IFB P2681002, Anadromous Fish Carcass Removal at CDFW Hatcheries

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) P2681002 for anadromous fish carcass removal and disposal services at three CDFW-operated hatchery locations: Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Gold River, and Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery in Clements. The procurement addresses the management of surplus salmon and steelhead trout carcasses generated at these facilities, which propagate hatchery-raised fish to supplement wild populations in California rivers blocked by dams. Bidders may submit proposals for one to three hatchery locations, with each location awarded independently to the lowest responsive bidder. Required qualifications include appropriate licenses, certifications, current vehicle registrations, compliance with Department of Transportation waste transportation regulations, California Vehicle Code, California Highway Patrol, California Fire Marshal, and United States Department of Transportation regulations, and proof of similar services performed within the previous two years. Required insurance coverage includes Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and Workers Compensation/Employers Liability ($1,000,000). The bid submission deadline is May 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM (PT), with a public bid opening scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PT). Prospective bidders may submit questions through April 29, 2026, directed to Val Khramtsov at Valeriy.Khramtsov@wildlife.ca.gov. The contract term runs from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with pricing established through unit rates per fish pickup for each fiscal year at each hatchery location, based on actual services rendered as approved by the CDFW Contract Manager.

A Small Business Preference of five percent (5%) applies to California-certified small businesses or non-small businesses committing to subcontract at least 25 percent of the net bid price to certified small businesses. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of up to five percent (5%) is available for bids proposing DVBE participation, though DVBE participation is not required. All bidder costs, including taxes, labor, transportation, travel, and parking, must be incorporated into the quoted unit rates. Bids must include thirteen required attachments and supporting documentation, including a Payee Data Record (STD 204/205) and bid certification sheets. No incumbent vendors or budget ranges are identified in the IFB materials. The Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated between May 14-19, 2026, with the proposed award date of May 20-22, 2026, allowing selected vendors to commence operations by the contract start date of September 1, 2026.