Delivery of Curriculum Lesson Modules for Indigenous Marine Steward Witness Training for the 2026/27 fiscal year

As part of Canada’s reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Nations, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is securing the delivery of culturally appropriate Marine Steward Witness Training curriculum to Indigenous Guardians and Marine Stewardship staff across British Columbia. The goal is to equip these individuals with the knowledge and skills to serve as credible witnesses in federal investigations and prosecutions related to violations of key legislation including the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and Marine Mammal Regulations. Vancouver Island University has been designated as the sole provider under Government Contracts Regulations subsection 6(d) due to its exclusive ownership of the certified curriculum, established relationships with Indigenous communities in BC, and proven capacity to deliver enforcement-aligned training tailored to Indigenous marine stewards. Six four-day training sessions will be conducted within the 2026/27 fiscal year, with instruction taking place in remote Indigenous communities where participants will learn to identify, document, and report violations through DFO’s Observe, Record, Report system. The contract, valued at $112,840.00 plus GST/HST, is structured as a non-competitive, sole-source award with a contract performance period ending November 30, 2026. Delivery requires the contractor to travel to remote locations across British Columbia and to ensure all training materials and content are legally, culturally, and technically aligned with federal enforcement mandates. Key evaluation criteria center on the provider’s ownership of the curriculum, prior work with BC Indigenous students and leadership, demonstrated relationships with local communities, willingness to travel to isolated areas, and at least three years of experience as an adult instructor delivering enforcement-focused education to Indigenous audiences. No formal contract clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation are included, and packaging, marking, or payment details are not specified. The contracting officer is Terri Jones, with submissions required via email by May 11, 2026, and the contract is contingent upon the successful demonstration of all minimum essential requirements outlined in the Statement of Capabilities, which functions as the primary basis for award.