CanadaBuys #30008538

DFO North Atlantic right whale density modeling and entanglement-risk assessment support

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking North Atlantic right whale modeling and scientific support for fixed-gear entanglement-risk assessment. - Government buyer: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Marine Procurement Centre / Procurement Services, Fredericton. - Proposed supplier: Duke University, through its Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab (MGEL), which developed and maintains the identified modeling framework. This is a proposed sole-source procurement, not an award. - Requested services: - Produce weekly North Atlantic right whale density estimates and associated standard errors for the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cabot Strait. - Provide summary tables, spatial products, and supporting documentation at the original 5 km resolution or on DFO’s defined 10 km² hexagonal grid. - Advise on model assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, interpretation, and application; attend technical meetings and assessment and peer-review activities; and provide post-assessment support. - Deliver one final technical report documenting results and relevant technical information. - Notable requirements: Offerors must demonstrate relevant marine mammal modeling experience, access to and expertise with an operational North Atlantic right whale density-model framework, and personnel with at least a master’s degree in environmental science or environmental management. Electronic deliverables must support DFO’s assessment needs. - Estimated value: USD $65,086, plus applicable GST/HST.

Description

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada requires customized North Atlantic Right Whale Density Surface Model outputs and scientific advice to support its assessment of entanglement risks in non-tended fixed fishing gear. Work includes producing weekly density estimates and associated standard errors for the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cabot Strait, with supporting tables, spatial products, and documentation. The contractor will advise on model assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, interpretation, and application, and participate in technical meetings, assessment activities, and post-assessment support. A final technical report is due on or before April 30, 2028; the notice identifies Duke University as the pre-identified offeror under an Advance Contract Award Notice.

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