Photographic Surveys of Belugas

Procurement Hub – Fredericton 301 Bishop Drive Fredericton, NB E3C 2M6 10 June 2019 F5211-190184 ADVANCED CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE TITLE: Photographic Surveys of Belugas 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 Arctic UAV Inc., 3 Bill Mackenzie Lane, Old HBC Bldgs, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0. 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 Cumberland Sound (CS) beluga population is a genetically distinct population that remains in or just outside of Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, year round. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and Species at Risk Act (SARA) have designated this population as ‘threatened’ and a reliable abundance estimate is needed by Fisheries Management for effective management of this subsistence hunted beluga population. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) we propose a full coverage photographic survey of Clearwater Fiord, an important summering area for CS beluga. The main goals are to acquire another index of abundance, to obtain an estimate of the number of calves in the population to compare to previous years, and the photo-identification of individual whales to add to a photo-id catalogue that will provide key life history information needed for population modelling. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the project are to acquire professional services to coordinate all logistics and conduct a full coverage photographic survey of beluga in Clearwater Fiord, Nunavut. WORK REQUIREMENT: The Contractor must complete and deliver the following items:

Coordinate field work including setting a field camp, acquisition of equipment needed for survey, and conducting a full coverage photographic survey with a Nikon D850 camera. Demonstrating and refining the technical and operational procedures for operating large UAVs safely and efficiently in Northern Canada through UAV flight trials that will be planned and executed by the Contractor; and Consulting with local and regional stakeholders to determine operational readiness of affected airports and communities to provide necessary infrastructure, skilled labour, and community support necessary for the success of the northern UAV program.

In addition, the Contractor is responsible for all field work including planning and logistic coordination, and for conducting the survey, and transferring all photos, images and video footage from the drone survey to DFO. Deliverables The Contractor is responsible for producing the following deliverables: All photographs (JPEG and raw files) from full coverage survey of Clearwater Fiord and video footage (.mp4 or .mov).  MANDATORY CRITERIA:

Recent experience (within the past 12 months of the ACAN closing date) operating fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems in the Arctic (above 60 degrees North latitude). Transport Canada Special Flight Operating Certificate (SFOC) to operate UAVs Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and for other specialized missions. A minimum of 3 pilots with professional UAV Operators training that complies with Transport Canada guidelines for professional UAV pilots. A minimum of 3 UAV pilots holding a Radio Operators Certificate (aeronautical) that complies with Industry Canada requirements for two-way VHF radio communications with Air Traffic Control agencies. A minimum $2M liability insurance for company UAVs and pilots. A minimum of 1 full-time technician with previous experience conducting routine maintenance on UAVs and sensor payloads. Access to a UAV with a minimum endurance of 1 hour, a minimum payload capacity of 6 kg (that includes the Nikon D850) and a minimum operational range of 10 nautical miles. Have a project (within the past 12 months of the ACAN closing date) with at least one Nunavut Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) Must be registered as an Inuit-owned firm to comply with the NLCA.

ESTIMATED VALUE The total value of the contract shall not exceed $91,500.00 excluding all applicable taxes for the firm period from contract award to 15 September 2019. Option Year 1 is estimated at $131,500.00 (excluding applicable taxes) and Option Year 2 is estimated at $146,500.00 (excluding applicable taxes). TRADE AGREEMENTS APPLICABILITY OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS: This procurement is subject to the following Comprehensive Land Claims Agreement: - Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) 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 15 September 2019 inclusive. The contract will include 2 option years, to be activated at the discretion of DFO. Firm period: contract Award to 15 September 2019 Option Year 1: 16 September 2019 to 15 September 2020 Option Year 2: 16 September 2020 to 15 September 2021 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: 25 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