Aquatics Habitat Projects

The State of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation number KL22-38 for Aquatics Habitat Projects, seeking three distinct types of artificial habitats designed to support young fish populations. The procurement requires 180 structures for fish less than 2" long, 75 structures for fish between 2-4" long, and 50 structures for fish over 4" long, with specific technical requirements including integral anchors, multiple habitat elements, and construction from reclaimed or decay-resistant materials. The artificial habitats must closely resemble natural underwater vegetation like flooded bunch grasses, willows, and timber, with the primary objective of increasing carrying capacity, providing cover for young fish, and stabilizing fish populations in community fisheries and irrigation storage reservoirs. The solicitation was posted on September 30, 2021, with bid submissions due by October 7, 2021, and required product delivery by November 20, 2021. The evaluation criteria focused on lowest price per line item, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible bidders.

The procurement did not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Three vendors were ultimately awarded contracts based on their line item pricing: Fishiding.com at $14,940, Pond King, Inc. at $12,450, and King Outdoors Enterprises, LLLP at $16,624.50. The total procurement value across these three vendors is approximately $43,014.50. The project is funded through the State of Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources and specifically targets improving fish habitat in urban and reservoir systems to support sportfish management efforts. No information was provided about incumbent vendors or required technology integration. The procurement appears to be focused on acquiring specialized artificial habitat structures that can be deployed in aquatic environments to support fish population management strategies.