Aerial survey support

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT (NPP)Solicitation No.: 30002673Contracting Authority: Tina BrownTelephone No.: 506-238-3224E-mail Address: DFOtenders-soumissionsMPO@dfo-mpo.gc.caTITLE: Aerial Survey Support - Small Aircraft Dry LeaseTRADE AGREEMENTS: Not applicableDESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT: DFO Science conducts vessel-based surveys of marine animals each year. Aerial survey support increases the efficiency of DFO science activities by enhancing the detection of marine animals over a broader area (as compared to vessel-based surveys), and by directing a designated research vessel to locations where individuals may be studied.The duration of the contract will take place from Contract award to October 31, 2022. Surveys may take place on any day within this period, subject to density and distribution, weather, flight conditions, sea state, and pilot availability. The scientist-in-charge will work with the Contractor to plan survey effort.The work may be conducted throughout the Scotian Shelf or the Gulf of St. Lawrence, no further than 25 nautical miles from shore, flying up to a maximum of 150 hours, inclusive of all costs, during the period of July 1 to October 31, 2022. Location of surveys may vary, depending on oceanographic and resource conditions, predicted and verified areas of animal aggregation, and research objectives.The Contractor will provide the aircraft used for aerial surveys. The contracted work consists of flying transects through the study area (pre-determined by the Contractor and DFO scientist-in-charge), visually locating marine animals from the aircraft, and effectively communicating their locations to the scientist-in-charge. If the designated research vessel is in the vicinity, the Contractor is responsible for relaying updated locations of individual animals to DFO Science personnel aboard until they have animals are within sight. Success of these coordinated efforts will be determined by the DFO scientist-in-charge.DURATION OF CONTRACTThe period of the contract is from Contract award to October 31, 2022, with the option to extend the term of the Contract by up to three (3) additional one year periods.ENQUIRIES – BID SOLICITATIONAll 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 METHODOLOGYA 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 REQUIREMENTSThere is no security requirement associated with this bid solicitation.