Snow Crab Survey Vessel Charter

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking a vessel charter service to conduct an annual snow crab trawl survey on the Scotian Shelf, targeting up to 400 stations between August 1 and January 15 each year, with exact dates determined by the onboard scientist-in-charge with at least two weeks’ notice. The vessel must support a minimum crew of a captain and three additional personnel, alongside three scientific staff, and be capable of operating in Crab Fishing Areas N-ENS, 23, 24, and 4X with flexible port berthing along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast. The initial contract term runs from award until July 31, 2027, with an option for up to four additional one-year extensions through 2031. The contractor is required to construct up to three trawl nets annually per DFO specifications at a fixed rate of $8,000 per net, provide up to five wharf days for mobilization and demobilization, and ensure full compliance with all federal and provincial safety regulations including Transport Canada certifications, MED-A1 and valid first aid credentials for crew, and Class 2 coastal voyage certification. The vessel must carry approved personal flotation devices, maintain operational readiness at all times, and strictly prohibit alcohol or illegal drug use by crew, with default termination possible for violations. All work must meet DFO-established protocols to be accepted, with final approval resting solely with the onboard DFO scientist. Offers must be submitted via a three-part PDF format by June 22, 2026, and are limited to Canadian suppliers only. Evaluation is based on a 70% technical merit and 30% price weighting, with mandatory pass/fail gates requiring a minimum of 81 points in vessel criteria, 91 points in captain and crew criteria, and an overall technical score of 172 out of 245. Failure to meet these thresholds renders a bid non-compliant. Invoicing must be submitted after completion of work, detailing all costs excluding taxes, and must be sent to the designated DFO email; payment terms are 30 days after receipt of a conforming invoice. The contractor must maintain full accounting records, available for audit for seven years after final payment, and comply with all applicable regulations including anti-forced labor, international sanctions, reciprocal procurement, and Treasury Board policies. Any change in business location or failure to continuously satisfy certifications may result in contract default.