Chartering of Helicopters for Migratory Bird Monitoring in Eastern Canada

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. CWS would like to retain air charter services (rotary-wing aircraft; hereafter referred to as helicopter) in Quebec and Ontario. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reserves the right to award up to two (2) separate contracts, one for each Location, as a result of this Solicitation. • Type of helicopter: Astar 350 or equivalent • Helicopter with maximum flying time (approximately 3.0 – 3.5 hrs) • Able to transport three (3) observers and luggage (approximately 150 lbs) • Excellent visibility for all observers (see “Maximum Rear Seat Visibility” definition below) • Cost effective per hourly rate. • Equipped with a 110-V power adapter for running computer equipment (laptops, tablets, GPS, external monitor, etc.). Pop-out float skids: Required equipment because of limited visibility below a helicopter with fixed floats and safety concerns with flying over aquatic environments at low altitudes and speeds. Maximum rear seat visibility: - For an Astar 350, the optimal configuration would be full window on rear-sliding doors (left AND right side); otherwise, a full window on rear-sliding door behind front passenger and a flat window (no-bubble) on rear door behind the pilot would be considered adequate. “High-visibility” windows or wedge windows in the rear will be considered but with a lower preference. - Any other equivalent helicopter should be equipped to offer the maximum visibility possible for rear seat observers (e.g., rear bubble windows).