North Atlantic Right Whale Genetic Profiling and Database Maintenance

Procurement Hub – Fredericton 301 Bishop Drive Fredericton, NB E3C 2M6 29 May 2019 F5211-190152 ADVANCED CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE TITLE: North Atlantic Right Whale Genetic Profiling and Database Maintenance ACAN: The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the government’s intention to award a contract for these services to St. Mary’s University, Frasier Lab, Science Building, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Canada. 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 North Atlantic right whale is listed as Endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has prepared a recovery strategy for the species (DFO 2014*), and an action plan is in development. Genetic information about the species makes an important contribution to understanding population abundance, family pedigrees, and reproductive success. When mortalities occur, DNA profiles help identify individuals from carcasses that are too decomposed to be matched to the right whale photo-ID catalogue. The work supports the following recovery objectives identified in the recovery strategy:

Objective 4: Monitor population and threats Objective 5: Increase understanding of life history characteristics, low reproductive rate, habitat and threats to recovery through research Objective 6: Support and promote collaboration for recovery between international agencies and bodies and between government agencies, academia, environmental non-government groups, Aboriginal peoples and coastal communities in Canada.* https://wildlife-species.canada.ca/species-risk-registry/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=780#ot10

OBJECTIVES: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is seeking a Contractor to perform DNA extraction and genetic profiling of biopsy samples from live right whales, and of samples obtained from necropsies of deceased right whales, to compare findings to the North Atlantic Right Whale photographic catalogue held at the New England Aquarium, and to report on findings. WORK REQUIREMENT: The Contractor must complete and deliver the following items: DNA Extraction and Genetic Profiling

DNA extraction of up to 30 biopsy samples from live right whales and up to 6 samples obtained from necropsies of deceased right whales. Genetic profiling of samples: (1) Sex determination (2) Sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial control region (mtDNA); and (3) Genotyping at 35 microsatellite loci

Analysis of the Molecular Data

Comparison of profiles to the genetic database Comparison with the photo-identification database

Deliverables

A summary report in PDF format each year that the contract is in place, describing the samples analyzed, methods used, and results. The summary report must describe how the results of this work are used in other research and in management activities, and other applications as they arise.

MANDATORY CRITERIA

The Contractor must have extensive (>10 years) experience carrying out genetic analysis of North Atlantic right whale DNA samples, both biopsies from living right whales, and samples from dead right whales that may have degraded DNA content. The Contractor must have extensive (>10 years) experience correlating right whale DNA profiles with the North Atlantic right whale photo-identification database and other sources of information about the species. The Contractor must administer the right whale DNA bank of historical samples and individual Right Whale DNA profiles.

ESTIMATED VALUE The total value of the contract shall not exceed $24,731.00 excluding all applicable taxes for the firm period from contract award to 31 March 2020. Option Year 1 is estimated at $24,731.00 (excluding applicable taxes) and Option Year 2 is estimated at $24,731.00 (excluding applicable taxes). Option Year 3 is estimated at $24,731.00 (excluding applicable taxes). Option Year 4 is estimated at $24,731.00 (excluding applicable taxes). TRADE AGREEMENTS APPLICABILITY OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS: Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS REGULATIONS EXCEPTION AND LIMITED TENDERING REASONS: The following policy requirements are applicable to this ACAN process: Applicable Exceptions to Soliciting Bids under the Government Contracting Regulations (GCRs) (Section 6): Section 10.2.1 Section 6 (d) only one person or firm is capable of performing the work applies to this ACAN for the following reasons: -There are no known alternative sources of supply. It is feasible and affordable to compete the requirement. CONTRACT PERIOD: The period of the contract is from contract award to 31 March 2020 inclusive. The contract will include 4 option years, to be activated at the discretion of DFO. Firm period: contract Award to 31 March 2020 Option Year 1: 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 Option Year 2: 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 Option Year 3: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 Option Year 4: 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 SUPPLIER’S RIGHT TO SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES: Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services described herein, must submit a Statement of Capabilities in writing to the Contracting Officer identified in this Notice on or before closing date. The Statement of Capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements. CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES: 13 June 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (ADT) Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to: Hannah State  Senior Contracting Officer Procurement Hub – Fredericton Telephone: (506) 429-2622 Email: DFOtenders-soumissionsMPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca