Live Channel Catfish (OTA)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), through the Department of General Services Procurement Division, is soliciting bids for 25,100 pounds of live channel catfish under Invitation for Bid (IFB) 0000000291. This procurement is being conducted under Public Contract Code 12125 Alternative Protest Process, with electronic bid submissions not permitted. Bidders must be California Registered Aquaculturists who rear fish in California waters in accordance with state regulations. The catfish will be delivered to multiple locations across San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange counties between March and June 2016, with specific delivery schedules outlined in the event package. Key procurement dates include the IFB release on March 1, 2016, the last day for questions on March 3, 2016, bid responses due by 2:00 PM on March 7, 2016, and planned contract execution by March 10, 2016. The award will be made on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all requirements. Unit pricing must include shipping and handling costs, with F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid terms, and sales tax to be added at invoicing based on delivery location rates.

The solicitation includes small business preference opportunities and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) provisions, though the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement has been waived for this procurement. Potential bidders should contact the event/solicitation backup contact, Leanne Nguyen at 916-375-4648 or Leanne.Nguyen@dgs.ca.gov, with any questions. Bidders must clearly state the Event/Solicitation number, due date, and contact name on their bid submission. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 25,100 pounds of live channel catfish to be distributed across multiple California county locations. Bidders must ensure compliance with all state aquaculture regulations and demonstrate the ability to meet the precise delivery schedules and quality specifications outlined in the event package. The competitive nature of the procurement suggests that pricing and compliance with technical requirements will be critical evaluation criteria for potential contract award.