DNR RFB Carcass Processing for Chronic Wasting Dis

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a Request for Bids (RFB) for Carcass Processing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Fillmore County, specifically for processing deer carcasses within 50 miles of Rushford, Minnesota. The procurement seeks a USDA-licensed meat processor to handle between 15-30 deer per day, with a potential capacity of up to 50 deer daily, totaling approximately 400-800 deer annually from January 6, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Key deliverables include processing, packaging, and holding meat until CWD test results are received, with the contractor responsible for complete waste disposal from processed deer carcasses. Bid submissions must be electronically submitted through the Swift Portal by October 15, 2024, with no email or fax submissions accepted. Contractors requiring assistance with registration can contact the Contractor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, Option 1, and project-specific questions should be directed to Project Supervisor Erik Hildebrand at 612-597-8141. The DNR will award the contract to the lowest responsible vendor meeting all specifications, reserving the right to award items separately or in groups based on what is most advantageous to the state.

The RFB indicates potential preferences for certified small businesses, particularly those majority-owned and operated by veterans. Vendors must indicate if they are claiming resident vendor status and demonstrate compliance with the state's Small Business Procurement Program. Contractors must possess a USDA license for meat processing and an inspector license, with the DNR maintaining the right to monitor and inspect all contractor activities to ensure contract compliance. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, payment will be made monthly based on the number of deer processed, with the contractor required to maintain detailed records that can trace packaged meat back to specific deer carcasses. The DNR reserves the right to withdraw the contract offer due to insufficient funding, and all unit pricing must comprehensively include labor, materials, tools, transportation, equipment, sales tax, use tax, and all other necessary project completion costs. No specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, and the contract does not appear to require integration with existing infrastructure or technology beyond standard meat processing facilities.