22TDRRSD830 - Storage of Frozen Biomonitoring Samples: Fish Tissue and Sediment

Project Background- The Resource Stewardship Division (Oil Sands Monitoring Branch and Air and Watershed Stewardship Branch) of Alberta Environment and Parks maintains a collection of fish tissue and sediment quality samples archived in a frozen storage facility. These samples have been collected from various locations in Alberta over the last 40 years, including the Lower Athabasca River and Peace River. The samples have been intentionally archived to inform future monitoring questions, including comparing current and future change in a variety of environmental parameters against those in the archived samples. There are 31 pallets of materials currently stored at a facility in Edmonton.

Project Objectives- This RFP has two primary objectives: 1) Provide frozen storage of 31 pallet containers (pallet containers are plastic “collapsible bulk containers” with forklift access that measure approximately 48” x 40” x 34” and are fitted with lids) of fish tissue and sediment quality samples, and 2) if required, relocate frozen samples from current facility (Versacold Logistical Services, 9002 20th St., Edmonton, AB, T6P 1K8) to the facility of the successful Proponent.

Project Structure/Business Model- The successful Proponent will provide frozen storage (ca. -20 degrees Celsius) for an archive of currently-frozen sediment and fish samples. The samples shall be stored in a location where they can be accessed from time to time for AEP employees to remove samples from the archive and/or add samples to the archive.

Key Stakeholders- The key stakeholders include: 1) AEP staff who will be accessing these frozen samples to remove samples and/or add samples as needed, and 2) the AEP Contracting Manager who will work directly with the Proponent to arrange and process payment.