Canadian Hydrographic Service – Arctic Survey Program to Fisheries and Oceans.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, through the Canadian Hydrographic Service, is soliciting proposals to conduct Arctic hydrographic surveys using an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with a shallow to mid-water multibeam echo sounder capable of operating in water depths up to 700 metres. The surveys will focus on Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Foxe Basin, and Deception Bay, with operations mobilizing from Churchill, Manitoba, and taking place between August and October in both 2026 and 2027, with an optional extension for a second year. The primary objectives are to enhance nautical charting for safe navigation in Canada’s northern waters and to support national initiatives such as the Low Impact Shipping Corridors, with all survey activities required to meet IHO S-44 Special Order, Order 1a, and Order 1b standards. Deliverables include final bathymetric surface grids at specified resolutions, daily progress reports, mobilization and calibration reports, and a comprehensive final report containing raw and processed data in CARIS HIPS 11.4x format, along with full documentation of sensor calibrations, survey overlaps, sound velocity casts, and regulatory compliance, including valid Transport Canada permits for USV operations. Proposals will be evaluated using a trade-off approach weighted 45% for Technical Merit, 30% for Total Inuit Benefits Plan (IBP) Merit, and 25% for Pricing. Technical compliance is mandatory, and failure to meet any requirement results in disqualification. The IBP component requires concrete commitments to Inuit employment, training, ownership through IFR-registered firms, and operational presence within the Nunavut Settlement Area, with scoring tied to achieved versus proposed percentages and due diligence assessments. Pricing is evaluated relative to the lowest compliant bid and is not the sole deciding factor. Contractors must comply with stringent requirements including the Nunavut Directive, anti-forced labour provisions, international sanctions, reciprocity in procurement, and the Federal Contractors Program for Employment Equity. All intellectual property generated under the contract belongs to Canada, and confidentiality, audit rights, insurance, and access to information obligations are binding. Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 25, 2026, through the designated email, and all contract administration, including invoicing via email to DFO.invoicing-facturation.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca and payment by direct deposit, follows specific government protocols. No small business