Bioindicator and Histopathology Studies

Trade Agreement: NAFTA/AIT/Canada FTAs with Peru/Colombia/Panama Tendering Procedures: Generally only one firm has been invited to bid Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Government Objectives Representing Best Interests/Value to Govt Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No Vendor Name and Address: Oceans Limited 85 LeMarchant Rd. St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada A1C2H1 Nature of Requirements:

Bioindicator and Histopathology Studies

Background Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Science Branch in the Newfoundland-Labrador Region has a requirement for the delivery of a contract that will support part of an ongoing research program on the effects of seismic exploration on snow crab.

It is proposed to award a contract to Oceans Ltd. that will work in collaboration with an established team of experts, to collect and process samples for statistical comparison with other ongoing study components. This specific contract will include physiological measurements (bio-indicators and histopathology analysis) coordinated with ongoing studies (specific date/time/location) to ensure results are consistent with other ongoing study components.

Criteria for assessment of the statement of Capabilities Experience: The project team will have field and laboratory expertise dealing with potential effects of seismic exploration on animal health, specifically snow crab. Extensive experience (5-10 years) in the development and evaluation of health indicators, including tissue preparations, histological interpretation, bio-indicator assay and histopathology studies, related to effectsof seismic exploration is needed. Experience with bio-indicator applications related to chemical detoxification capacity, damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA is required. Experience measuring oxidative stress via enzyme activity analysis is required, aswell as, experience using enzyme activity indicators related to pathogen defence and tissue damage. For histopathology analysis, significant experience (10+ years) with the preparation and expert interpretation of hepatopancrease tissues, and possibly other organ tissues (specifically shellfish), is required. Significant (5+ years) experience in various histological staining techniques is needed. Experience in shellfish heamatology is required.

Compatibility with on-going data: This project willbe integrated with ongoing research. The field sampling will be conducted at specific times and locations depending on the other project elements. Analysis, and deliverables in terms of sample sizes and metrics must be linked with other studies to ensurevalid statistical comparison. Flexibility in the timing of sample collections, with potentially short notice is required. Delivery of outputs is expected to integrate with other project elements therefore collaboration is needed to ensure that comparisons with the larger project remains on-track.

Applicability of the trade agreement(s) to the procurement This procurement is subject to the following trade agreement: Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)

Comprehensive Land ClaimsAgreement(s) N/A

Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier Oceans Ltd. is the only known organization capable of successfully completing this work.

Government Contracts Regulations Exception: The following exception to the Government Contracts Regulations isinvoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - only one person is capable of performing the work.

Exclusions and/or Limited Tendering Reasons The following exclusion(s) and/or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the section of the trade agreement(s) specified: Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) - Article 506 12. a): - to ensure compatibility with existing products, to recognize exclusive rights, such as exclusive licences, copyright and patent rights, or to maintain specialized products that must be maintained by the manufacturer or its representative.

Ownership of Intellectual Property. Canada intends to retain ownership of any Foreground Intellectual Property arising from the performance of the Work under the proposed contract on the basis that the main purpose of the contract, or of the deliverables contracted for, is to generate knowledge and information for public dissemination.

The period of the proposed contract or the delivery date(s).

The proposed contract isfrom date of award to February 28, 2017 with an option to renew at March 1, 2017 for one year.

A cost estimate of the proposed contract. The estimated value of the contract is $178,665.00 HST included. ( 1 year contract with a 1 year option)

Name and address of the pre-identified supplier

Oceans Ltd. 85 LeMarchant Road S. John's, NL A1C 2H1

Suppliers' right to submit a statement of capabilities Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods, services or construction services described in the ACAN, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The closing date for a submission of a statement of capabilities.

The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is : August 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. NDT.

Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to

Janice Baird, Supply Specialist Public Works and Government Services Canada The John Cabot Building 10 Barter's Hill, Box 4600 St. John's, NL A1C 5T2

Telephone: 709-772-2999 Facsimile: 709-772-4603 E-mail: janice.baird@pwgsc.gc.ca Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

You are hereby notified that the government intends to negotiate with one firm only as identified above. Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, contact the contracting officer identified above.

An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) allows departments and agencies to post a notice, for no less than fifteen (15) calendar days, indicating to the supplier community that it intends to award a good, service or construction contract to a pre-identified contractor. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a Statement of Capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, the contracting authority may then proceed with the award. However, should a Statement of Capabilities be found to meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, then the contracting authority will proceed to a full tendering process.

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services/goods described herein, may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this Notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.

The PWGSC file number, the contracting officer's name and the closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the covering page.

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.