Okanagan Chinook Life History Research

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT (NPP)
This bid solicitation cancels and supersedes previous bid solicitation number 30004719, dated September 22, 2023 with a closing of October 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM, ADT. A debriefing or feedback session will be provided upon request to bidders/offerors/suppliers who bid on the previous solicitation.

Solicitation #: 30004719/A

This requirement is for Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Title: Okanagan Chinook Life History Research

Objective:

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Stock Assessment is seeking a qualified registered Indigenous Business for a PSIB Voluntary set-aside. The Contractor will answer two (2) research questions to help fulfill research needs and address scientific knowledge gaps required to effectively manage the Okanagan River Chinook population. To accomplish this the Contractor will provide:

 Field capacity. DFO does not have the capacity to provide field support in the Okanagan watershed and requires a contractor who can conduct and/or support field work in the area to address the research questions.
 Technical and analytical skills. The contractor will use their technical and analytical skills to ensure that the research questions are adequately addressed through appropriate analyses.
 Managerial support. Help to support the rebuilding of this stock by properly managing and coordinating the research done to address these knowledge gaps and find efficiencies through their contacts in the region.

Background:

Okanagan Chinook are the only remaining Columbia River Chinook Salmon population in Canada. Their abundance is very low, currently less than a couple hundred spawners, but their abundance was likely in the high thousands before the Canadian Okanagan and Columbia River were developed for Agriculture, Flood Control, and Hydro-power Generation, resulting in physical exclusion from spawning and rearing habitats. Fishing rates have also been high through history, with recent (2009-2018) exploitation rates around 60%. The population in the U.S. section of the Okanagan River has recently ranged from 7,000-14,000 spawners.

Scope of Work:

 Distribute funds and provide guidance to research:

a) Spatial and temporal habitat use by Chinook Salmon in the Canadian Okanagan Watershed
b) Predation on juvenile Chinook salmon by native and non-native fishes in the Canadian Okanagan Watershed

 Review research questions with DFO prior to finalization, as well as the research study design for feedback and iterative development.
 Provide field support and equipment in the Okanagan Watershed as required.

Security Requirement:
There is no security associated with this requirement.

Period of Contract:
The period of contract shall be from date of award to March 31, 2025.

Trade Agreements:
The requirement is not subject to Trade Agreements as it is a set-aside.

Contract Authority:
Name: Jackie Longmire
Phone Number: 506- 238-5870
Email Address: DFOtenders-soumissionsMPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca / cc: Jackie.Longmire@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Inquiries:
Inquiries regarding this RFP requirement must be submitted to the Contracting Authority named above. BIDDERS ARE ADVISED THAT “BUYANDSELL.GC.CA” IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS. The Crown retains the right to negotiate with any supplier on any procurement. Documents may be submitted in either official language.