RFSO for Towing marine mammal carcasses in Atlantic Canada and Quebec waters

Background:

Towing marine mammal carcasses is an important activity for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in order to collect data and provide information on cause of death for marine mammals, as well as provide information on the overall health of the marine environment, which can lead to discoveries essential for the protection of animal life.

Determining cause of death helps inform fisheries and vessel management decisions, especially for priority species such as the North Atlantic right whale.

DFO’s requirement for towing marine mammal carcasses might be different every time a marine mammal carcass is located. DFO does not know the specific towing requirements until the carcass is observed and an assessment is done.

Project Objectives:

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), has a requirement for a Request for Standing Offer (RFSO) for the delivery of services on a temporary and occasional basis for the purpose of towing marine mammal carcasses in the vicinity of Eastern Canadian Waters, varying in sizes from small to large, ranging from 5 tons to 230 tons and between 40 to 44 feet in overall length. The Standing Offer duration will be for five (5) years starting from Standing Offer issuance until January 31, 2031.

Canada will issue up to two (2) Standing offers (SO) per geographical sector. There are three (3) geographical sectors in total. The distribution of work in each geographical sector will be by the right of first refusal principle.