Chartering of Helicopters for Migratory Bird Surveys in Eastern Canada

Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service (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.

Requirements for the fiscal year: 2019-2020

170 hours is the minimum number of guaranteed hours in total (Ontario and Quebec)

300 hours is the maximum number of possible hours in total (Ontario and Quebec)

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:

•  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 1.6 km (see Figure 2 below)

  - Minimum guaranteed hours: 45 hours

  Details for Quebec’s principal mission:

   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)

  - Minimum guaranteed hours: 125 hours

Period of the Contract

The Work is to be performed during the period of April 1^st, 2019 to March 31^st, 2020

Option to Extend the Contract

The Contractor grants to Canada the irrevocable option to extend the term of the Contract by up to 02 additional one year period(s) under the same conditions. The Contractor agrees that, during the extended period of the Contract, it will be paid in accordance with the applicable provisions as set out in the Basis of Payment.

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