Request for Information - Acoustic Survey Vessel Charter - DFO

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

Request for Information - Acoustical Survey Vessel Charter - DFO

The purpose of this request for letters of interest is to: 

a) Determine the availability and characteristics of vessels from prospective bidders interested in a charter to conduct a 60 day acoustic/trawl survey in the offshore waters of Newfoundland (NAFO Divisions 2HJ3KLNOP) from the coast line to the shelf break during the autumn (October and November) of 2018. 

b) Obtain feedback from potential bidders on the format and content of the attached requirement, identifying unforeseen logistical considerations to inform the final statement of requirement. 

Survey Details:

The survey period will be comprised of 2 days for loading and set-up, 1 day for disembarkation.  Prior to surveying offshore 2-3 days will be dedicated to echosounder calibration while the vessel is at a 4 point anchor near St. John’s.  

The purpose of this survey is to provide an estimate of capelin biomass in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL to compare with historic survey values and current values derived from acoustic data acquired opportunistically during other surveys.  In keeping with historic survey design, the survey will be comprised of equi-distant (10-20 nmi spacing) E-W parallel transects in NAFO divisions 2J3KL starting from the 100 m inshore depth contour to the 500m contour along the shelf break. Targeted fishing sets will be conducted to identify the observed acoustic signal.  Fishing sets will occur at an average of 4 per day using a Campelen trawl, either fished on bottom or deployed mid-water.  Each trawl will be less than or equal to one hour duration.  If the acoustic signal is above the trawl zone a second bottom trawl will be immediately conducted in the same area to test the hypothesis that bottom trawl species and length composition is consistent with that taken higher in the water column.  Physical oceanographic information will be collected at all set locations.  Weights and numbers will be collected for all species and detailed biological sampling (including stomach contents) conducted on pelagic species and selected groundfish (Atlantic cod and Greenland halibut). 

It is anticipated that two sorts of vessels will be considered for this work:  

1) Vessels designed and built as research vessels already fitted with the required instrumentation and systems; and 

2) Commercial vessels which are able to be retrofitted with DFO equipment and systems for the duration of the survey.  

Respondents are asked to provide the following information with their response, as well as any other information which they consider relevant:

- General details of the proposed vessel
- Availability and times lines for transit, retrofit (if required), mobilization and demobilization
- Time required from contract entry to start of survey
- Any published day rates available. 

This is not a solicitation, and there is no commitment with respect to the issuance of a future contract.
Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

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

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.