ADF&G ITB # 2026-1100-0286 - 2026 Aleutian Island Golden King Crab Cost Recovery

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB #2026-1100-0286) for the harvest and purchase of golden king crab from the Eastern Aleutian Islands (Area O east of 174 West longitude) to generate $500,000 in revenue for the state's crab observer and research programs. The procurement seeks qualified harvesters and processors to conduct a 2026 test-fishery program with operations commencing and concluding in Dutch Harbor between August 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Bidders must harvest only legal-size male golden king crab measuring 6.0 inches carapace width or greater and must be fully licensed seafood processors holding current 2026 Alaska business licenses, Alaska Seafood Processor and Exporter licenses, and Department of Environmental Conservation permits. Contractors are responsible for providing all vessels, crews, equipment, fuel, bait, and processing costs, as well as obtaining and maintaining all state and federal permits. Bids will be evaluated on the basis of the highest price per pound of live crab offered, with the selected contractor required to submit the full $500,000 payment by July 1, 2026, prior to processing. The bid deadline is April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM Alaska Standard Time, with bid evaluation and award notification scheduled for April 28, 2026, and contract issuance by May 8, 2026. No pre-bid conference will be held, though site inspections are encouraged; the contract term extends through December 31, 2026, with no renewal options.

Bidders must demonstrate financial strength and operational capacity to fulfill all contract requirements. Alaska Bidder Preference of 5%, Alaska Veteran Preference of 5% (not to exceed $5,000), and Alaska Military Skills Program Preference of 2% (not to exceed $5,000) apply to this procurement. Contractors must maintain workers' compensation insurance, maritime/Jones Act insurance of at least $300,000, commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000, and automobile liability insurance of $300,000. The state will not guarantee minimum or maximum crab quantities delivered; the selected contractor must harvest the exact pounds necessary to achieve the $500,000 revenue goal at the bid price per pound, with any overage beyond 5% subject to penalty pricing at 1.5 times the contract rate. Alaska fishery business taxes and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute taxes apply to all purchases. Payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of proper billing, with the state eligible for a 5% discount if paid within 15 business days. The anticipated contract value is $500,000, representing the revenue target that ADF&G seeks to generate through this cost recovery initiative.