ATTENTION BAIT SUPPLIERS
Bait for Year 2006 IPHC Survey Vessels

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting proposals from industry to provide bait for the year 2006 summer halibut surveys. The Commission will also consider direct purchases from salmon fishers, if the fisher can make proper processing arrangements.

The only bait used for the Commission's standardized stock assessment survey is chum salmon. Due to the scientific nature of the study, our bait quality requirements and standardization exceed those normally provided by industry as "bait chums". The Commission's minimum quality requirement is #2 semi-bright (ASMI grade A through E), H&G, IQF, chum salmon with "meat colored" flesh. The preferred size grade is 6 to 9 pound chums but smaller fish may be considered. The salmon must have been caught and processed no earlier than June of 2005. We require information on the month of capture and the run for each unit/tote of bait purchased.  Bait may be inspected for quality prior to accepting a proposal.

The Commission plans to purchase 22,200 pounds of bait for survey operations out of Dutch Harbor, providing for survey operations from June through August of this year. Proposals should include processing, shipping, and/or storage costs. The bait may be stored at a central location and shipped to Dutch Harbor in late June or early July 2006.

If the proposal does not include shipping and/or storage, the proposal will be evaluated in consideration of the necessary shipping and storage costs to the Commission. Another point used in evaluating proposals will be the possibility of deferring all or a portion of payment until bait is removed from the storage facility.  The Commission will not necessarily accept the lowest or any of the bids received.

Proposals must be received by 0800 June 5, 2006. Interested suppliers may send a letter of proposal to the IPHC, Attn. Eric Soderlund; P.O. Box 95009, Seattle Washington 98145-2009; Phone (206) 634-1838, ext. 230 or Fax: (206) 632-2983.

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