Tatsamenie Lake Enhanced Sockeye Fry Rearing to Fisheries and Oceans.

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is seeking proposals for the rearing of enhanced sockeye salmon fry at Tatsamenie Lake, British Columbia, starting in Spring 2026. The project involves receiving and rearing approximately 200,000 to 400,000 sockeye salmon fry, with specific methodologies directed by the Transboundary Technical Committee and Enhancement Sub-committee. Additionally, a smolt mark-recapture enumeration project will be conducted from mid-May to early September to assess smolt outmigration, including otolith sampling for age and origin identification. The contract has an initial term with options to extend for three additional years (2027-2029) at DFO's discretion.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

The issuing organization is the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The primary contact for this RFP is Louise Martel, reachable at [email protected].

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Eligibility: Only Canadian suppliers and suppliers from applicable trading partners (as defined in the solicitation) are eligible to submit proposals. Offers from non-trading partners will be rejected.
• Indigenous Participation: Offerors are encouraged to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP) as part of their proposal.
• Self-Sufficiency: Contractors must be self-sufficient, as DFO does not provide infrastructure or assets for the project.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders must demonstrate expertise in fish rearing, disease monitoring, and predation prevention. Knowledge of smolt mark-recapture techniques and otolith sampling methodologies is essential. Experience in managing logistical support for field operations, including site mobilization and crew supervision, is also required.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables include:

• Rearing of sockeye salmon fry according to specified methodologies.
• Completion of the smolt mark-recapture project with accurate enumeration of smolt outmigration.
• Regular monitoring and reporting on fish health and project progress.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, preferred qualifications may include:

• Experience with similar fish rearing projects.
• Established relationships with Indigenous communities in the project area.
• Certifications related to fishery management or environmental monitoring.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the RFP, outlining the essential criteria for bidders to assess their fit for the Tatsamenie Lake Enhanced Sockeye Fry Rearing project.