Definition of the requirement
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) intends on entering into a contract with Theodore Heynes for the delivery of water samples from the Rainy River upstream sites and for the operation of its automatic sampler on the Pinewood River.
Background:
ECCC has embarked on a new bi-national initiative in the Lake of the Woods watershed focussed on nutrient inputs to Lake of the Woods and the reduction in harmful algal blooms. As part of this initiative, it is important to capture nutrients loads entering Lake of the Woods from the Rainy River and th
e tributaries on the Canadian side of the border. This is a continuation of work taking place in the Rainy River in support of the former ECCC Lake of the Woods Science Initiative.
Tasks and Deliverables:
The Contractor must collect water by boat during the ice-free season at two transects on the Rainy River. Samples will be collected for major ions, nutrients, and physicals at three locations along each transect.
During the winter season, where sufficient safe ice cover is present, the Contractor will sample by snowmobile at up to two transects on the Rainy River. The Contractor is responsible for sampling using safe procedures, and two persons will be present at all times when sampling on ice.
In addition, the Contractor must maintain and collect samples from an automated sampler located on the Pinewood River as well as a grab of water. The Contractor must visit the automated sampler on a biweekly basis or as directed by the ECCC Technical Authority during the ice-free season only. During the period of ice cover, the Contractor must drill a hole in the ice and collect a water sample once per month.
The Contractor must store samples at four (4) degrees Celsius prior to shipping. The Contractor must document a description of environmental conditions during each water collection trip. Samples must be properly labelled and shipped to the appropriate ECCC location as identified by the ECCC Technical Authority.
Period of the proposed contract
Initial Period: The proposed contract is for the period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Option Period: The optional period is from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024.The contract includes up to two one-year option periods as follows:Option Period One – April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.Option Period Two – April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
