Microsatellite DNA analysis and data synthesis for Beaufort Sea Arctic Cod.

ADVANCED CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE

TITLE:  Microsatellite DNA analysis and data synthesis for Beaufort Sea Arctic Cod.

INTRODUCTION:

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a requirement for the provision of data and analyses describing Genetic structure and diversity of Arctic Cod in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the government's intention to award a contract for these services to (Seastar Biotech Inc.) Before awarding a contract, however, the government would like to provide other suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements set out in this Notice, by submitting a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period.
If other potential suppliers submit a statement of capabilities during the 15 calendar day posting period that meet the requirements set out in the ACAN, the government will proceed to a full tendering process on either the government's electronic tendering service or through traditional means, in order to award the contract.
If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date, a statement of capabilities meeting the requirements set out in the ACAN, a contract will be awarded to the pre-selected supplier.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Arctic Aquatic Research Division, has a requirement to conduct laboratory and statistical genetic analysis of 850 Arctic Cod Samples collected in the Canadian Beaufort Sea during the 2013 field season of the Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment Marine Fishes Program.  

The small gadid fish Boreogadus saida is a foundational ecosystem component found widely in arctic and boreal waters. It is largely unknown whether the species exist as a genetically homogenous panmictic population, or as assemblage of genetically divergent populations. The answer to this question has important implications for the management of potential effects related to human activities as well as understanding how climate change will impact distribution, abundance and phenology.  Molecular population genetics is an efficient and cost effective method to answer fundamental questions regarding the biology of Boreogadus saida and to provide information and tools for effective management of this critical resource.

This contract is aimed at acquiring genetic information regarding Boreogadus saida along with the specialized expertise in providing in-depth analysis of the genetics along with other sources of information on distribution, abundance and habitat requirements from concurrent studies.  Taken together this integrated, multi-disciplinary approach will provide much needed information regarding, genetic diversity, stock structure, population movements, and habitat use of Boreogadus saida in the Canadian Beaufort Sea.  In addition it is critical that the genetic information gained allow for interpretation of the population genetics of the fish of the Beaufort Sea in the context of the wider picture of the genetics of the species as a whole.   

PERIOD:
The contract period is estimated to be from the date of contract award until February 28th, 2014 with the option of extending the contract for an additional one (1) one (1) year contract at the discretion of the Minister. 	

RESPONSE:

Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the services described herein, may submit a Statement of Capabilities in writing to the Contracting Officer identified in this Notice (See below) on or before the closing date. The Statement of Capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the requirement described herein. 

The closing date and time for accepting written statements of capabilities challenging this requirement, is: Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 11a.m. (EST). As it is intended to proceed in a timely manner, responses received after the closing date will not be considered.

Inquiries and statements of capabilities are to be directed to:
Grace Chau
Senior Contracting Officer
Procurement Hub – Ottawa Office
Telephone: (613) 993-8935
Facsimile:   (613) 991-1297
E-mail:       Grace.Chau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Statement of Capabilities received on or before the closing date will be considered solely for the purpose of deciding whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Information provided will be used by DFO for technical evaluation purposes only, and will not to be construed as a proposal. Your written Statement of Capabilities must provide sufficient evidence that demonstrates it is capable of fulfilling the Science Branch requirement. Suppliers who submit a Statement of Capabilities prior to the closing date and time will be notified in writing as to the Department’s decision whether it will continue with the aforementioned procurement, or proceed to a full bid solicitation process.

Should you have any questions concerning this requirement, please contact the identified Contracting Officer. The DFO file number, the Contracting Officer’s name and the closing date of the ACAN must appear on the outside of the envelope in block letters or, in the case of a facsimile transmission, on the covering page. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.