Vessel Charter – Capelin spring acoustic survey NL

TITLE: Vessel Charter – Capelin spring acoustic survey NL TRADE AGREEMENTS: N/A DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT: The Science Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Newfoundland Region, St. John’s, Newfoundland, CANADA, requires the complete services of a suitable Fishing or Research Vessel (vessel and crew) to deliver its 2021 Capelin spring acoustic survey, operating within Trinity Bay and offshore Newfoundland. The area of operation for this program is the bottom portion of NAFO Division 3K (<50ºN), all of Div. 3L, and Trinity Bay (if time allows). Parallel survey lines are run from the 100m coastal depth contour to the 500m depth contour along the shelf break. The survey period will be comprised of up to 24 days in total including 1-2 days in St. John’s or nearby mutually agreed upon location, at the beginning of the vessel charter for loading and set-up of DFO supplied equipment; and 1 day at the end of the charter for disembarkation of DFO staff, collected data, biological samples, and DFO supplied equipment. After loading and set-up equipment, and prior to commencement of the offshore survey, 1-2 days will be dedicated to physical calibration of the multi-frequency scientific echosounder system, using a calibration sphere and equipment to be supplied by DFO and employing standardized measurement techniques. This work will be carried out in a sheltered location. During this period the vessel must be anchored by the bow and stern in a minimum water depth of 40 meters. An anchorage near Sunnyside, Trinity Bay is anticipated. During transit to and from the calibration site measurement work may be undertaken to determine the optimal vessel survey speed that minimizes propeller and flow noise interference in the hydro-acoustic data. Acoustic surveying work will be undertaken during the remaining portion of the charter period. DURATION OF CONTRACT The period of the Contract is from date of Contract award to June 16, 2021. ENQUIRIES – BID SOLICITATION All enquiries must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Authority no later than five (5) calendar days before the bid closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered. PROCESS AND SELECTION METHODOLOGY A bid must comply with all requirements of the bid solicitation to be declared responsive. The responsive bid with the lowest evaluated price will be recommended for award of a contract. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS There is no security requirement associated with this bid solicitation.