Tender: Laboratory Processing of British Columbia Herring Biological Samples – Fisheries and Oceans Canada

About

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking a supplier for laboratory services to process biological samples collected from British Columbia commercial herring fisheries, test fisheries, and research activities to support annual stock assessments and scientific advice. The Contractor must process approximately 200–250 samples per year (each typically ~100 fish, variable), recording for each fish length, weight, sex, gonad length, gonad weight, maturity stage and one herring scale for age determination, prepare herring scale slides, enter all sample identification and biological data into the MS Access database provided by DFO, perform quality control checks, maintain daily electronic backups on the USB drive provided, and submit required data and materials within specified timelines. A minimum two-person team (one Project Manager and one Sampling Technician) must be available to process at least five samples per day, and the Contractor must provide an appropriate laboratory facility with workspace, equipment, cold storage, water, sanitation and biological waste disposal; facilities located more than 10 km from the Pacific Biological Station (PBS) require the Contractor to arrange and pay for pickup and transport of samples from PBS. Processing is anticipated annually between March 1 and May 15 with all work completed by May 15 unless otherwise authorized, and the Contractor must provide weekly submissions of prepared scale slides and original sample labels, return cleaned empty sample buckets strapped in groups of ten, and deliver a completed MS Access database, prepared slides, original labels and electronic backup files. All costs for personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, transportation where required and waste disposal are the Contractor’s responsibility, payment is only for samples provided by DFO and services completed per the Statement of Work, and all personnel must be fluent in English and follow DFO procedures and any additional instructions from the DFO Project Authority.