Fish Feed for IDNR Fish Hatcheries

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking bids for the procurement of high quality pelleted fish food, premium starter and grower diets for the accelerated production of multiple fish species including Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Striped Bass Hybrids, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) contains two groups of feed specifications, with Group 1 for smaller starter and fingerling sizes and Group 2 for larger fingerling and grow-out sizes. Delivery will be required to the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery and Little Grassy Fish Hatchery within 5 days of order. Bids are due on September 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM CST and the contract term is from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, with up to four 1-year renewal options. Pricing shall be submitted by vendor in the format specified, and the contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible low-total bidder by group. Vendor must provide documentation showing equivalency of feed formulation being provided.

There is no small business, minority, women, or veteran-owned business set-aside for this solicitation. The contract is not subject to the Prevailing Wage Act, but may be partially or fully funded with federal funds. The procurement is open to all qualified vendors able to meet the state's requirements and certifications, which include valid Illinois Department of Human Rights public contracts number, disclosures of business ownership and operations, and certifications related to political contributions, ethics, and labor practices. The total award amount for the two groups is not specified, but the Notices of Award indicate Group 1 was awarded for $318,018.80 and Group 2 for $377,972.05.