Fathead Minnows for Musky Forage - Multiyear Contract

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division issued Request for Proposal No. 220000003277 on September 30, 2022, to procure farm-raised, HACCP-certified fathead minnows and Maryland golden shiners for Muskellunge forage production at Wolf Lake and Thompson State Fish Hatcheries. The solicitation seeks four product types: fathead minnows straight-run, fathead minnows #2 tuffy fry (small grade), fathead minnows #1 tuffy (grade 10 AR), and Maryland golden shiners, with an estimated five-year quantity totaling 162,500 pounds, allocated between Wolf Lake (59,500 pounds) and Thompson (102,500 pounds). All minnows must be aquatic nuisance species-free and certified disease-free, including freedom from VHSv, fathead minnow nidovirus, and Heterosporis contamination. Pricing must be quoted on a per-pound basis for each product at each delivery location, with F.O.B. destination shipping prepaid and all costs included. The proposal submission deadline is 3:00 p.m. EST on October 28, 2022, with questions due by October 21, 2022, and answers posted by October 24, 2022. Evaluation criteria include mandatory PASS/FAIL assessments of completed Vendor Questions Worksheets and Statements of Work demonstrating vendor experience and capability prior to price consideration. The anticipated contract start date is December 6, 2022, with a three-year initial term plus two optional one-year renewals at the State's sole discretion, and minnows will be purchased as needed typically between April and November each year, with delivery required within seven calendar days of order.

No set-asides or incumbent preferences are identified in this solicitation, meaning all qualified vendors are eligible to respond regardless of business classification or disadvantaged enterprise status. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with a $2,000,000 general aggregate limit, automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 per accident, and appropriate workers' compensation coverage. The State reserves the right to conduct facility inspections, request oral presentations, perform reference checks, and solicit additional price concessions from qualified bidders. Late or improper completion will result in liquidated damages of $500 plus $100 per day. Specific budget amounts or award values are not disclosed in the solicitation; however, the estimated five-year procurement of 162,500 pounds across both product types and delivery locations provides the basis for pricing evaluation and fair market value determination.