RFB for Animal Seafood

The Audubon Commission is soliciting a Request for Bid (RFB) for animal seafood procurement to support multiple Audubon Nature Institute facilities, including the Audubon Aquarium, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, and Audubon Zoo. The procurement is divided into two bid groups, with Group 2 submissions due on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The seafood procurement encompasses a diverse range of marine species including silversides, sardines, herring, trout, anchovies, smelt, and other marine life, with annual quantities varying between 200 to 37,000 pounds across different facilities. Bidders must provide individual line-item pricing and adhere to strict specifications regarding packaging, sizing, freezing methods, and quality standards. Key evaluation criteria include sustainability requirements, with vendors mandated to provide proof of sustainable sourcing such as Seafood Watch ratings or Marine Stewardship Council certifications. All seafood must be of human-consumption quality, pass USDC Seafood Inspection with a Grade A rating, be raw and recently caught, and within twelve months of catch/freeze date. Delivery is specified as two weeks from order placement, with pricing to remain fixed for 12 months.

The RFB does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The Audubon Commission reserves the right to award contracts to multiple suppliers and will conduct an annual sustainability audit of seafood sourcing to ensure compliance with established guidelines. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement emphasizes a preference for Louisiana-produced seafood, potentially providing a competitive advantage to local suppliers. The RFB indicates a comprehensive procurement approach that prioritizes sustainable and high-quality seafood sourcing for animal nutrition across Audubon Nature Institute's diverse facilities. Although specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the varied quantities and multiple facility requirements suggest a potentially significant annual contract value. Interested vendors must carefully review the detailed specifications, particularly those related to sustainability certifications, packaging requirements, and quality standards, to ensure compliance with the Audubon Commission's stringent procurement criteria.