver hot wash treatments, which currently involve trained inspectors using hot water pressure washers to clean and heat various parts of watercraft such as hulls, lockers, engines, and ballast systems.

The scope of the opportunity includes identifying technologies or methods that can achieve and maintain water temperatures of 120°F (49°C), contain all water used to prevent environmental contamination, and be operable by individuals with minimal specialized training. The proposed solutions should be safe for both operators and bystanders, require no specialized heavy equipment, and be compatible with diverse watercraft types.

Additionally, the solutions must be robust enough to withstand Alberta’s weather conditions and align with existing inspection programs and training protocols. While full decontamination is out of scope, the Province is open to solutions that also remove AIS, not just kill them. Desirable features include mobility, year-round operation, and ease of maintenance, with support services such as warranties, technical support, and training programs being highly valued.