Vessel for charter for monthly plankton and water sampling at a fixed station in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence (Shediac Valley)

Objective Request to charter a vessel to take water samples in a fixed station in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (see map below). The work to be performed involves monthly sampling (every 4-6 weeks from May to November) for plankton and water analysis at a fixed Shediac Valley Station (Longitude W: 64.030, Latitude N: 47.780; depth 84m). The use of a portable winch is required and will be provided by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). One or two DFO employees will accompany the contractor when completing the work. Sampling is completed within 1 day of work. 1 day or work consists of up to 14 hours of work (including transit). Contract Period Upon Contract award through to January 31, 2020, with an options to renew for two (2) additional 1 year periods at the sole discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Option periods if exercised will be February 1, 2020 through to January 31, 2021 (12 months), February 1, 2021 through to January 31, 2022 (12 months). Project work will take place between May 1st and December 1st annually. Exact dates will be determined by the DFO Project Authority. Contract Area of Operation The work will be conducted at one fixed stations in the southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence (see attached map showing sampling station in the Shediac Valley).

Requirements

Fisheries and Oceans Canada requires of the Contractor to provide the following

- The work at the fixed station will only be considered complete when all the water samples have been taken. One day may consist of up to 14 hours (including transit time to and from the station). - At-sea activities include recording of time, position and depth of sampling location, controlling the vessel speed (working at slow speeds), helping in hauling plankton nets and attaching equipment on portable winch. The transport of the samples from the wharf to DFO Moncton is provided by DFO.