DNR live adult brood minnows

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting bids for live adult brood minnows through a formal Request for Bid (RFB) with Event ID 2000017113. The procurement seeks to acquire up to 540 gallons of live adult Fathead Minnows, to be delivered in 3 separate loads ranging from 30 to 175 gallons between May 16th and June 30th, 2025, specifically to the New London Hatchery in Minnesota. Delivery requirements include direct off-loading into hatchery ponds, with vendors required to provide advance notice and subject to potential visual inspection to verify fish health and reject loads containing invasive species. The bidding window is open from May 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM to May 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with all prospective vendors mandated to submit questions via email to Denise Katchmark by May 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT. Responses must be submitted exclusively through the SWIFT Supplier Portal, with non-electronic and email submissions explicitly prohibited. Vendors must enter all proposed prices into the SWIFT system under each line item by delivery location and comply with all specified contract requirements.

The solicitation emphasizes diversity and inclusion, offering preference points for Minnesota-based small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with substantial physical disabilities—potentially up to 12% preference points for such certifications. Vendors must be registered either as a bidder or supplier to participate and are required to complete and attach all specified documentation, including Attachments A through D. The State of Minnesota holds a Direct Pay Permit and will not add sales tax to pricing, with the DNR reserving the right to award the contract to the lowest responsible vendor meeting specifications. While a specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement allows for potential awards to a single or multiple responders. Additional compliance requirements include prohibitions on goods containing certain substances like triclosan, coal tar, and polybrominated diphenyl ether, with specific regulations regarding PFAS-containing products effective January 1, 2025. Certified veteran-owned small businesses may also be eligible for up to a 6% preference in the bidding process.