Chartering of Helicopters for Migratory Bird Surveys in Eastern Canada (Quebec and Ontario)

As part of its mandate to conserve migratory birds, Environment and Climate Change Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) uses helicopters to conduct annual surveys of waterfowl and other migratory birds over various suitable habitats in eastern Canada (Ontario and Quebec, among others). Data from these surveys and migratory bird banding helps track the trends, abundance and distribution of migratory bird species – three parameters essential to the sound management of bird populations by CWS.

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

Helicopter service required for 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 migratory 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 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: 2021-2022

Minimum number of guaranteed hours in total for Quebec = 90 hours

Minimum number of total guaranteed hours for Ontario = 45 hours

Maximum number of hours possible in total for Quebec = 250 hours

Maximum number of total hours possible for Ontario = 135 hours

This bid solicitation is issued to meet the requirement for helicopter charter services for migratory bird surveys in Eastern Canada. It aims to award up to of two contracts of one (01) year each, with two (02) irrevocable options of one year (s) each, which allow Canada to extend the term of the contract. The duration of the contract is one (01) firm year: from the signing of the contract until March 31, 2022. In addition, the possibility of two (02) years of extension option, one year each