Long term freezer storage of fish and marine mammal samples

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requires an off-site, long-term storage solution for frozen tissue samples. Each year, DFO collects samples of fish and marine mammals across the Arctic. Due to limited on-site freezer capacity, a long-term storage facility in the Winnipeg, Manitoba region is necessary. The selected freezing facility must be capable of storing up to 100 pallets of samples, with an increase to 125 pallets during the optional four-year period. The facility must also be equipped to handle biologically hazardous samples. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining the samples at a temperature of -18°C or lower, ensuring 24/7 temperature monitoring to prevent spoilage during power outages, and allowing DFO staff access to the samples upon reasonable request. Services will also include box handling, pallet acceptance, and shrink-wrapping as required.