Professional Services-Study on echolocation device use, characteristics, and impact mitigation in the Salish Sea

Services of a subject matter expert to determine an accurate portrait of echolocation device use in the Salish Sea in the vicinity of the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SKRW) critical HabitatDescription of the RequirementSince 2018, Transport Canada has been implementing a number of management measures in efforts to minimize disturbances from vessels. In efforts to build on these efforts and further support the recovery of the population by reducing vessel-related noise, Transport Canada would like to have a deeper understanding of echolocation device use in the Salish Sea and how to mitigate their impactsTransport Canada is responsible to (1) Characterize and determine an accurate portrait of the usage of echolocation devices in vessels that are less than 150 gross tonnage (GT) and are frequently in the vicinity of SKRW critical habitat and (2) provide relevant and meaningful mitigation strategies to reduce impacts of echolocation devices on SKRW.The objective of this work is to determine:how many people/companies own these devices;the type and characteristics of the devices currently being used, and the devices that are available for purchase;the purpose of these devices for different vessel classes and under which circumstances they are used, andthe feasibility of implementation of the most relevant mitigation measures.Proposed Period of the ContractThe proposed period of the contract will be from the date of Contract award to 30 August, 2023Applicable Trade AgreementsThe requirement is not subject to the provisions of any Trade Agreements.Good and Services Identification Number (GSIN)GSIN code B101A – Environmental Impact Studies – Studies and Analysis (not R&D) – Environmental Studies5.Security Requirement: There is no Security requirement associated with the work.Contracting AuthorityLouise CurtisProcurement SpecialistTransport Canada330 Sparks Street, Tower COttawa, ON K1A 0N5343-571-8834 louise.curtis@tc.gc.ca