Big Springs Trout Hatchery Fish Loader

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has initiated an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered FWP-IFB-21-0044 for the procurement of a single Fish Loader to be delivered to the Big Springs Trout Hatchery in Lewistown, Montana. The solicitation was released on November 19, 2020, with bid opening on November 20, 2020, and a firm closing date of December 10, 2020, at 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. Bidders are required to complete comprehensive documentation, including contractor information forms, Dark Money Declaration forms, and election contribution disclosure templates. The procurement is categorized under multiple commodity codes including 3201 (Animals/Fish), 3203 (Aquatic Biology Services), 3210 (Livestock Services), and 3211 (Livestock Supplies). Potential vendors must carefully review and accept standard terms and conditions, warranty language, delivery specifications, and purchase order terms, with no provisions for alternate product submissions. Primary procurement contacts for this opportunity are Chloe Katsilas and Amanda Battin from the Montana government.

While the solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements, bidders must comply with Executive Order No. 15-2018 regarding election contribution disclosures. The procurement mandates Free on Board (FOB) delivery to Lewistown, Montana, suggesting local or regional vendors might have logistical advantages. The solicitation does not provide a specific budget range or estimated award value for the Fish Loader, nor does it indicate any incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure requirements. Potential bidders should carefully review all documentation and ensure full compliance with the stated requirements and submission guidelines. Given the specialized nature of the procurement and its focus on a specific piece of equipment for a fish hatchery, vendors with expertise in aquatic facility equipment and livestock/fish-related services would be most suited to respond to this bid opportunity.