Live Fathead Minnows for Hatcheries

The State of Nebraska, specifically the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Materiel Division and State Purchasing Bureau (SPB), is seeking a qualified vendor to provide Live Fathead Minnows for two state fish hatcheries: Calamus Fish Hatchery in Burwell and North Platte Hatchery in North Platte. The solicitation (Bid #120579 OR) requires the procurement of approximately 5,402 total gallons of live fathead minnows across various grade specifications, including Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, Standard Run, and Brood minnows. These minnows will be used for fish production purposes, with specific delivery requirements from May through November for different fish species including Wipers, Saugeye, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Potential vendors must possess an Annual Licensed Private Aquaculture Permit, Bait Dealer Permit, or Non-Resident Fish Dealer Permit and provide current Fish Health Inspection Reports. The bid responses are due January 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time via electronic submission, with a virtual bid opening conducted through Webex. The contract will have an initial two-year term with three optional one-year renewal periods, and deliveries must be made within 5 calendar days of order receipt with 48-hour advance notice.

The solicitation includes preferences for Nebraska vendors, resident disabled veterans, and businesses in designated enterprise zones in accordance with state statutes. No bid bond or performance bond is required for this procurement. The State reserves the right to reject any or all responses and notes that this may not be an exclusive contract, allowing potential future contracts with other sources for similar goods. The Intent to Award notice, dated January 16, 2025, indicates that Dakota Fish Farm LLC has been selected as the intended contractor. Pricing must remain fixed for the first two years, with potential price increases limited to 3% per period and requiring 120 days advance notice. While specific award values are not explicitly detailed, the total procurement volume of 5,402 gallons suggests a substantial contract value. Deliveries are restricted to Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, excluding Nebraska holidays, and must be made F.O.B. destination to the specified fish hatchery locations.