Overview
Request for Proposals: GIS Consultant – Parks Canada Ecological Corridors Project (A2A Collaborative)
For a more detailed job posting visit: www.a2acollaborative.org/careers
1. Introduction
The A2A Collaborative, in partnership with Parks Canada, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN), and Plenty Canada, is seeking a qualified and experienced GIS Consultant to support the Parks Canada Ecological Corridors Project. This project focuses on enhancing and analyzing ecological connectivity within the Frontenac Arch – a critical section of the Algonquin to Adirondacks corridor. This Request for Proposals (RFP) outlines the project objectives, scope of work, deliverables, and submission requirements for this consultancy.
2. Project Background and Objectives
The Parks Canada Ecological Corridors Project aims to strengthen ecological connectivity across the landscape to support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. A key component of this project involves a landscape-level connectivity analysis of the A2A region. This consultancy will build upon existing analysis by integrating new data, ground-truthing priority linkages, and refining A2A’s geospatial database to inform conservation actions. The objectives of this consultancy are to:
– Integrate data gathered through project workshops into the existing landscape-level connectivity analysis.
– Support the ground-truthing of priority linkages and selected features in collaboration with project team members, local experts, and Indigenous knowledge holders.
– Refine detailed geospatial database of selected linkages, documenting governance and management structures, identifying ecological and cultural values, and prioritizing opportunities for action (e.g., wildlife crossing infrastructure, landowner outreach, ecological restoration).
– Develop a plan for the long-term maintenance and accessibility of the geospatial database, ensuring its integration with landscape-level connectivity mapping and analysis.
– Contribute to a final project report outlining the work completed, implications for A2A connectivity, lessons learned, and next steps.
– Support the dissemination of project results through presentations and documentation for future communication and public engagement.
More details about A2A’s approach to connectivity mapping can be found in this podcast episode featuring Bill Brown’s recent presentation at our recent science symposium.
3. Scope of Work
The successful proponent will be responsible for the following tasks:
– Data Integration: Integrate spatial data and information gathered during project workshops and gatherings into the existing landscape-level connectivity analysis using appropriate GIS software and methodologies.
– Ground-Truthing: Provide GIS expertise for field-based ground-truthing activities, including map preparation and data collection tools.
– Geospatial Database Refinement: Refine the geospatial database, focusing on selected priority linkages including georeferencing and digitizing any missing spatial features and populating the database with attribute information gathered through various project activities.
– Connectivity Analysis Support: Utilize the developed geospatial database to further inform and refine landscape-level connectivity analysis.
– Long-Term Database Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan for the long-term maintenance, accessibility, and updating of the geospatial database, ensuring its interoperability with existing landscape-level connectivity data.
– Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to the development of a final project report by providing descriptions of GIS methodologies, database structures, and analytical outputs. Document the processes involved in database development for future reference and communication.
– Presentation Support: Prepare GIS-based visualizations and materials for presentations to project partners and stakeholders.
4. Deliverables
The successful proponent will provide the following deliverables:
Integrated spatial data layers into the existing landscape-level connectivity analysis.
Collaboratively coordinate and provide GIS support for ground-truthing activities with project staff, including maps and data collection templates (if required).
A fully refined and populated geospatial database of selected priority linkages, including all spatial data and attribute information in a mutually agreed-upon format.
A comprehensive plan for the long-term maintenance and accessibility of the geospatial database.
Technical documentation of the geospatial database structure, data sources, and methodologies.
GIS-based visualizations and maps for the final project report and presentations.
Contribution to the GIS-related sections of the final project report.
5. Timeline
Project Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is selected.
Proposal Submission: Proposals will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until a successful candidate has been identified. Interested consultants are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible.
Key Milestones and Deliverable Deadlines: Specific timelines for key milestones and deliverable deadlines will be established in consultation with the successful candidate upon commencement of the project, aligning with the overall project end date of November 2025.
6. Budget
Proponents are requested to provide a detailed budget outlining all costs associated with the proposed scope of work. This should include a clear breakdown of hourly rates, estimated hours for each task outlined in Section 3 (Scope of Work), and any other relevant expenses. The total budget for this project must not exceed $20,000 CAD. Proposals exceeding this maximum budget will not be considered.
7. Proposal Submission Requirements
After reviewing the information linked in this posting interested consultants are strongly encouraged to schedule a brief introductory call with Jess Lax (jess@a2acollaborative.org) to discuss the project in more detail and assess their suitability.
Following this initial call, suitable candidates will be invited to submit a formal proposal that includes the following components:
Cover Letter: A brief introduction outlining the proponent’s interest and qualifications for this project.
Experience and Qualifications: A description of the proponent’s relevant experience in GIS analysis, database development, ecological applications, and experience working with diverse stakeholders (including Indigenous communities). Include examples of previous projects demonstrating these skills. Note that the chosen candidate will be required to have completed or be willing to complete The First Nations Information Governance Centre’s “Fundamentals of OCAP” course.
Proposed Approach and Methodology: A detailed description of the proposed approach to address the scope of work, including methodologies for data integration, database design, and analysis.
Project Team (if applicable): Identification of key personnel and their roles in the project.
Budget: A detailed breakdown of all costs associated with the proposed work.
References: Contact information for at least two relevant professional references.
8. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevant Experience and Qualifications (30%): Demonstrated experience in GIS analysis, geospatial database development, experience with a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, and ecological applications.
Proposed Approach and Methodology (30%): Clarity, feasibility, and appropriateness of the proposed approach and methodologies.
Budget (25%): Reasonableness and cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget.
Understanding of the Project (15%): Demonstrated understanding of the project objectives and scope of work.
9. Contact Information
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to jess@a2acollaborative.org.
10. Terms and Conditions
This RFP and any subsequent contract entered into as a result hereof shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings arising out of this RFP or any such contract shall be brought before the courts of Ontario.
Unless otherwise specified in a subsequent written agreement, the intellectual property rights to all deliverables created as a result of this project shall vest with the A2A Collaborative.
The A2A Collaborative reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received, without obligation to provide reasons for its decision.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and working with you on this important project.
About Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative
The A2A Collaborative is a U.S., Canadian, and First Nations partner organization that works with scientists, policy-makers and a variety of conservation groups to protect and enhance the unique ecological features and functions of the A2A region. Our dream is a resilient, ecologically connected A2A region that sustains a full range of native wildlife and enhances people’s quality of life.
