Chartering of Helicopters for Migratory Bird Surveys in Eastern Canada

CWS would like to retain air charter services (rotary-wing aircraft; hereafter, helicopter) in Ontario and Quebec.

The work in the principal mission involves flying a helicopter at low altitude (± 30 m) and reduced speed (± 90 km/h) over all waterbodies and wetlands (lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, bogs, etc.) in the survey plots in order to count and identify waterfowl species and other birds (for an overview, please see Figures 1, 2 and 3 below). For this survey, the rear passengers identify and count birds – therefore, maximum rear seat visibility is of utmost importance.

The principal mission must be conducted during a specific time period: this period occurs in the spring (see province-specific details below) when waterfowl species arrive in breeding pairs on their nesting sites. This period varies slightly from one year to the next, depending on the spring conditions underway. The CWS head of the principal mission will be able to specify the dates chosen for the annual survey approximately one month before the survey commences.

Based on CWS’ annual needs (mandate and budget), other missions could be added to the principal one in Quebec and/or Ontario. These missions could include helicopter flights for another migratory bird survey in a new area, assisting work with migratory bird banding, wildlife emergency response to a spill, etc.

FOR 2016-2017

Minimum total hours guaranteed (Ontario and Quebec) = 165 hours

Maximum possible total hours (Ontario and Quebec) = 350 hours

NOTE: Principal mission hours are guaranteed. Other missions may be possible during the year, up to the maximum possible hours.

Details for Ontario’s principal mission: Minimum guaranteed hours: 45 hours

• Eastern Waterfowl Survey: 20 plots measuring 5 km × 5 km surveyed annually (see Figure 1 below)
• Southern Ontario Waterfowl and Wetlands Plot Survey: 10-15 plots measuring 1.6 km x 1.6km (see Figure 2 below)

Details for Quebec’s principal mission: Minimum guaranteed hours: 120 hours

• Eastern Waterfowl Survey: 83 plots measuring 5 km × 5 km surveyed annually (see Figure 1 below)
• St. Lawrence lowlands Survey: 144 plots measuring 2 km × 2 km surveyed annually (see Figure 3 below)

FOR 2017-2018 AND 2018-2019

Option to extend the contract

The Contractor grants Canada the irrevocable option to extend the term of the contract for two (2) periods of one (1) year, from April1, 2017 to March31, 2018 and from April1, 2018 to March31, 2019, under the same terms and conditions. The Contractor agrees that, during the Contract extension period, it will be paid in accordance with the applicable provisions set out in the Basis of Payment.

Canada may exercise the option at any time by sending a written notice to the Contractor at least thirty (30) calendar days before the contract expiry date. The option may only be exercised by the Contracting Authority and will be evidenced, for administrative purposes only, through a contract amendment.