DNR - Lake Michigan Fish Stock Assessments

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking a commercial fishing vendor to conduct Lake Michigan Fish Stock Assessments through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation for Bid Number 25-422DNR-RESCO-B-46920. The procurement covers fish stock surveys from April 2026 to April 2028, with potential optional renewals through 2031, focusing on gill net surveys for Lake Trout, Lake Michigan forage fish, and Yellow Perch. The successful vendor must provide a commercial gill net vessel of at least 12 tons, documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, and docked in Chicago or Waukegan, with a captain possessing at least five years of Great Lakes commercial fishing experience. The vendor will be responsible for setting and lifting multifilament gill nets at specific depth stations in Lake Michigan, ranging from 1100 to 1700 feet at various locations off Chicago and Waukegan. The bid is due by April 2, 2025, and will be evaluated based on responsiveness, responsibility, and pricing, with the state intending to award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Electronic submissions are required through the BidBuy procurement system, with all documents to be uploaded by the specified bid opening date, and bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening.

The procurement includes potential set-aside provisions for small businesses, including the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Small Business Program, which may provide preference or additional opportunities for qualifying vendors. Vendors must complete various certifications, including registration with the Illinois Board of Elections, Secretary of State, Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Illinois Procurement Gateway. Specific documentation requirements include Vendor Disclosure forms, Offer to the State of Illinois, and a Business Enterprise Program/Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the contract allows for potential price increases of up to 5% for renewal terms and will be subject to state funding availability. The vendor will be required to maintain general liability insurance and comply with prevailing wage requirements. The contract may be partially or totally funded with federal funds, and successful bidders might be eligible for employment tax credits if they hire qualified veterans or certain ex-offenders. The initial contract term is three years, commencing on July 1, 2025, with a maximum total contract duration of ten years.