Fathead Minnows

The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a vendor to provide Fathead Minnows for delivery to fish hatcheries, specifically targeting facilities in Virginia. The contract requires three total deliveries of Fathead Minnows, with a total procurement volume of 1,800 pounds distributed across deliveries in March, June, and July 2023. Deliveries will be made to the Buller Fish Hatchery and Front Royal Fish Hatchery, with specific requirements that include presenting a certified test report, ensuring no other fish species or aquatic organisms are present in shipments, and providing an operational plan to exclude nonnative species. Vendors must contact Ryan Peaslee one week prior to each shipment and adhere to strict health inspection protocols. The bid must be all-inclusive, covering both the fish and delivery costs, and bidders are required to submit at least three references demonstrating prior similar goods or service delivery. The original bid solicitation was posted on February 7, 2023, with responses due by February 13, 2023.

The contract opportunity includes specific set-aside provisions favoring Disadvantaged Small Business Development (DSBSD) certified vendors. Award priority will first be given to DSBSD-certified micro businesses, then to DSBSD-certified small businesses, provided their bid prices are deemed fair and reasonable. If no qualifying DSBSD bids are received, the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder regardless of business size. Participating vendors must be registered in the eVA Internet e-procurement solution and will be subject to an eVA transaction fee for each order. Payment terms are structured as net 30 days for invoices over $5,000, with smaller invoices potentially payable via charge card. The contract allows for cancellation by either party with 60 days' written notice after an initial 12-month period, and will result in a single purchase order. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves approximately 1,800 pounds of Fathead Minnows across three deliveries.