Beluga Tooth Processing for Age Estimation

The contract entails the processing of beluga whale teeth through precise sectioning and thorough cleaning procedures to facilitate growth layer analysis aimed at accurately determining the age of individual animals. This work must be conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to ensure the integrity and consistency of samples, as the resulting data is critical for scientific research and wildlife management efforts. The task requires specialized technical skill and adherence to strict protocols to preserve the microscopic growth rings within the teeth that serve as biological markers for age estimation. This subcontract is issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans under the Government of Canada, with performance taking place on Indigenous Lands. The solicitation was posted on July 7, 2026, and responses are due by July 22, 2026. The North American Industry Classification System code 541380 applies, indicating that the work falls under other scientific and technical consulting services. There is no set-aside designation specified, and the contract does not provide details on point of contact or exact address, but the location of work is explicitly tied to Indigenous territories, suggesting the need for cultural awareness and potential collaboration or consultation with local communities.