2026 Fall Vessel Charter - Oceanographic and Ecosystemic Surveys and Scientific Research Activities throughout the Canadian Atlantic Waters

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is seeking a contractor to operate a global-class, deep-sea research vessel with full crew and scientific support for oceanographic and ecosystem research missions in Canadian Atlantic waters during the Fall of 2026, filling a critical capacity gap left by the decommissioning of the CCGS Hudson. The vessel must be capable of operating in sea state 5, remaining at sea for up to 25 consecutive days without port calls, and conducting a comprehensive range of scientific activities including in-situ measurements of temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH, and carbonate geochemistry; water sampling for biological and nutrient analysis; and deployment and recovery of gliders. The contract includes a mandatory initial period of up to 44 days, with an optional extension of up to 40 additional days, and runs from the date of award through March 31, 2027. Canada holds an irrevocable option to extend the contract for one additional year under the same terms. Proposals must be submitted by July 6, 2026, and are evaluated on a pass/fail basis for mandatory criteria such as a maximum budget of $7.5 million CAD, vessel classification requirements, compliance with exchange rate protection restrictions, and a minimum technical score of 40 out of 56 points, with award going to the highest-scoring compliant offer within budget. The contractor must provide an all-inclusive fixed daily rate covering vessel mobilization, operations, demobilization, and repositioning costs, while fuel expenses and port fees up to $100,000 are reimbursed as separate direct costs at a reference fuel rate of $750 per metric ton. The contractor must maintain robust insurance coverage including protection and indemnity, excess collision liability, and pollution liability, issued by a member of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Associations or a fixed market with limits complying with the Marine Liability Act, and Canadian-based insurers must be licensed in Canada while foreign insurers require an A.M. Best rating of at least A-. All personnel must meet occupational health and safety standards, and the vessel must carry sufficient lifesaving equipment for the full crew and at least 24 scientific personnel. The contractor is required to develop Safe Operating Procedures with DFO and ensure all crew are certified and current in safety training. The contractor is classified as an independent entity and must comply with Canadian procurement policies, including the Code of Conduct, Ineligibility and Suspension Policy,