B16464 Vendor Questions from Vendor Conference and Agency Responses.docx

Vendor Questions from Vendor Conference and Agency Responses

Why is Rapid Response a daily rate and the other areas are weekly rates?

The need for a response may vary widely based on reason for response, per the language in the request we are asking for a daily rate as a rapid response deployment could be up to 14 days long, but no less than 4 days to meet this uncertainty.

Section 1.4.1 of the contract – Do violations in other states apply or only violations in Illinois?

The solicitation is quite clear regarding Illinois violations; however, Illinois does participate in a violators compact with other states that might be considered an Illinois violation. While not clear, a highly visible program must consider such very seriously. Fisheries would inquire from legal review and law enforcement on such decisions

Sampling – Will there still be one IDNR staff in each boat?

While in the past we have put a biologist in each boat to allow for the sampling of the contract fishers, with COVID we have instituted necessary protocols to minimize exposure, putting the observing biologist on a separate boat, currently. The contracted fisher must be able to facilitate returning to the prior observer arrangement, but we may not need to.

Can we claim incentive work from other programs for reimbursement when fishing this contract?

An awarded contract will not restrict fishers from participating in other programs available for commercial fishers (albeit NOT while operating specifically under contracted work being invoiced).

Do we actually fish in the canal?

Yes, Rapid-Response, and fishing in the CAWS will require fishing in the Chicago Area Waterways (a series of canals that connect lake Michigan tributaries to the Mississippi/Illinois river system). Generally, the barrier defense occurs in Starved Rock and Marseilles pools of the Illinois river and thus not the canal portion of the waterway.

Is there a specific depth for the fishing net?

The depth of the net is not specified in the solicitation, but we would expect the nets to be “fishy” or able to catch considerable fish. Many of the nets are at minimum 8ft deep but some nets fished are 30 feet deep. Based on the fishers experience we would expect some variation in net depths, hobble depth, and length of net per 100 yds of float/lead line. Material for netting may also vary from mono, to multi-filament.

Is there a specific trammel net weight?

Fishing under this solicitation extends year-round and thus no specific net weight is identified. Performance e.g. lbs caught is a criteria for the fisher contract continuation/extension and fulfillment of such; thus, we expect a net to be adequate to catch fish at the fishers discretion, generally. It is expected such nets are maintained or replaced as needed.

How many places are we seining?

Seining is part of the Rapid Response solicitation and will specifically be requested as needed. Response activities are generally in response to a need, a fish found in a new or vulnerable location, or other action as deemed necessary. Rapid responders may not be requested for all gears but must have a seine available. The annual plan has varied over the years, minimally we expect an annual seining event in Lake Calumet but may not require at other locations. Subject to best management practices, needs, ability, and locations for response.