Northern Ontario Caribou Fecal DNA Surveys

The objective of this contract is to conduct fecal DNA surveys to collect sufficient caribou fecal pellets in the Nipigon and Pagwachuan boreal caribou ranges to allow ECCC to conduct genetic analyses for the purpose of evaluating a range of population parameters for boreal caribou in the Ring of Fire region. The Contractor must conduct aerial winter distribution surveys and collection of fecal pellets by the end of March 2024across the Nipigon and Pagwachuan boreal caribou ranges according to the study design as approved by ECCC. At a minimum, the Contractor must: • Secure and support two survey teams as follows 1) Fixed-wing or helicopter crew to carry out the aerial surveys; and 2) Helicopter crew to collect caribou fecal pellets. • Arrange for provision of appropriate aircraft (fixed-wing and/or helicopter), qualified pilots, storage of fuel, aircraft safety equipment, and aircraft equipment necessary to the surveys (not already provided by the aircraft owners). • Arrange for use of aircraft landing strips and other travel logistics. • Arrange for necessary accommodation of crew members during the survey. • Store frozen samples and deliver them to ECCC staff at 335 River Road, Ottawa, within 14 days of collection or by March 31 of 2024, whichever is earliest..