Premium Fish Food for IDNR Fish Hatcheries

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking a premium fish food supplier for its Jake Wolf and Little Grassy Fish Hatcheries, soliciting bids for comprehensive fish food formulations to support multiple fish species including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish. The procurement requires pelleted fish food with specific nutritional specifications, including varied feed sizes ranging from starter feeds (0.3-0.6mm) to larger fingerling feeds (up to 6mm), with precise protein and fat content requirements. Nutritional specifications mandate minimum protein levels between 32% and 52% depending on feed type, along with required vitamin inclusions such as A, D, B6, B12, K, and Folic Acid. Deliveries will be structured in multiple shipments throughout the fiscal year, with two shipments to Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery and three shipments to Little Grassy Fish Hatchery. The contract opportunity is posted with a submission deadline of December 11, 2024, and requires packaging in 50-pound bags (with some exceptions for extruded floating feed), with a twelve-month guaranteed storage life when properly maintained.

The solicitation appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with standard Illinois state contracting requirements including compliance with Standard Certifications and Terms and Conditions. Vendors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 per occurrence for General Commercial Liability and Auto Liability. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the standard terms indicate a $15 fee for minority contractors awarded contracts over $1,000, suggesting potential opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprises. The contract is contingent upon appropriation of funds by the Illinois General Assembly and requires vendors to maintain detailed records for 3-5 years depending on funding sources. Though a specific budget range is not provided, the comprehensive specifications and multiple hatchery requirements suggest a substantial annual procurement value. Potential bidders must carefully review the attached Standard Certifications and Terms and Conditions documents, which outline extensive legal, ethical, and operational compliance requirements for state contractors.