Invasive grass carp bait production

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior is seeking a contractor to produce six test batches of specialized fish bait designed for controlling invasive grass carp at the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC). The contractor must produce pelleted bait using two kilograms of provided algae powder, with microalgae inclusion rates varying from 0-80% dry weight, and demonstrate the ability to extrude consistent, stable feed pellets from small batch sizes. The solicitation requires contractors to have experience as food engineers in feed production using agricultural-based products and aquafeed manufacturing. The evaluation will prioritize technical performance and key personnel as significantly more important than price, with the award going to the vendor whose quote is most advantageous to the government. The solicitation was originally issued on July 10, 2025, with multiple amendments extending the quote submission deadline to August 13, 2025, though Amendment 0003 posted on August 25, 2025, indicates the solicitation has been cancelled.

The procurement was initially designated as a Small Business Set-Aside but was later amended to Full and Open Competition under NAICS code 311119 (Other Animal Food Manufacturing). The contract includes a base performance period from August 4, 2025, to December 21, 2025, with an option year extending from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The work involves producing six distinct test batches of fish bait with varying microalgae concentrations to support research into invasive species control methods. All quotes and questions were required to be submitted electronically to Travis Herberholz at therberholz@usgs.gov, with performance taking place at or in coordination with the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. However, given the cancellation noted in the final amendment, this opportunity is no longer available for bidding despite the original due date of August 25, 2025.