Collar-targeted Boreal Caribou Group Demographic Classification Aerial Surveys

The Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, is soliciting bids for collar-targeted Boreal Caribou group demographic classification aerial surveys. The project aims to collect demographic data on adult female Boreal Caribou across the Brightsand, James Bay, Kesagami, Nipigon, and Pagwachuan Ranges to support population assessment and conservation management for the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The scope of work includes conducting aerial surveys using rotary-wing aircraft for approximately 180 collared caribou in 2027, with a potential extension option for approximately 160 caribou in 2028. The contractor is responsible for end-to-end execution, including virtual project planning, establishing operation bases and fuel caches, detecting and classifying caribou, and managing all data collection and reporting. The contract is scheduled to begin in December 2026 with an initial term of 12 months and a possible six-month extension. Bidders must be legal entities with a valid Canadian Revenue Agency business number and a Tax Compliance Verification number. Mandatory requirements include providing a Transport Canada Civil Aviation-issued Air Operator Certificate and ensuring pilots-in-command meet specific qualification standards. The award will be based on a best score strategy across three evaluation stages: mandatory qualification, a technical response requiring a minimum score of 115.5 points, and a commercial evaluation where the lowest price receives maximum points. Submissions must be made via the Ontario Tenders Portal by November 27, 2026.