RFP for Lower Columbia Estuary White Sturgeon Research Test Fishing

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is soliciting proposals for the 2022 Lower Columbia Estuary White Sturgeon Research Test Fishing project through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The agency seeks up to four contractors to provide approved gillnet vessels, labor, operating supplies, and equipment to conduct research test fishing for white sturgeon in the lower Columbia River estuary below the Wauna power lines. The primary objective is to capture and tag white sturgeon with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to generate population estimates. Contractors must have a minimum of 3 years commercial fishing experience in the lower Columbia River, valid boater safety or fishing licenses, and familiarity with the specified fishing area. Specific vessel and operator qualifications include up-to-date mechanical and Coast Guard inspection certificates. Proposals will be evaluated based on vessel specifications, crew experience, understanding of services, and overall project approach. The RFP was posted on April 22, 2022, with proposals due by May 5, 2022, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, and the contract term is anticipated to start upon final signature and run through June 30, 2022.

The RFP encourages participation from Certified Oregon Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) firms, including minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. Offerors are required to complete an Outreach Plan describing their efforts to solicit participation from certified disadvantaged businesses and report the identity and value of any subcontracts awarded to certified firms. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the draft contract indicates payment will be made on a per-day basis for a minimum of 15 days of test fishing, with the potential to add up to 5 additional days. The total compensation is subject to adjustment based on the actual number of fishing days, with the state reserving the right to increase or decrease days to meet budgetary constraints. The contract may involve federal funding, and offerors must demonstrate compliance with various state requirements, including tax obligations, non-discrimination policies, and absence of conflicts of interest. Proposals must remain valid for 60 days, and the state will determine contractor responsibility prior to award, potentially requiring additional documentation such as financial statements and performance history.