RFQ-R5-0627-02, Catfish

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesting quotations for the supply and delivery of live channel catfish to support the Fishing in the City Program across urban lakes in regions 5 and 6, with quotes due August 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A 5% preference applies to California Certified Small Businesses or non-small businesses committing at least 25% participation with certified small business subcontractors; a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentive of 3% to 5% depending on participation level is also available.

The vendor must be a registered California aquaculturist rearing fish in California waters in compliance with state aquaculture and aquatic invasive species prevention regulations. Deliveries span May through August 2027 to multiple locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties. The RFQ specifies detailed fish quality, size, and health standards; the contractor bears all costs for procurement, transportation, aeration, and delivery to designated stocking locations on an F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid basis with no additional charges permitted after award. The State anticipates purchases of no less than 30,000 pounds of channel catfish during the agreement term, with the RFQ seeking 15,250 fish as an initial delivery target, though actual quantities may vary based on CDFW operational requirements and available funding.

Award will be made on an "all or none" basis, by individual group, or by individual line item at the State's discretion, to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Quotes must remain valid for a minimum of 60 days from issuance. Bidders must submit a California seller's permit number, Darfur Contracting Act Certification Form, Payee Data Record Form (STD. 204), Bidder Declaration Form, Postconsumer-Content Certification Form, and if applicable, Commercially Useful Function Certification. Quote opening is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on August 4, 2026. No mandatory bidders' conference is required.