Program to Respond to Dead and Distressed Marine Animals in the Province of Quebec

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the government’s intention to award a contract for these services the Marine Mammal Research and Education Group, 108 de la Cale-Seche, Tadoussac QC, G0T 2A0. Before awarding a contract, however, the government would like to provide other suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements set out in this Notice, by submitting a statement of capabilities during the ACAN posting period. If other potential suppliers submit a statement of capabilities during this ACAN posting period that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the government will proceed to a full tendering process on either GETS or through traditional means, in order to award the contract. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities meeting the requirements set out in the ACAN, a contract will be awarded to the pre-selected supplier. BACKGROUND: The Intervention Program for Dead and Distressed Marine Animals in the Province of Quebec is intended to support the operation of a toll-free helpline to enable the reporting of marine animal emergencies; coordinate response efforts with marine animals responding, where possible and safe, to marine animal incidents; provide advice to other authorized response partners; manage marine incident data and report it to DFO. It aims to ensure that all incidents involving dead or distressed marine animals in the province of Quebec are reported, particularly those involving species currently listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The program also aims to improve communication with the general public with respect to marine animal conservation and to collect scientific data in a secure manner to improve our understanding of these species. OBJECTIVE The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Program for the Rescue of Marine Animals in the Intervention Program for Dead and Distressed Marine Animals in the Province of Quebec is intended to:

Support the operation of a toll-free call center to enable reporting and support coordination to respond to incidents involving marine animal emergencies; Respond, where possible and safe, to marine animal incidents; To advise and provide response guidance to other authorized partners; Maintain marine incident data to inform conservation measures and better understand the impacts of human activities on marine mammals.

BACKGROUND, ASSUMPTIONS AND SPECIFIC SCOPE OF THE REQUIREMENT Founded in 1985 and located in Tadoussac, the Marine Mammal Research and Education Group is a non-profit organization devoted to scientific research on St. Lawrence whales and marine conservation education. The Contractor is required to complete the project in accordance with the Statement of Work ONLY under conditions and conditions considered safe for this type of service. Under no circumstances should it attempt to save a marine animal if environmental or weather conditions or logistical circumstances are not reasonable or safe given the circumstances of the proposed response. The Contractor must monitor environmental and weather conditions for changes that make the intervention unsafe. In the event of an intervention, it must comply with the conditions of the permit issued under section 52 of the Fishery (General) Regulations, section 38 of the Marine Mammal Regulations or section 73 of the Species at Risk Act. The Contractor must also ensure compliance with the Protocol for Liaison with DFO and any other protocol that may be provided by DFO.