Wildfire Investigation Geomatics

The Wildfire Management Branch (WMB) of Alberta Forestry and Parks (FP) is responsible for investigating the origin and cause of wildfires within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. An important component of a wildfire investigation is the accurate forensic mapping of geographic features, wildfire perimeters, fire pattern indicators, trails, vehicle tracks, evidence and other features. Typically, this information is collected with EOS Arrow 100 GNSS receivers and ESRI Field Maps. In the case of major incidents, a higher degree of accuracy may be required. As such, geomatics services are required to collect data with centimeter accuracy and produce maps that may be entered as evidence in a court of law. Other services that may be requested include ground-based LiDAR scanning. Wildfire investigation sites may be located in active wildfires in remote areas, and may only be accessible via unmaintained roads, or by helicopter. Services may be required for 12-hour workdays for consecutive days. The Province will not provide food, water, fuel, washroom facilities, accommodations, or other amenities. The contractor will be responsible for arranging accommodations and meals for its staff, which will be expensed back to the Province. The Contractor shall be paid one (1) hourly rate, based on the service provided (survey crew(s), ground-based LiDAR scanning, etc.). There will be no overtime rate paid. The contractor will provide survey crews that are trained, at the Contractor’s expense, and competent to deliver the Services at wildfire investigation sites throughout the Province. The contractor will also be responsible to provide 4x4 vehicles and personal protective equipment. In the event that a helicopter is required to access an investigation site, the Province will hire and pay for the aircraft. The contractor’s personnel may be working on scenes that are the subject of active criminal investigations by Forestry and Parks and the RCMP and will be expected to act with appropriate discretion. In these circumstances, additional requirements may be imposed by the RCMP to ensure investigative integrity. The Contractor must provide a phone number for the term of the Contract, at which the Province can request geomatics Services. Services will be provided on an “as-needed” basis with no guarantee of work.